When it comes to rock ‘n’ roll legends, few bands have carved their name into the annals of music history quite like The Troggs. Bursting onto the scene in the mid-1960s, this British band not only defined the sound of a generation but also influenced countless artists across genres. With their raw energy and catchy melodies, The Troggs captured the essence of the era, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.
From their iconic hit “Wild Thing,” which became an anthem for a generation, to their lesser-known gems that still resonate with fans today, The Troggs’ discography is a treasure trove of infectious tunes. Their unique blend of garage rock and pop sensibilities has ensured their music remains timeless, captivating new audiences while delighting long-time fans.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most popular songs by The Troggs, delving into the stories behind these unforgettable tracks and what makes them resonate even decades after their release. Get ready to relive the magic of The Troggs as we countdown their greatest hits!
1. Wild Thing (1966)
Released in 1966, “Wild Thing” remains The Troggs’ signature hit and a defining moment in the rock ‘n’ roll world. The song, with its unforgettable, raw guitar riff and bold, unrestrained vocals, perfectly captured the energy and rebellious spirit of the 1960s. From the moment the iconic riff kicks in, “Wild Thing” grabs your attention, and the energy doesn’t let go. The lyrics, simple yet playful, reflect the excitement and impulsiveness of infatuation and desire. It’s a song about unbridled attraction, with a touch of wildness that makes it feel immediate and genuine. The Troggs’ performance is drenched in that unmistakable garage rock energy—raw, unpolished, and filled with passion. The song’s appeal lies not just in its infectious hook, but in its ability to resonate with anyone who’s ever felt a spark of spontaneous infatuation. Over the years, “Wild Thing” has been covered by a range of artists, from Jimi Hendrix to Britney Spears, solidifying its place in pop culture. It continues to be a go-to track for rock fans and is instantly recognizable, both for its musical impact and its reflection of a carefree, wild era in music history. “Wild Thing” remains timeless—a song that invites listeners to let go, be spontaneous, and embrace the thrill of living in the moment.
2. With a Girl Like You (1966)
“With a Girl Like You,” another hit released in 1966, is one of The Troggs’ most enduring tracks, showing off their ability to merge catchy melodies with simple yet effective lyrics. The song exudes warmth and charm, offering a breezy, feel-good vibe that matches its theme of love and longing. The infectious chorus—”With a girl like you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!”—immediately invites listeners to sing along, making it a classic that’s easy to love. The Troggs created a song that’s not only catchy but also relatable, as it captures the sweet, innocent thrill of a crush or a young romance. With its light, upbeat groove, “With a Girl Like You” exudes the same easygoing charm that made many of the ‘60s pop hits so endearing. The song’s simple guitar lines and carefree rhythm reflect the spirit of the times—uncomplicated, joyful, and full of hope. It’s the kind of track that plays in the background of a sunlit afternoon, a reminder of the carefree days of youth and love. This song propelled The Troggs further into the limelight, solidifying their place in rock history. Though it may not have the same rebellious edge as “Wild Thing,” “With a Girl Like You” captures a different side of love—a joyful, innocent kind of affection that has resonated with fans for decades. Its breezy feel and catchy melody make it an irresistible listen, ensuring its place in the canon of beloved ‘60s rock classics.
3. I Can’t Control Myself (1966)
In 1966, The Troggs unleashed “I Can’t Control Myself,” a raw and unfiltered anthem of youthful passion that perfectly captured the chaotic energy of love and desire. The track, with its driving beat and throaty, primal vocals, takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster that mirrors the uncontrollable, intense feelings that often accompany infatuation. The lyrics are straightforward but powerful, expressing the impulsiveness of desire with an honesty that was rare for its time. “I Can’t Control Myself” feels almost like a confession—a wild, unabashed outpouring of emotion. The song’s rawness is further amplified by its garage rock sound—crude, unrefined, and utterly full of energy. The Troggs were known for their ability to infuse their music with a sense of rebellious urgency, and “I Can’t Control Myself” is a prime example of this. The throbbing rhythm section and relentless guitar riff create a sense of urgency, pulling you into the rush of emotions. It’s a song that embodies the essence of rock ‘n’ roll—raw, intense, and unashamed of its wild energy. With its driving pace and fierce vocals, the track is a celebration of living in the moment, a powerful declaration of youthful passion. Over the years, “I Can’t Control Myself” has become a quintessential track in The Troggs’ catalog, showcasing their ability to capture the unfiltered chaos of love and desire. The song’s infectious energy and unabashed attitude have made it an enduring favorite among fans, earning it a lasting place in the annals of rock history.
4. Love Is All Around (1967)
Released in 1967, “Love Is All Around” quickly became one of The Troggs’ most enduring hits, a song that perfectly captured the spirit of optimism and romance that characterized the late ‘60s. With its melodic charm and uplifting message, the track became an instant favorite, not only for its positive lyrics but also for its catchy refrain. The song’s theme—love is everywhere, all around us—resonates universally, making it a timeless anthem for romantic hope. The Troggs’ gentle, melodic delivery makes the track feel almost like a love letter to the world, full of optimism and a sense of endless possibility. The chorus, with its simple yet powerful message, echoes the sentiment that love is the most important force in life. It’s no surprise that “Love Is All Around” became a go-to song for romantic occasions, and its impact continued decades later when it was famously covered by Wet Wet Wet for the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. The Troggs’ original version, however, remains a heartfelt and enduring reminder of their ability to craft songs that feel deeply personal yet widely relatable. “Love Is All Around” speaks to the universality of love—the way it touches every life, no matter where or when. Its easygoing vibe and beautiful melody have ensured that it remains a classic, one of those songs that captures the pure joy of love, making it as relevant today as it was when it was first released. The track is a lasting tribute to The Troggs’ ability to create music that speaks directly to the heart.
5. Anyway That You Want Me (1968)
Released in 1968, “Anyway That You Want Me” is a track that highlights The Troggs’ musical versatility, blending elements of rock and pop with heartfelt lyrics about devotion and surrender. The song is about total submission to love, offering a sense of vulnerability that wasn’t common in rock music at the time. The lyrics convey the idea of giving yourself over to love without reservation—an openness and honesty that makes the track feel personal and sincere. Musically, the song is less raw than some of The Troggs’ other hits, showcasing a more polished, melodic sound while maintaining their characteristic energy. The infectious melody and laid-back groove create an easy, listenable vibe, making the song one of their most accessible tracks. Its simplicity is part of what makes it so effective—the unpretentious arrangement allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine through. The Troggs’ passionate delivery gives the song an extra layer of intensity, turning what could have been a simple love song into something much more powerful. “Anyway That You Want Me” is an anthem for anyone who has ever loved with abandon, willing to give everything for the person they adore. It’s a song that speaks to the heart, capturing the essence of love’s purest form. Over the years, the track has remained a fan favorite, demonstrating The Troggs’ ability to create timeless music that resonates with listeners across generations. With its memorable melody and emotional depth, “Anyway That You Want Me” is a shining example of the band’s musical talent and their ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
6. Give It to Me (1968)
Released in 1968, “Give It to Me” is a track that captures The Troggs’ signature sound—raw, urgent, and full of energy. The song bursts out of the gate with a driving rhythm that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. With its punchy instrumentation and relentless beat, the track conveys a sense of urgency that makes it feel like an emotional outpouring. The lyrics, centered around desire and longing, are straightforward, but their simplicity only serves to enhance the raw emotion behind them. “Give It to Me” feels like a plea, a desperate cry for connection and release. The Troggs’ energetic performance is a key element in what makes the track so captivating. Their vocals are impassioned, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already charged atmosphere created by the music. The pounding drums and repetitive guitar riffs drive the song forward, creating a sense of relentless momentum. It’s a song that feels like it’s building towards something—a release, a climax—and it doesn’t let up until the final note. “Give It to Me” remains a favorite among fans for its raw energy and straightforward intensity. It showcases The Troggs’ ability to capture the intensity of desire in a way that feels both primal and powerful. Over the years, the track has earned its place as a staple of the band’s catalog, a timeless example of their ability to create music that is both emotionally charged and unrelentingly energetic. It’s a song that continues to resonate with listeners, proving that sometimes, the simplest emotions are the most universal.
7. Hi Hi Hazel (1967)
“Hi Hi Hazel,” released in 1967, is a fun and upbeat track that stands as a testament to The Troggs’ ability to craft songs that are not only catchy but also exude a carefree, lighthearted spirit. The song’s lively tempo and infectious chorus make it an instant earworm, with its playful lyrics about a girl named Hazel who is the object of the singer’s affections. The track embodies the spirit of the late ‘60s, a time when pop music was full of optimism and simple joys. The Troggs’ performance is full of energy, with the lively arrangement creating a sense of excitement and fun that’s impossible to resist. “Hi Hi Hazel” is a song that makes you smile, with its bouncy rhythm and cheerful lyrics about a girl who brings joy to the singer’s life. The upbeat melody and playful vocals invite listeners to sing along, making it a perfect track for a carefree day. The Troggs’ ability to balance fun with musicality is evident here, as the song is both infectious and musically tight. It’s a perfect example of the kind of music that defined the ‘60s—fun, light, and full of life. While it might not carry the emotional weight of some of their other hits, “Hi Hi Hazel” shows off a different side of The Troggs’ musical range—one that was able to capture the joy and playfulness of the era. It remains a fan favorite for its catchy hook and infectious energy, cementing its place as one of the band’s beloved tracks.
8. Strange Movies (1968)
Released in 1968, “Strange Movies” is a track that shows The Troggs’ more introspective and experimental side. The song is haunting and surreal, delving into the strange experiences of life and love. It combines the band’s usual rock sensibilities with a darker, more mysterious tone that gives it a unique flavor in their discography. The song’s lyrics are evocative and thought-provoking, painting a vivid picture of the emotional complexity of relationships and the unpredictable nature of life itself. The Troggs’ performance on this track is emotionally charged, with the vocals delivering a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The music follows suit, with eerie, hypnotic melodies that add to the dreamlike quality of the song. “Strange Movies” stands apart from many of the band’s other hits, as it moves into more experimental territory, blending elements of folk rock and psychedelia. It’s a song that captures the surreal, sometimes disorienting nature of love and life, exploring themes of confusion, yearning, and emotional complexity. Despite its somewhat melancholic tone, the track still has the infectious quality that made The Troggs’ music so appealing. It’s one of the band’s more underrated songs, often overshadowed by their bigger hits but deserving of more recognition for its unique sound and introspective lyrics. “Strange Movies” is a testament to The Troggs’ musical range, showing that they were more than just a straightforward rock band. This track remains a hidden gem in their catalog, and its haunting qualities make it a memorable listen for those who are willing to look beyond the band’s more well-known tracks.
9. The Girl I Knew (1966)
Released in 1966, “The Girl I Knew” is a poignant ballad that showcases The Troggs’ softer, more emotional side. Unlike many of their more upbeat tracks, this song is a reflective piece about lost love and the passage of time. The lyrics are infused with nostalgia and longing, as the singer remembers a girl he once knew and the love they shared. The Troggs’ tender performance on this track contrasts with their usual energetic rock sound, allowing the song’s emotion to shine through. The gentle instrumentation and heartfelt vocals create an intimate atmosphere that draws the listener in, evoking a sense of wistful remembrance. “The Girl I Knew” is a song about the bittersweetness of lost love, capturing the feeling of looking back on a relationship with both affection and sadness. It’s a reminder that love, while powerful and beautiful, can also be fleeting. The track’s emotional depth sets it apart from many of The Troggs’ other hits, showing their ability to move beyond the realm of carefree rock anthems and create something truly meaningful. This song is a testament to the band’s versatility, showcasing a more vulnerable and introspective side of their songwriting. “The Girl I Knew” may not have been one of their biggest hits, but it remains a beloved track for fans who appreciate its emotional depth and the subtle beauty of its melodies. It’s a perfect example of how The Troggs could capture the full spectrum of human emotion in their music.
10. The Troggs’ Song (1968)
Released in 1968, “The Troggs’ Song” is an upbeat, celebratory track that encapsulates the essence of the band’s musical style and attitude. With its catchy tempo and playful lyrics, the song is a joyful declaration of the band’s identity and their unique place in the world of rock music. The Troggs invite listeners to revel in the joy of music, with lyrics that emphasize the importance of living in the moment and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. It’s a fitting tribute to the band’s carefree spirit and their ability to create music that makes people feel good. “The Troggs’ Song” is an anthem for anyone who loves rock music and wants to celebrate life’s little joys. The energetic tempo and engaging melody are impossible to resist, and the song’s carefree vibe makes it feel like a party every time it’s played. The Troggs’ performance on this track is full of fun and enthusiasm, showcasing their ability to make music that is both entertaining and uplifting. “The Troggs’ Song” serves as a perfect closing chapter to their ‘60s hits, capturing the essence of their contribution to rock music. It’s a song that reminds listeners of the power of music to bring people together and uplift their spirits, and it remains a beloved part of The Troggs’ catalog.
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.
