The Stranglers are an English rock band formed in 1974 in Guildford, Surrey. They emerged as part of the punk and new wave movements of the late 1970s and are known for their distinctive sound, which blends elements of punk rock, new wave, and post-punk with elements of other genres such as reggae, ska, and psychedelia.
The original lineup of The Stranglers consisted of Hugh Cornwell (vocals, guitar), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass, vocals), Dave Greenfield (keyboards), and Jet Black (drums). Their early music was characterized by aggressive guitar-driven punk rock, but they quickly developed a more diverse and experimental sound that set them apart from their peers.
The Stranglers achieved commercial success with a string of hit singles in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including “Golden Brown,” “No More Heroes,” “Peaches,” and “Always the Sun.” They also gained a reputation for their controversial lyrics and provocative imagery, which often explored themes of alienation, politics, and social issues.
Over the years, The Stranglers have continued to evolve their sound and experiment with different musical styles, releasing over a dozen studio albums and maintaining a dedicated fan base. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Burnel and Black have remained constant members of the band, ensuring continuity and longevity.
The Stranglers’ influence can be heard in the work of countless artists across multiple genres, and they are widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential bands to emerge from the punk and new wave era. They continue to tour and record new music, cementing their status as enduring icons of British rock music.
1. Hanging Around
“Hanging Around” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977 as a single from their second studio album, “No More Heroes.” The song was written by the band’s bassist, Jean-Jacques Burnel.
“Hanging Around” is characterized by its driving bassline, aggressive guitar riffs, and distinctive keyboard melody, courtesy of Dave Greenfield. The song’s lyrics reflect themes of urban alienation and frustration, with the protagonist expressing a sense of disillusionment and boredom with his surroundings.
The song became one of The Stranglers’ signature tracks and a fan favorite. Its catchy melody and energetic instrumentation captured the spirit of the punk and new wave movements of the late 1970s. “Hanging Around” remains a staple of the band’s live performances and a classic of the era, celebrated for its raw energy and rebellious attitude.
2. Nice n Sleazy
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1978 as a single from their third studio album, “Black and White.” The song was written by the band’s bassist, Jean-Jacques Burnel, and keyboardist, Dave Greenfield.
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” is characterized by its driving bassline, infectious rhythm, and gritty lyrics. The song features Burnel’s distinctive bass playing, Greenfield’s swirling keyboards, and Hugh Cornwell’s sneering vocals. The lyrics describe the seedy underbelly of urban life, with imagery that evokes themes of decadence, vice, and corruption.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” became one of The Stranglers’ most successful singles, reaching the top ten on the UK Singles Chart. Its raw energy and rebellious attitude resonated with audiences, cementing the band’s reputation as one of the leading acts of the punk and new wave movements.
“Nice ‘n’ Sleazy” remains a fan favorite and a highlight of The Stranglers’ live performances. Its infectious groove and provocative lyrics continue to captivate listeners, making it a classic of British rock music and a testament to the band’s enduring influence.
3. All Day and All of the Night
“All Day and All of the Night” is actually a song by The Kinks, not The Stranglers. It was written by Ray Davies and released as a single in 1964, becoming one of The Kinks’ biggest hits.
The song is known for its iconic guitar riff and aggressive, energetic sound. The lyrics describe the narrator’s infatuation with a girl and his desire to spend all day and night with her.
The Kinks’ version of “All Day and All of the Night” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in both the UK and the US. It has since become a classic rock staple and is often cited as one of the band’s signature songs.
4. Golden Brown
“Golden Brown” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1982 as a single from their sixth studio album, “La Folie.” The song was written by the band’s keyboardist, Dave Greenfield, and lead vocalist and guitarist, Hugh Cornwell.
“Golden Brown” is characterized by its distinctive harpsichord riff, played by Greenfield, and its melancholic melody. The song’s lyrics are cryptic and enigmatic, with imagery that evokes themes of seduction, addiction, and nostalgia. The title “Golden Brown” is believed to be a reference to heroin, although the band members have denied this interpretation.
Despite its dark subject matter, “Golden Brown” became one of The Stranglers’ biggest hits, reaching the top ten on the UK Singles Chart and earning widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its haunting melody and lush instrumentation set it apart from the band’s more aggressive punk and new wave material, showcasing their versatility as musicians.
“Golden Brown” remains one of The Stranglers’ most beloved and enduring songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its timeless appeal and evocative lyrics have ensured its status as a classic of British rock music.
5. Peaches
“Peaches” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1977 on their album “Rattus Norvegicus.” The song is known for its catchy melody, witty lyrics, and distinctive keyboard riff.
“Peaches” features a simple yet infectious rhythm, with driving bass lines and punchy guitar chords. The lyrics are playful and humorous, describing the narrator’s admiration for a girl named Peaches and his desire to be with her.
The song’s upbeat tempo and irreverent lyrics made it a hit with fans and helped establish The Stranglers as one of the leading bands of the punk and new wave era. “Peaches” remains one of the band’s most popular songs and is often included in their live performances.
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. Written by band members Hugh Cornwell and Jean-Jacques Burnel, the song became one of The Stranglers’ most iconic and enduring tracks.
“No More Heroes” is characterized by its driving rhythm, aggressive guitar riffs, and catchy melody. The lyrics express a sense of disillusionment with the notion of heroism and idol worship, with the protagonist rejecting the idea of following in the footsteps of famous figures and instead striving to forge their own path.
The song’s title has become synonymous with The Stranglers and their defiant attitude toward the music industry and society at large. “No More Heroes” became a rallying cry for the punk movement of the late 1970s, and it remains a staple of the band’s live performances to this day.
With its infectious energy and rebellious spirit, “No More Heroes” solidified The Stranglers’ reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the punk and new wave era. It continues to be celebrated as a classic of British rock music and a defining moment in the band’s career.
7. Always the Sun
“Always the Sun” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1986 on their album “Dreamtime.” The song features a melodic chorus and reflective lyrics that explore themes of hope, perseverance, and the passage of time.
“Always the Sun” is characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, with a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, and a driving rhythm section. The song’s chorus, with its refrain of “It’s always the sun,” is uplifting and anthemic, conveying a sense of optimism and resilience.
The lyrics of “Always the Sun” touch on the idea that no matter how difficult or challenging life may be, there is always hope for a better future. The song’s positive message and memorable melody have made it a fan favorite and a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances.
“Always the Sun” was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the UK Singles Chart. It remains one of The Stranglers’ most popular songs and is often regarded as a classic of 1980s alternative rock music.
8. Skin Deep
“Skin Deep” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1984 on their album “Aural Sculpture.” The song is known for its catchy chorus and thought-provoking lyrics that explore themes of beauty, identity, and self-perception.
“Skin Deep” features a driving rhythm and a memorable guitar riff, along with keyboards and a strong vocal performance. The lyrics of the song suggest that true beauty comes from within, and that external appearances can be deceiving.
The song’s chorus, with its refrain of “Beauty is skin deep,” is a reminder that what truly matters is how a person feels about themselves, rather than how they are perceived by others. The song’s message resonated with many listeners and helped make it one of The Stranglers’ most popular songs.
“Skin Deep” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart. It remains a favorite among fans of The Stranglers and is often included in their live setlists.
9. Duchess
“Duchess” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1979 as a single from their fifth studio album, “The Raven.” The song was written by the band’s bassist, Jean-Jacques Burnel.
“Duchess” is characterized by its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and polished production. The song features prominent keyboards, courtesy of Dave Greenfield, and a driving bassline from Burnel. The lyrics tell the story of a mysterious woman known as the Duchess, with imagery that evokes themes of seduction and intrigue.
The song was a commercial success for The Stranglers, reaching the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart and earning acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its infectious energy and memorable chorus helped to solidify the band’s reputation as one of the leading acts of the new wave movement.
“Duchess” remains a fan favorite and a staple of The Stranglers’ live performances. Its timeless appeal and catchy hooks have ensured its status as a classic of British rock music, and it continues to be celebrated by music lovers around the world.
10. 5 Minutes
“5 Minutes” is a song by The Stranglers, released in 1978 on their album “Black and White.” The song is known for its edgy, aggressive sound and dark, confrontational lyrics.
“5 Minutes” features a driving bass line, punchy guitar riffs, and intense, urgent vocals. The lyrics of the song describe a sense of paranoia and unease, with the narrator feeling like they are constantly under surveillance and unable to escape their circumstances.
The song’s title, “5 Minutes,” is a reference to the idea that at any moment, everything could change and life could be over in an instant. This sense of urgency and impending doom is reflected in the song’s frantic pace and intense atmosphere.
“5 Minutes” has been praised for its raw energy and powerful delivery, and it remains a favorite among fans of The Stranglers’ early punk and new wave sound. The song’s dark, nihilistic lyrics and aggressive instrumentation make it a standout track on “Black and White” and a classic of the punk rock genre.
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.
