The Hit Men
The Stranglers · 1996
152 min · 43 tracks · new wave · punk
A brash compilation blending punk energy with melodic new wave sensibilities, highlighting the band's enduring legacy.
Why this album works
This album is significant for its role in reintroducing The Stranglers to a new generation, featuring remixed versions of their classic tracks alongside newer material. It was well-received, charting in various European countries and reinforcing their status as influential figures in the post-punk scene. The blend of reinterpreted classics and fresh content showcased their adaptability within the changing music landscape.
- Best for
- dynamic flow with varied intensity brash energy for lively sessions nostalgic reflections on past themes
- Context
- Released in 1996, 'The Hit Men' came during The Stranglers' later career phase, following a series of successful albums. By this time, they had transitioned from their initial punk roots into a more diverse sound while maintaining their unique identity. This album serves as both a retrospective of their hits and an exploration of their evolving musical style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· John Cale· The Pretenders· Bryan Adams· Eric Clapton· PJ Harvey· Queen· Paul McCartney
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Grip ’89 4:02
- 2 London Lady 2:31
- 3 Peaches Standout 4:06
- 4 Go Buddy Go 3:58
- 5 Hanging Around 4:27
- 6 Choosey Susie 3:12
- 7 Something Better Change 3:36
- 8 Straighten Out 2:45
- 9 No More Heroes Standout 3:28
- 10 English Towns 2:15
- 11 5 Minutes 3:16
- 12 Nice ’n’ Sleazy 3:12
- 13 Toiler on the Sea 5:25
- 14 Mean to Me 1:55
- 15 Walk On By 6:21
- 16 Duchess 2:30
- 17 Nuclear Device 3:31
- 18 Don’t Bring Harry 4:09
- 19 The Raven 5:13
- 20 Bear Cage 2:49
- 21 Who Wants the World 3:12
Disc 2
- 1 Waltzinblack 3:37
- 2 Thrown Away 3:29
- 3 Just Like Nothing on Earth 3:55
- 4 Let Me Introduce You to the Family 3:08
- 5 Golden Brown Standout 3:27
- 6 La Folie 6:05
- 7 Tramp 3:05
- 8 Strange Little Girl 2:41
- 9 European Female 4:01
- 10 Midnight Summer Dream 3:46
- 11 Paradise 3:10
- 12 Skin Deep 3:54
- 13 No Mercy 3:31
- 14 Let Me Down Easy 3:21
- 15 Nice in Nice 3:46
- 16 Always the Sun (Sunny Side Up mix) 3:58
- 17 Big in America 3:03
- 18 Shakin’ Like a Leaf 2:35
- 19 Was It You? (remix) 2:58
- 20 All Day and All of the Night 2:30
- 21 96 Tears 3:04
- 22 Sweet Smell of Success 2:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.