The Only Ones were a British rock band formed in London in 1976. They are best known for their unique blend of punk rock, new wave, and power pop, as well as their charismatic frontman, Peter Perrett. The band’s lineup consisted of Perrett on vocals and guitar, John Perry on guitar, Alan Mair on bass, and Mike Kellie on drums.
The Only Ones gained critical acclaim for their self-titled debut album, released in 1978. The album featured their most well-known song, “Another Girl, Another Planet,” which has since become a punk rock classic. Known for its infectious melody and introspective lyrics, the song has been covered by numerous artists and is considered one of the greatest punk rock songs of all time.
Following the success of their debut album, The Only Ones released several more albums, including “Even Serpents Shine” (1979) and “Baby’s Got a Gun” (1980). While they never achieved mainstream commercial success, the band garnered a dedicated cult following and continued to influence later generations of musicians with their distinctive sound and songwriting.
Despite their relatively short-lived career, The Only Ones left a lasting impact on the punk rock and alternative music scenes. Their music continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike for its raw energy, melodic sensibility, and Peter Perrett’s evocative songwriting.
1. Another Girl, Another Planet
“Another Girl, Another Planet” is a classic punk rock song by the British band The Only Ones, released in 1978 as a single and later included on their self-titled debut album. The song is often regarded as one of the band’s greatest achievements and has since become a cult classic in the punk rock genre.
“Another Girl, Another Planet” is characterized by its infectious melody, energetic guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics. The song’s protagonist reflects on the transient nature of relationships and the search for meaning and connection in a chaotic world.
Musically, “Another Girl, Another Planet” features Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals, John Perry’s jangly guitar work, and the band’s tight rhythm section, creating a sound that blends elements of punk, power pop, and new wave. The song’s catchy chorus and anthemic quality have made it a favorite among fans of alternative and punk rock.
Despite receiving limited commercial success upon its initial release, “Another Girl, Another Planet” has since gained recognition as one of the greatest punk rock songs of all time. Its enduring popularity has led to numerous cover versions and appearances in films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its legacy as a timeless classic in the punk rock canon.
2. The Whole of the Law
“The Whole of the Law” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their self-titled debut album, released in 1978. The track is known for its infectious energy, catchy guitar riffs, and distinctive vocals by frontman Peter Perrett.
“The Whole of the Law” showcases the band’s unique blend of punk rock and power pop, with driving rhythms and melodic hooks. Lyrically, the song explores themes of desire, temptation, and the consequences of indulgence, with Perrett’s evocative lyrics adding depth and complexity to the music.
Musically, “The Whole of the Law” features John Perry’s dynamic guitar work, Alan Mair’s driving bass lines, and Mike Kellie’s solid drumming, creating a sound that is both edgy and melodic. The song’s anthemic chorus and infectious groove make it a standout track on The Only Ones’ debut album.
While “The Whole of the Law” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of the band’s other songs, it remains a favorite among fans of The Only Ones and is considered one of their most underrated gems. Its timeless appeal and infectious energy continue to resonate with audiences, cementing its status as a classic in the punk rock canon.
3. City of Fun
“City of Fun” is a song by the English rock band The Only Ones. It was released in 1979 as a single and later included on their second studio album, “Even Serpents Shine.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Peter Perrett.
“City of Fun” is characterized by its energetic guitar riffs, catchy melody, and driving rhythm. The song’s lyrics describe the excitement and allure of nightlife in the city, with references to parties, dancing, and hedonistic pursuits. Despite the upbeat tempo and infectious groove, the lyrics also hint at a darker undercurrent, with themes of disillusionment and escapism.
“City of Fun” received positive reviews from critics and became a fan favorite, showcasing The Only Ones’ distinctive blend of punk rock and new wave influences. While the song did not achieve mainstream commercial success, it has since become a cult classic and remains a popular track in the band’s discography.
4. Lovers of Today
“Lovers of Today” is a song by the English rock band The Only Ones. It was released in 1978 as a single from their self-titled debut album, “The Only Ones.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Peter Perrett.
“Lovers of Today” is characterized by its melodic guitar riffs, moody atmosphere, and introspective lyrics. The song’s lyrics explore the complexities of modern relationships, with themes of love, longing, and disillusionment. The narrator reflects on the transient nature of romantic connections and the challenges of maintaining intimacy in a changing world.
Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, “Lovers of Today” received positive reviews from critics and has since become a fan favorite. The song showcases The Only Ones’ distinctive blend of punk rock, new wave, and power pop influences, with its emotive vocals and atmospheric instrumentation. It remains a notable track in the band’s discography and is often cited as one of their standout songs.
5. No Peace for the Wicked
“No Peace for the Wicked” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their third studio album “Baby’s Got a Gun,” released in 1980. The track is known for its gritty rock sound and captivating lyrics.
In “No Peace for the Wicked,” frontman Peter Perrett delivers a raw and emotive vocal performance, expressing themes of restlessness, rebellion, and inner turmoil. The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of dissatisfaction and a desire to break free from societal constraints, with Perrett’s evocative storytelling drawing listeners into the narrative.
Musically, “No Peace for the Wicked” features a driving rhythm section, characterized by Mike Kellie’s solid drumming and Alan Mair’s pulsating bass lines. John Perry’s guitar work adds layers of texture and intensity to the song, with his distinctive riffs and solos driving the track forward.
Despite not achieving the same level of mainstream success as some of The Only Ones’ earlier songs, “No Peace for the Wicked” remains a favorite among fans of the band. Its raw energy, gritty sound, and thought-provoking lyrics make it a standout track on “Baby’s Got a Gun” and a testament to The Only Ones’ enduring influence in the punk rock and alternative music scenes.
6. Out There in the Night
“Out There in the Night” is a song by the English rock band The Only Ones. It was released in 1980 as a single from their third studio album, “Baby’s Got a Gun.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Peter Perrett.
“Out There in the Night” is characterized by its haunting melody, atmospheric guitar work, and introspective lyrics. The song’s lyrics explore themes of loneliness, alienation, and existential uncertainty. The narrator reflects on wandering the city streets at night, feeling disconnected from the world around them and searching for meaning in the darkness.
Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, “Out There in the Night” received positive reviews from critics and has since become a cult favorite among fans of The Only Ones. The song showcases the band’s unique blend of punk rock, new wave, and post-punk influences, with its evocative vocals and atmospheric instrumentation. It remains a standout track in the band’s discography and is often cited as one of their most compelling songs.
7. Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?
“Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their self-titled debut album released in 1978. The track is known for its provocative title and dark, introspective lyrics.
In “Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” frontman Peter Perrett delivers a haunting vocal performance, accompanied by the band’s signature blend of punk rock and power pop. The song’s lyrics explore themes of despair, disillusionment, and existential angst, with Perrett’s evocative storytelling delving into the depths of human emotion.
Despite its controversial title, “Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” is not a call to action, but rather a reflection on the struggles and inner turmoil that many individuals face. The song’s melancholic melody and introspective lyrics create a mood of introspection and contemplation, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
Musically, “Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” features a subdued arrangement, with atmospheric guitar work and understated instrumentation that allows Perrett’s vocals to take center stage. The song’s haunting melody and emotive delivery contribute to its lasting impact and make it a standout track on The Only Ones’ debut album.
While “Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” may not be as well-known as some of The Only Ones’ other songs, its thought-provoking lyrics and haunting melody make it a standout track in the band’s discography, showcasing their talent for blending raw emotion with catchy hooks and infectious energy.
8. The Beast
“The Beast” is a song by the English rock band The Only Ones. It was released in 1977 as a single and later included on their self-titled debut album, “The Only Ones.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Peter Perrett.
“The Beast” is characterized by its energetic guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and provocative lyrics. The song’s lyrics describe the narrator’s fascination with a mysterious and dangerous figure, referred to as “the beast.” The narrator is drawn to the beast’s wild and unpredictable nature, despite the risks involved.
“The Beast” received positive reviews from critics and became a fan favorite, showcasing The Only Ones’ distinctive blend of punk rock, new wave, and power pop influences. The song’s catchy melody and infectious energy helped establish the band as one of the leading acts of the late 1970s punk rock scene. It remains a notable track in their discography and is often cited as one of their standout songs.
9. From Here to Eternity
“From Here to Eternity” is a song by The Clash, featured on their album “Combat Rock” released in 1982. The track is known for its energetic punk rock sound and politically charged lyrics.
In “From Here to Eternity,” The Clash delivers a blistering critique of militarism, war, and government corruption. The song’s lyrics condemn the destructive nature of armed conflict and the exploitation of working-class youth for the benefit of the ruling elite. Lead vocalist Joe Strummer’s impassioned delivery adds urgency and intensity to the message, driving home the band’s anti-war sentiments.
Musically, “From Here to Eternity” features The Clash’s signature blend of punk rock, reggae, and rockabilly influences. The song’s driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and infectious energy create a sense of urgency and rebellion that is characteristic of the band’s music.
Despite not being released as a single, “From Here to Eternity” remains a favorite among fans of The Clash and is considered one of the standout tracks on “Combat Rock.” Its powerful lyrics and energetic performance make it a quintessential protest song and a testament to The Clash’s enduring influence in the punk rock and alternative music scenes.
10. Language Problem
“Language Problem” is a song by the English rock band The Only Ones. It was released in 1979 as a single and later included on their second studio album, “Even Serpents Shine.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Peter Perrett.
“Language Problem” is characterized by its catchy guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and infectious melody. The song’s lyrics explore themes of miscommunication and frustration in relationships, with the narrator lamenting the difficulties of expressing oneself and being understood by others.
Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, “Language Problem” received positive reviews from critics and has since become a cult favorite among fans of The Only Ones. The song showcases the band’s distinctive blend of punk rock, new wave, and power pop influences, with its melodic hooks and energetic instrumentation. It remains a notable track in their discography and is often cited as one of their standout songs.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
