Only… | 5ive Songs

1. Adele, “One and Only”

21 • XL Recordings Ltd. • 2011

“I dare you to let me be your, one and only / Promise I’m worth it / To hold in your arms.” 21, the critically acclaimed, 2011 album by Adele has no shortage of hits. That said, “Rolling In The Deep”, “Someone Like You”, or “Set Fire to the Rain” are often mentioned prior to “One and Only.” That said, this rousing, bluesy, gospel record can’t be denied – period. The robust nature of Adele’s voice is simply masterful on this emotionally charged, commitment-driven record.  Love always wins, right? Right!

2. Jonas Brothers, “Only Human”

Happiness Begins • Jonas Brothers Recording / Republic • 2019

Following a one-two punch of “Sucker” and “Cool”  is a tall task. Of course, both songs served as promo singles (and the opening duo) of Happiness Begins, the comeback album by Jonas Brothers. The ska-infused pop of the ‘only’ song at hand, “Only Human” proves to be quite satisfying, with Shellback producing.  This ska sound definitely doesn’t work for everybody, but surprisingly, the Jonas Brothers have the ‘swagger’ to pull it off – let that soak in for a minute! Notably, “Only Human” references the album’s title lyrically: “You got all my love to spend, oh / Let’s find a place where happiness begins.”

3. Nicki Minaj, “Only”

Ft. Drake, Lil Wayne & Chris Brown

The Pinkprint • Cash Money • 2014

“Only” finds Nicki Minaj continuing to be risqué and unapologetic AF on her 2014 album, The Pinkprint.  By unapologetic, I mean that Minaj cusses like a sailor and keeps it 💯.  I mean, you don’t get much more honest than, say, “I don’t fuck with them chickens unless they last name is Cutlet / Let it soak in like seasoning.” Damn.  Of course, “Only” is more than Nicki’s brashness, sigh. She enlists some boys that can get down too – Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown.

4. Nine Inch Nails, “Only”

With Teeth • Interscope • 2005

“There is no you / There is only me / there is no fucking you / There is only me / Only.”  Thanks for making that crystal-clear Trent Reznor!  “Only” is a definite. standout from With Teeth, the 2005 album by industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails.  Of course, Reznor is the most important, notable piece of NIN.  Focusing on the song at hand, this mysterious joint finds Trent feeling ‘some type of way,’ and we aren’t referring to romance.  “Sometimes I think I can see right through myself.” Whoa! It should be noted, earlier on With Teeth, Reznor asks, “Don’t you fucking know what you are?”

5. Arctic Monkeys, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”

AM • Domino • 2013

Years before singing about an imaginary hotel and casino (Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino), British alternative rock band Arctic Monkeys posed a very important question: “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” appears as the ninth song on the 2013 album, AM. “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” features an awesome groove and theme. Alex Turner finds himself ‘trailing’ in the pursuance of the girl.  “Somewhere darker, talking the same shite,” he sings on verse two, “I need a partner, well are you out tonight?”  Despite Turner’s lack of game, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” totally rocks. The chorus is its crowning achievement of the song itself:

“Now it’s three in the morning and I’m trying to change your mind
Left you multiple missed calls and to my message, you reply
Why’d you only call me when you’re high?”