10 Best Songs With The Word 'Only' In The Title

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Steely Dan’s “Only a Fool Would Say That” blends witty lyricism with jazzy sophistication, offering a wry critique of utopian ideals. Sammy Hagar’s “There’s Only One Way to Rock” bursts with high-octane energy, capturing the rebellious spirit of rock and roll. The Beatles deliver a charming vulnerability in “It’s Only Love,” expressing the insecurities that come with falling head over heels. Neil Young’s “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” strips love down to its most poignant truth, with its delicate arrangement highlighting the heartbreak in its message. Roy Orbison’s “Only the Lonely” epitomizes longing, with his soaring vocals and haunting melody laying bare the ache of unrequited love.

The Platters’ “Only You (And You Alone)” captures the timeless beauty of devotion with its lush harmonies and heartfelt sentiment. The Beatles reappear with “Only a Northern Song,” a sly and humorous commentary on the music industry’s corporate influence. The Rolling Stones’ “It’s Only Rock ’n Roll (But I Like It)” embraces the raw, unfiltered joy of making music, with a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of rock’s simplicity. The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” elevates the concept of love to a spiritual level, pairing Brian Wilson’s innovative production with deeply moving lyrics. Billy Joel’s “Only the Good Die Young” delivers a cheeky and irreverent challenge to tradition, carried by its infectious rhythm and playful delivery.

# 10 – Only A Fool Would Say That – Steely Dan

Steely Dan’s “Only a Fool Would Say That” captures their signature blend of cynicism and sophistication, delivering an unflinching critique of idealism wrapped in a deceptively breezy melody. This track, featured on their 1972 debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, highlights the duo’s knack for juxtaposing sharp lyrical wit with polished musical arrangements. Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the song was recorded at Village Recorders in Los Angeles, with Gary Katz handling production duties.

# 9 – There’s Only One Way To Rock – Sammy Hagar

Sammy Hagar’s “There’s Only One Way to Rock” captures the unrelenting energy and rebellious spirit of early 1980s rock, becoming an anthem for those who live for loud guitars and unapologetic attitude. The song is featured on Hagar’s sixth studio album, Standing Hampton, released on January 6, 1982. Produced by Keith Olsen, the album was recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, a legendary location that has housed iconic artists and albums.

Standing Hampton was a commercial success, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard 200 and earning Platinum certification.

# 8 – It’s Only Love – The Beatles

The Beatles’ “It’s Only Love” captures the complexity of infatuation with a subtle blend of emotional vulnerability and breezy melody. The track, written primarily by John Lennon, was included on the 1965 Help! album in the UK and on Rubber Soul in the US. Recorded on June 15, 1965, at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios) in London.

# 7 – Only Love Can Break Your Heart – Neil Young

Neil Young’s “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” delivers a poignant meditation on heartbreak and vulnerability, making it one of the most emotionally resonant entries on After the Gold Rush, released in 1970. Recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, California, and produced by Young and David Briggs, the song is a masterclass in understated elegance. With its introspective lyrics and gentle arrangement, the track has become an enduring classic in Young’s catalog.

Read More: Top 10 Neil Young Songs

# 6 – Only The Lonely – Roy Orbison

Hands down, one of the most beautiful vocal performances ever captured on vinyl record. The song that inspired Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder Road” and countless others.

Read More: Top 10 Roy Orbison Songs

# 5 – Only You – The Platters

“Only You (And You Alone)” by The Platters is a timeless declaration of love, cementing its place in music history as one of the definitive ballads of the 1950s. Released in May 1955, the song was recorded at Mercury Records in Los Angeles and produced by Buck Ram, who also wrote the song. This classic doo-wop ballad exemplifies the genre’s emotive vocal harmonies and romantic themes, making it an enduring favorite.

The recording features the distinctive lead vocals of Tony Williams, whose passionate and soaring delivery anchors the track. The smooth backing harmonies of David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed, and Zola Taylor provide a rich and textured contrast, creating an unforgettable sonic experience. The simplicity of the instrumentation, with a piano and light percussion, ensures that the focus remains on the heartfelt vocals and the song’s lyrical depth. Buck Ram’s expert production captured the soul of the performance, crafting a sound that resonated deeply with audiences.

Read More: Top 10 Platters Songs

# 4 – Only A Northern Song – The Beatles

The Beatles’ “Only a Northern Song” offers a rare glimpse into George Harrison’s sardonic wit, wrapped in the psychedelic experimentation characteristic of the band’s Sgt. Pepper-era recordings. Originally intended for the iconic album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the song instead found its home in the 1969 animated film Yellow Submarine and its accompanying soundtrack. Written by Harrison as a tongue-in-cheek critique of the music publishing industry, the song carries a biting undercurrent masked by whimsical instrumentation and surreal lyrics. The track was recorded at Abbey Road Studios on February 13 and April 20, 1967.

# 3 – It’s Only Rock’n’Roll (But I Like It) – The Rolling Stones

Released in 1974 as the lead single and title track for their It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll album, the song serves as both a declaration of the band’s enduring love for their craft and a playful jab at the critics and cynics of the time. With its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, this track cemented its place as a fan favorite in the Stones’ legendary catalog. The song was recorded between late 1973 and early 1974 at Stargroves, Mick Jagger’s English country home, and in Munich’s Musicland Studios. Produced by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards under their pseudonym “The Glimmer Twins,” the track features Mick Taylor on lead guitar, Charlie Watts on drums, and Bill Wyman on bass, with additional backing vocals from David Bowie. The loose, celebratory feel of the recording is a testament to the Stones’ ability to marry raw energy with precision, creating a sound that was as infectious as it was authentic.

Read More: Top 10 Rolling Stones Albums

# 2 – God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” stands as one of the most poignant and influential songs in the history of popular music. Released in 1966 on their groundbreaking album Pet Sounds, this track is a masterclass in lyrical simplicity, lush instrumentation, and heartfelt emotion. Written by the late Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, the song’s themes of unconditional love and devotion are expressed through lines like, “God only knows what I’d be without you,” encapsulating the vulnerability that comes with profound affection.

# 1 – Only The Good Die Young – Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s “Only the Good Die Young” is a spirited and controversial anthem that combines sharp lyrical wit with a lively musical arrangement. Featured on his 1977 album The Stranger, this track encapsulates the rebellious energy and youthful determination that has made it one of his most enduring songs. With its upbeat tempo and Joel’s engaging vocal delivery, the song tells the story of a young man’s lighthearted but persistent attempt to convince a Catholic girl to abandon her strict upbringing for a taste of freedom and adventure. Upon its release, “Only the Good Die Young” sparked controversy for its perceived critique of religious conservatism, with some radio stations banning it. Ironically, the controversy only boosted the song’s popularity, and it became a top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Read More: Top 10 Billy Joel Albums