The Stranglers were a British rock band that emerged in the late 1970s, during the punk rock era. They quickly distinguished themselves from their punk contemporaries by incorporating elements of other genres, such as reggae, jazz, and new wave, into their music. Over the course of their career, which spanned four decades, The Stranglers released 17 studio albums and became known for their eclectic sound and controversial lyrics.
The Stranglers were formed in 1974 in Guildford, Surrey, by Hugh Cornwell (vocals, guitar), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass), Jet Black (drums), and Hans Wärmling (keyboards). They played their first gig in September of that year and soon became a fixture on the London pub circuit. In 1975, they signed to United Artists Records and released their debut album, "Rattus Norvegicus," which featured the hit singles "Peaches" and "Grip." The album was a critical and commercial success, and The Stranglers quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the UK.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, The Stranglers released a string of successful albums, including "No More Heroes" (1977), "Black and White" (1978), "The Raven" (1979), and "La Folie" (1981). Their music was characterized by a mix of punk energy, new wave experimentation, and reggae rhythms. They also became known for their provocative lyrics, which dealt with controversial topics such as prostitution, drug use, and political corruption. This led to some controversy and criticism, but it also helped to establish The Stranglers as a band that wasn't afraid to push boundaries.
In addition to their studio albums, The Stranglers were also renowned for their live performances. They were known for their intense energy and the raw power of their music. Their concerts were often chaotic and unpredictable, with Cornwell's snarling vocals and Burnel's driving bass lines whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Despite this, The Stranglers also showed a more introspective side, as demonstrated by songs such as "Golden Brown" (1982), which became one of their biggest hits.
The 1980s saw The Stranglers shift towards a more polished, mainstream sound. They scored hits with songs such as "Always the Sun" (1986) and "Skin Deep" (1984), but some fans felt that the band had lost some of their edge. In the 1990s, they returned to their punk roots with albums such as "10" (1990) and "Written in Red" (1997). They also continued to tour extensively, cementing their reputation as one of the UK's most enduring and influential bands.
The Stranglers' legacy has been felt across multiple genres, with artists as diverse as The Libertines, The Arctic Monkeys, and The Black Keys citing them as an influence. Their eclectic sound and daring lyrics paved the way for later bands to experiment with different genres and styles. They were also pioneers of the punk movement, helping to establish it as a credible musical genre and inspiring countless other bands to follow in their footsteps.
