What makes The Only Ones by The Only Ones notable?

This album is notable for its impact on the post-punk landscape, particularly the enduring classic 'Another Girl, Another Planet', which has been covered by numerous artists and remains influential. Critics lauded the album for its lyrical depth and musical craftsmanship, helping establish The Only Ones as key figures in the evolution of new wave music. The Only Ones' self-titled debut album emerged in 1979, during a pivotal phase in their career as they transitioned from underground recognition to wider acclaim. Following the early success of their singles, this album solidified their presence within the UK punk and new wave scenes, showcasing their unique sound.

How many songs are on The Only Ones?

The Only Ones has 10 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

The Only Ones

The Only Ones · 1979

33 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A dynamic blend of punk urgency and melodic new wave, driven by sharp lyrics and infectious hooks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Another Girl, Another Planet — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its catchy melody and poignant reflections on love and loss, becoming a defining anthem of the era.
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The Whole of the Law — Opening the album with raw energy, this song sets the tone for the record's blend of punk rock attitude and melodic sensibility.
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City of Fun — With its vibrant narrative about urban life, this track showcases the band's ability to mix humor with introspective themes, making it a standout.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends punk energy with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics, making it distinctive yet cohesive in its approach.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'City of Fun' which transitions from a driving beat to a more laid-back groove.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Whole of the Law 2:38
2 Another Girl, Another Planet 3:02
3 Breaking Down 4:52
4 City of Fun 3:32
5 The Beast 5:47
6 Creature of Doom 2:33
7 It’s the Truth 2:06
8 Language Problem 2:28
9 No Peace for the Wicked 2:51
10 The Immortal Story 3:56

What to play next

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1979

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Baby's Got a Gun

1979

Full The Only Ones discography Artists like The Only Ones

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata