The Stranglers are an English rock band that emerged during the punk rock explosion of the 1970s. Formed in 1974, the band established a distinctive sound that blended elements of punk, new wave, post-punk, and rock, making them a versatile and influential force in the music industry.
The band’s original lineup consisted of Hugh Cornwell (vocals and guitar), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass and vocals), Dave Greenfield (keyboards), and Jet Black (drums). Their music often incorporated keyboard-driven melodies, aggressive basslines, and clever, sometimes provocative, lyrics.
The Stranglers released their debut album, “Rattus Norvegicus,” in 1977, featuring the hit single “Peaches.” They quickly gained attention for their edgy sound and provocative image, which set them apart from the more straightforward punk acts of the time. Over the years, their music evolved, incorporating elements of rock, new wave, and post-punk, resulting in a diverse and ever-changing discography.
Some of their other notable hits include “No More Heroes,” “Golden Brown,” “Strange Little Girl,” and “Always the Sun.” The Stranglers’ ability to experiment with different musical styles while maintaining their distinctive edge and lyrical depth has earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
Throughout their career, The Stranglers have continued to tour and release new music, solidifying their legacy as pioneers in the punk and alternative rock genres. Their impact on the music industry remains significant, making them an enduring and influential presence in the world of rock music.
1. “Golden Brown”
“Golden Brown” is a song by the British rock band The Stranglers. Released in January 1982, it’s often considered one of their most recognizable and enduring songs. The track is known for its distinctive harpsichord melody and complex time signature. The song’s lyrics are somewhat enigmatic and have been subject to various interpretations, with some suggesting themes of heroin use, though the band has offered different explanations, including a reference to a girl’s hair color.
The song achieved considerable success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and becoming a hit in several other countries. Its unique sound, blending a baroque influence with a more contemporary rock style, has led to its enduring popularity and critical acclaim. The Stranglers, formed in 1974, were known for their eclectic and often controversial approach to music, and “Golden Brown” is a prime example of their innovative style.
2. “No More Heroes”
“No More Heroes” is a song by The Stranglers, a British punk rock band. It was released as the title track of their second album, “No More Heroes,” in 1977. The song is one of The Stranglers’ most famous tracks, and it’s well-known for its driving bass line, aggressive guitar riffs, and sneering vocals. The lyrics of the song mention various historical and cultural figures, questioning the concept of heroism in modern society. It was a part of the early punk movement in the UK, and its raw energy and rebellious spirit captured the ethos of that era. The Stranglers were known for their distinctive sound, which was more musically complex than many of their punk contemporaries, and “No More Heroes” is a prime example of their style.
3. “Peaches”
“Peaches” is another well-known song by The Stranglers, released in 1977. It appears on their debut album “Rattus Norvegicus.” The song is recognized for its distinctive bassline, raw sound, and controversial lyrics. The song’s content is provocative and suggestive, with references that can be interpreted as sexual in nature.
“Peaches” was released as a double A-side single with “Go Buddy Go” and was a significant part of the UK punk scene, reflecting the band’s early punk roots before they transitioned to a more post-punk and new wave style in their later work. Despite—or perhaps because of—its controversial lyrics and raw sound, “Peaches” became a popular and enduring track, representing the edgy and rebellious spirit of the time.
4. “Always the Sun”
“Always the Sun” is another well-known song by The Stranglers, but it has a very different mood and style compared to “No More Heroes.” Released in 1986, it was part of their album “Dreamtime.” The song represents a more mature phase of the band’s music, moving away from the aggressive punk sound of their earlier work to a more thoughtful, melodic, and somewhat introspective style.
“Always the Sun” is notable for its melodic guitar lines, rich synthesizer textures, and Hugh Cornwell’s reflective lyrics and smooth vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics ponder life’s challenges and the constant presence of the sun as a metaphor for enduring hope and stability amidst those challenges. It was a hit in several countries and has been interpreted as a commentary on the pressures of life and the search for constancy and meaning.
The shift in the musical style of The Stranglers around this time reflects the band’s versatility and willingness to evolve, embracing new influences and experimenting with different sounds while still maintaining the core of their unique musical identity.
5. “Strange Little Girl”
“Strange Little Girl” is another notable song by The Stranglers, released in 1982 as part of their album “The Collection 1977-1982.” The song has an interesting history; it was one of the first songs the band ever wrote in the early 1970s, even before they secured a recording contract. However, it was not released until much later, once the band had already achieved significant success.
Musically, “Strange Little Girl” is known for its haunting melody and distinctive sound, featuring a mix of keyboard synthesizer, a prominent bass line, and a restrained use of guitar. The lyrics tell the story of a girl who seems out of place or misunderstood in the world around her. The song’s narrative style and melodic composition set it apart from much of The Stranglers’ earlier punk-oriented work.
The release of “Strange Little Girl” showcased the band’s ability to blend storytelling with a more melodic approach to music. It was well-received and is often highlighted as a classic example of The Stranglers’ diverse musical range, demonstrating their ability to create songs that resonated on an emotional level with their audience.
6. “Duchess”
“Duchess” is a song by The Stranglers, released in August 1979 as the lead single from their album “The Raven.” The song marked a notable shift from the band’s earlier punk-oriented sound to a more melodic and complex musical arrangement, indicative of the band’s evolution and experimentation with different styles.
“Duchess” features engaging harmonies, prominent keyboard parts, and a more polished production compared to the rawness of their earlier work. The lyrics of the song are more introspective and less confrontational than much of The Stranglers’ previous material, reflecting a broader thematic range in their songwriting.
The song was well-received and performed successfully on the charts, reaching the top 20 in the UK Singles Chart. “Duchess” is often remembered for its catchy tune and as an example of The Stranglers’ ability to diversify their musical style while maintaining their distinctive sound and appeal.
7. “Skin Deep”
“Skin Deep” is a track by The Stranglers, released in 1984 as part of their album “Aural Sculpture.” This song marked a continuation of the band’s evolution from their punk roots into a more refined and musically complex style. “Skin Deep” is particularly noted for its polished production and melodic sophistication.
The song features a catchy, jangly guitar riff, an upbeat rhythm, and a more mainstream pop sensibility compared to the band’s earlier work. The lyrics of “Skin Deep” explore themes of superficiality and the importance of looking beyond outward appearances to understand someone’s true nature. The chorus emphasizes that what’s on the inside is what truly matters, critiquing the shallow nature of judging by appearances.
“Skin Deep” became one of The Stranglers’ most successful singles, reflecting their ability to adapt and change with the times while still maintaining their distinct identity. The song’s mainstream appeal and the band’s willingness to experiment with different sounds during this period helped to cement their place as versatile and enduring figures in the music world.
8. “Walk on By”
“Walk on By” is a cover version by The Stranglers of the classic song originally composed by Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David, and made famous by Dionne Warwick in 1964. The Stranglers released their version in 1978 as part of their album “Black and White.”
The Stranglers’ rendition of “Walk on By” is notable for its darker, more aggressive punk rock interpretation of the classic soulful track. It features a prominent bass line, gritty guitar riffs, and an extended instrumental keyboard solo, showcasing the band’s ability to reinterpret and inject their unique style into well-known material.
The song was well-received and is often highlighted for its innovative arrangement and for successfully bridging the gap between different musical genres. The Stranglers’ version of “Walk on By” is a testament to their musical versatility and their talent for reimagining and revitalizing existing songs with their distinctive sound.
9. “Hanging Around”
“Hanging Around” is a track from The Stranglers’ debut album “Rattus Norvegicus,” released in 1977. This song, along with the rest of the album, played a significant role in establishing The Stranglers’ presence in the UK punk scene during the late 1970s. Unlike some of their later work, which ventured into more melodic and complex territories, “Hanging Around” is raw, energetic, and very much in line with the punk ethos of that time.
The song features driving basslines, aggressive guitar riffs, and forceful, sneering vocals. The lyrics of “Hanging Around” reflect a sense of youthful restlessness and disillusionment, themes that resonated with the punk movement’s rebellion against the status quo and mainstream culture.
“Hanging Around” showcases The Stranglers’ early style, characterized by a gritty, unpolished sound and a confrontational, defiant attitude. It’s a testament to the band’s roots in the punk genre and their ability to capture the spirit of a generation seeking to challenge and redefine the cultural landscape of the time.
10. “European Female”
“European Female” is a track by The Stranglers from their 1983 album “Feline.” This song marked a significant departure from the aggressive, punk-oriented sound that characterized much of the band’s earlier work. Instead, “European Female” embraces a more refined, atmospheric, and melodic sound, showcasing the band’s versatility and their ability to evolve musically.
The song features lush synthesizer arrangements, a smooth bassline, and a more subdued, introspective vocal delivery. The lyrics of “European Female” are poetic and somewhat enigmatic, painting a picture of an elusive and intriguing character. The track exudes a sense of mystery and romance, set against a backdrop of sophisticated musical composition.
“European Female” reflects The Stranglers’ transition into a band capable of crafting songs that were not only musically complex but also rich in imagery and emotion. The song’s distinctive sound and the shift in the band’s musical direction were well-received, demonstrating The Stranglers’ ability to push the boundaries of their music and explore new and diverse styles.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
