“The Only Ones” is a British rock band formed in 1976, known for their influential blend of punk rock and post-punk. They gained significant recognition with their hit single “Another Girl, Another Planet,” which is often cited as a quintessential example of the genre.
Their music is characterized by a mix of melodic hooks, introspective lyrics, and a blend of rock styles. The band’s lineup consisted of Peter Perrett (vocals, guitar), John Perrett (bass), and Mike Kellie (drums).
Despite their relatively brief initial career, The Only Ones have been praised for their unique sound and have influenced numerous artists in the punk and rock scenes. They have reunited several times and remain a respected name in rock music.
1. Miles from Nowhere
“Miles from Nowhere” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their 1978 self-titled debut album. The track exemplifies the band’s distinctive blend of punk rock and post-punk influences.
The song is known for its melodic structure, introspective lyrics, and Peter Perrett’s expressive vocal delivery. “Miles from Nowhere” showcases the band’s ability to combine raw, emotional content with engaging rock melodies.
The track highlights The Only Ones’ unique sound, characterized by a mix of punk energy and melodic sensibility, and remains a notable example of their influential style.
2. The Whole of the Law
“The Whole of the Law” is a song by The Only Ones, released in 1979 as part of their second album, *Even Serpents Shine*. The track is a strong representation of the band’s distinctive style, blending punk rock with post-punk and new wave influences.
The song is characterized by its intense, driving rhythm, Peter Perrett’s emotive vocals, and the band’s signature melodic approach. The lyrics delve into themes of existential reflection and the search for meaning, capturing a sense of urgency and introspection.
“The Whole of the Law” is notable for its powerful musical arrangement and lyrical depth, showcasing The Only Ones’ ability to infuse punk rock with more complex, thought-provoking elements.
3. Another Girl, Another Planet
“Another Girl, Another Planet” is one of The Only Ones’ most famous songs, released in 1978 on their self-titled debut album. The track is widely regarded as a classic in the punk and post-punk genres.
The song features a catchy, upbeat melody with Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocal style and a memorable guitar riff. Its lyrics reflect themes of alienation, desire, and escapism, with a sense of longing and romanticism.
“Another Girl, Another Planet” stands out for its blend of punk rock energy and melodic sensibility. It has been praised for its timeless appeal and has influenced numerous artists across different genres. The song remains a staple of The Only Ones’ live performances and is considered one of the band’s defining tracks.
4. City of Fun
“City of Fun” is a song by The Only Ones from their 1979 album *Even Serpents Shine*. The track exemplifies the band’s distinctive style, combining elements of punk rock and post-punk with melodic and lyrical sophistication.
The song features a driving rhythm, Peter Perrett’s emotive vocals, and a blend of guitar riffs that highlight the band’s ability to merge raw energy with a more nuanced sound. “City of Fun” explores themes of disillusionment and escapism, reflecting the band’s knack for addressing complex emotional and social issues through their music.
“City of Fun” is notable for its engaging melody and its contribution to the overall impact of *Even Serpents Shine*, reinforcing The Only Ones’ reputation as a significant force in the punk and post-punk scenes.
5. Out There in the Night
“Out There in the Night” is a song by The Only Ones from their 1978 self-titled debut album. The track is representative of the band’s blend of punk rock energy and melodic sensibility.
The song features a driving rhythm, Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals, and a blend of guitar work that captures the band’s dynamic style. The lyrics of “Out There in the Night” convey a sense of urban restlessness and introspection, exploring themes of alienation and the search for meaning in the modern world.
“Out There in the Night” is notable for its engaging melody and its ability to reflect the emotional depth and complexity that characterize much of The Only Ones’ music. It remains an important part of their early catalog and contributes to the band’s reputation for creating thought-provoking and influential rock music.
6. From Here to Eternity
“From Here to Eternity” is a song by The Only Ones, featured on their 1979 album *Even Serpents Shine*. The track showcases the band’s distinctive sound, blending punk rock with post-punk and melodic elements.
The song is known for its evocative lyrics, which explore themes of longing, existential reflection, and emotional depth. Peter Perrett’s vocal delivery is poignant and intense, adding to the track’s overall impact. The music features a driving rhythm, atmospheric guitar work, and a compelling melody.
“From Here to Eternity” is celebrated for its lyrical introspection and its ability to convey complex emotions, making it a standout track on the album and a testament to The Only Ones’ unique style and musical depth.
7. Programme
“Programme” is a song by The Only Ones from their 1979 album *Even Serpents Shine*. The track is a good example of the band’s fusion of punk rock energy and post-punk sensibilities.
The song features a steady, driving rhythm and Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals, combining elements of urgency with a more reflective tone. The lyrics of “Programme” delve into themes of disillusionment and the search for meaning, capturing the band’s characteristic blend of introspection and raw emotion.
“Programme” stands out for its musical composition and lyrical depth, contributing to the overall impact of *Even Serpents Shine* and showcasing The Only Ones’ ability to blend punk rock with more nuanced, thoughtful elements.
8. Why Don’t You Kill Yourself
“Why Don’t You Kill Yourself” is a song by The Only Ones from their 1978 self-titled debut album. The track is known for its provocative title and intense lyrical content, reflecting the band’s penchant for exploring dark and controversial themes.
Musically, the song features a driving rhythm and Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocal style, blending punk rock energy with a more introspective and raw approach. The lyrics address themes of despair and existential crisis, presenting a stark and confrontational perspective on the struggles of modern life.
“Why Don’t You Kill Yourself” stands out for its bold thematic content and its contribution to the band’s reputation for tackling difficult subjects through their music. It exemplifies The Only Ones’ ability to mix punk rock with a deeper emotional and lyrical complexity.
9. Me and My Shadow
“Me and My Shadow” is a song by The Only Ones from their 1979 album *Even Serpents Shine*. The track is known for its melodic approach and introspective lyrics, fitting well within the band’s signature style of blending punk rock with post-punk influences.
The song features Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocal delivery and a compelling guitar riff, creating a reflective and somewhat melancholic atmosphere. The lyrics explore themes of solitude and self-reflection, with the shadow metaphor representing a sense of isolation or personal struggle.
“Me and My Shadow” stands out for its emotional depth and melodic sensibility, contributing to the overall impact of *Even Serpents Shine* and showcasing The Only Ones’ ability to address complex themes through their music.
10. Language Problem
“Language Problem” is a song by The Only Ones, released on their 1979 album *Even Serpents Shine*. The track reflects the band’s characteristic blend of punk rock with post-punk influences and showcases their ability to infuse their music with both raw energy and introspective themes.
The song features a steady rhythm, Peter Perrett’s distinctive vocals, and a compelling musical arrangement. The lyrics address issues related to communication and misunderstanding, capturing a sense of frustration and alienation.
“Language Problem” is notable for its thematic depth and the way it highlights The Only Ones’ skill in combining punk rock’s intensity with thoughtful, reflective content. It remains a notable example of the band’s ability to address complex social and emotional issues through their music.