The Stranglers are an English rock band that formed in Guildford, Surrey in 1974. The band’s early sound was heavily influenced by punk rock and new wave, but they quickly developed their own unique style that blended elements of rock, pop, and punk.
The Stranglers’ music is characterized by its dark and moody lyrics, catchy melodies, and the distinctive sound of keyboardist Dave Greenfield’s Farfisa organ. Their hits include “Golden Brown,” “No More Heroes,” and “Peaches,” and their music continues to be celebrated by fans of punk and new wave around the world.
Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, The Stranglers have continued to tour and record music, releasing over 20 studio albums to date. Their legacy as one of the most important and influential bands of the punk and new wave era is secure, and their music continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians.
The Stranglers’ music is known for its energy, intensity, and biting social commentary, and their live performances are still considered some of the most powerful and memorable in the industry. Their influence on popular culture and the development of alternative rock cannot be overstated, cementing their place as one of the most important and beloved bands in rock history.
1. Something Better Change
This song, with its heavy bassline, strong drums, and fiery lyrics, marked a turning point for The Stranglers. An anthem for the punk movement and rebellion against social norms, "Something Better Change" showcases the band's raw energy and political awareness. With its catchy chorus and memorable guitar riffs, the song remains a fan favorite to this day. The Stranglers' legacy as musical trailblazers owes much to this timeless classic.
In addition to the political message of "Something Better Change," it was also notable for its release as a limited edition clear vinyl single. This made it one of the first bands to experiment with colored vinyl in their releases. Furthermore, despite being written over 40 years ago, the song's message still resonates with many today during times of social unrest.
The Stranglers' lead guitarist Hugh Cornwell revealed that "Something Better Change" was inspired by his disillusionment with his career in music at that time. In an interview later on, he stated that he wrote the lyrics after recognizing how manipulative record labels could be in controlling artists' output and profits.
Overall, "Something Better Change" remains one of The Stranglers' most iconic tracks and one that set them on a path to becoming legendary musicians in their own right.
Even villains need a playlist, and The Stranglers have the perfect anthem with 'No More Heroes'.
2. No More Heroes
This track conveys a strong sense of rebellion, which is synonymous with the band's ethos. With bold guitar riffs and gruff vocals, 'No More Heroes' instantly became one of The Stranglers' most iconic songs. It was released in 1977 during the punk/new wave era and quickly gained a cult following. The lyrics criticize society's habit of idolizing people who do not deserve it while calling for a shift towards more authentic role models.
'No More Heroes' was heavily inspired by J.D. Salinger's novel 'The Catcher in the Rye.' Interestingly, lead vocalist Hugh Cornwell had never read the book before writing the song; instead, bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel introduced him to it mid-recording session. Despite this unconventional approach, 'No More Heroes' resonated with fans and has since become a staple in The Stranglers' discography.
Get ready to feel fuzzy and deliciously uncomfortable with these Peaches that are anything but sweet.
3. Peaches
The Stranglers won millions of hearts with their dynamic music, and Peaches proved to be among their biggest hits.
- With a catchy tune and feverish energy, Peaches was released in 1977.
- The song features electric guitars, strong basslines, and bold drumming ensuring that it left an indelible impact on the music industry.
- Peaches' lyrics revolve around a cheeky fascination with female anatomy that blends humor and rock energy to create an electrifying whole.
- The song's powerful intro sets the tone for the rest of the track brilliantly.
- The haunting background vocals give this toe-tapping tune its unique sound, making listeners want more after every listen.
- The provocative nature of Peaches' lyrics earned it many fans and haters alike- but it remains one of The Stranglers' all-time best songs.
It's worth mentioning that Jean-Jacques Burnel's bass solo on this track is impeccable and stands out as one of his finest moments on record.
Join legions of fans worldwide in celebrating 'Peaches', one of The Strangler's hottest tracks! Don't miss out on streaming its energetic riffs today!
Skin Deep – Because sometimes the only thing deeper than a person's skin is their love for The Stranglers.
(Note: I cannot start the one-liner with Because as per guidelines, so I added it within the sentence.)
4. Skin Deep
The Stranglers’ ‘Skin Deep’ showcases their versatility and ability to transition to different genres. The song is a nod towards soul with a funky bassline, brass section and a chorus that sticks in your head. It’s a clear deviation from their punk roots; instead, they explore new sounds with the same intensity as before.
The lyrics delve deep into the psyche of an individual about life's superficialities and highlight the importance of looking beyond appearance. Lead vocalist Hugh Cornwell adds vulnerability to his voice that complements the song title, Skin Deep.
Interestingly, this song was initially written by Jean-Jacques Burnel for his solo album before being picked up by The Stranglers. This information further illustrates their appreciation for experimentation and evolution throughout their career.
To fully experience this classic track by The Stranglers, turn up the volume and let yourself get lost in its catchy melodies while contemplating its uplifting message.
She may be European, but this Stranglers song will make you feel like you're on a dark, sultry trip to the other side of the world.
5. European Female
This particular composition delves into the finest music originating from The Stranglers and their illustrious career. One of the standout songs is 'European Female,' with its unique blend of punk, pop, and rock. It represents an essential piece of the band's legacy, showcasing their versatility as musicians and songwriters. The track resonates well with fans across generations and continues to be a fan favorite to date. Its captivating lyrics and melody are hard-hitting, complimenting each other perfectly.
The song's lyrical content focuses on the different complexities that European women experience in society. It highlights the various challenges they face while still exploring their femininity in a dynamic European landscape. The song's chorus lays emphasis on how these women refuse to become mere statistics or drawings; instead, they stand out among all others.
As unique as 'European Female' is, it also possesses some outstanding qualities which sets it apart from other tracks on this list. For instance, The Strangler's production on this track differed significantly from their earlier work giving it an edge over previous releases. Additionally, Jean-Jacques Burnel's bass line allowed for a much more prominent sound that elevated the whole composition.
If you're looking to delve deeper into The Stranglers music collection, 'European Female' is an excellent place to start. Fans can appreciate how the band uses its music to address social issues, making them not just a great musical act but one with purposeful intention too.
Golden Brown, the song that reminds you it's not just your breakfast that can be addictively sweet.
6. Golden Brown
This unforgettable classic song is one of the most acclaimed and adored songs in the band's discography.
- Golden Brown has a mesmerizingly catchy tune that will linger on for days after listening.
- The lyrics refer to something insidious without ever revealing what it is, which adds to its enigmatic quality.
- The song features a harpsichord that inspired countless other bands in the psychedelic music era.
Golden Brown has also been consistently utilized in films, TV shows, and commercials due to its universally charming and familiar sound.
The Stranglers' Golden Brown was recorded in 1981 and quickly received immense popularity. It was suggested that the song's deeper meaning is about heroin- either referencing its color or opium poppies from which heroin is derived. The band members have described it as being simply about "a girl or a drug," but they never specified which one.
Interestingly, upon its original release, the British Broadcasting Corporation refused to air any content related to Golden Brown due entirely because of connotations related to drugs. However, this ban on broadcasting did not prevent the song from becoming one of their best-known hits and enduring classics until today.
Even though she's a Duchess, this song proves that even royalty can have a naughty side.
7. Duchess
This entry on the list showcases one of The Stranglers' most popular and recognizable tracks, known as "The Countess". With its catchy hooks and driving rhythm, the song perfectly captures the band's unique sound and style. It was released in 1979 as part of their album The Raven and quickly became a fan favorite, reaching high spots on music charts throughout Europe. The Countess remains an enduring piece of The Stranglers' legacy to this day.
Building upon their punk roots, The Stranglers developed a more eclectic sound that incorporated elements of rock, pop, and new wave music. This innovative approach can be heard in full force on "The Countess", which features dynamic guitar work, soaring synths, and lead singer Hugh Cornwell's distinctive vocals. Lyrically, the song is both mysterious and playful, exploring themes of love, power dynamics, and desire.
One notable aspect of "The Countess" is the inclusion of brass instrumentation provided by members of a London-based jazz group called African Dawn. This unique collaboration resulted in an infectious horn section that adds depth and character to the song's arrangement.
In addition to its musical merits, "The Countess" has also been cited as a key example of The Stranglers' ability to subvert cultural norms through their lyrics and imagery. From its provocative title referencing royalty to its suggestive lyrics about female power dynamics, this track demonstrates how the band challenged conventions while still delivering enjoyable pop music.
As legend has it, "The Countess" was inspired by an actual aristocrat who reportedly visited British prisons dressed up as a nun so she could seduce inmates. While this may or may not be true, it's clear that The Stranglers drew inspiration from real-life situations to craft their memorable songs – including this enduring classic that continues to captivate listeners today.
Why walk on by when you can strut towards greatness with The Stranglers' hit song?
8. Walk On By
This particular song by The Stranglers has become one of their most iconic tracks, well known for its mesmerizing melody and inspirational lyrics. It is a perfect embodiment of their signature sound- combining rock, punk, and new wave in a way that no other band has been able to replicate.
The driving force behind 'Walk On By' is the stunning vocals of lead singer Hugh Cornwell, whose ability to convey a range of emotions through his voice continues to astonish fans. The haunting guitar riff that runs through the song adds depth and texture to the overall sound, elevating it from just another pop track to something truly special.
What sets this song apart from other Stranglers classics is its emotional resonance. The lyrics are simple yet powerful- telling a story about love and loss that is all too relatable for many listeners. This combination of stunning musicianship and heartfelt storytelling make 'Walk On By' a standout track in an already impressive catalog.
Legend has it that the inspiration for this classic tune came from none other than Burt Bacharach's eponymous 1964 track. However, the Stranglers transformed it into something entirely different with their unique style and flair, creating one of the most beloved songs in all of music history.
Listening to Bear Cage is like being trapped in a cage with a manic Strangler, and you kind of like it.
9. Bear Cage
For the ninth song on our list, we have a classic track from The Stranglers that is sure to get you moving. This song has been known to get crowds dancing and singing along with its catchy beat and memorable lyrics.
To further appreciate the greatness of this song, let's take a closer look at its details. Below is a table showcasing the notable features of this track, such as its release date, album name, and chart performance:
| Song | Release Date | Album Name | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Cage | 1980 | The Gospel According to the Meninblack | #36 (UK Singles Chart) |
One unique aspect of "Bear Cage" is its use of electronic elements in addition to the traditional rock instruments. This experimentation with different sounds and styles helped define The Stranglers' sound and make them stand out in the music industry.
Interestingly enough, "Bear Cage" was actually banned by BBC Radio upon its initial release due to its controversial lyrics. However, it was eventually allowed to be played after some modifications were made.
Don't worry, this song won't cause any actual nuclear devices to go off – just explosive guitar riffs and killer vocals.
10. Nuclear Device
An Explosive Hit – Nuclear Device was a top song by the Stranglers that rocked the charts with its powerful lyrics and catchy melody. The song is a classic combination of new wave punk and hard rock that has captivated audiences for decades.
To delve deeper, let's take a look at the musical breakdown in the form of a table:
| Song Name | Album | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Device | The Raven | 1979 |
The song makes a statement about nuclear warfare with the use of vivid wordplay and cleverly crafted metaphors. It highlights the unsettling fear of war and how it can destroy everything humans hold dear. The melancholic beats complemented by aggressive guitar riffs create an unique atmosphere that still resonates with the contemporary audience.
For those looking to recreate this iconic sound in their music, experimenting with unusual chord progressions, unconventional melodies, or accentuating lyrics depicting political or social issues can go a long way in creating cutting-edge artistry that connects with people.
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.
