The Troggs were a pioneering English rock band that emerged during the 1960s British Invasion, leaving an indelible mark on the era’s music scene. Formed in Andover, Hampshire, in 1964, the band consisted of members Reg Presley, Chris Britton, Pete Staples, and Ronnie Bond. Their music was characterized by its raw, garage rock sound, distinguished by its simplicity, infectious energy, and often provocative lyrics.
The Troggs achieved international fame with their iconic hit “Wild Thing” in 1966, which became an anthem of the era and solidified their status as one of the era’s most influential bands. Their success continued with other chart-topping singles like “Love Is All Around” and “With a Girl Like You,” which showcased their versatility and knack for producing catchy, memorable tunes.
Despite their relatively short-lived mainstream success, the Troggs left a lasting impact on the rock music landscape, influencing countless artists and bands with their raw, unfiltered sound. Their music continues to resonate with audiences today, a testament to the timeless quality of their work and their enduring legacy in the annals of rock history.
1. Wild Thing
“Wild Thing” is a classic rock song written by Chip Taylor. It was originally recorded by the American band The Wild Ones in 1965, but it was The Troggs’ 1966 cover that became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Troggs’ version of “Wild Thing” is known for its simple, yet powerful, three-chord structure and its raw, primal energy. The song’s suggestive lyrics and the band’s gritty performance style helped solidify its status as an iconic rock anthem of the 1960s.
“Wild Thing” has been covered numerous times by various artists and has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place in popular culture. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of its catchy melody and rebellious spirit, making it a staple of classic rock radio playlists and a favorite among music fans of all ages.
2. Love Is All Around
“Love Is All Around” is a timeless ballad by The Troggs, released in 1967. The song is renowned for its heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody, which struck a chord with audiences and became one of the band’s most beloved hits.
With its message of love and positivity, “Love Is All Around” resonated with listeners and quickly became an enduring classic. The song’s uplifting vibe and catchy chorus have made it a favorite for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic occasions.
In 1994, “Love Is All Around” experienced a resurgence in popularity when it was covered by the Scottish band Wet Wet Wet for the soundtrack of the film “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” The cover topped the charts in the UK for an astonishing 15 weeks, making it one of the most successful singles in British chart history.
“Love Is All Around” remains a timeless classic, cherished for its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics that celebrate the power of love to uplift and inspire.
3. With a Girl Like You
“With a Girl Like You” is another hit song by The Troggs, released in 1966. This upbeat track showcases the band’s signature sound, with its catchy melody and infectious rhythm.
The song’s lyrics express admiration and affection for a special girl, celebrating her qualities and the happiness she brings. The upbeat tempo and cheerful tone make it a feel-good anthem that is still enjoyed by audiences today.
“With a Girl Like You” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the UK and achieving moderate success in the United States. Its popularity was further solidified by its inclusion in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and the band’s lively performance. It remains a favorite among fans of 1960s rock music and continues to be a staple on classic rock radio stations.
4. I Can’t Control Myself
“I Can’t Control Myself” is a rock song by The Troggs, released in 1966. The song is known for its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and suggestive lyrics, which reflect the rebellious spirit of the 1960s.
“I Can’t Control Myself” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in the UK and the top 50 in the US. The song’s energetic vibe and infectious chorus made it a favorite among fans of the band and solidified its status as one of their most popular tracks.
The song’s lyrics express a sense of excitement and abandon, with the singer declaring their inability to control their feelings and actions when in the presence of their love interest. This theme of unbridled passion and desire resonated with audiences and helped make the song a hit.
“I Can’t Control Myself” showcases The Troggs’ trademark sound, with its raw, energetic performance and simple, yet effective, musical arrangement. The song remains a classic of 1960s rock music and continues to be a favorite among fans of the era.
5. Anyway That You Want Me
“Anyway That You Want Me” is a song originally written by Chip Taylor and recorded by American singer-songwriter Evie Sands in 1969. However, it was The Troggs’ 1966 cover version that became more well-known and successful.
The Troggs’ rendition of “Anyway That You Want Me” is characterized by its soulful, bluesy vibe and emotive vocals. The song features a distinctive guitar riff and a strong, heartfelt vocal performance by lead singer Reg Presley.
The lyrics express a sense of longing and devotion, with the singer proclaiming their willingness to do anything to please their partner. This theme of unconditional love and devotion struck a chord with audiences and helped make the song a hit.
“Anyway That You Want Me” showcases The Troggs’ versatility as a band, with their ability to take a song from a different genre and make it their own. The song remains a favorite among fans of the band and is considered one of their standout tracks.
6. Give It to Me
“Give It to Me” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. The song is known for its raw, energetic sound and provocative lyrics, which were considered quite risqué at the time of its release.
“Give It to Me” features a driving beat, fuzzy guitar riffs, and lead singer Reg Presley’s impassioned vocals. The lyrics are straightforward and unabashedly sexual, with the singer expressing his desire for physical intimacy with his partner.
Despite its controversial lyrics, “Give It to Me” was a commercial success, reaching the charts in both the UK and the US. The song’s rebellious attitude and infectious energy made it a favorite among fans of 1960s rock music.
“Give It to Me” is a prime example of The Troggs’ edgy, no-nonsense approach to rock music, and it remains a standout track in their discography. The song’s raw power and unabashedly sexual lyrics set it apart from their other, more mainstream hits, making it a favorite among fans of garage rock and proto-punk music.
7. Night of the Long Grass
“Night of the Long Grass” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. The song is known for its psychedelic sound and dreamy, atmospheric quality, which set it apart from the band’s more typical garage rock style.
“Night of the Long Grass” features a hypnotic guitar riff, swirling organ, and ethereal vocals by lead singer Reg Presley. The lyrics evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, with references to a surreal, dreamlike landscape.
The song’s title is a reference to the “Night of the Long Knives,” a political purge that took place in Nazi Germany in 1934. However, the lyrics of “Night of the Long Grass” are more abstract and open to interpretation, with a focus on creating a mood rather than conveying a specific message.
“Night of the Long Grass” showcases The Troggs’ willingness to experiment with different musical styles and push the boundaries of their sound. While not as commercially successful as some of their other hits, the song remains a favorite among fans of psychedelic rock and is considered a hidden gem in the band’s catalog.
8. Hi Hi Hazel
“Hi Hi Hazel” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. The song is a cheerful, upbeat track with a catchy melody and infectious energy, typical of the band’s early style.
“Hi Hi Hazel” features a driving beat, jangly guitar riffs, and lead singer Reg Presley’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is infatuated with a girl named Hazel and is excited to see her again.
The song’s upbeat tempo and playful lyrics made it a hit with fans and helped solidify The Troggs’ reputation as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion era.
“Hi Hi Hazel” is a fun, lighthearted song that showcases The Troggs’ ability to create catchy, memorable tunes. While not as well-known as some of their other hits, the song remains a favorite among fans of the band and is a testament to their enduring appeal.
9. Evil Woman
“Evil Woman” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. The song features a driving beat, gritty guitar riffs, and lead singer Reg Presley’s intense vocals.
The lyrics of “Evil Woman” tell the story of a man who is warning others about a deceitful and manipulative woman. The song’s protagonist describes his interactions with the woman and warns others to stay away from her.
“Evil Woman” showcases The Troggs’ raw, edgy sound and their ability to create a sense of drama and intensity in their music. The song’s dark lyrics and powerful performance helped make it a standout track in the band’s repertoire.
While not as commercially successful as some of their other hits, “Evil Woman” remains a favorite among fans of The Troggs and is considered a classic of 1960s rock music. Its raw energy and intense vocals continue to captivate audiences and make it a standout track in the band’s discography.
10. Little Girl
“Little Girl” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. The song features a bluesy, rockabilly-inspired sound with a catchy melody and energetic rhythm.
The lyrics of “Little Girl” tell the story of a young man who is infatuated with a girl who is younger than him. The song’s protagonist describes his feelings for the girl and expresses his desire to be with her.
“Little Girl” showcases The Troggs’ ability to create catchy, upbeat rock songs with a touch of innocence and charm. The song’s playful lyrics and infectious energy helped make it a favorite among fans of the band.
While not as well-known as some of their other hits, “Little Girl” remains a beloved track in The Troggs’ catalog and is a testament to their skill at crafting catchy, memorable tunes.
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.
