The Troggs were a British rock band formed in the 1960s, known for their raw, energetic sound and influential contributions to the garage rock and proto-punk genres. One of their most famous songs is “Wild Thing,” released in 1966, which became a global hit and is considered a classic of rock music. The Troggs’ music was characterized by its simplicity, catchy riffs, and primal energy, influencing bands that followed in the punk and garage rock scenes. Other notable songs by The Troggs include “With a Girl Like You” and “Love Is All Around.” They left a significant mark on rock music history with their rebellious spirit and memorable hits.
1. Wild Thing
“Wild Thing” is a classic rock song originally recorded by The Troggs in 1966. Written by Chip Taylor, the song features a simple yet infectious guitar riff and straightforward lyrics that celebrate youthful rebellion and attraction. “Wild Thing” became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and achieving international success. Its raw energy and catchy melody made it a quintessential anthem of the mid-1960s garage rock era. The song has been covered numerous times by various artists, solidifying its status as a timeless rock classic.
2. Love Is All Around
“Love Is All Around” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. Written by Reg Presley, the song is a romantic ballad that expresses the joy and positivity of love. With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Love Is All Around” became one of The Troggs’ signature songs, showcasing a softer side of their repertoire compared to their more raw, rock-oriented hits like “Wild Thing.” The song’s popularity was bolstered by its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film *Four Weddings and a Funeral* in 1994, when it was covered by Wet Wet Wet and became a chart-topping hit once again.
3. With a Girl Like You
“With a Girl Like You” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It is a cheerful and upbeat pop-rock tune that contrasts with some of their more raw and aggressive hits like “Wild Thing.” The song features catchy guitar riffs and lyrics that express admiration and affection for a special girl. “With a Girl Like You” became another successful single for The Troggs, reaching the top of the UK Singles Chart and solidifying their reputation as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion era. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics continue to charm listeners decades after its release.
4. I Can’t Control Myself
“I Can’t Control Myself” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It is known for its energetic, riff-driven sound and suggestive lyrics, typical of the band’s early garage rock style. The song features a catchy guitar riff and lead singer Reg Presley’s distinctive vocals, conveying a sense of wild abandon and infatuation. “I Can’t Control Myself” was a hit for The Troggs, reaching the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart and showcasing their ability to blend raw rock energy with infectious melodies. The song remains a favorite among fans of 1960s rock music for its rebellious spirit and memorable hooks.
5. Anyway That You Want Me
“Anyway That You Want Me” is a song originally recorded by The Troggs in 1966. It is a melodic and emotive ballad written by Chip Taylor, showcasing a softer and more introspective side of the band compared to their more aggressive hits. The song features gentle instrumentation and heartfelt vocals, expressing a longing for love and acceptance. “Anyway That You Want Me” was well-received and became a moderate hit for The Troggs, showcasing their versatility in delivering both energetic rock and tender ballads. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, reflecting its enduring appeal and emotional resonance.
6. Give It to Me
“Give It to Me” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. The Troggs were a British rock band known for their raw and energetic sound, often associated with the garage rock and proto-punk movements of the 1960s.
“Give It to Me” is characterized by its catchy guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and aggressive vocals by lead singer Reg Presley. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and desire, with lines like “Give it to me baby, I gotta have it / Some sweet little girl ain’t never gonna make me feel so good.”
The song’s raw and rebellious energy, combined with its straightforward lyrics and infectious melody, made it a favorite among fans of the garage rock genre. “Give It to Me” showcases The Troggs’ ability to deliver high-energy performances with a distinctive edge, contributing to their reputation as influential figures in the rock music scene of the 1960s.
7. Night of the Long Grass
“Night of the Long Grass” is a psychedelic rock song by The Troggs, released in 1967. Known for their raw and energetic style, The Troggs ventured into psychedelic rock territory with this track, showcasing their versatility beyond their more straightforward garage rock hits.
The song “Night of the Long Grass” features a dreamy and hypnotic melody, characterized by swirling guitars, ethereal vocals, and a laid-back rhythm. The lyrics evoke a sense of mysticism and introspection, exploring themes of escapism and the allure of the unknown.
While not as commercially successful as some of their earlier hits, “Night of the Long Grass” remains notable for its experimentation with psychedelic elements and its contribution to The Troggs’ diverse musical repertoire. It reflects the band’s willingness to explore new sounds and styles during the vibrant musical landscape of the 1960s.
8. Hi Hi Hazel
“Hi Hi Hazel” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It is known for its upbeat and energetic style, typical of the garage rock sound that The Troggs were known for during the 1960s.
The song “Hi Hi Hazel” features a lively melody with catchy guitar riffs, a driving rhythm, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Reg Presley. The lyrics convey a sense of excitement and infatuation, as the narrator expresses his admiration for a girl named Hazel. Lines like “Hi, hi, Hazel, you’re the only girl for me” capture the playful and youthful spirit of the song.
“Hi Hi Hazel” showcases The Troggs’ ability to deliver catchy and energetic rock songs with their trademark raw and unpolished style. While not as widely remembered as some of their bigger hits, the song remains a testament to The Troggs’ influence on the garage rock and proto-punk movements of the 1960s.
9. Evil Woman
“Evil Woman” is a rock song by the British band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released in 1975 as a single from their album *Face the Music*. It’s known for its distinctive blend of rock, pop, and orchestral elements, characteristic of ELO’s style.
The lyrics of “Evil Woman” depict a cautionary tale about a manipulative and deceitful woman who brings trouble and heartache to those around her. Lines like “Evil woman, how you done me wrong / But now you’re trying to wail a different song” convey the narrator’s frustration and resentment towards the titular character.
Musically, “Evil Woman” features a catchy melody with a prominent piano riff, layered with electric guitar, strings, and harmonized vocals typical of ELO’s orchestral rock sound. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious chorus contributed to its popularity, reaching the top 10 on charts in both the UK and the US.
“Evil Woman” remains a classic in ELO’s discography, celebrated for its memorable hooks, dynamic arrangement, and Jeff Lynne’s distinctive vocals. It’s a standout example of ELO’s ability to blend rock, pop, and orchestral elements into a cohesive and commercially successful sound during the 1970s.
10. Little Girl
“Little Girl” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It’s known for its catchy melody and straightforward lyrics typical of the garage rock era.
The song “Little Girl” features a driving rhythm and upbeat guitar riffs, characteristic of The Troggs’ energetic style. The lyrics tell the story of a young girl who captivates the narrator’s attention, with lines like “Hey, little girl, look what you do / Oh, don’t make me blue.”
“Little Girl” showcases The Troggs’ ability to deliver infectious and straightforward rock songs with their trademark raw and unpolished sound. While not as widely remembered as some of their bigger hits like “Wild Thing,” “Little Girl” remains a testament to The Troggs’ influence on the garage rock and proto-punk movements of the 1960s.