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

Peter Perrett of The Only Ones is putting out a new album soon. He said: "Something inside me would like to make my best-ever album. Seeing Johnny Cash doing his best work right at the end makes me feel like just because I’m old doesn’t mean I’m useless." So it's as good a time as ever to take a quick look back at his original band's oriiginal album. Yes, he is an aging rocker, but apparently not yet retiring from making rock music (unlike other bands related to punk music).

Released in April 1978 under the Columbia label, The Only Ones marked the debut of the English rock band of the same name. Led by Peter Perrett, the band quickly distinguished itself from the punk bands of the era by blending punk, new wave, and power pop into a more melodic and polished sound. The album, co-produced by the band and Robert Ash, received critical acclaim for its unique approach to punk rock and its standout songwriting.

Upon its release, The Only Ones garnered positive reviews, with critics praising Perrett’s songwriting and the band’s musicianship. The album’s most famous track, "Another Girl, Another Planet," became an anthem of the era and is often hailed as a classic. Its catchy melody and lyrical depth have made it a favorite for cover versions by various artists over the years. That being said, the album has decent songs aside from their greatest hit (one is linked below).

Though the album didn’t achieve significant commercial success at the time, it has since become a cult favorite, especially among punk and new wave enthusiasts. The band’s ability to merge punk’s raw energy with power pop’s catchy hooks and rock’s broader appeal has influenced numerous artists and continues to resonate with fans decades later.

The band

The Only Ones consisted of Peter Perrett on lead and background vocals, guitars, and keyboards; John Perry on guitars and keyboards; Alan Mair on bass guitars; and Mike Kellie on drums. They also worked with several session musicians, including Mick Gallagher and Gordon Edwards on keyboards, Raphael & Friends on horns, and Koulla Kakoulli on backing vocals.

A highlights from the New Wave Era of rock

The late 1970s and early 1980s were marked by a wave of new music that blurred genre lines and pushed boundaries. While bands like Human League, A Flock of Seagulls, and Gary Numan dominated the synth-pop scene, The Only Ones represented a more guitar-driven, punk-inspired sound that stood out in the burgeoning new wave movement.

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: