The Troggs were an English rock band formed in Andover, Hampshire, in 1964. They were known for their raw, primal sound and straightforward rock ‘n’ roll style. The band’s original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Reg Presley, guitarist Chris Britton, bassist Pete Staples, and drummer Ronnie Bond.
The Troggs rose to fame in the mid-1960s with their hit single “Wild Thing,” released in 1966. The song’s simple, catchy riff and suggestive lyrics made it an instant classic and a staple of the garage rock genre. “Wild Thing” reached the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, solidifying the Troggs’ status as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion.
Following the success of “Wild Thing,” the Troggs continued to release a string of hits throughout the 1960s, including “With a Girl Like You,” “Love Is All Around,” and “I Can’t Control Myself.” Their songs often featured straightforward, repetitive chord progressions and gritty, impassioned vocals, contributing to their distinctive sound.
Although the Troggs’ commercial success waned in the 1970s, they continued to tour and record music sporadically over the years. They remained influential figures in the rock ‘n’ roll and garage rock scenes, with their music inspiring generations of musicians.
The Troggs were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, recognizing their impact on the development of rock music. Despite lineup changes and various challenges over the years, the band’s legacy lives on through their enduring hits and their influence on subsequent generations of rock musicians.
1. Wild Thing
“Wild Thing” is a classic rock song originally recorded by American band The Wild Ones in 1965. However, it is best known for the version performed by British band The Troggs, released in 1966. The Troggs’ rendition of “Wild Thing” became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
“Wild Thing” is known for its simple yet iconic guitar riff and its suggestive lyrics. The song’s infectious energy and raw, primal sound made it an instant classic and a staple of the garage rock genre.
The Troggs’ version of “Wild Thing” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Jimi Hendrix, who famously performed an electrifying rendition of the song at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.
“Wild Thing” remains one of the most recognizable and enduring rock songs of all time. Its timeless appeal and infectious groove continue to captivate audiences around the world, ensuring its status as a rock ‘n’ roll classic.
2. Love Is All Around
“Love Is All Around” is a song originally recorded by The Troggs, a British rock band, in 1967. The song was written by Reg Presley, the lead singer of The Troggs.
“Love Is All Around” is a melodic and romantic ballad with simple yet heartfelt lyrics. The song expresses the universal theme of love and its omnipresence in everyday life. It conveys a message of love’s enduring power and its ability to bring joy and happiness.
The Troggs’ version of “Love Is All Around” achieved significant success, reaching the top of the charts in the United Kingdom and becoming one of the band’s most well-known songs. Over the years, it has been covered by numerous artists in various genres, including the famous rendition by Wet Wet Wet in 1994, which was featured in the film “Four Weddings and a Funeral.”
“Love Is All Around” remains a timeless classic, cherished for its simple yet profound message and its memorable melody. It continues to resonate with audiences around the world, making it a beloved staple of popular music.
3. With a Girl Like You
“With a Girl Like You” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It was written by the band’s lead vocalist, Reg Presley.
“With a Girl Like You” is a catchy and upbeat rock and roll song with a simple yet infectious melody. The lyrics express the joy and excitement of being in love and spending time with a special someone. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy guitar riff helped it become a hit during the British Invasion era of the 1960s.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United Kingdom and becoming one of The Troggs’ most well-known songs. Its popularity was further solidified by its inclusion in various films, television shows, and commercials over the years.
“With a Girl Like You” remains a beloved classic in the rock and roll genre, cherished for its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and timeless appeal. It continues to be a favorite among fans of 1960s music and is often included in compilations of the era’s greatest hits.
4. I Can’t Control Myself
“I Can’t Control Myself” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It was written by Troggs lead vocalist Reg Presley. The song became one of the band’s signature hits and a staple of their live performances.
“I Can’t Control Myself” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, driving beat, and raw energy. The lyrics describe the intense feelings of desire and passion that the protagonist experiences when they are with their love interest. The song’s straightforward and uninhibited expression of desire made it a hit with audiences and contributed to its enduring popularity.
“I Can’t Control Myself” reached the top ten on the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States, solidifying The Troggs’ status as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion. The song’s primal energy and infectious melody continue to resonate with listeners, making it a classic of the rock ‘n’ roll genre.
5. Anyway That You Want Me
“Anyway That You Want Me” is a song written by Chip Taylor, an American songwriter. It was originally recorded by The American Breed in 1967. However, the most famous version is by The Troggs, a British rock band, released in the same year.
The Troggs’ rendition of “Anyway That You Want Me” is a mid-tempo rock song with a distinctive guitar riff and raw, emotive vocals. The lyrics express devotion and willingness to do anything to please the object of affection.
The song became a moderate hit for The Troggs, reaching the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Over the years, it has been covered by various artists, including The Zombies, The Liverpool Echo, and even The American Breed themselves, among others.
“Anyway That You Want Me” remains a classic example of 1960s rock music, known for its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, and it continues to be remembered and enjoyed by fans of the era.
6. Give It to Me
“Give It to Me” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It’s a track from their album “Trogglodynamite.” The song features the band’s signature raw, primal sound and was written by Troggs lead vocalist Reg Presley.
“Give It to Me” is characterized by its driving beat, gritty guitar riff, and uninhibited vocals. The lyrics express a sense of urgency and desire, with the protagonist pleading for their love interest to give them what they want.
The song’s infectious energy and catchy melody made it a favorite among fans of garage rock and helped solidify The Troggs’ reputation as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion.
“Give It to Me” remains a popular track in The Troggs’ discography and a testament to their raw, no-frills approach to rock ‘n’ roll music.
7. Night of the Long Grass
“Night of the Long Grass” is a song by The Troggs, an English rock band. It was released in 1967 as a single and later included on their album “Cellophane” released in 1967.
“Night of the Long Grass” is characterized by its raw and gritty rock sound typical of The Troggs’ style. The song features a driving rhythm, prominent guitar riffs, and aggressive vocals. Lyrically, it depicts a sense of urgency and excitement, evoking imagery of a wild and untamed night.
While “Night of the Long Grass” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of The Troggs’ other hits, it remains a favorite among fans of garage rock and British Invasion music. The song’s energetic performance and edgy vibe make it a standout track in the band’s discography.
8. Hi Hi Hazel
“Hi Hi Hazel” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It’s a track from their album “Cellophane,” also known as “Mixed Bag” in the United States. The song was written by Troggs lead vocalist Reg Presley.
“Hi Hi Hazel” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and infectious energy. The lyrics tell the story of the protagonist’s admiration for a girl named Hazel, whom he finds irresistible.
The song’s lively rhythm and playful lyrics contributed to its popularity, and it became a hit for The Troggs. “Hi Hi Hazel” remains a favorite among fans of the band and is often included in their live performances and compilations.
9. Evil Woman
“Evil Woman” is a song by the British rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released in 1975 on their album “Face the Music.” It was written by Jeff Lynne, the band’s lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter.
“Evil Woman” features a distinctive blend of rock and roll, pop, and orchestral elements that became characteristic of ELO’s sound. The song is driven by a catchy guitar riff, pulsating bassline, and lush orchestration, including strings and horns. Lyrically, “Evil Woman” tells the story of a man who realizes he’s involved with a manipulative and deceitful partner.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. “Evil Woman” became one of ELO’s signature songs and remains a classic rock staple, known for its infectious melody and dynamic arrangement.
10. Little Girl
“Little Girl” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It’s a track from their album “Trogglodynamite.” The song was written by Troggs lead vocalist Reg Presley.
“Little Girl” features The Troggs’ signature raw, primal sound, with gritty guitar riffs and impassioned vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is infatuated with a younger woman and expresses his desire to be with her.
The song’s energetic rhythm and catchy melody made it a favorite among fans of garage rock and helped solidify The Troggs’ reputation as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion.
“Little Girl” remains a popular track in The Troggs’ discography and showcases their raw, no-frills approach to rock ‘n’ roll music.