“The Only Ones” is a song by British rock band The Only Ones, released in 1979 on their second studio album, “Even Serpents Shine.” The band, led by singer and songwriter Peter Perrett, emerged during the punk and new wave era in the late 1970s.
“The Only Ones” is characterized by its melodic guitar work, driven by John Perry’s jangly guitar riffs and Peter Perrett’s distinct vocals. The song features introspective lyrics that reflect themes of isolation, longing, and introspection.
Despite not achieving significant commercial success, “The Only Ones” gained critical acclaim and has since become one of the band’s most well-regarded songs. It has been praised for its catchy melody, poignant lyrics, and unique blend of punk, new wave, and power pop influences.
While The Only Ones did not achieve the same level of mainstream success as some of their contemporaries, their influence on the punk and alternative rock scenes has endured, and “The Only Ones” remains a standout track in their discography.
1. Another Girl, Another Planet
“Another Girl, Another Planet” is a song by the British rock band The Only Ones. It was released in 1978 as a single and later included on their self-titled debut album, “The Only Ones.”
The song is considered the band’s most famous and enduring track. It features a distinctive guitar riff played by John Perry and is characterized by its energetic, uptempo beat and catchy melody. Lead singer Peter Perrett’s vocals are raw and emotive, adding to the song’s sense of urgency and excitement.
“Another Girl, Another Planet” is often interpreted as a love song, with lyrics that express the exhilaration and longing associated with romantic attraction. The song’s title is a metaphor for infatuation, suggesting a feeling of being transported to another world when in the presence of someone special.
Despite initially receiving limited commercial success upon its release, “Another Girl, Another Planet” has since gained widespread acclaim and recognition. It has been praised for its infectious energy, memorable guitar riff, and timeless appeal, and it has become a cult classic among fans of punk and alternative rock music.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a beloved and influential track in rock music history.
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 band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Peter Perrett, wrote the song.
“The Whole of the Law” is notable for its catchy melody, driven by John Perry’s guitar work and Peter Perrett’s distinct vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of desire, temptation, and moral ambiguity. The title is a reference to the phrase “Love is the law, love under will,” which is associated with the occultist Aleister Crowley.
The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious rhythm contrast with its darker lyrical themes, creating a compelling and dynamic listening experience. “The Whole of the Law” showcases The Only Ones’ ability to blend elements of punk, new wave, and power pop into their music, resulting in a sound that is both distinctive and timeless.
While The Only Ones achieved only modest commercial success during their initial run in the late 1970s and early 1980s, “The Whole of the Law” has since become a fan favorite and a standout track in their discography. It continues to be celebrated for its memorable melody, evocative lyrics, and enduring appeal.
3. City of Fun
“City of Fun” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their second studio album, “Even Serpents Shine,” released in 1979. The band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Peter Perrett, wrote the song.
“City of Fun” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and driving rhythm. The song’s lyrics depict a bustling cityscape filled with excitement, temptation, and hedonism. It paints a vivid picture of urban life, with references to nightlife, parties, and the pursuit of pleasure.
Musically, “City of Fun” reflects The Only Ones’ signature blend of punk, new wave, and power pop influences. John Perry’s jangly guitar riffs and Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals contribute to the song’s infectious energy and sense of urgency.
While “City of Fun” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of The Only Ones’ other songs, it has since become a fan favorite and a cult classic among fans of punk and alternative rock music. Its infectious melody, catchy chorus, and evocative lyrics make it a standout track on “Even Serpents Shine” and a memorable addition to the band’s discography.
4. Lovers of Today
“Lovers of Today” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their self-titled debut album, released in 1978. The band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Peter Perrett, penned the song.
“Lovers of Today” is characterized by its melodic guitar work, driven by John Perry’s distinctive riffs, and Peter Perrett’s emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, longing, and disillusionment, depicting the complexities of romantic relationships and the passage of time.
Musically, “Lovers of Today” showcases The Only Ones’ unique blend of punk, new wave, and power pop influences. The song’s catchy melody, memorable chorus, and dynamic instrumentation contribute to its timeless appeal.
While The Only Ones achieved only limited commercial success during their initial run in the late 1970s and early 1980s, “Lovers of Today” has since become a fan favorite and a standout track in their discography. It continues to be celebrated for its poignant lyrics, infectious melody, and evocative atmosphere, solidifying its status as one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs.
5. No Peace for the Wicked
“No Peace for the Wicked” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their second studio album, “Even Serpents Shine,” released in 1979. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Peter Perrett.
“No Peace for the Wicked” is characterized by its catchy melody, driven by John Perry’s guitar work, and Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of inner turmoil, restlessness, and the struggles of living a hedonistic lifestyle.
Musically, “No Peace for the Wicked” reflects The Only Ones’ signature blend of punk, new wave, and power pop influences. The song’s upbeat tempo, infectious rhythm, and dynamic instrumentation contribute to its energetic and captivating sound.
While “No Peace for the Wicked” may not be as well-known as some of The Only Ones’ other songs, it has earned praise from fans and critics alike for its memorable melody, poignant lyrics, and evocative atmosphere. It remains a standout track on “Even Serpents Shine” and a testament to the band’s talent and creativity.
6. Out There in the Night
“Out There in the Night” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their third studio album, “Baby’s Got a Gun,” released in 1980. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Peter Perrett.
“Out There in the Night” is characterized by its moody atmosphere, driven by John Perry’s guitar work, and Peter Perrett’s emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of loneliness, isolation, and yearning, depicting the experience of being alone in the darkness of the night.
Musically, “Out There in the Night” reflects The Only Ones’ distinctive blend of punk, new wave, and post-punk influences. The song’s haunting melody, atmospheric instrumentation, and dynamic arrangements contribute to its captivating and introspective sound.
While “Out There in the Night” may not be as well-known as some of The Only Ones’ other songs, it has earned praise from fans and critics for its evocative lyrics, atmospheric music, and emotional depth. It remains a standout track on “Baby’s Got a Gun” and a testament to the band’s talent and versatility.
7. Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?
“Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their second studio album, “Even Serpents Shine,” released in 1979. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Peter Perrett.
“Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” is characterized by its raw and confrontational lyrics, driven by John Perry’s guitar work and Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics express frustration, disillusionment, and a sense of existential angst, with the narrator urging someone to end their own life as a means of escaping their troubles.
Musically, “Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” reflects The Only Ones’ signature blend of punk, new wave, and power pop influences. The song’s driving rhythm, infectious melody, and dynamic instrumentation contribute to its energetic and captivating sound.
While “Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” may not be as well-known as some of The Only Ones’ other songs, it has earned praise from fans and critics for its provocative lyrics, powerful music, and emotional intensity. It remains a standout track on “Even Serpents Shine” and a testament to the band’s willingness to explore dark and challenging themes in their music.
8. The Beast
“The Beast” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their third studio album, “Baby’s Got a Gun,” released in 1980. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Peter Perrett.
“The Beast” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of desire, temptation, and inner turmoil, with references to primal instincts and animalistic urges.
Musically, “The Beast” reflects The Only Ones’ signature blend of punk, new wave, and post-punk influences. The song’s energetic tempo, infectious melody, and dynamic instrumentation contribute to its powerful and captivating sound.
While “The Beast” may not be as well-known as some of The Only Ones’ other songs, it has earned praise from fans and critics for its catchy hooks, memorable chorus, and energetic performance. It remains a standout track on “Baby’s Got a Gun” and a testament to the band’s talent and creativity.
9. From Here to Eternity
“From Here to Eternity” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their third studio album, “Baby’s Got a Gun,” released in 1980. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Peter Perrett.
“From Here to Eternity” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of longing, desire, and the search for meaning in life, with references to the passage of time and the uncertainty of the future.
Musically, “From Here to Eternity” reflects The Only Ones’ signature blend of punk, new wave, and post-punk influences. The song’s energetic rhythm, infectious melody, and dynamic instrumentation contribute to its powerful and captivating sound.
While “From Here to Eternity” may not be as well-known as some of The Only Ones’ other songs, it has earned praise from fans and critics for its catchy hooks, memorable chorus, and energetic performance. It remains a standout track on “Baby’s Got a Gun” and a testament to the band’s talent and creativity.
10. Language Problem
“Language Problem” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their self-titled debut album, released in 1978. The band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Peter Perrett, wrote the song.
“Language Problem” is characterized by its energetic guitar riffs, catchy melody, and Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of communication breakdown, miscommunication, and the difficulties of expressing oneself.
Musically, “Language Problem” reflects The Only Ones’ signature blend of punk, new wave, and power pop influences. The song’s driving rhythm, infectious hooks, and dynamic instrumentation contribute to its energetic and captivating sound.
While “Language Problem” may not be as well-known as some of The Only Ones’ other songs, it has earned praise from fans and critics for its catchy melody, memorable chorus, and insightful lyrics. It remains a standout track on “The Only Ones” album and a testament to the band’s talent and creativity.
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.
