Only

Album: Sound of White Noise (1993)
Charted: 36
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the first song written for Sound of White Noise, Anthrax's first album to feature vocalist John Bush, who replaced longtime Anthrax vocalist Joey Belladonna in 1992. Speaking to us in a 2013 interview, drummer Charlie Benante said: "That was the first song that John wrote with us. Instantly, it became such a very catchy song, and we were all really excited about that. And then what that record became after that was really exciting."

    "Some people said we went a little 'grunge' on that record," he added. "But the only reason why they say that is because Dave Jerden produced it, and he did the Alice in Chains stuff. It would be really hard for us to come out and do Among the Living again with a new vocalist. I think it was a watershed moment."
  • Sound of White Noise debuted at # 7 on the Billboard 200, Anthrax's highest ever chart position, whilst this song's chart placing of #26 was the band's best placing on the Billboard Hot Mainstream tally.
  • Metallica frontman James Hetfield once referred to "Only" as his favorite Anthrax song, though according to Benante, he later changed it to their 2003 single, "Safe Home."

Comments: 2

  • Dan Gillespy from Courtenay BcA very very good and a very super cool 90s metal song.
  • Luke from Manchester, UkThis song's about as grunge as Kreator.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith

Steven Tyler of AerosmithSongwriter Interviews

Tyler talks about his true love: songwriting. How he identifies the beauty in a melody and turns sorrow into art.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.