The Troggs were an English rock band formed in the 1960s, known for their raw and energetic rock sound. Their most famous song is “Wild Thing,” released in 1966, which became a worldwide hit and is considered a classic of garage rock and proto-punk. The Troggs’ music often featured simple chord progressions, powerful vocals, and a rebellious attitude that influenced the punk rock movement. Other notable songs by The Troggs include “With a Girl Like You” and “Love Is All Around,” which also achieved significant success. The band’s impact on rock music continues to be recognized, with their raw and direct style remaining influential in the genre.
1. Wild Thing
“Wild Thing” is a classic rock song originally recorded by The Troggs in 1966. Written by Chip Taylor, the song is characterized by its simple yet infectious guitar riff and straightforward lyrics celebrating wild and uninhibited love. “Wild Thing” became a massive hit for The Troggs, reaching number one on the charts in the United States and many other countries. Its raw and primal energy, coupled with the band’s gritty vocals, made it a defining song of the garage rock era and a staple of rock and roll. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, further cementing its status as a rock classic.
2. Love Is All Around
“Love Is All Around” is a song originally recorded by The Troggs in 1967. Written by Reg Presley, the song is a classic rock ballad known for its simple yet heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody. The Troggs’ version of “Love Is All Around” became a major hit, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s lyrics express themes of love and devotion, with a message that love is omnipresent and uplifting. Its memorable chorus and gentle, romantic vibe made it a favorite during the 1960s and beyond. Over the years, “Love Is All Around” has been covered by various artists, including a notable version by Wet Wet Wet in 1994, which topped charts around the world.
The Troggs’ original recording remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its enduring appeal and universal message about the power of love.
3. With a Girl Like You
“With a Girl Like You” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It became a notable hit for the band, following the success of their earlier hit, “Wild Thing.” The song features a catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Reg Presley.
Lyrically, “With a Girl Like You” expresses joy and contentment in the company of a loved one, celebrating the happiness that comes with being in a romantic relationship. The song’s lighthearted and playful tone, coupled with its infectious rhythm, contributed to its popularity during the mid-1960s.
“With a Girl Like You” solidified The Troggs’ reputation as a prominent band in the British Invasion era, known for their straightforward rock and roll sound and catchy tunes. The song remains a favorite among fans of 1960s rock music, cherished for its charm and timeless appeal.
4. I Can’t Control Myself
“I Can’t Control Myself” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It became one of their most successful singles, reaching the top 10 on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song is characterized by its raw energy, catchy guitar riff, and lead singer Reg Presley’s impassioned vocals.
Lyrically, “I Can’t Control Myself” expresses uncontrollable desire and infatuation, with the protagonist unable to restrain his emotions. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody contributed to its popularity during the mid-1960s, appealing to audiences with its rebellious and lively rock sound.
“I Can’t Control Myself” remains a classic example of The Troggs’ distinctive style, known for their straightforward approach to rock and roll music. The song’s enduring popularity has solidified its place in rock music history, showcasing The Troggs’ influence on the British Invasion and garage rock movements of the era.
5. Anyway That You Want Me
“Anyway That You Want Me” is a song originally recorded by The Troggs in 1966. Written by Chip Taylor, the song is a melodic ballad that contrasts with the band’s more raw and energetic hits like “Wild Thing.” “Anyway That You Want Me” features heartfelt lyrics and a softer musical arrangement, showcasing a different side of The Troggs’ musical versatility. The song achieved moderate success upon its release and has been covered by various artists over the years, including versions by The Zombies and Spiritualized, among others. Its enduring appeal lies in its romantic themes and emotive delivery, adding depth to The Troggs’ repertoire beyond their typical garage rock style.
6. Give It to Me
“Give It to Me” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It’s known for its energetic and aggressive rock sound, typical of the band’s style. The song features a driving beat, raw guitar riffs, and gritty vocals, characteristic of The Troggs’ rebellious and straightforward approach to rock music. “Give It to Me” captures the band’s raw energy and attitude, appealing to fans of garage rock and proto-punk. While not as widely known as some of their other hits like “Wild Thing,” it remains a notable track in The Troggs’ catalog, reflecting their influence on the rock music of the 1960s.
7. Night of the Long Grass
“Night of the Long Grass” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It’s a notable track that showcases the band’s evolution towards a more psychedelic rock sound, departing somewhat from their earlier straightforward rock and roll style. The song features intricate guitar work, a dreamy atmosphere, and psychedelic influences in its arrangement and production.
Lyrically, “Night of the Long Grass” explores themes of escapism and freedom, with evocative imagery that reflects the psychedelic era of the late 1960s. The song’s title itself is a reference to a historical event, “The Night of the Long Knives,” which adds a layer of depth to its interpretation.
“Night of the Long Grass” was well-received for its experimental approach and marked a transition in The Troggs’ musical direction. While not as commercially successful as some of their earlier hits, the song remains appreciated by fans and critics alike for its adventurous spirit and contribution to the band’s diverse discography.
8. Hi Hi Hazel
“Hi Hi Hazel” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1967. It’s a lively and upbeat track that showcases the band’s energetic rock style. The song features catchy melodies, lively guitar riffs, and playful lyrics, capturing the carefree spirit of the 1960s rock era. “Hi Hi Hazel” was a minor hit for The Troggs, known for its infectious charm and danceable rhythm. While not as widely remembered as some of their bigger hits, it remains a fun example of The Troggs’ contribution to the garage rock genre.
9. Evil Woman
“Evil Woman” is a song by the British rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released in 1975 on their album “Face the Music.” Written by band leader Jeff Lynne, “Evil Woman” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and distinctive blend of rock, pop, and orchestral elements that became ELO’s signature sound.
Lyrically, “Evil Woman” addresses a cautionary tale about a manipulative and deceitful woman who causes trouble for those around her. Despite the serious theme, the song’s energetic rhythm and Lynne’s dynamic vocals give it a lively and almost playful feel.
“Evil Woman” became a major hit for ELO, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and charting well internationally. It remains one of the band’s most recognizable and enduring songs, known for its infectious hooks and innovative production that helped define ELO’s success in the 1970s and beyond.
10. Little Girl
“Little Girl” is a song by The Troggs, released in 1966. It’s a bluesy rock track characterized by its gritty guitar riff and raw vocals, typical of The Troggs’ early garage rock style. The song features a straightforward musical arrangement and lyrics that reflect themes of desire and longing. “Little Girl” was one of The Troggs’ early singles before they gained international fame with hits like “Wild Thing.” It showcases their raw and rebellious approach to rock music, appealing to fans of the garage rock and proto-punk genres.