The Only Ones are more than just a band—they’re a timeless force in the world of rock music. With their unique blend of punk energy, melodic brilliance, and lyrical depth, this British group carved out a distinctive niche in the late 1970s and beyond. Fronted by the enigmatic Peter Perrett and backed by a lineup of exceptionally talented musicians, The Only Ones captured the hearts of music lovers with songs that are equal parts raw emotion and musical sophistication.
Famous for their seminal hit “Another Girl, Another Planet,” the band’s discography is a treasure trove of unforgettable tracks that have resonated with fans across generations. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or a newcomer curious about their music, this list of the top 10 most popular The Only Ones songs will take you on a nostalgic journey through some of their greatest moments. From anthems of heartbreak to electrifying rock bangers, these songs encapsulate the spirit of a band that refused to be confined by any label.
Get ready to rediscover the magic of The Only Ones, as we count down their most iconic tracks of all time. Warning: you may find yourself humming along before you even reach the end of the list!
1. “Another Girl, Another Planet” (1978)
“Another Girl, Another Planet” stands as the definitive anthem of The Only Ones and a highlight of late-’70s punk-infused rock. Released in 1978, the song blends raw energy with surprising melodic sophistication, earning its place as a cult classic. Peter Perrett’s vocals carry a sense of romantic disillusionment and longing, delivering lyrics that have been interpreted as both love-struck devotion and an ode to addiction. There’s an urgency in his voice, a sense of being lost and infatuated all at once. But what truly elevates the track is John Perry’s soaring guitar solo—widely hailed as one of the best in rock history. It’s an electrifying moment that lifts the song into something transcendent. The production is tight and clean, giving every instrument space to shine while still retaining that gritty punk edge. Over the years, “Another Girl, Another Planet” has been covered by countless artists and remains a beloved staple on alternative rock playlists. Whether it’s your first listen or your hundredth, the song never loses its power to stir emotion. It’s a perfect storm of melody, attitude, and emotional punch—an enduring classic that showcases The Only Ones at their absolute best.
2. “The Whole of the Law” (1978)
“The Whole of the Law” is a deceptively gentle track that reveals the more poetic and introspective side of The Only Ones. Released in 1978 on their debut album, the song features sparse instrumentation that allows Peter Perrett’s lyrical vulnerability to take center stage. Unlike the raucous energy of their better-known tracks, this one opts for a softer, more melancholic mood. The gentle guitar lines and slow tempo give the song a dreamy, almost lullaby-like quality, but beneath that surface lies a profound emotional core. Perrett sings with a kind of quiet resignation, touching on themes of devotion, surrender, and existential doubt. The title itself, referencing Aleister Crowley’s occult dictum, adds a layer of cryptic depth, suggesting a struggle between passion and principle. The band resists the urge to build to a climax, instead maintaining a steady, wistful tone throughout. It’s a track that grows on you with each listen, revealing more layers and subtle emotional cues. “The Whole of the Law” is a quiet gem in their catalog, offering a moment of reflection amid the band’s more aggressive output. It’s a reminder that sometimes the softest songs hit the hardest.
3. “Lovers of Today” (1977)
As the debut single that introduced The Only Ones to the world, “Lovers of Today” set the tone for everything that would follow. Released in 1977, the song is a striking blend of raw honesty and aching vulnerability. From the very beginning, it’s clear that Peter Perrett is not your average frontman—his weary, expressive voice delivers each lyric like a confession. The song feels like it’s caught between emotional collapse and defiant resilience, creating a tension that’s hard to shake. Musically, it’s sparse yet powerful. The guitar work is subtle and moody, while the rhythm section provides a slow-burning backbone that gives the song its emotional weight. Lyrically, Perrett lays it all bare—his flaws, his desires, his sense of disillusionment with modern love and relationships. The production is deliberately raw, adding to the sense of intimacy and urgency. “Lovers of Today” didn’t explode onto the charts, but it earned the band a devoted following and marked them as something different in the punk and post-punk landscape. The song is a heartfelt introduction to a band unafraid to wear its emotions on its sleeve, and it remains a deeply resonant piece of their legacy.
4. “Out There in the Night” (1979)
“Out There in the Night” is one of those songs that blends darkness and catchiness so seamlessly, you almost don’t notice how grim the lyrics really are at first. Released in 1979 as part of their second album, Even Serpents Shine, the track boasts an infectious rhythm and an instantly memorable chorus, making it a fan favorite from the moment it dropped. Peter Perrett’s lyrics are laced with irony and black humor, telling a story that could be interpreted as either macabre or deeply romantic—depending on how closely you listen. Musically, the band hits a sweet spot between post-punk cool and classic rock sensibility. The beat drives the song forward relentlessly, while John Perry’s guitar adds just the right amount of bite and melody. Perrett delivers the vocals with a sly detachment that heightens the song’s slightly sinister undertone. “Out There in the Night” is a prime example of The Only Ones’ ability to write songs that are both immediately engaging and intellectually intriguing. It walks a fine line between accessibility and depth, humor and horror, making it one of the band’s most enduring and fascinating tracks.
5. “From Here to Eternity” (1979)
“From Here to Eternity” is a cinematic and emotionally charged piece that showcases the more ambitious side of The Only Ones. Released in 1979 on their second album, the song feels expansive and theatrical, with sweeping instrumentation and a sense of dramatic intensity that builds throughout. The arrangement is rich and layered—guitars shimmer, drums roll in like distant thunder, and Peter Perrett’s voice carries a sense of desperate yearning. The lyrics deal with timeless themes: love, mortality, and the weight of human connection. Perrett sings as though he’s caught between hope and despair, his voice fragile yet forceful. What makes this track so compelling is the way it balances its grand scope with raw emotion. It never feels overblown or pretentious—instead, it’s grounded by the sincerity of its delivery. There’s an almost cinematic progression to the song, as if it’s tracing the arc of a doomed romance or a life-altering revelation. “From Here to Eternity” stands as a high point in the band’s catalog, revealing the depth and breadth of their musical and lyrical capabilities. It’s not just a song—it’s an experience, one that lingers long after the final note fades.
6. “Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” (1979)
With a title as confrontational as “Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?”, it’s no surprise that this 1979 track turns heads. But behind the provocation is a song that brims with wit, irony, and the band’s signature blend of melodic punch and lyrical edge. Peter Perrett delivers the biting lyrics with a cool, almost nonchalant drawl, walking the tightrope between satire and sincerity. The upbeat rhythm and catchy guitar riffs contrast sharply with the dark title, creating a dissonance that forces listeners to take a second look—or listen. It’s classic Only Ones: emotionally complex, clever, and musically tight. The track captures a sense of emotional detachment, but not without flashes of genuine pain and bitterness. There’s an undercurrent of disillusionment that mirrors Perrett’s knack for writing songs that sound like love stories unraveling in slow motion. Musically, the band is in top form, balancing jangly guitar with a driving tempo that keeps things brisk and engaging. “Why Don’t You Kill Yourself?” isn’t just a shock title—it’s a window into the disaffected heart of late-’70s rock, delivered with the kind of lyrical craftsmanship and emotional ambiguity that The Only Ones made their hallmark.
7. “Someone Who Cares” (1979)
“Someone Who Cares” is one of the most heartfelt and introspective songs in The Only Ones’ discography. Released in 1979 as part of their Even Serpents Shine album, the song captures the ache of loneliness and the human need for emotional connection. From the first few bars, there’s a tenderness in the arrangement—a slower tempo, delicate guitar lines, and subtle instrumentation that allow Peter Perrett’s vocals to take center stage. He sings with aching vulnerability, pleading for someone who truly understands, who genuinely cares. It’s a departure from the band’s more aggressive or sardonic tracks, showing a softer, more exposed side of their songwriting. The lyrics are honest without being sentimental, poetic without being abstract. It’s this balance that makes the track so powerful. Perrett doesn’t dramatize the pain—he simply states it, and in that simplicity lies its strength. The lush musical backdrop adds warmth to the melancholy, giving the song an emotional depth that continues to resonate. “Someone Who Cares” is a reminder that beneath the swagger and snarl, The Only Ones were capable of striking an emotional chord with precision and grace.
8. “Miles from Nowhere” (1980)
“Miles from Nowhere” is a poignant and fitting entry in The Only Ones’ final studio album, Baby’s Got a Gun, released in 1980. As the title suggests, the track captures a feeling of dislocation—both physical and emotional. There’s a sense of wandering, of searching for something just out of reach. Peter Perrett’s voice carries a mixture of weariness and defiance, a man pushing forward even as everything around him dissolves. Musically, the song features dynamic shifts between restrained verses and more expansive choruses, giving it a sense of journey and movement. The guitar work is both atmospheric and biting, creating textures that reflect the song’s mood of introspection and quiet frustration. Lyrically, it’s about more than just distance; it’s about the existential drift many feel when they realize they’ve been moving without a clear destination. “Miles from Nowhere” is a slow burn—it doesn’t demand your attention, but it rewards those who listen closely. It’s one of those deep cuts that reveals the emotional and artistic depth of the band as they approached the end of their initial run. This song isn’t just the end of a road—it’s the road itself, stretching out endlessly into the unknown.
9. “The Beast” (1979)
“The Beast” is one of the darkest and most intense songs in The Only Ones’ catalog. Released in 1979, it’s a gothic, brooding piece that trades punk swagger for haunting atmosphere. The track opens with a slow, creeping tempo that builds steadily into a dramatic crescendo, creating a sense of looming danger and psychological tension. Peter Perrett’s voice sounds haunted, almost possessed, as he weaves a tale filled with dread, metaphor, and menace. The lyrics suggest a confrontation with inner demons, or perhaps with a very real personification of evil—“the beast” could be addiction, obsession, or a deeper existential fear. John Perry’s guitar lines are piercing and expressive, adding to the track’s theatrical intensity. There’s a cinematic quality to the entire song, as though it belongs in the climax of a noir film or a psychological thriller. “The Beast” stands out for its fearless storytelling and emotional weight. It’s a track that grips you, holds you in suspense, and leaves you unsettled. More than just a song, it’s a descent into the darker corners of the human psyche—a powerful example of The Only Ones’ ability to marry narrative, emotion, and musical artistry.
10. “Curtains for You” (1980)
As the closing track on The Only Ones’ final studio album, “Curtains for You” carries the unmistakable air of a farewell. Released in 1980 on Baby’s Got a Gun, the song feels like a curtain call in every sense—elegant, somber, and emotionally resonant. The arrangement is relatively understated, with a gentle melody that allows the lyrics to breathe. Peter Perrett delivers the vocals with quiet introspection, his voice tinged with weariness and acceptance. Unlike their more urgent, angst-ridden songs, “Curtains for You” feels like the sound of someone making peace with the inevitable. Lyrically, it touches on themes of closure, goodbyes, and the fragile dignity that comes with knowing when to let go. The band plays with remarkable restraint, allowing the emotion to rise from the spaces between the notes. There’s no grand crescendo or dramatic payoff—just a graceful fade, as if the band is slowly backing away from the spotlight. It’s a beautifully understated ending, not just to the album, but to the original chapter of The Only Ones’ story. “Curtains for You” isn’t just a song—it’s a parting glance, a soft exhale, and one last reminder of the band’s unique emotional clarity.
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.
