What makes Even Serpents Shine by The Only Ones notable?

This album is notable for its critical reception, with many praising its blend of punk intensity and melodic sensibilities. It has influenced subsequent artists in the post-punk movement and is often cited in discussions about the evolution of British rock during the late 1970s. Even Serpents Shine is The Only Ones' second album, following their self-titled debut from 1978. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their identity within the new wave and punk rock scenes, exploring more sophisticated lyrical themes and musical arrangements.

How many songs are on Even Serpents Shine?

Even Serpents Shine has 11 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Even Serpents Shine

The Only Ones · 1979

35 min · 11 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of punk energy and melodic pop hooks, reflecting the cultural shifts of late '70s Britain.

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Top tracks — play these first

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From Here to Eternity — The opening track sets a tone of urgency with its driving rhythm and biting lyrics, encapsulating the band's punk roots while hinting at a more expansive sound.
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Curtains for You — This track stands out for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to merge emotional depth with catchy hooks.
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Miles From Nowhere — With its reflective lyrics and soaring chorus, this song highlights the band's knack for blending pop sensibilities with punk aesthetics, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, but its cohesion is affected by the varied pacing and styles across tracks.

What we noticed

Several songs feature layered guitar melodies that intertwine with the vocals, creating a rich sonic texture.
The album closes with an instrumental track that shifts the mood significantly, providing a stark contrast to the preceding vocal-driven pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Curtains for You

A pivotal moment occurs when the narrative voice shifts from external observation to deep personal reflection, revealing vulnerability and longing.

This shift makes the listener feel an intimate connection with the narrator, contrasting sharply with the more detached storytelling found in other tracks.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 From Here to Eternity 3:07
2 Flaming Torch 2:21
3 You’ve Got to Pay 2:49
4 No Solution 2:27
5 Inbetweens 3:57
6 Out There in the Night 3:02
7 Curtains for You 4:18
8 Programme 2:11
9 Someone Who Cares 3:11
10 Miles From Nowhere 3:45
11 Instrumental 4:02

What to play next

Listen next

The Only Ones

1979

Go back to

Baby's Got a Gun

1979

Full The Only Ones discography Artists like The Only Ones

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata