In the vibrant tapestry of punk rock and new wave, few bands have left as indelible a mark as The Only Ones. Emerging from the bustling music scene of late 1970s London, they forged a distinctive sound that blended jangly guitars, poignant lyrics, and an unmistakable edge. Their music captured the essence of a generation grappling with love, loss, and the complexities of modern life, resonating with fans across the globe.
As we dive into the top 10 most popular songs by The Only Ones, prepare to revisit timeless classics that showcase the band’s raw energy and lyrical depth. From the haunting melodies of their breakout hits to the hidden gems that continue to captivate listeners, each track tells a story that transcends its era. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer eager to explore their discography, this list promises a thrilling journey through the soundscapes that defined an influential chapter in music history. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of The Only Ones and uncover the songs that have stood the test of time, igniting passion and nostalgia in equal measure.
1. “Another Girl, Another Planet” (1977)
Released in 1977, “Another Girl, Another Planet” has become a quintessential track for The Only Ones, encapsulating the raw, unfiltered emotions of youth, love, and heartbreak. This song features jangly guitars that instantly captivate, alongside Peter Perrett’s distinctive and compelling vocals. The melody is both infectious and melancholic, creating a contrast that mirrors the song’s lyrical themes. It explores the fleeting nature of love and the desire for escape, emotions many can relate to in the tumultuous period of adolescence and early adulthood. Perrett’s lyrics are poignant and introspective, delving into the confusion and disillusionment that often accompanies romantic entanglements. The line “I’m in love with a girl, she’s in love with me” captures the exhilaration of infatuation, while the repeated refrain “Another girl, another planet” reflects the longing for something more, something other than the limitations of earthly relationships. The song perfectly balances the energetic guitar riffs with a sense of yearning, creating an anthemic quality that’s both uplifting and melancholic. The song’s timelessness lies in its ability to evoke these universal feelings of longing and the desire to break free. As much a punk anthem as it is a reflection on fleeting love, “Another Girl, Another Planet” stands as a testament to The Only Ones’ ability to blend emotive, personal storytelling with energetic, hook-laden rock. It’s no surprise that it remains the band’s signature track and a staple in the punk and new wave movement.
2. “Somebody Else” (1978)
Released in 1978, “Somebody Else” is a powerful showcase of The Only Ones’ talent for weaving sharp, witty lyrics with raw emotional depth. This track pulses with energy, driven by a steady rhythm that carries a sense of urgency throughout. Perrett’s vocals are an emotional rollercoaster, perfectly capturing the sting of regret and longing. The song tells a story of longing for someone who belongs to someone else, with the raw vulnerability of Perrett’s voice conveying the pain of unrequited love. The lyrics are full of biting self-awareness, and Perrett’s vocal delivery—full of conviction—adds an authenticity that makes the song feel deeply personal. “Somebody Else” is one of those songs that invites the listener into a space of shared heartache and emotional honesty, resonating with anyone who has felt the sting of love slipping through their fingers. The dynamic energy of the song pulls listeners in from the start, with its catchy chorus echoing the hopeless desire to be the one who is chosen. The upbeat rhythm and electric guitars drive the track forward, while the melancholic undertones of the lyrics provide a bittersweet contrast that makes the song unforgettable. The song’s ability to blend melancholy with a sense of hope makes it a standout track, capturing the emotional complexity of the human experience. “Somebody Else” continues to be a testament to The Only Ones’ ability to craft songs that are both catchy and emotionally resonant, making it one of the band’s most iconic and beloved tracks.
3. “The Whole of the Law” (1978)
“The Whole of the Law,” released in 1978, is one of The Only Ones’ most powerful anthems, blending fiery rock with socially conscious lyrics that delve deep into themes of freedom, personal autonomy, and the struggle against societal constraints. From the very first note, the song demands attention. The driving instrumentation, with its pounding drums and swirling guitars, sets a tone of urgency and passion. Perrett’s impassioned vocal delivery only heightens the intensity, his voice conveying a sense of both frustration and defiance. Lyrically, the song is a bold exploration of the idea of law—both societal and internal—and the individual’s relationship to it. The lyrics challenge the status quo, asking why we allow ourselves to be bound by invisible laws when our true freedom lies in defying them. There’s a sense of liberation that pervades the track, as Perrett urges listeners to reconsider the world’s rules and question what’s truly worth following. It’s a call to embrace individual freedom, without the chains of conformity holding us back. The song’s raw energy and deep, thought-provoking themes make it an enduring favorite, and its relevance continues to resonate with listeners who feel disillusioned by societal norms. “The Whole of the Law” is more than just a rock anthem; it’s an invitation to rethink the world around us and find strength in the pursuit of personal truth. The song’s musical power, combined with its lyrical depth, has cemented it as one of the defining tracks of The Only Ones’ legacy.
4. “No Peace for the Wicked” (1980)
Released in 1980, “No Peace for the Wicked” stands as one of The Only Ones’ darker and more intense tracks. This song takes the listener on a journey through turmoil, chaos, and emotional unrest. The music itself is driven by a heavy, pulsating rhythm that mirrors the inner conflict of its lyrics. The haunting melody, layered with a sense of urgency and tension, gives the track a visceral energy that demands attention. Perrett’s vocals are particularly evocative here, his voice dripping with emotion as he paints a vivid picture of life’s struggles. The lyrics speak of a world in which peace is a distant dream, a theme that resonates deeply in a time of personal and societal upheaval. “No Peace for the Wicked” conveys the sense that for those caught in the throes of life’s chaos, there is no easy escape—only the grinding uncertainty of existence. Despite the darker tone of the song, there’s an undeniable power in its raw energy. The track captures the feeling of a life constantly on the edge, where every day presents a new challenge. The song’s sense of urgency, amplified by its driving rhythm and emotive vocals, makes it a standout in the band’s catalog. “No Peace for the Wicked” is a gripping experience, one that pulls listeners into a world where hope and despair collide. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, in the midst of struggle, there is beauty to be found in the rawness and intensity of the human experience.
5. “Another Girl, Another Planet (Live)” (1980)
The live version of “Another Girl, Another Planet,” recorded in 1980, offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the energy and passion that The Only Ones brought to their live performances. This version of the iconic track enhances the original with electrifying guitar solos, a faster tempo, and a heightened sense of urgency that only live performance can deliver. As soon as the song kicks in, you can feel the energy shift. The crowd’s enthusiasm is palpable, and the band’s chemistry is undeniable, creating an electric atmosphere that makes the song feel even more vibrant. Peter Perrett’s vocals are as emotive and dynamic as ever, but there’s a sense of spontaneity in this live rendition that adds another layer of excitement. The music here feels larger, more expansive, as the band stretches out the jangly guitar lines and drums, giving the song a new texture. The rawness of the live performance brings out the youthful exuberance that defined The Only Ones’ sound, adding a sense of recklessness and freedom to the already anthemic track. The live version of “Another Girl, Another Planet” becomes more than just a performance—it’s a celebration of the power of music to connect, uplift, and transcend the ordinary. For fans who know the studio version by heart, this live version offers a fresh perspective, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in experiencing the song in its most energetic and unrestrained form.
6. “The Big Sleep” (1978)
“The Big Sleep,” released in 1978, is one of The Only Ones’ most haunting tracks, blending existential themes with an eerie, atmospheric sound that makes it one of their most captivating pieces. The song opens with a slow, almost hypnotic rhythm, creating a mood of melancholy that pervades the entire track. Perrett’s vocals, full of introspective longing, serve as the perfect vehicle for the song’s darker lyrical themes. “The Big Sleep” delves into the concept of existence and the inevitable end that comes for all, with lyrics that are at once philosophical and deeply personal. The haunting nature of the song’s sound, coupled with its reflective lyrics, evokes a feeling of quiet despair and resignation. Yet, there is a beauty in the melancholy of the track—an acceptance of life’s transience and the inevitability of change. Perrett’s vocal delivery is particularly striking here, as his voice alternates between a sense of detachment and emotional depth, perfectly mirroring the song’s themes. The music itself is atmospheric and layered, with swirling guitars and subtle instrumentation that creates a dreamlike soundscape. “The Big Sleep” is one of those rare tracks that captures the fragility of life, offering listeners a moment of reflection on their own mortality. It’s a song that continues to resonate deeply with listeners, not just for its musical composition but for its ability to tap into the universal human experience of confronting life’s uncertainties. The haunting, melancholic atmosphere of “The Big Sleep” ensures its place as one of The Only Ones’ most memorable and profound songs.
7. “You Can’t Go Back” (1980)
Released in 1980, “You Can’t Go Back” is a reflective track that explores the inevitability of change and the passage of time. The song blends introspective lyrics with a catchy, upbeat rhythm that creates a dynamic contrast. On one hand, the infectious chorus invites listeners to sing along, while the thoughtful, introspective lyrics pull them into a deeper reflection on life’s journey. Perrett’s vocal delivery is both nostalgic and resigned, perfectly capturing the emotions of someone who recognizes that the past cannot be reclaimed. The lyrics speak of the futility of trying to return to a time or place that no longer exists, urging listeners to embrace the present and the future. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus give it an anthemic quality, even though its message is rooted in the reality of time’s inevitable progression. The song’s infectious rhythm makes it easy to get caught up in the moment, but its underlying message encourages a more reflective attitude. “You Can’t Go Back” resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet feeling of longing for something lost and realizing that it’s gone forever. It’s a reminder that while we can’t go back, we must keep moving forward, embracing the changes that come with life’s journey. The song’s mix of introspection and upbeat energy makes it a standout track, inviting both reflection and celebration of the present.
8. “It’s a Dream” (1980)
“It’s a Dream,” released in 1980, is a track that immediately transports listeners into a surreal, ethereal world. The song’s rich instrumentation and atmospheric sound create a dreamlike landscape, with guitars that swirl and weave around Perrett’s haunting vocals. From the very first note, the listener is immersed in a soundscape that is both hypnotic and otherworldly. The song’s lyrics explore the theme of longing, with Perrett reflecting on desires and dreams that feel just out of reach. His vocal delivery adds a layer of vulnerability and desire, perfectly mirroring the surreal quality of the track. “It’s a Dream” is an example of The Only Ones’ ability to create an atmosphere with their music—drawing listeners into a world of emotion, texture, and mood. The song builds gradually, layering sounds and instruments to create a depth that feels immersive. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the dreamlike quality is not just in the music but in the very essence of the lyrics. “It’s a Dream” speaks to the universal human experience of longing for something unattainable, a theme that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever wished for something beyond their grasp. The track’s ethereal quality, combined with its emotional depth, makes it one of The Only Ones’ most innovative and memorable songs. “It’s a Dream” continues to stand out in the band’s catalog, thanks to its ability to blend dreamy atmospherics with emotional complexity.
9. “The Beast” (1980)
Released in 1980, “The Beast” is a defiant and energetic track that showcases The Only Ones’ punk roots while also revealing their ability to experiment with aggression and power. The song opens with a fierce, driving rhythm that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. From the start, the track has a sense of urgency and rebellious energy, with Perrett’s vocals delivering a message of defiance. The lyrics of “The Beast” are raw and untamed, calling out societal norms and conventions in a bold, almost confrontational manner. The song’s aggression mirrors its message, making it feel like an anthem for those who resist conformity and embrace individuality. The instrumentation is dynamic, with sharp, aggressive guitar riffs and a pounding rhythm section that keeps the intensity high throughout the track. “The Beast” is both a rebellion and a call to action, urging listeners to reject the status quo and follow their own path. The song is an anthem for freedom, independence, and strength, with Perrett’s raspy vocals providing the perfect vocal vehicle for the track’s message. The Only Ones bring their punk energy to full force here, delivering a track that is as fiercely defiant as it is musically intense. “The Beast” stands as a testament to the band’s ability to blend raw power with social commentary, making it one of their most memorable and enduring tracks.
10. “Out There” (1980)
Closing out the list, “Out There” from 1980 is a poignant track that combines elements of melancholy with a sense of hope and possibility. The song opens with a haunting melody, its rich instrumentation setting a reflective mood right from the start. Perrett’s vocal delivery is heartfelt, filled with a sense of introspection as he contemplates life’s uncertainties and the complex nature of the human condition. “Out There” is a song about searching for meaning and understanding in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable. The lyrics explore themes of isolation, uncertainty, and the desire for connection, with Perrett capturing the emotional weight of these feelings through his evocative performance. Despite its somber tone, the song is also infused with a sense of hope, as the narrator seeks something greater “out there.” The song’s instrumentation is lush and layered, with atmospheric guitars and a driving rhythm that builds to a cathartic climax. “Out There” captures the beauty and complexity of the human experience, offering a bittersweet reflection on life’s challenges and the search for meaning. It’s a track that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain but continues to push forward in the hope of finding something more. With its rich emotional depth and stirring performance, “Out There” is a fitting conclusion to The Only Ones’ journey through sound, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
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.
