The Rarities cover

The Rarities

The Stranglers · 2002

70 min · 18 tracks · new wave

A nostalgic collection of B-sides and rarities blending punk rock energy with new wave melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    You Hold the Key to My Love in Your Hands Start here — This track exemplifies The Stranglers' knack for catchy hooks paired with poignant lyrics, making it a standout from their earlier work.
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    Walk On By (radio edit) — The band’s unique cover of this classic showcases their ability to reinterpret familiar songs through a distinctive punk lens.
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    No More Heroes (radio edit) — As one of their most recognizable anthems, this radio edit captures the essence of their critique on society wrapped in an infectious melody.
  • →
    Peaches (radio edit) — This track remains emblematic of The Stranglers' playful yet provocative style, combining humor with sharp social commentary.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing with varied peaks
  • eclectic mix for curious listeners
  • evening relaxation with vibrant flow
  • reflective moments amidst energetic tracks
  • nostalgic vibes with contemporary twists

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer standalone hits over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A collection of lesser-known tracks appealing primarily to dedicated fans.
Themes
punk nostalgia· B-side treasures· social critique· playful provocation
Moods
Chill· Nostalgic
Career context
Released in 2002, The Rarities arrives after The Stranglers' commercial peak in the late '70s and early '80s. This compilation reflects a phase of their career where they revisited lesser-known tracks while continuing to explore their eclectic sound. It serves as a testament to their enduring influence even as mainstream visibility waned.
New to The Stranglers? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 You Hold the Key to My Love in Your Hands Start here 2:38
  • 2 Cocktail Nubiles 7:07
  • 3 Tomorrow Was… the Hereafter 4:02
  • 4 N’emmenes pas Harry 4:14
  • 5 Sverige 2:48
  • 6 Walk On By (radio edit) 4:24
  • 7 Mean to Me 1:57
  • 8 Mony Mony 3:01
  • 9 No More Heroes (radio edit) 2:55
  • 10 Peaches (radio edit) 4:04
  • 11 Goebbles, Mosley, God & Ingrams 3:58
  • 12 Waiting for the Trees to Grow 3:29
  • 13 Gone Are Those Days 2:59
  • 14 The Beast 5:59
  • 15 New Day Today 3:45
  • 16 My Young Dreams 4:03
  • 17 Mr. Big 4:33
  • 18 I’ll Be Seeing You 4:23

What to play next

Norfolk Coast
Listen next

Norfolk Coast

2004

Continues the blend of punk and new wave with a fresh perspective.
Coup de Grace
Go back to

Coup de Grace

1998

Sets up the nostalgic tone and energy found in The Rarities.
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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata