The Stranglers are an English rock band known for their aggressive, punk-inspired sound and provocative lyrics. Formed in 1974 in Guildford, Surrey, the band originally consisted of Hugh Cornwell (vocals, guitar), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass), Dave Greenfield (keyboards), and Jet Black (drums). They achieved mainstream success in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like “No More Heroes,” “Golden Brown,” and “Always the Sun.” The Stranglers’ music often features dark, edgy themes and a blend of punk, new wave, and rock influences, setting them apart from their contemporaries. Despite several lineup changes over the years, the band continues to perform and record music, maintaining a dedicated fan base.
1. Hanging Around
“Hanging Around” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977 as a single from their album “Rattus Norvegicus.” The song is characterized by its driving bassline, gritty guitar riffs, and sardonic lyrics, typical of the band’s punk-inspired sound. “Hanging Around” reflects the band’s rebellious attitude and social commentary, with lyrics that touch on themes of boredom, disillusionment, and urban alienation. The song’s infectious energy and raw, edgy sound helped establish The Stranglers as one of the leading bands in the British punk rock scene of the late 1970s.
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 is characterized by its pulsating bassline, aggressive guitar riffs, and dark, menacing lyrics. “Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” showcases the band’s distinctive sound, which blended elements of punk rock with other genres like new wave and post-punk. The lyrics of the song depict a gritty, urban landscape and explore themes of vice, corruption, and urban decay. Despite its controversial subject matter, “Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” became a hit for The Stranglers and remains a fan favorite, demonstrating the band’s ability to create powerful, provocative music.
3. All Day and All of the Night
“All Day and All of the Night” is a song by The Kinks, released in 1964. Written by Ray Davies, the song is characterized by its aggressive guitar riff, driving rhythm, and defiant lyrics. “All Day and All of the Night” was a follow-up to The Kinks’ earlier hit “You Really Got Me,” and it shares a similar raw, energetic sound. The song’s lyrics express a sense of longing and obsession, with the protagonist declaring his love and desire to be with someone “all day and all of the night.” “All Day and All of the Night” became a major hit for The Kinks, further establishing them as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion.
4. Golden Brown
“Golden Brown” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1981 as a single from their album “La Folie.” The song is characterized by its distinctive harpsichord melody, intricate rhythm, and enigmatic lyrics. “Golden Brown” has a more subdued and melodic sound compared to The Stranglers’ earlier work, incorporating elements of baroque pop and folk rock. The lyrics of the song are often interpreted as being about either heroin or a girl, with the “golden brown” referring to either the drug or the girl’s hair color. Despite its ambiguous meaning, “Golden Brown” became one of The Stranglers’ biggest hits, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart.
5. Peaches
“Peaches” is a song by The Presidents of the United States of America, released in 1995 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. The song is characterized by its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and quirky lyrics. “Peaches” features a simple, yet infectious, guitar riff and playful, nonsensical lyrics about the joys of eating peaches. The song’s humorous and offbeat style helped it become a commercial success, reaching number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Peaches” remains one of The Presidents of the United States of America’s most popular and enduring songs, showcasing their unique blend of alternative rock and humor.
6. No More Heroes
“No More Heroes” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977 as the title track from their second album. The song is characterized by its driving bassline, aggressive guitar riffs, and rebellious lyrics. “No More Heroes” reflects the band’s punk rock roots and their disdain for traditional heroes and authority figures. The lyrics reference various historical and cultural figures, questioning their status as heroes and challenging the idea of hero worship. The song’s energetic sound and anti-establishment message resonated with audiences, helping it become one of The Stranglers’ most iconic and enduring songs.
7. Always the Sun
“Always the Sun” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1986 as the second single from their album “Dreamtime.” The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, melodic guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics. “Always the Sun” features a more polished and pop-oriented sound compared to The Stranglers’ earlier work, reflecting the band’s evolving musical style. The lyrics of the song explore themes of hope, perseverance, and the search for meaning in life. Despite not achieving significant commercial success upon its release, “Always the Sun” has since become one of The Stranglers’ most enduring and beloved songs, praised for its catchy melody and thoughtful lyrics.
8. Skin Deep
“Skin Deep” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1984 as the lead single from their album “Aural Sculpture.” The song is characterized by its catchy chorus, upbeat rhythm, and introspective lyrics. “Skin Deep” explores themes of superficiality and the masks people wear in society, with the chorus emphasizing that “it’s only skin deep.” The song features a more commercial sound compared to The Stranglers’ earlier work, incorporating elements of new wave and pop rock. “Skin Deep” became one of The Stranglers’ biggest hits, reaching number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s music video, which features the band performing in a surreal, dreamlike setting, also received critical acclaim.
9. Duchess
“Duchess” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1979 as the lead single from their album “The Raven.” The song is characterized by its melodic piano intro, upbeat tempo, and catchy chorus. “Duchess” features a more polished and pop-oriented sound compared to The Stranglers’ earlier work, reflecting the band’s musical evolution. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a relationship between a man and a woman, with the man expressing his admiration for the woman’s strength and resilience. “Duchess” was a commercial success, reaching number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, and 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 as a single from their album “La Folie.” The song is characterized by its driving bassline, intense guitar riffs, and aggressive vocals. “5 Minutes” features dark, menacing lyrics that tell the story of a man contemplating a violent act of revenge. The song’s fast tempo and raw, edgy sound showcase The Stranglers’ punk rock roots and rebellious attitude. Despite its controversial subject matter, “5 Minutes” became a hit for The Stranglers, reaching number 11 on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s powerful music and provocative lyrics have made it a standout track in The Stranglers’ 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.
