The Stranglers are an English rock band that emerged in the mid-1970s during the punk rock movement. They are known for their distinctive sound, which blends elements of punk, new wave, and post-punk with dark and often provocative lyrics. The band’s lineup has undergone several changes over the years, but its founding members were Hugh Cornwell (vocals, guitar), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass guitar, vocals), Dave Greenfield (keyboards), and Jet Black (drums).
The Stranglers gained attention with their aggressive and edgy sound, as well as their confrontational attitude towards the music industry and society in general. They released their debut album, “Rattus Norvegicus,” in 1977, which included the hit singles “Peaches” and “Something Better Change.” The album’s success helped establish The Stranglers as one of the leading bands of the punk era.
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, The Stranglers continued to release a series of albums and singles that showcased their eclectic musical style and provocative lyrics. Some of their other notable songs include “No More Heroes,” “Golden Brown,” “Always the Sun,” and “Skin Deep.”
Despite being associated with the punk rock movement, The Stranglers’ music evolved over the years, incorporating elements of new wave, post-punk, and even gothic rock. They remained active as a band well into the 21st century, continuing to tour and release new music.
The Stranglers’ influence on the alternative rock and punk scenes has been significant, and their music continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike for its innovation, intensity, and social commentary.
1. Golden Brown
“Golden Brown” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1982. It’s one of the band’s most well-known and commercially successful tracks, known for its distinctive sound and memorable melody.
The song features a prominent harpsichord riff played by keyboardist Dave Greenfield, giving it a unique and somewhat baroque-inspired sound. The lyrics of “Golden Brown” are cryptic and have been interpreted in various ways, but they are often thought to refer to drug use, specifically heroin.
Despite its potentially controversial subject matter, “Golden Brown” became a massive hit for The Stranglers, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s success helped to broaden the band’s appeal beyond their punk rock roots and introduced them to a wider audience.
“Golden Brown” remains one of The Stranglers’ most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as a classic of the new wave genre. Its evocative melody, intricate instrumentation, and enigmatic lyrics continue to captivate listeners and make it a staple of alternative rock radio playlists.
2. No More Heroes
“No More Heroes” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977. It’s one of the band’s most iconic tracks and served as the title track for their second studio album, “No More Heroes.”
The song features a driving bassline by Jean-Jacques Burnel, along with aggressive guitar riffs and powerful vocals by Hugh Cornwell. The lyrics of “No More Heroes” reflect a sense of disillusionment and cynicism towards the idea of hero worship, as well as a rejection of traditional authority figures.
“No More Heroes” was a significant success for The Stranglers, reaching number eight on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s raw energy and rebellious attitude resonated with audiences, solidifying the band’s reputation as one of the leading figures of the punk rock movement.
Over the years, “No More Heroes” has become one of The Stranglers’ signature songs, often performed at their live shows and included on their greatest hits compilations. Its aggressive sound and defiant lyrics continue to resonate with fans of punk and alternative rock music, making it a classic of the genre.
3. Peaches
“Peaches” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977. It’s one of the band’s early hits and was included on their debut studio album, “Rattus Norvegicus.”
The song features a catchy bassline by Jean-Jacques Burnel, along with driving guitar riffs and aggressive vocals by Hugh Cornwell. The lyrics of “Peaches” describe a romantic encounter with a young woman named Peaches, with a playful and somewhat risqué tone.
“Peaches” was a commercial success for The Stranglers, reaching number eight on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s infectious melody and catchy chorus helped to solidify the band’s reputation as one of the leading figures of the punk rock movement.
Over the years, “Peaches” has become one of The Stranglers’ most enduring and beloved songs, often performed at their live shows and included on their greatest hits compilations. Its energetic sound and cheeky lyrics continue to resonate with fans of punk and alternative rock music, making it a classic of the genre.
4. Always the Sun
“Always the Sun” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1986. It’s one of the band’s most commercially successful tracks and was included on their album “Dreamtime.”
“Always the Sun” features a more melodic and atmospheric sound compared to some of The Stranglers’ earlier work, with lush synthesizers and catchy guitar hooks. The lyrics of the song explore themes of hope, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life, with the refrain “Always the sun, always, always, always the sun” serving as a mantra of positivity.
The song was a significant success for The Stranglers, reaching number 30 on the UK Singles Chart and receiving widespread airplay on radio stations. Its uplifting melody and optimistic lyrics resonated with audiences, helping to broaden the band’s appeal beyond their punk rock roots.
“Always the Sun” remains one of The Stranglers’ most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as a classic of the new wave genre. Its memorable chorus and evocative lyrics continue to captivate listeners and make it a staple of alternative rock radio playlists.
5. Skin Deep
“Skin Deep” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1984. It’s one of the band’s most commercially successful tracks and was included on their album “Aural Sculpture.”
“Skin Deep” features a catchy and melodic sound, with prominent synthesizers and guitar hooks. The song’s lyrics explore themes of superficiality, vanity, and the deceptive nature of appearances, with the refrain “It’s only skin deep” serving as a reminder that true beauty lies beneath the surface.
The song was a major hit for The Stranglers, reaching number 15 on the UK Singles Chart and receiving significant airplay on radio stations. Its infectious melody and thought-provoking lyrics resonated with audiences, helping to cement the band’s reputation as one of the leading figures of the new wave movement.
“Skin Deep” remains one of The Stranglers’ most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as a classic of the genre. Its catchy chorus and insightful lyrics continue to captivate listeners and make it a staple of alternative rock radio playlists.
6. Strange Little Girl
“Strange Little Girl” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1982. It’s one of the band’s notable tracks and was included on their album “Feline.”
The song features a haunting and atmospheric sound, with moody synthesizers and melancholic guitar melodies. The lyrics of “Strange Little Girl” tell the story of a mysterious and enigmatic young woman who captures the narrator’s attention and imagination. The song’s refrain, “Who’s that, knocking on my door?” adds to the sense of intrigue and uncertainty surrounding the girl.
“Strange Little Girl” was well-received by critics and fans alike, although it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of The Stranglers’ other singles. Nevertheless, the song remains a fan favorite and is often cited as a standout track in the band’s discography.
Over the years, “Strange Little Girl” has continued to resonate with listeners, thanks to its atmospheric production, evocative lyrics, and haunting melody. It remains a beloved and enduring part of The Stranglers’ repertoire, showcasing their talent for crafting dark and introspective songs.
7. Nice ‘n’ Sleazy
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1978. It’s one of the band’s notable tracks and was included on their album “Black and White.”
The song features a gritty and driving sound, with a prominent bassline by Jean-Jacques Burnel and aggressive guitar riffs. The lyrics of “Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” explore themes of urban decay, decadence, and the seedy underbelly of city life. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Nice ‘n’ sleazy, does it, does it, does it every time,” captures the dark and rebellious spirit of the song.
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” was a significant hit for The Stranglers, reaching number 18 on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s raw energy and provocative lyrics resonated with audiences, helping to solidify the band’s reputation as one of the leading figures of the punk and new wave movements.
Over the years, “Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” has remained a fan favorite and is often cited as one of The Stranglers’ standout tracks. Its gritty sound, aggressive attitude, and unapologetic lyrics continue to captivate listeners and make it a classic of the punk rock genre.
8. Hanging Around
“Hanging Around” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977. It’s one of the band’s early hits and was included on their debut studio album, “Rattus Norvegicus.”
The song features a distinctive bassline by Jean-Jacques Burnel, along with aggressive guitar riffs and energetic vocals by Hugh Cornwell. The lyrics of “Hanging Around” describe feelings of boredom, frustration, and restlessness, with the narrator longing for something more exciting and meaningful in life.
“Hanging Around” was well-received by critics and fans alike, although it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of The Stranglers’ other singles. Nevertheless, the song remains a fan favorite and is often cited as a standout track in the band’s discography.
Over the years, “Hanging Around” has continued to resonate with listeners, thanks to its infectious energy, catchy melody, and relatable lyrics. It remains a beloved and enduring part of The Stranglers’ repertoire, showcasing their talent for crafting memorable and impactful songs.
9. Something Better Change
“Something Better Change” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977. It’s one of the band’s early hits and was included on their debut studio album, “Rattus Norvegicus.”
The song features a driving rhythm, aggressive guitar riffs, and powerful vocals by Hugh Cornwell. The lyrics of “Something Better Change” express dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for change and improvement. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Something better change,” captures the sense of urgency and frustration conveyed in the lyrics.
“Something Better Change” was a significant hit for The Stranglers, reaching number nine on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s raw energy and rebellious attitude resonated with audiences, helping to solidify the band’s reputation as one of the leading figures of the punk rock movement.
Over the years, “Something Better Change” has remained a fan favorite and is often cited as one of The Stranglers’ standout tracks. Its powerful sound, catchy melody, and relatable lyrics continue to captivate listeners and make it a classic of the punk rock genre.
10. All Day and All of the Night
“All Day and All of the Night” is a song by The Kinks, released in 1964. It’s one of the band’s most well-known tracks and was included on their second studio album, “Kinks-Size.”
The song features a driving guitar riff, catchy melody, and energetic vocals by Ray Davies. The lyrics of “All Day and All of the Night” express feelings of desire and longing, with the narrator declaring his intention to spend all day and night with his lover.
“All Day and All of the Night” was a significant commercial success for The Kinks, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song’s infectious rhythm and memorable chorus made it a favorite among fans of the British Invasion sound.
Over the years, “All Day and All of the Night” has remained a staple of classic rock radio playlists and is often cited as one of The Kinks’ signature songs. Its driving beat, catchy melody, and timeless appeal continue to captivate listeners and make it a classic of the rock genre.