The Stranglers are an English rock band formed in 1974 in Guildford, Surrey. They emerged as part of the punk rock and new wave movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band’s lineup has undergone several changes over the years, but its founding members were Hugh Cornwell (vocals, guitar), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass), Jet Black (drums), and Dave Greenfield (keyboards).
The Stranglers gained attention for their aggressive and often provocative music, blending elements of punk, new wave, and rock. Their sound was characterized by Burnel’s distinctive bass lines, Greenfield’s keyboards, and Cornwell’s gritty vocals.
The band achieved commercial success with hits like “Golden Brown,” “No More Heroes,” “Peaches,” “Always the Sun,” and “Strange Little Girl.” Their music often featured dark and edgy themes, with lyrics exploring topics such as alienation, urban decay, and political disillusionment.
Throughout their career, The Stranglers have released numerous albums and singles, experimenting with different styles and genres while maintaining their signature sound. They have continued to tour and record music, earning a loyal fan base and critical acclaim for their contributions to the alternative rock genre.
Despite lineup changes and the passing of some members, The Stranglers have remained active, with a legacy that spans over four decades. They are considered influential figures in the history of rock music and have left a lasting impact on the punk and new wave movements.
1. Golden Brown
“Golden Brown” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1981. It’s one of their most well-known and commercially successful songs.
“Golden Brown” features a distinctive harpsichord riff played by keyboardist Dave Greenfield, giving the song a unique and memorable sound. The lyrics of the song are poetic and enigmatic, with imagery evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Despite its upbeat melody and catchy rhythm, “Golden Brown” actually deals with the subject of drug addiction. The lyrics describe the allure and dangers of heroin use, with “golden brown” being a slang term for the drug.
Despite the darker subject matter, “Golden Brown” became a major hit for The Stranglers, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and achieving chart success in several other countries. It remains one of the band’s most beloved songs and is often regarded as a classic of the new wave and post-punk genres.
2. No More Heroes
“No More Heroes” is a song by the British punk rock band The Stranglers, released in 1977 as the lead single from their album of the same name. The song was written by the band’s guitarist and vocalist, Hugh Cornwell, and bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel.
“No More Heroes” is characterized by its driving bassline, aggressive guitar riffs, and distinctive keyboard melodies. The lyrics of the song are a cynical commentary on the idea of hero worship and the glorification of public figures, questioning the notion of idolizing individuals who may not necessarily be deserving of such praise.
The song’s chorus features the iconic line “No more heroes anymore,” which has become one of the band’s most memorable and quoted phrases. “No More Heroes” was a commercial success for The Stranglers, reaching the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart and solidifying their reputation as one of the leading bands of the punk rock movement.
With its rebellious spirit and provocative lyrics, “No More Heroes” remains a seminal track in the punk rock genre and a classic in The Stranglers’ discography. It continues to be celebrated by fans of punk music for its raw energy and biting social commentary.
3. Peaches
“Peaches” is a song by the American alternative rock band The Presidents of the United States of America, released in 1995 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Chris Ballew.
“Peaches” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, simple yet infectious melody, and whimsical lyrics. The song’s lyrics describe a fantasy scenario involving the narrator and his desire to eat peaches with his significant other in a natural setting, such as a peach tree.
With its playful and lighthearted tone, “Peaches” became a commercial success for The Presidents of the United States of America, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song’s quirky charm and catchy hooks resonated with audiences, making it one of the band’s most recognizable and enduring hits.
“Peaches” remains a beloved favorite among fans of alternative rock and is often cited as one of the defining songs of the 1990s. Its infectious melody and irreverent lyrics continue to captivate listeners and evoke a sense of nostalgia for the era in which it was released.
4. Always the Sun
“Always the Sun” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1986 as a single from their album “Dreamtime.” It’s one of their most well-known and commercially successful songs.
“Always the Sun” features a melodic and uplifting sound, with a catchy chorus and memorable guitar riff. The lyrics of the song convey a message of hope and resilience, urging listeners to remain optimistic even in the face of adversity. The phrase “always the sun” serves as a metaphor for the idea that there is always a brighter tomorrow, no matter how dark the present may seem.
The song’s positive message, combined with its infectious melody, resonated with audiences and helped “Always the Sun” become a major hit for The Stranglers. It reached No. 30 on the UK Singles Chart and achieved chart success in several other countries.
“Always the Sun” remains one of The Stranglers’ most beloved songs and is often regarded as a classic of the new wave and post-punk genres. Its optimistic lyrics and uplifting melody continue to inspire listeners around the world.
5. Skin Deep
“Skin Deep” is a song by the British new wave band The Stranglers, released in 1984 as the lead single from their album “Aural Sculpture.” The song was written by the band’s bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel and keyboardist Dave Greenfield.
“Skin Deep” is characterized by its infectious synth-pop sound, catchy melody, and thought-provoking lyrics. The song explores the theme of superficiality and the idea that appearances can be deceiving. It delves into the complexities of human relationships and questions the value of physical beauty in a world obsessed with image.
Despite its serious subject matter, “Skin Deep” features an upbeat and danceable rhythm that belies its deeper meaning. The song’s memorable chorus and catchy hooks helped it become one of The Stranglers’ most successful singles, reaching the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart and charting internationally.
“Skin Deep” remains a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of The Stranglers’ standout tracks. Its blend of infectious pop melodies and insightful lyrics exemplifies the band’s ability to combine catchy hooks with thought-provoking themes.
6. Strange Little Girl
“Strange Little Girl” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1982 as a single. It was later included on their compilation album “The Collection 1977–1982.”
The song features a haunting melody with atmospheric instrumentation, including keyboards and acoustic guitar. The lyrics tell the story of a mysterious and enigmatic young woman who captivates the narrator’s imagination. The narrator describes his fascination with the girl’s unconventional behavior and appearance, suggesting that she may possess supernatural qualities.
“Strange Little Girl” showcases The Stranglers’ ability to blend elements of punk, new wave, and post-punk with darker and more atmospheric sounds. The song received positive reviews from critics and became a moderate commercial success, reaching No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
Despite its success, “Strange Little Girl” was not included on any of The Stranglers’ studio albums at the time of its release. However, it has since become a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of the band’s standout tracks. Its atmospheric sound and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with listeners today.
7. Nice ‘n’ Sleazy
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” is a song by the British rock band The Stranglers, released in 1978 as a single from their album “Black and White.” The song was written by the band’s bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel and keyboardist Dave Greenfield.
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” is characterized by its gritty, raw sound and dark lyrics that explore themes of urban decay and moral corruption. The song’s driving bassline, aggressive guitar riffs, and menacing vocals create a sense of unease and tension.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” was a commercial success for The Stranglers, reaching the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s edgy sound and rebellious attitude resonated with fans of punk and new wave music, cementing its status as one of the band’s most iconic tracks.
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” remains a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of The Stranglers’ signature songs. Its dark, provocative lyrics and hard-hitting musical style showcase the band’s distinctive sound and uncompromising approach to their art.
8. Hanging Around
“Hanging Around” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977 as a single from their debut album “Rattus Norvegicus.” It’s one of their early hits and remains a fan favorite.
“Hanging Around” features a catchy bassline by Jean-Jacques Burnel, driving drums by Jet Black, and gritty vocals by Hugh Cornwell. The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of disillusionment and frustration with urban life, with the narrator feeling trapped and aimless.
Musically, “Hanging Around” blends elements of punk rock with a more melodic sensibility, showcasing The Stranglers’ distinctive sound. The song’s energetic tempo and memorable guitar riffs contributed to its popularity.
“Hanging Around” was well-received by both critics and fans and helped establish The Stranglers as one of the leading bands of the punk rock movement. It remains a staple of their live performances and is considered one of their classic tracks.
9. Something Better Change
“Something Better Change” is a song by the British punk rock band The Stranglers, released in 1977 as a single from their album “No More Heroes.” The song was written by the band’s guitarist and vocalist, Hugh Cornwell.
“Something Better Change” is characterized by its energetic punk rock sound and rebellious lyrics. The song’s driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and aggressive vocals reflect the band’s frustration with the political and social status quo of the time. The lyrics express a desire for change and a rejection of the existing order, urging listeners to take action and strive for a better future.
Despite its confrontational message, “Something Better Change” was a commercial success for The Stranglers, reaching the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart. The song’s infectious energy and anthemic chorus resonated with fans of punk rock, solidifying its status as one of the band’s most popular and enduring tracks.
“Something Better Change” remains a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances and is often regarded as one of their quintessential songs. Its powerful message and driving musical style capture the spirit of the punk rock movement and continue to inspire listeners to challenge the status quo and fight for positive change.
10. All Day and All of the Night
“All Day and All of the Night” is a song by the British rock band The Kinks, released in 1964. It was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Ray Davies.
The song is characterized by its aggressive guitar riff, played by Dave Davies, which has become iconic in rock music. The lyrics describe the narrator’s obsession with a woman and his desire to spend all day and night with her. The repetitive nature of the riff and the urgency in Ray Davies’ vocals contribute to the song’s energetic and catchy feel.
“All Day and All of the Night” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It has since become one of The Kinks’ most well-known and enduring songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
The song’s impact on rock music is significant, as it helped solidify The Kinks’ reputation as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion and influenced countless rock musicians with its distinctive guitar riff and raw energy.
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.
