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 1970s and are known for their distinctive sound, which combines elements of punk, new wave, and post-punk with dark and often provocative lyrics.
The original lineup of The Stranglers consisted of Hugh Cornwell (vocals, guitar), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass, vocals), Dave Greenfield (keyboards), and Jet Black (drums). They gained attention for their aggressive and confrontational live performances, as well as their edgy and politically charged lyrics.
The Stranglers released their debut album, “Rattus Norvegicus,” in 1977, which featured the hit singles “Peaches” and “(Get A) Grip (On Yourself).” The album helped establish the band as one of the leading figures in the British punk rock scene.
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, The Stranglers continued to release a series of successful albums and singles, including “No More Heroes” (1977), “Black and White” (1978), “The Raven” (1979), and “Golden Brown” (1981). Their music evolved to incorporate elements of new wave, post-punk, and even pop, while still maintaining their distinctively dark and aggressive sound.
Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, The Stranglers have remained active as a band, continuing to release albums and tour into the 21st century. They have a dedicated fan base and are regarded as influential pioneers of the punk and new wave genres, with their music continuing to inspire generations of musicians.
1. Hanging Around
“Hanging Around” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977 as part of their debut album “Rattus Norvegicus.” The song is known for its distinctive bassline played by Jean-Jacques Burnel and its gritty, punk-inspired sound.
“Hanging Around” showcases The Stranglers’ trademark blend of punk rock energy with elements of new wave and post-punk. The lyrics reflect themes of urban alienation and dissatisfaction, capturing the mood of disaffected youth in the late 1970s.
The song features Hugh Cornwell’s raw vocals and aggressive guitar work, Dave Greenfield’s atmospheric keyboards, and Jet Black’s driving drums, creating a powerful and dynamic sound that became a hallmark of The Stranglers’ early work.
“Hanging Around” received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become one of The Stranglers’ most enduring and iconic songs. It remains a favorite among fans of punk and new wave music, praised for its catchy hooks, infectious energy, and gritty urban imagery.
2. Nice n Sleazy
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1978 as a single and later included on their album “Black and White.” It’s one of their most well-known songs and is often regarded as a classic of the punk rock genre.
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” is characterized by its driving bassline, gritty guitar riffs, and menacing lyrics. The song’s lyrics explore themes of urban decay, vice, and moral ambiguity, reflecting the band’s cynical and darkly humorous perspective on society.
The track features Jean-Jacques Burnel’s distinctive bass playing, which drives the song forward with its powerful rhythm and melodic hooks. Hugh Cornwell’s vocals convey a sense of defiance and rebellion, while the band’s tight instrumentation creates a sense of urgency and intensity.
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” received critical acclaim upon its release and became a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances, praised for its infectious energy and rebellious spirit.
The song’s combination of punk rock aggression, catchy melodies, and dark lyrical themes has solidified its status as one of The Stranglers’ most enduring and influential tracks, continuing to resonate with audiences decades after its release.
3. 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 their most famous and enduring songs, known for its catchy guitar riff, energetic rhythm, and memorable lyrics.
Written by The Kinks’ frontman Ray Davies, “All Day and All of the Night” features a driving guitar riff played by Dave Davies, Ray’s younger brother. The song’s lyrics express a sense of urgency and desire, with the protagonist declaring his intention to spend all day and all of the night with his lover.
The track’s infectious energy and powerful guitar work helped it become a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, reaching the top 10 on the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom. It solidified The Kinks’ reputation as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion and remains a classic of the rock and roll genre.
“All Day and All of the Night” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. Its timeless appeal and catchy melody continue to resonate with audiences, making it one of The Kinks’ most enduring and beloved songs.
4. Golden Brown
“Golden Brown” is a song by English rock band The Stranglers, released in 1981 as a single from their album “La Folie.” It’s one of their most well-known and distinctive songs, characterized by its haunting melody, intricate harpsichord riff, and poetic lyrics.
Written by keyboardist Dave Greenfield and singer/guitarist Hugh Cornwell, “Golden Brown” features Greenfield’s prominent harpsichord melody, which gives the song its unique and evocative sound. The lyrics, penned by Cornwell, are cryptic and enigmatic, with imagery evoking feelings of nostalgia, longing, and allure.
“Golden Brown” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and became one of The Stranglers’ biggest hits, reaching the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart. Despite its commercial success, the song’s unusual structure and unconventional instrumentation set it apart from the band’s typical punk and new wave sound, showcasing their versatility and musical experimentation.
Over the years, “Golden Brown” has become a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances and remains a fan favorite. Its timeless appeal and haunting melody have led to its inclusion in various films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its status as one of The Stranglers’ most enduring and beloved songs.
5. Peaches
“Peaches” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977 as a single from their debut album “Rattus Norvegicus.” It’s one of the band’s most famous and enduring songs, known for its catchy melody, energetic rhythm, and suggestive lyrics.
Written by the band’s bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel, “Peaches” features a driving bassline that drives the song forward and gives it its distinctive groove. The lyrics describe a youthful encounter with a woman named Peaches, with suggestive imagery and playful wordplay.
“Peaches” became one of The Stranglers’ biggest hits, reaching the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart and helping to establish the band as one of the leading figures in the British punk rock scene. Its infectious energy and memorable chorus made it a favorite among fans and a staple of the band’s live performances.
Over the years, “Peaches” has remained a fan favorite and a classic in The Stranglers’ catalog. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, making it one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs.
6. No More Heroes
“No More Heroes” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977 as the title track of their second studio album. It’s one of their most famous and enduring songs, known for its catchy melody, driving rhythm, and provocative lyrics.
Written by the band’s bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel and guitarist Hugh Cornwell, “No More Heroes” reflects the band’s rebellious and confrontational attitude towards authority and society. The song’s lyrics sarcastically reference various historical and cultural figures, questioning the notion of heroism and challenging the status quo.
“No More Heroes” became one of The Stranglers’ biggest hits, reaching the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart and helping to solidify the band’s reputation as one of the leading figures in the British punk rock scene. Its infectious energy and memorable chorus made it a favorite among fans and a staple of the band’s live performances.
The song’s title has since become synonymous with The Stranglers and their defiant ethos, with “No More Heroes” often cited as one of the band’s signature songs. Its powerful message and catchy melody continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic in The Stranglers’ catalog.
7. Always the Sun
“Always the Sun” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1986 as the second single from their album “Dreamtime.” It’s one of their most commercially successful songs and is known for its upbeat melody, catchy chorus, and optimistic lyrics.
Written by the band’s bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel and keyboardist Dave Greenfield, “Always the Sun” reflects themes of hope, perseverance, and resilience in the face of adversity. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to remain positive and keep moving forward, even in difficult times.
“Always the Sun” became one of The Stranglers’ biggest hits, reaching the top 30 on the UK Singles Chart and receiving widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its infectious energy and uplifting message made it a favorite among audiences and helped to expand the band’s fanbase beyond their punk rock roots.
Over the years, “Always the Sun” has remained a fan favorite and a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances. Its catchy melody and inspiring lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs.
8. Skin Deep
“Skin Deep” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1984 as the lead single from their album “Aural Sculpture.” It’s one of their most commercially successful songs and is known for its infectious melody, catchy chorus, and thought-provoking lyrics.
Written by the band’s bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel and keyboardist Dave Greenfield, “Skin Deep” explores themes of beauty, desire, and superficiality. The song’s lyrics reflect on the fleeting nature of physical attractiveness and the importance of looking beyond surface appearances.
“Skin Deep” became one of The Stranglers’ biggest hits, reaching the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart and receiving widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its memorable chorus and infectious rhythm made it a favorite among audiences and helped to further cement the band’s reputation as one of the leading figures in the British rock scene.
Over the years, “Skin Deep” has remained a fan favorite and a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances. Its catchy melody and thought-provoking lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs.
9. Duchess
“Duchess” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1979 as the lead single from their album “The Raven.” It’s one of their most well-known and enduring songs, known for its catchy melody, energetic rhythm, and evocative lyrics.
Written by the band’s bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel and guitarist Hugh Cornwell, “Duchess” features a driving bassline, powerful guitar riffs, and a memorable chorus. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a mysterious and alluring woman known as the Duchess, with imagery evoking themes of power, seduction, and intrigue.
“Duchess” became one of The Stranglers’ biggest hits, reaching the top 15 on the UK Singles Chart and receiving widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its infectious energy and memorable chorus made it a favorite among audiences and helped to solidify the band’s reputation as one of the leading figures in the British rock scene.
Over the years, “Duchess” has remained a fan favorite and a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances. Its catchy melody and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs.
10. 5 Minutes
“5 Minutes” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1978 as a single from their album “The Raven.” It’s one of their most intense and controversial songs, known for its dark and menacing sound, as well as its graphic and confrontational lyrics.
Written by the band’s bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel and guitarist Hugh Cornwell, “5 Minutes” features a driving rhythm, aggressive guitar riffs, and provocative lyrics that explore themes of violence, power, and control. The song’s lyrics depict a chilling narrative of a violent assault and its aftermath, with vivid and explicit imagery that shocked and unsettled listeners.
“5 Minutes” received mixed reactions upon its release, with some critics praising its raw intensity and social commentary, while others criticized its graphic and confrontational lyrics. Despite the controversy, the song became a favorite among fans and a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances.
Over the years, “5 Minutes” has remained a cult favorite among fans of punk and post-punk music. Its raw energy, intense atmosphere, and thought-provoking lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it one of The Stranglers’ most enduring and provocative songs.