About this album
Where they were
By 1990, The Stranglers had established themselves as a prominent force in the UK punk scene, with this compilation marking their first major retrospective. It showcases their evolution from raw punk energy in the late '70s to more melodic and experimental sounds in the '80s, including hits like 'Golden Brown'. This album arrived shortly after their commercial peak, capturing a significant chapter in their career.
Why it matters
This greatest hits compilation solidified The Stranglers' legacy by reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and featuring tracks that defined the new wave and post-punk movements. Songs like 'Peaches' and 'Golden Brown' not only received critical acclaim but also influenced subsequent generations of musicians within the genre.
Essential tracks
- "Peaches" — 'Peaches' is emblematic of The Stranglers' playful yet provocative style, blending catchy hooks with suggestive lyrics that challenge norms.
- "Golden Brown" — This track stands out for its unique time signature and haunting melody, often regarded as one of the band's finest works.
- "No More Heroes" — 'No More Heroes' captures the band's gritty punk ethos while critiquing societal disillusionment, making it a defining anthem of the era.
- "Always the Sun" — With its introspective lyrics and melodic structure, this song marks a mature phase in The Stranglers' songwriting, reflecting personal and societal themes.
Release Date
January 1, 1990
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Peaches 4:06
- 2 Something Better Change 3:35
- 3 No More Heroes 3:28
- 4 Walk On By 6:21
- 5 Duchess 2:30
- 6 Golden Brown 3:30
- 7 Strange Little Girl 2:43
- 8 European Female 4:02
- 9 Skin Deep 3:56
- 10 Nice in Nice 3:47
- 11 Always the Sun 4:06
- 12 Big in America 3:05
- 13 All Day and All of the Night 2:31
- 14 96 Tears 3:05
- 15 No Mercy 3:30