In the vibrant landscape of late ’70s and early ’80s rock, few bands left as indelible a mark as The Only Ones. Known for their unique blend of punk rock energy and melodic sensibility, they captured the essence of a generation with their infectious sound and poignant lyrics. With hits that resonate through the decades, their music transcends time, drawing in new fans while still captivating long-time listeners.
In this article, we dive into the top 10 most popular songs from The Only Ones, exploring the tracks that defined their career and solidified their place in music history. From the electrifying guitar riffs to the haunting vocals of lead singer Peter Perrett, each song tells a story, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the band’s artistic journey. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer eager to discover their magic, this countdown promises to unveil the essence of The Only Ones, celebrating their greatest hits and the reasons they remain influential today. Join us as we revisit these timeless classics and uncover the melodies that continue to resonate in the hearts of music lovers around the world!
1. Another Girl, Another Planet (1977)
“Another Girl, Another Planet” stands as The Only Ones’ most iconic track, capturing the spirit of romantic chaos and emotional yearning with unforgettable charm. Released in 1977, this punk-meets-power-pop anthem delivers a perfect storm of jangly guitar riffs, urgent rhythms, and lyrics that are simultaneously poetic and confessional. The song tells the story of infatuation that’s as thrilling as it is unstable—“I think I’m on another world with you”—suggesting that love, or even addiction, can feel like stepping into another dimension. Peter Perrett’s distinct voice is both fragile and defiant, matching the emotional contradiction at the heart of the song. What makes this track so enduring is its blend of raw vulnerability and infectious energy. It’s been hailed by critics as one of the finest songs of its era, and for good reason—it speaks to the universal experience of falling too fast and too hard. Whether it’s heard blasting from a dusty turntable or onstage at an indie gig, “Another Girl, Another Planet” continues to resonate with listeners who’ve ever felt the dizzying rush of love that feels too big to contain.
2. Burning Up Time (1978)
“Burning Up Time” is The Only Ones at their most intense and unapologetically rebellious. Released in 1978, the song channels the urgency of youth in a world that feels both thrilling and confining. Driven by rapid-fire guitars, pounding drums, and Peter Perrett’s almost breathless vocals, the track captures the chaotic energy of living in the moment. It’s a fast-paced ride through the disillusionment and restlessness of an era when everything felt like it was speeding toward collapse. The lyrics convey a desire to escape the mundane and experience life fully—even if that means running into danger. There’s something intoxicating about the way Perrett shrugs off consequence, choosing instead to lean into the now. Musically, the band delivers a tight and energetic performance, with each member playing as if they’ve got something urgent to prove. “Burning Up Time” isn’t just a song—it’s a state of mind, a raw reflection of youth set to a killer riff. For anyone who’s ever felt like the clock was ticking and they had to live fast just to feel alive, this song hits with a cathartic punch.
3. The Whole of the Law (1978)
“The Whole of the Law” is one of The Only Ones’ most thought-provoking tracks, offering a mix of existential musing and unfiltered emotion. Released in 1978, the song starts off with a catchy guitar riff that disguises the lyrical depth to come. Peter Perrett’s signature voice—detached, yet strangely intimate—guides the listener through questions of freedom, morality, and self-definition. The phrase “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law” echoes Aleister Crowley’s famous maxim, adding a layer of philosophical weight to what might otherwise sound like a straightforward punk tune. Musically, it’s both immediate and rich, with melodic guitars underscoring the urgency of Perrett’s words. The track balances punk energy with introspection, making it more than just an anthem—it’s a meditation on life’s bigger questions, wrapped in a catchy package. The Only Ones show here that they aren’t just about rebellion or love songs—they’re also thinkers, philosophers in leather jackets. “The Whole of the Law” remains a standout for its lyrical ambition and musical finesse, proof that punk can be both sharp-edged and deeply cerebral.
4. No Peace for the Wicked (1980)
Released in 1980, “No Peace for the Wicked” dives into the inner turmoil of someone haunted by regrets and unreachable peace. This song finds The Only Ones operating in full command of their craft—tight musicianship, sharp songwriting, and raw emotional pull. Peter Perrett’s voice is weary but captivating, as if he’s spent years trying to shake off ghosts that won’t leave. The lyrics are filled with unease, speaking to the quiet kind of suffering that doesn’t make a sound but weighs on a person’s soul. There’s a bluesy tension beneath the surface, elevated by the band’s subtle shifts in tempo and tone. The song walks a line between rock swagger and emotional vulnerability, and that duality is what makes it so compelling. Perrett doesn’t shout or scream; instead, he lets the words hang in the air, heavy with meaning. “No Peace for the Wicked” feels like a late-night confession, told by someone who knows they’re too far gone to turn back. It’s a haunting, beautifully composed piece that reminds listeners that real darkness isn’t loud—it’s quiet, relentless, and inside you.
5. You Can’t Hurt Me (1978)
“You Can’t Hurt Me” is a bold declaration of survival wrapped in a punchy punk-rock package. Released in 1978, the track embodies defiance and emotional armor, the kind that’s built up after being knocked down too many times. From the moment the song kicks in, it’s clear that The Only Ones are in fighting form—tight guitar lines, an urgent drum beat, and Peter Perrett’s piercing voice lead the charge. The lyrics convey a sense of earned resilience, as if the narrator has already been through the worst and come out the other side tougher, even if a little jaded. It’s not boastful, though—it’s the kind of strength that only comes from knowing your own weaknesses. The band sounds sharp and confident, pushing the momentum forward with a sense of urgency. “You Can’t Hurt Me” is more than just a break-up song or a cry for independence—it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever had to put up walls to protect what’s left. It’s catchy, cathartic, and deeply empowering, proving once again that The Only Ones knew how to mix vulnerability with grit in a way that still hits hard today.
6. Lovers of Today (1978)
“Lovers of Today” is one of The Only Ones’ most emotionally resonant tracks, offering a delicate yet powerful meditation on love in a world that often feels unstable. Released in 1978, the song trades the band’s usual urgency for a slower, more atmospheric vibe. Peter Perrett’s voice is especially haunting here—fragile, almost resigned—as he delivers lyrics that speak to the fleeting nature of modern romance. There’s a sense of longing that runs deep through the entire track, as if the narrator is desperately trying to hold on to something that’s already slipping away. The guitars are moody and melodic, weaving in and out of the vocals like memories surfacing and fading. What makes “Lovers of Today” so timeless is its emotional honesty. It doesn’t romanticize love—it reflects its imperfections, its disappointments, and its beautiful, fleeting highs. This is a song for anyone who has loved deeply and been changed by it, even when the outcome was uncertain. With its rich instrumentation and intimate lyrics, “Lovers of Today” stands as a quiet masterpiece in The Only Ones’ catalog, proving that sometimes the softest songs carry the loudest truths.
7. It’s a Long Way Down (1979)
“It’s a Long Way Down” is a haunting reflection on falling—from grace, from innocence, or simply from hope. Released in 1979, this track shows The Only Ones leaning into a darker, more introspective sound. The guitar work is brooding and layered, while the rhythm section adds a slow-burning tension that mirrors the emotional descent the lyrics describe. Peter Perrett delivers his lines with a sense of weary acceptance, as if he’s seen the bottom and knows exactly how far there is to fall. The song speaks to that moment when you realize you’re past the point of no return, yet there’s a strange calm in surrendering to the inevitable. Musically, it’s restrained but powerful—each note and chord carefully chosen to support the melancholy mood. “It’s a Long Way Down” captures the emotional complexity of facing your own unraveling, but it does so with poetic grace. It’s the kind of song that lingers, not just because of its sound, but because of how deeply it understands the quiet pain of falling apart. It’s one of the band’s most underrated tracks and a poignant example of their ability to turn sorrow into something beautiful.
8. The Big Sleep (1980)
“The Big Sleep,” released in 1980, is a dark, gripping track that wrestles with mortality and existential dread. The title alone is an unmistakable reference to death, and the lyrics follow suit with a moody, reflective tone. Peter Perrett delivers the verses with a somber calm, almost as if he’s narrating a dream—or perhaps a nightmare. The band matches the heaviness of the subject with a slow-building intensity. The guitars swirl ominously, the drums march with foreboding purpose, and everything about the arrangement feels like it’s inching toward some unknown, final destination. But rather than feeling melodramatic, the song is captivating in its honesty. “The Big Sleep” doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths—it stares them down and turns them into music. It’s a song that invites you to sit with your thoughts, to feel the weight of time passing, and to consider what comes next. The Only Ones manage to make a song about death feel strangely comforting, offering a soundtrack not to despair, but to acceptance. It’s a profound moment in their discography, proving that they could be just as powerful in silence as they were in noise.
9. A Place in the Sun (1980)
“A Place in the Sun” is one of the more uplifting moments in The Only Ones’ catalog, offering a shimmering glimpse of hope in a world often painted with shadows. Released in 1980, the track carries a bright, infectious energy that feels like a breath of fresh air. The jangly guitars are full of life, and Peter Perrett’s vocals, while still tinged with his signature melancholy, carry a sense of longing that feels optimistic rather than defeatist. Lyrically, the song is about yearning—for purpose, for peace, for a better tomorrow. It’s the sound of someone chasing something just beyond reach but refusing to stop running. The melody is catchy and immediate, but there’s a depth in the arrangement that gives the song staying power. “A Place in the Sun” doesn’t offer easy answers or fairy-tale resolutions—it’s more about the chase than the prize. Still, that glimmer of hope makes it one of the most emotionally satisfying entries in their discography. It’s a reminder that even the most jaded hearts still carry a flicker of light, waiting for the right time—and place—to shine.
10. I Don’t Want to Talk About It (1980)
“I Don’t Want to Talk About It” is a raw, emotionally exposed ballad that captures the silence that follows heartbreak. Released in 1980, the song strips away pretense, laying bare the deep vulnerability that often goes unspoken in love’s aftermath. Peter Perrett’s voice, already known for its wounded elegance, is at its most affecting here—delivering each line like a personal confession. The arrangement is soft and restrained, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. There’s no screaming or melodrama, just the quiet ache of someone who’s been hurt too deeply to articulate it out loud. And that’s what makes the song so powerful—it’s not about the words that are said, but the emotions that remain unsaid. The Only Ones show a remarkable sensitivity here, allowing the song to breathe and letting silence do as much work as sound. “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” resonates with anyone who’s ever had to fake a smile, to keep going while nursing invisible wounds. It’s a beautiful, aching track that closes the chapter with grace, reminding us that sometimes, the most honest thing you can say is nothing at all.
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.
