The Troggs were an English rock band formed in the 1960s, known for their raw and primal style of rock music. Their most famous song is “Wild Thing,” released in 1966, which became a massive hit and a rock anthem. The Troggs were part of the British Invasion, contributing to the garage rock movement with their simple yet powerful sound.
Apart from “Wild Thing,” The Troggs had several other hits, including “With a Girl Like You” and “Love Is All Around.” Their music was characterized by catchy riffs, straightforward lyrics, and a gritty, energetic performance style. The Troggs’ influence can be heard in later rock movements, including punk rock and garage rock revival.
Despite changes in the music landscape over the years, The Troggs’ music has endured, and “Wild Thing” remains a timeless classic that continues to be covered by artists across genres. The band’s contribution to the rock music scene of the 1960s has earned them a lasting place in music history.
1. Wild Thing
“Wild Thing” is a classic rock song performed by The Troggs, released in 1966. Written by Chip Taylor, the song became one of the most iconic rock anthems of the 1960s and is often cited as one of the greatest songs in the genre’s history.
“Wild Thing” is known for its simple yet infectious melody, catchy guitar riff, and raw, primal energy. The song’s lyrics are straightforward and rebellious, celebrating the freedom and excitement of youthful rebellion and uninhibited desire.
Upon its release, “Wild Thing” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and becoming a massive international hit. Its popularity was further solidified by numerous cover versions by other artists, including Jimi Hendrix, who famously performed a fiery rendition of the song at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.
“Wild Thing” remains a beloved classic rock staple, cherished for its energetic spirit, memorable melody, and timeless appeal. Its influence can be heard in countless rock songs that followed, making it an enduring symbol of the rebellious spirit of rock and roll.
2. Love Is All Around
“Love Is All Around” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It was written by lead singer Reg Presley and featured on their album *Cellophane*. The song is a gentle, melodic ballad with lyrics expressing the joy and beauty of love.
“Love Is All Around” became one of The Troggs’ most famous songs and is considered a classic of the 1960s. The song’s popularity endured over the years, and it was later covered by numerous artists, including Wet Wet Wet, whose version topped the UK Singles Chart for 15 weeks in 1994 after being featured in the film *Four Weddings and a Funeral*. The Troggs’ original version remains a beloved song, cherished for its simple yet heartfelt message about the power of love.
3. With a Girl Like You
“With a Girl Like You” is a pop-rock song by The Troggs, released in 1966. Written by Reg Presley, the lead singer of The Troggs, the song is known for its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and romantic lyrics.
“With a Girl Like You” is a love song that celebrates the joy and happiness of being in love. The lyrics express admiration and affection for the girl in question, with the narrator expressing how lucky he feels to have found someone so special.
The song’s bright and breezy sound, with its jangly guitars and infectious chorus, made it a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United Kingdom and earning The Troggs another hit single.
“With a Girl Like You” remains one of The Troggs’ most popular songs and a classic of the 1960s pop-rock era. Its timeless appeal and feel-good vibe continue to charm listeners to this day, making it a beloved favorite among fans of the genre.
4. I Can’t Control Myself
“I Can’t Control Myself” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It was written by the band’s lead singer, Reg Presley. The song features a raw, energetic sound characteristic of the band’s early rock and roll style.
“I Can’t Control Myself” became one of The Troggs’ biggest hits, reaching the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart and the top 50 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song’s catchy chorus and driving beat made it a favorite among fans of the 1960s garage rock scene.
“I Can’t Control Myself” is known for its suggestive lyrics and rebellious attitude, typical of many rock songs of the era. The song’s primal energy and infectious rhythm have helped it endure as a classic of 1960s rock music.
5. Anyway That You Want Me
“Anyway That You Want Me” is a song written by Chip Taylor and originally recorded by The American Breed in 1967. However, the most famous version of the song is by The Troggs, released in the same year.
The Troggs’ rendition of “Anyway That You Want Me” features a raw, emotive vocal performance by lead singer Reg Presley, backed by the band’s signature garage rock sound. The song’s lyrics express devotion and willingness to please a lover, with lines like “I’ll be anything you want me to be” and “I’ll love you anyway that you want me.”
The Troggs’ version of “Anyway That You Want Me” became a hit, reaching the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. The song’s heartfelt delivery and catchy melody have made it a favorite among fans of 1960s rock music, and it remains one of The Troggs’ most enduring songs.
6. Give It to Me
“Give It to Me” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It was written by the band’s lead singer, Reg Presley. The song features a driving beat, gritty guitar riffs, and Presley’s raw, impassioned vocals.
“Give It to Me” became a hit for The Troggs, reaching the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. The song’s lyrics are suggestive and rebellious, typical of many rock songs of the era. The song’s energetic performance and catchy melody helped it become one of The Troggs’ most popular songs.
“Give It to Me” is known for its raw, primal sound, characteristic of The Troggs’ early garage rock style. The song’s infectious energy and defiant attitude have made it a favorite among fans of 1960s rock music.
7. Night of the Long Grass
“Night of the Long Grass” is a psychedelic rock song by The Troggs, released in 1966. Written by the band’s lead singer Reg Presley, the song is known for its hypnotic melody, trippy lyrics, and experimental sound.
“Night of the Long Grass” delves into surreal and dreamlike imagery, with the lyrics evoking a sense of mystery and otherworldliness. The title itself references the night, which is often associated with darkness and the unknown, while “long grass” suggests hidden or untamed elements.
Musically, “Night of the Long Grass” features swirling guitars, hypnotic rhythms, and atmospheric production techniques that contribute to its psychedelic sound. The song’s arrangement and instrumentation create a sense of immersion and transport the listener to a surreal sonic landscape.
While “Night of the Long Grass” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of The Troggs’ more well-known hits, it remains a favorite among fans of psychedelic rock and showcases the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
8. Hi Hi Hazel
“Hi Hi Hazel” is a pop-rock song by The Troggs, released in 1967. Written by Reg Presley, the lead singer of The Troggs, the song is known for its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and playful lyrics.
“Hi Hi Hazel” is a fun and energetic song that celebrates the excitement and joy of young love. The lyrics tell the story of the narrator’s infatuation with a girl named Hazel, with the chorus exclaiming “Hi hi Hazel, what’cha gonna do?” The song’s infectious rhythm and sing-along chorus made it a popular choice for radio play and live performances.
While “Hi Hi Hazel” may not be as well-known as some of The Troggs’ other hits, it remains a beloved favorite among fans of 1960s pop-rock music. Its upbeat vibe and catchy hooks continue to charm listeners and evoke a sense of nostalgia for the carefree spirit of the era.
9. Evil Woman
“Evil Woman” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It was written by lead vocalist Reg Presley. The song features a bluesy rock sound with a catchy chorus and raw, powerful vocals.
“Evil Woman” became one of The Troggs’ signature songs and a hit single, reaching the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man warning others about an evil woman who has caused him trouble and heartache.
The Troggs’ rendition of “Evil Woman” is known for its driving rhythm and gritty guitar work, typical of their garage rock style. The song’s memorable melody and Presley’s intense vocal delivery have made it a classic of 1960s rock music, beloved by fans of the genre.
10. Little Girl
“Little Girl” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It is a track characterized by its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, typical of the band’s early sound. The lyrics express the narrator’s affection and admiration for a young girl, describing her as sweet and charming.
While “Little Girl” may not be as well-known as some of The Troggs’ other hits, it showcases the band’s ability to craft infectious pop-rock tunes with catchy hooks and memorable melodies. The song’s energetic vibe and playful lyrics make it a charming addition to The Troggs’ repertoire and a favorite among fans of 1960s rock music.
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.
