What makes The One and Only by Kirsty MacColl notable?

The One and Only received critical acclaim upon release, showcasing MacColl's signature blend of catchy melodies with incisive lyrics. It features several tracks that were significant hits during her career, including reimagined versions of her previous work, contributing to her enduring influence on the pop genre. Released in 2001, The One and Only was Kirsty MacColl's last studio album before her untimely death in 2000. This album followed her earlier works that established her as a prominent voice in pop music since the 1980s. At this point, she was celebrated for her unique songwriting and vocal style, making this a poignant farewell to her career.

Who is The One and Only for?

The One and Only works well if you're into sharp wit and heartfelt lyrics, dynamic journey with emotional peaks and for afternoon drives.

How many songs are on The One and Only?

The One and Only has 14 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

The One and Only

Kirsty MacColl · 2001

55 min · 14 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of pop and new wave, underscored by sharp wit and social commentary in every track.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A New England — This track stands as a hallmark of MacColl's career, offering a poignant reflection on love and loss wrapped in an infectious melody. Its lyrical depth combined with a catchy chorus exemplifies her knack for blending pop sensibilities with emotional storytelling.
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They Don't Know — Originally written by David Bowie, MacColl's rendition transforms the song into an anthem of resilience, showcasing her distinctive vocal delivery and clever lyricism. This track highlights her ability to reinterpret songs while infusing them with personal meaning.
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I'm Going Out With an Eighty Year Old Millionaire — This playful yet biting commentary on relationships plays with societal norms through humor, demonstrating MacColl's sharp wit and insight. It encapsulates the album's overall tone of empowerment mixed with irreverence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks the cohesive flow of MacColl's earlier works.

What we noticed

The album opens with a reimagined version of 'A New England', which sets a reflective tone that persists through the first half.

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 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

sharp wit and heartfelt lyrics
dynamic journey with emotional peaks
for afternoon drives
playful storytelling with rich imagery

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek consistent energy throughout

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2001, The One and Only was Kirsty MacColl's last studio album before her untimely death in 2000. This album followed her earlier works that established her as a prominent voice in pop music since the 1980s. At this point, she was celebrated for her unique songwriting and vocal style, making this a poignant farewell to her career.
Stylistic neighbors: Squeeze· The B-52's· Elvis Costello