In the vibrant tapestry of punk and new wave music, few bands have left a mark as indelible as The Only Ones. Emerging from the British music scene in the late 1970s, this eclectic group fused rock with poignant lyrics and infectious melodies, captivating listeners across generations. With their distinctive sound characterized by jangly guitars and a blend of melancholy and exhilaration, The Only Ones carved out a unique niche that still resonates today.
Their music transcends mere entertainment; it evokes a sense of nostalgia and raw emotion, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of life. From their anthemic hits to deep cuts that showcase their lyrical prowess, The Only Ones have crafted a catalog that is both timeless and essential.
In this article, we delve into the top 10 most popular songs by The Only Ones, celebrating the tracks that not only defined their career but also shaped the musical landscape of their era. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer curious about their legacy, prepare to rediscover the magic of The Only Ones through these unforgettable tunes that continue to inspire and resonate.
1. Another Girl, Another Planet (1977)
“Another Girl, Another Planet” is widely considered The Only Ones’ defining track—and for good reason. Released in 1977, this song effortlessly blends punk attitude with melodic sophistication, making it an enduring anthem of romantic obsession and youthful longing. The jangly guitars and propulsive rhythm immediately draw you in, but it’s Peter Perrett’s raw, almost fragile vocal delivery that gives the song its emotional edge. His lyrics explore the thrill and chaos of infatuation, teetering between sincerity and reckless abandon. Despite its punk-era release, the song feels timeless, transcending genres and generations. Its chorus—catchy and soaring—lingers long after the song ends, and the entire arrangement feels like a carefully controlled burst of emotion. Over the years, “Another Girl, Another Planet” has earned a cult status, cited by many musicians as a major influence. It captures a kind of emotional turbulence that’s hard to fake: love, loss, and the ever-shifting tides of human connection. More than just a standout of the late ’70s, this song remains an essential piece of rock history, proof that vulnerability and grit can live side by side in a perfect three-minute masterpiece.
2. Breaking Down (1978)
“Breaking Down,” released in 1978, is a haunting yet melodic deep dive into emotional collapse. The track opens with a steady, pulsing beat that quickly envelops the listener in a sense of tension and anticipation. From the very first note, there’s an undercurrent of vulnerability that defines the entire song. Peter Perrett’s weary vocals perfectly match the lyrical content, which explores the themes of alienation, despair, and the subtle ways people fall apart. It’s not melodramatic—just honest, stripped down, and painfully relatable. The instrumentation walks a fine line between delicate and driving, with atmospheric guitars and a rhythm section that ebbs and flows like a troubled heartbeat. What makes this track especially powerful is its restraint. Rather than exploding into chaos, it simmers with quiet intensity, allowing each lyric and musical phrase to settle in. “Breaking Down” may not have been a commercial juggernaut, but it’s one of The Only Ones’ most introspective and mature efforts. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever felt on the edge and needed to hear that they weren’t alone. A haunting anthem for fragile moments, it remains a favorite for listeners who crave substance and soul in their music.
3. The Whole Of The Law (1978)
“The Whole Of The Law” is one of The Only Ones’ most introspective and lyrically rich songs. Released in 1978, this track carries the spirit of punk defiance while offering a more cerebral take on personal freedom and social constraint. Peter Perrett’s voice, with its detached yet poignant quality, delivers lines that cut deep, exploring the blurred boundaries between right and wrong, and the inner war of trying to live authentically. Musically, the song balances grit and grace. The guitars shimmer with a melancholic tone, while the rhythm section provides a steady, almost hypnotic pulse that supports the lyrical weight of the song. There’s an undeniable poetry in the lyrics, as Perrett reflects on love, autonomy, and the cost of truly living on your own terms. It’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt out of step with the world, and it remains one of the band’s most beloved tracks for its honesty and depth. “The Whole Of The Law” is more than just a song—it’s a philosophical statement wrapped in three minutes of beautifully constructed music, proving that punk doesn’t have to shout to make a point.
4. No Peace for the Wicked (1980)
Released in 1980, “No Peace for the Wicked” dives headfirst into darker emotional territory, capturing the restless spirit of a man struggling to find inner calm. The song’s title alone sets the tone: there’s a sense of perpetual unease that seeps through every line and chord. The band builds a tense, shadowy soundscape with gritty guitars and a driving beat that feels like a heartbeat under stress. Peter Perrett’s vocals are particularly compelling here—haunted, raw, and tinged with world-weariness. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he inhabits them, delivering each line as if he’s lived through every ounce of despair and confusion. Lyrically, the song explores internal conflict, hinting at guilt, temptation, and the constant battle between light and dark within the soul. It’s a track that resonates with listeners who understand that peace doesn’t always come easy—sometimes it’s out of reach altogether. Despite its heavy themes, the energy never falters, making it one of the band’s most intense and cathartic songs. “No Peace for the Wicked” proves that The Only Ones could go beyond love songs and punk energy, crafting something deeper, grittier, and emotionally unforgettable.
5. Someone Who Cares (1978)
“Someone Who Cares,” released in 1978, is one of The Only Ones’ most emotionally intimate songs. At its core, it’s a ballad of longing—a plea for genuine connection in a world that often feels cold and indifferent. The song opens gently, with a soft, aching melody that immediately sets a reflective tone. Peter Perrett’s vocals are filled with quiet yearning, capturing the vulnerability that comes with exposing your need for affection and understanding. His lyrics speak to anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or misunderstood, making it one of the band’s most relatable tracks. What really makes the song stand out is its subtle beauty—the delicate guitar work, the restrained rhythm, and the way every musical element seems to lean in, giving space for the emotion to shine. Rather than trying to impress with technical flair, the band opts for sincerity, letting the rawness of the message carry the song. “Someone Who Cares” is more than just a cry for love—it’s a reminder that even in the most isolating moments, the desire for human connection remains universal. Tender and timeless, it’s a track that continues to comfort and resonate.
6. The Beast (1980)
“The Beast,” released in 1980, showcases The Only Ones at their most intense and unrelenting. This track explodes with raw energy, powered by driving drums and searing guitar riffs that underline the emotional weight of the lyrics. It feels like a descent into a personal hell—Perrett’s vocals are full of pain, tension, and unfiltered emotion. Lyrically, the song delves into themes of self-destruction, inner conflict, and the temptation to give in to darker impulses. There’s a brooding edge to it that sets it apart from some of the band’s more melodic offerings. It’s not just a song—it’s a psychological battle set to music, and Perrett is both narrator and protagonist in a struggle with the beast within. The ferocity of the instrumentation underscores the chaos he describes, pulling the listener into a whirlwind of turmoil. What makes “The Beast” stand out is its fearless honesty. It doesn’t sugarcoat or romanticize the darker side of human nature—it stares it down. As a result, it remains a powerful statement in the band’s catalog, praised by fans who appreciate its emotional gravity and visceral impact.
7. A Way of Life (1980)
“A Way of Life” is one of those songs that sounds deceptively upbeat on first listen but quickly reveals deeper meaning beneath the surface. Released in 1980, it’s a bold declaration of identity in the face of a world that demands conformity. The rhythm is catchy, the guitars bright, and the melody infectious—but the lyrics challenge social expectations and celebrate the idea of choosing one’s own path, no matter how unconventional it may seem. Peter Perrett’s vocals carry a tone of defiance and pride, as he delivers lines that speak to those who live on their own terms. It’s an anthem for outsiders, rebels, and anyone who’s refused to bow to societal norms. The band’s tight instrumentation keeps the song lively, with just enough edge to underscore the grit behind its message. “A Way of Life” reminds listeners that authenticity often comes at a cost—but it’s worth it. In a catalog filled with emotionally complex songs, this one offers a kind of hopeful resistance. It doesn’t promise peace or perfection, but it embraces resilience. That makes it more than just a song—it’s a philosophy.
8. In Betweens (1978)
“In Betweens,” released in 1978, is a striking portrait of emotional ambiguity. With its mid-tempo groove and shimmering guitars, the track captures the strange liminal spaces we often find ourselves stuck in—the places between certainty and doubt, connection and loneliness, hope and regret. The Only Ones bring a unique depth to this song, both musically and lyrically. The guitar work is rich and textured, while Perrett’s vocals feel both vulnerable and reflective, expressing a quiet struggle that’s all too familiar. It’s not a song of extremes—it dwells in nuance, capturing those moments when you can’t quite make sense of your own emotions. The lyrics suggest a longing to move forward but also a hesitation to let go. That tension is palpable throughout the track. It resonates with listeners who’ve ever felt caught in emotional limbo, not knowing whether to hold on or walk away. “In Betweens” doesn’t offer easy answers—it simply holds a mirror up to the messiness of real life. And in doing so, it becomes one of the band’s most relatable and quietly powerful pieces.
9. I Think I’m You (1980)
“I Think I’m You,” from 1980, is a fascinating deep cut in The Only Ones’ discography, touching on the complex themes of identity and emotional entanglement. The music is upbeat and vibrant, with punchy guitar lines and a driving rhythm section that injects the song with a sense of forward momentum. But the lyrics take a different turn—here, Perrett explores the blurred lines between self and other, suggesting a kind of emotional merging that’s as unsettling as it is intriguing. There’s a sense of obsession in the way he sings about identifying so closely with someone else that the boundaries begin to fade. The contrast between the energetic sound and the introspective subject matter gives the song a subtle psychological edge. Perrett’s delivery, as always, is sincere and tinged with just the right amount of unease. “I Think I’m You” speaks to the vulnerability that comes with intimacy—how deeply we can lose ourselves in another person, sometimes to the point of confusion. It’s one of the band’s more intellectually curious tracks, and one that rewards repeat listens for those interested in the emotional undercurrents beneath the pop-punk surface.
10. It’s the Real World (1980)
Closing out this selection is “It’s the Real World,” a 1980 track that confronts the harshness of reality with a bittersweet mix of energy and reflection. Unlike some of their more emotionally raw or melancholic songs, this one strikes a more balanced tone—part resignation, part empowerment. The upbeat instrumentation, with its propulsive beat and bright guitars, creates a feeling of motion, like trying to keep going even when the weight of life feels heavy. Peter Perrett’s lyrics cut through the noise with a dose of realism, acknowledging life’s difficulties without giving in to despair. There’s a sense of clarity in the song’s message: the world doesn’t owe us comfort, and pretending otherwise won’t change the truth. Yet, instead of sounding bitter, the song comes off as invigorating—a reminder to face things head-on, scars and all. “It’s the Real World” serves as an anthem for anyone who’s grown tired of illusions and just wants to live authentically. It doesn’t glamorize struggle, but it doesn’t run from it either. In that honesty lies its strength, making it a fitting finale for an album—or a mindset.
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.
