The Stranglers are an English rock band known for their distinctive sound that blends elements of punk rock, new wave, and post-punk. The band was formed in 1974 in Guildford, Surrey, and originally consisted of Hugh Cornwell (vocals, guitar), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass), Dave Greenfield (keyboards), and Jet Black (drums).
The Stranglers gained prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like “No More Heroes,” “Golden Brown,” “Peaches,” and “Always the Sun.” Their music is characterized by Burnel’s melodic bass lines, Greenfield’s keyboard flourishes, and Cornwell’s gritty vocals and guitar work.
The band’s lyrics often explore dark and edgy themes, and their music has been described as a mix of punk energy with a more sophisticated musical approach. The Stranglers’ eclectic style and willingness to experiment with different musical genres set them apart from many of their punk rock peers.
Over the years, The Stranglers have undergone several lineup changes, with Burnel and Greenfield remaining the core members. Despite these changes, the band has continued to release new music and tour, maintaining a dedicated fan base around the world.
1. Hanging Around
“Hanging Around” is a song by The Stranglers, released on their 1977 album “Rattus Norvegicus.” The song features a distinctive bassline by Jean-Jacques Burnel, which is a hallmark of many of The Stranglers’ songs. “Hanging Around” is characterized by its punk rock sound, with aggressive guitar work and raw, energetic vocals.
Lyrically, “Hanging Around” reflects the band’s rebellious and anti-establishment attitude, with lyrics that speak to feelings of frustration and alienation. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I’m hanging around, downtown by myself,” captures a sense of urban isolation and defiance.
“Hanging Around” was well-received by critics and has become one of The Stranglers’ most enduring songs. It remains a fan favorite and is often included in their live performances. The song’s energetic sound and rebellious spirit embody the punk rock ethos of the late 1970s and helped establish The Stranglers as a leading band in the punk rock movement.
2. Nice n Sleazy
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1978 as a single from their album “Black and White.” The song was written by the band’s guitarist Hugh Cornwell and bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel.
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” is a punk rock song with elements of new wave and post-punk. The lyrics depict a gritty and hedonistic lifestyle, with references to drugs, sex, and nightlife. The song’s title is ironic, as it satirizes the seedy underbelly of urban life while also celebrating its allure.
Musically, “Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” features a driving bassline, distorted guitars, and aggressive vocals, characteristic of The Stranglers’ raw and energetic sound. The song’s catchy melody and infectious rhythm made it a favorite among fans of the punk rock genre.
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” was well-received by critics and became one of The Stranglers’ most popular songs. It remains a staple of their live performances and is often cited as one of the standout tracks from their extensive discography.
3. All Day and All of the Night
“All Day and All of the Night” is a song by The Kinks, released in 1964 as a single. It was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Ray Davies.
“All Day and All of the Night” is a high-energy rock song with a driving rhythm and aggressive guitar riff. The lyrics depict a narrator who is obsessed with their lover, expressing a desire to spend all day and all night with them. The song’s catchy melody and memorable guitar riff helped it become a commercial success.
“All Day and All of the Night” reached the top ten on the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States, solidifying The Kinks’ reputation as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion. The song’s raw energy and infectious melody have made it a classic in the rock genre, and it continues to be celebrated as one of The Kinks’ greatest hits.
4. Golden Brown
“Golden Brown” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1981 on their album “La Folie.” The song is characterized by its distinctive harpsichord melody, played by keyboardist Dave Greenfield, and its cryptic lyrics.
“Golden Brown” is often interpreted as a song about heroin, with the lyrics alluding to the drug’s effects and its addictive nature. However, the band has stated that the song’s lyrics are actually about a girl and not specifically about drugs.
“Golden Brown” was a commercial success for The Stranglers, reaching the top of the UK Singles Chart. The song’s unique sound and catchy melody helped it stand out from other songs of the time, and it has since become one of The Stranglers’ most famous and enduring tracks.
5. Peaches
“Peaches” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977 as a single and later included on their album “Rattus Norvegicus.” The song is known for its catchy guitar riff and playful lyrics.
“Peaches” features a straightforward rock sound with a punk edge, characteristic of much of The Stranglers’ early music. The lyrics of the song are humorous and suggestive, with references to peaches as a metaphor for a woman’s body.
Despite its risqué lyrics, “Peaches” became one of The Stranglers’ most popular songs and a staple of their live performances. The song’s infectious melody and irreverent attitude helped solidify The Stranglers’ reputation as one of the leading bands of the punk rock era.
6. No More Heroes
“No More Heroes” is a song by the British punk rock band The Stranglers, released in 1977 as a single from their album of the same name. It was written by the band’s bassist and vocalist Jean-Jacques Burnel and guitarist Hugh Cornwell.
“No More Heroes” is characterized by its driving bassline, aggressive guitar riffs, and edgy lyrics. The song reflects the band’s cynical and rebellious attitude towards authority figures and societal norms. The lyrics reference various historical and cultural figures, questioning the concept of heroism and suggesting that there are no true heroes.
The song’s energetic and rebellious spirit resonated with audiences, and “No More Heroes” became one of The Stranglers’ most popular and enduring songs. It reached the top ten on the UK Singles Chart, cementing the band’s status as one of the leading acts of the punk rock movement in the late 1970s.
“No More Heroes” remains a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances and is often cited as one of their signature songs. Its defiant lyrics and catchy melody continue to resonate with fans of punk rock and alternative music.
7. Always the Sun
“Always the Sun” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1986 on their album “Dreamtime.” The song features a more melodic and atmospheric sound compared to some of The Stranglers’ earlier work, with lush instrumentation and introspective lyrics.
“Always the Sun” is characterized by its uplifting chorus and optimistic lyrics, which speak about finding hope and comfort in difficult times. The song’s title is a metaphor for the idea that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always the promise of a new day.
“Always the Sun” was a commercial success for The Stranglers, reaching the top 30 in the UK Singles Chart. The song’s positive message and anthemic sound have made it a favorite among fans and a standout track in The Stranglers’ discography.
8. Skin Deep
“Skin Deep” is a song by the British rock band The Stranglers, released in 1984 as a single from their album “Aural Sculpture.” It was written by the band’s guitarist and vocalist Hugh Cornwell and keyboardist Dave Greenfield.
“Skin Deep” is a rock song with elements of new wave and post-punk. The lyrics explore themes of appearance versus reality, delving into the idea that true beauty lies beneath the surface. The song reflects on the superficial nature of society and encourages listeners to look beyond physical appearances.
Musically, “Skin Deep” features a catchy melody, atmospheric keyboards, and a driving rhythm section. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious hooks helped it become one of The Stranglers’ most successful singles, reaching the top ten on the UK Singles Chart and receiving widespread acclaim from critics.
“Skin Deep” remains a fan favorite and a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances. Its message about the importance of inner beauty and authenticity continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic in the band’s repertoire.
9. Duchess
“Duchess” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1979 on their album “The Raven.” The song features a catchy melody and a driving rhythm, typical of The Stranglers’ punk rock sound.
“Duchess” is notable for its satirical lyrics, which critique the British royal family and the concept of monarchy. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Who wants the world, that’s what she said,” mocks the privileged position of royalty and questions the value of their wealth and status.
Despite its controversial lyrics, “Duchess” was a commercial success for The Stranglers and became one of their most popular songs. The song’s infectious energy and rebellious attitude resonated with audiences, and it remains a fan favorite and a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances.
10. 5 Minutes
“5 Minutes” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1978 on their album “The Raven.” The song is known for its fast-paced punk rock sound and intense, confrontational lyrics.
“5 Minutes” is a song that reflects the anger and frustration of the punk rock movement, with lyrics that speak about violence, rebellion, and the desire for change. The song’s title is a reference to the idea that it only takes a few minutes for a situation to escalate into violence or chaos.
“5 Minutes” showcases The Stranglers’ raw energy and edgy sound, with aggressive guitar work and pounding drums. The song’s dark and menacing atmosphere set it apart from some of the band’s more melodic songs, and it remains a standout track in their discography.
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.
