The Troggs: A Look Back at the Garage Rock Legends' Highs and Lows

The Troggs were one of the premier garage-rock bands that emerged in the mid-1960s, and their tight harmonies and hard-driving riffs have found a place in rock music history. With hits like “Wild Thing” and “Love Is All Around,” they provided some of the decade's most recognizable refrains. But The Troggs also frustrated fans with offbeat choices throughout their career – even while on top – as they shifted focus from cornerstone garage to light psychedelic pop songs between 1966 and 1967. That roller coaster ride took heavy criticism from longtime listeners, but it also led them to record some fantastic tunes that are just now being reevaluated by modern critics. Let's take an in depth look at both sides of The Troggs; what made people so frustrated and yet why we should still appreciate today this legendary band who left us so much classic music!

In the mid-1960s, The Troggs emerged as one of the most influential garage rock bands of the era. With catchy hits like Wild Thing and Love Is All Around, they quickly became a household name. However, the band's sound shifted amidst the changing musical scene, moving towards lighter, more psychedelic pop songs in 1966 and 1967. This led to some frustration from fans, but also produced some hidden gems that are now being rediscovered. Today, we'll delve into both sides of The Troggs' career, examining their highs and lows, and why we should still appreciate this groundbreaking band.

The Troggs' early music was characterized by their raw, garage rock sound. Their debut single Lost Girl showcased their gritty, stripped-down approach that quickly caught the attention of music lovers. This was followed by the band's breakthrough hit, Wild Thing, which was a huge commercial success and remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day. With its infectious riff and simple yet effective lyrics, the song became an anthem for a generation of rebels and rockers.

However, The Troggs' sound began to change with their 1966 album From Nowhere. The band's signature roughness was melded with more refined production and melodies, yielding hits like I Can't Control Myself and Any Way That You Want Me. Though these songs still contained some of the garage rock elements that made the band famous, they hinted at a new direction for the band's sound.

By 1967, The Troggs had fully embraced this new direction with the release of Love Is All Around. The title track, which was later covered by Wet Wet Wet and featured in the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral, showcased a softer, more melodic side of the band. While it was a commercial success, it drew criticism from those who felt that The Troggs had strayed too far from their roots.

Despite the criticism, The Troggs continued to experiment with their sound, releasing albums like Mixed Bag and Cellophane that showcased their growing interest in psychedelia. While these albums didn't receive the same critical and commercial success as their earlier work, they still featured some interesting and innovative songs. For example, Cousin Jane features an unusual 7/8 time signature, making it stand out from the band's other tracks.

All in all, The Troggs' career was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. While some fans were disappointed with the band's move towards psychedelic pop, it's important to remember that they were always pushing themselves creatively and trying new things. Even today, their unique blend of garage rock and psychedelia continues to inspire musicians and captivate listeners. So, the next time you listen to Wild Thing or Love Is All Around, take a moment to appreciate the band who created these timeless classics – and who weren't afraid to explore new musical horizons.