The Only Ones: A pop-punky cult classic debut with new wave influence

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As a seasoned gamer with a heart for rock music that spans decades, I can confidently say that The Only Ones‘ self-titled debut album is a gem from the New Wave Era. This English quartet, led by Peter Perrett, managed to carve out their unique niche in the punk scene of the late 70s by blending punk, new wave, and power pop into a melodic symphony that still resonates today.

Peter Perrett, formerly of The Only Ones, is set to release a new album soon. He expresses his desire to create his finest work yet, inspired by Johnny Cash’s late-career success. This suggests that even at an advanced age, he doesn’t plan on giving up on creating rock music – quite the contrary, it seems he’s still very much active in the scene, unlike some other bands associated with punk music. So, let’s revisit The Only Ones’ debut album before the new release drops.

In April 1978, under the Columbia record label, the album “The Only Ones” was unveiled, which introduced the English rock band of the same name. Guided by Peter Perrett, the group swiftly set itself apart from the punk bands of that time by merging punk, new wave, and power pop into a more melodic and refined style. This album, jointly produced by the band and Robert Ash, was praised critically for its innovative take on punk rock and its exceptional songwriting.

Upon its debut, “The Only Ones” was met with acclaim, as critics applauded Perrett’s songwriting prowess and admired the band’s musical abilities. The standout track, “Another Girl, Another Planet,” emerged as a defining tune of that time, frequently recognized as a timeless classic. Its infectious tune and profound lyrics have inspired numerous cover versions by diverse artists throughout the years. However, it’s worth noting that the album boasts other quality tunes apart from its most famous hit (a sample is provided below).

Initially, the album didn’t garner much commercial acclaim, but it eventually gained popularity among dedicated followers of punk and new wave music. The band’s unique blend of punk’s intense energy, pop’s infectious hooks, and rock’s universal appeal has left a lasting impact on various artists, and its influence can still be heard in the music scene today, continuing to strike a chord with fans for over forty years.

The band

The band The Only Ones was made up of Peter Perrett handling lead and backup vocals, as well as playing guitars and keyboards. John Perry played both guitars and keyboards, Alan Mair handled the bass guitar, and Mike Kellie was on the drums. They frequently collaborated with various session musicians like Mick Gallagher and Gordon Edwards on keyboards, Raphael & Friends on horns, and Koulla Kakoulli for backing vocals.

A highlights from the New Wave Era of rock

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a surge of fresh music that defied genre norms and broke barriers. Bands such as Human League, A Flock of Seagulls, and Gary Numan were prominent figures in the synth-pop genre, but The Only Ones, with their guitar-centric, punk-inspired style, stood out among the emerging new wave scene.

The album’s appeal lies not only in its original tracks but also in how it has been revisited and reinterpreted over the years. Many classic albums share this ability to be rediscovered and appreciated from fresh perspectives, and The Only Ones is no exception. This band arrived in an era of musical innovation and made a lasting impact on rock music, even if it’s more of a ripple effect than a giant wave.

As promised, here is a decent song from the album, other than their greatest hit:

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2024-08-21 15:01