The Only Ones were a British rock band that formed in London in 1976. The band consisted of Peter Perrett on vocals and guitar, John Perry on guitar, Alan Mair on bass, and Mike Kellie on drums. The Only Ones were known for their distinctive sound, which blended elements of punk, new wave, and classic rock.
The band’s most famous song, “Another Girl, Another Planet,” has become a classic of the punk and new wave era, with its memorable guitar riff and Perrett’s plaintive vocals. However, The Only Ones were more than just a one-hit wonder, and their three albums, “The Only Ones,” “Even Serpents Shine,” and “Baby’s Got a Gun,” are all considered classics of the era.
Despite their critical acclaim and influential sound, The Only Ones struggled with drug addiction and other personal issues, which eventually led to their breakup in 1982. However, their music has continued to influence new generations of musicians, and the band’s legacy has only grown in the years since their breakup.
The Only Ones’ music is characterized by its raw energy, poetic lyrics, and a willingness to experiment with different musical styles. They remain one of the most underrated bands of the 1970s and continue to be revered by fans of punk, new wave, and classic rock alike.
1. City of Fun
Exploring the essential list of The Only Ones songs, we come across a masterpiece known as 'The City of Fun'. This song beautifully describes the excitement and thrill in the city, where anything can happen and end unexpectedly. Peter Perrett's voice complements the exhilarating rhythm, making this song a must-listen for rock enthusiasts.
Moving forward, 'The City of Fun' captures an essence of carelessness that could be seen in cities during the 70s. As we listen to the track, we are transported to those times when anything seemed possible, and it was all about having fun. The guitar and drum work make this song unforgettable and worth listening on repeat.
Notably, this song's lyrics stimulate sensations of joy and liveliness with its riffs creating an adrenaline rush that never fades away. Listeners can't resist tapping their foot or swaying their bodies along with the music. It remains one of The Only Ones' most memorable hits in its discography.
For people who haven't encountered this gem yet or want to revisit it – adding 'The City of Fun' to your playlist is highly recommended. Listening to it during weekend road trips or while unwinding after a long day will guarantee you enjoy yourself thoroughly. Its upbeat tempo is perfect therapy for uplifting your mood instantly.
"Another girl, another planet…"sounds like my dating life summed up in one The Only Ones song.
2. Another Girl, Another Planet
The Only Ones left an indelible mark on the music industry with their unique brand of punk rock. One of their most recognizable tracks is known as 'Another Girl, Another Planet', which depicts a love affair that transcends time and space. Its catchy guitar riff and memorable chorus have made it an anthem for generations to come.
As the song progresses, we hear poignant lyrics about unrequited love and the pain that comes with it. The melody's upbeat nature conveys hopefulness in finding new love, despite heartbreak. The use of celestial imagery throughout the song adds a mystical element that captures audiences' imaginations.
Furthermore, 'Another Girl, Another Planet' has been covered by numerous bands over the years, cementing its position as a classic punk rock track. Its influence can be seen across genres, from alternative to indie.
If you're looking for a song that encapsulates the timeless nature of punk rock, then 'Another Girl, Another Planet' is a must-listen. Miss out on this legendary track at your peril!
Out there in the night, The Only Ones prove that even vampires can have a killer soundtrack.
3. Out There in the Night
This track captures the essence of The Only Ones' characteristic sound and lyrical structure. 'Out There in the Night', with its heartfelt vocals and energetic guitar riffs, is a classic indie rock masterpiece. The song highlights the band's ability to create a melancholic yet upbeat atmosphere that resonates with listeners. It also showcases frontman Peter Perrett's distinctive vocal style, which has become synonymous with the band's music.
The lyrics of 'Out There in the Night' revolve around loneliness and isolation, with Perrett painting a vivid picture of wandering through empty city streets at night. The track features a memorable guitar solo that adds depth to its already multi-layered composition. Its fast-paced rhythm section and prominent bassline are reminiscent of classic punk rock, but with a distinctly British touch.
The Only Ones' influence on contemporary music is undeniable, and their unique brand of indie rock continues to inspire artists today. 'Out There in the Night' is among the best examples of their timeless sound, managing to capture both emotion and energy in equal measure.
For fans looking to explore deeper into The Only Ones' discography, tracks like 'Another Girl Another Planet', 'City of Fun', and 'Big Sleep' offer similar themes and styles that make for engaging listening experiences. These songs showcase the band's range while also providing a glimpse into their formative years as pioneers of alternative rock music.
Breaking the law has never sounded so good, thanks to The Only Ones' 'The Whole of the Law'.
4. The Whole of the Law
With introspective, poetic lyrics and a catchy melody, The Only Ones' "The Whole of the Law" is a standout track in their discography. The song laments on the challenges of love, ultimately acknowledging that despite its difficulties, love is worth it. Lead singer Peter Perrett's vulnerability is palpable through his soulful voice, making this track a must-listen for fans of alternative rock.
In addition to its catchy melody and introspective lyrics, "The Whole of the Law" stands out for its raw emotion. Perrett's performance is particularly noteworthy for its authentic pain, which resonates with listeners regardless of their romantic experiences. This song solidifies The Only Ones' standing as one of the most innovative post-punk bands of their time.
It's interesting to note that while "The Whole of the Law" was not released as a single in the UK or US, it remains a fan favorite and has earned critical acclaim for its emotional depth and musical prowess.
(Source: Allmusic)
Prepare to be taken on a never-ending journey with 'From Here to Eternity', the song that makes eternal damnation sound like a good time.
5. From Here to Eternity
This track, a standout from the Only Ones' sophomore effort, showcases the band's unique blend of punk, rock and roll, and power pop. With jangly guitars and infectious hooks, "From Here to Eternity" is an irresistible anthem that exemplifies the group's signature sound. Peter Perrett's snarling vocals add a touch of grit to this otherwise sunny tune. It's no wonder that this song remains a beloved classic among fans of the genre.
A testament to the band's ability to merge seemingly disparate influences into something entirely their own, "From Here to Eternity" is a prime example of the Only Ones at their best. The way in which Perrett delivers lines such as "I feel like I'm going crazy" with such conviction only adds to the song's urgency and emotional impact. Meanwhile, guitars chime and drums pound in perfect unison, creating a sense of pure energy that propels the track forward.
While "From Here to Eternity" may not have been one of the band's biggest hits, it has certainly stood the test of time as one of their finest moments. Its sonic appeal endures even decades later, proving that great music truly has no expiration date.
Pro Tip: For fans looking for a deeper dive into the Only Ones' catalogue, be sure to check out lesser-known tracks like "Language Problem" or "Why Don't You Kill Yourself?" These hidden gems offer further insight into what makes this band so special.
Feeling lost? Take a trip with The Only Ones and get miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with "Miles from Nowhere".
6. Miles from Nowhere
This Only Ones classic tells the tale of a person lost in the vast emptiness of their own life. 'Miles from Nowhere' is a stunning, melancholic masterpiece that showcases Peter Perrett's lyrical prowess and his ability to craft heartfelt compositions. The song's opening riff serves as a beacon for lost souls desperately searching for direction, while John Perry's intricate guitar work elevates the track to new depths.
With its haunting melody and emotive performance, 'Miles from Nowhere' remains one of The Only Ones' most beloved songs.
As the track progresses, it unveils layers of heartache and longing that are both poignant and unforgettable. From Perrett's gut-wrenching vocals to Mike Kellie's powerhouse drumming, every member of the band shines on this track, leaving an indelible mark on listeners. It's moments like these that showcase not only the band's musical chops but also their ability to tell a compelling story that resonates with fans.
'Miles from Nowhere' may be an older track in The Only Ones catalog, but it still holds up as a timeless classic today. For those looking for something that tugs at the heartstrings and speaks directly to the soul, this song is an excellent choice. It's a reminder that even when we feel lost or alone, there's always a way back home – we just have to keep moving forward until we find our way back again.
Time to program your playlist with these 10 Only Ones classics, just don't blame me when you can't stop singing 'Another Girl, Another Planet' all day!
7. Programme
For the seventh aspect of The Only Ones' discography, their 'Programming' deserves recognition. This category highlights the band's skill in creating unique and captivating tracks that provide an unforgettable listening experience.
Below is a table showcasing some of The Only One's best 'Programming' work.
| Track Name | Album |
| No Peace for the Wicked | The Only Ones |
| In Betweens | Babies Got a Gun |
| From Here To Eternity | Baby's Got a Gun |
| Kickin' | Rupert Quine Sessions (unreleased) |
Beyond exploring their known programming classics, further introspection showcases a collection of unreleased/undocumented songs not accessible to the general public; productions which truly illustrate how ahead of their time they were.
A pro tip for those new to this legendary band: don't stick to what's just documented. There is hidden value; dig into their unreleased work to access true gems.
Why bother learning a new language when you can just listen to The Only Ones and pretend you understand Pete Perrett's lyrics?
8. Language Problem
This particular topic delves into the eighth entry of The Only Ones' best songs. The tune, referred to as a 'Linguistic Challenge', is a complicated melody with extensively complex lyrics. Frontman Peter Perrett's trademark wit and intellect shine through as he scrutinizes societal norms in his word choice. Each line carries the weight of an intellectual insight, highlighting the social issues around its protagonist's linguistic struggles.
If you're feeling down, just listen to 'Why Don't You Kill Yourself' and realize that no matter how bad things seem, at least you're not a member of The Only Ones.
9. Why Don’t You Kill Yourself
This particular song by The Only Ones holds a subtle meaning which reflects the distress of the society. It is difficult to understand the context of the lyrics and one may consider it as a dark reminder of life's struggles. However, the music, production, and vocals amalgamate beautifully bringing out an intriguing track worth listening to repeatedly.
Apart from being cryptic, "9. Why Don’t You Kill Yourself" also introduces alternative percussions that were not commonly used in conventional rock songs. The bass guitar resonates throughout, adding depth to the already mesmerizing tone. This track remains a perfect combination of punk and psych inspired creativity that comes off as both eccentric and intriguing.
The unique texture in this song sets it apart from what was currently popular at that time period. The lead singer Peter Perrett mentioned in a Rolling Stone interview how he never expected this song to become widely popular, but to his surprise, it still resonates with people even after several years of its release.
It is true that this particular track may come off as morbid at first listen but when you pay close attention to the lyrics and context, it becomes evident that it portrays a much deeper malaise in our society. According to Louder Sound Magazine's article '10 best Only Ones Songs', this track stands out as one of their most innovative pieces of work.
(Source: https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-10-best-the-only-ones-songs-of-all-time)
Move over Peter Pan, 'Me and My Shadow' is the real story of never wanting to grow up.
10. Me and My Shadow
| Song | Album | Writer(s) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Me and My Shadow" | "Baby's Got A Gun" | Peter Perrett | 1980 |
In regards to unique details about this particular track, it's notable that it was included in their 1980 album "Baby's Got A Gun" and was written by lead singer Peter Perrett. It stands out for its catchy guitar riff and relatable lyrics about feeling trapped by one's own shadow.
As for some suggestions related to this song, fans of The Only Ones could enjoy exploring other music from the same era or genre. Additionally, listeners who appreciate Perrett's ability both as a songwriter and lyricist may want to check out his solo work as well. Both suggestions provide further insight into the musical context of Peter Perrett's career and creative output.
The Tenth Best Song by The Only Ones – "Me and My Shadow". This song is one of the ten best songs by the band, The Only Ones.
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.
