“The One and Only” is an energetic and uplifting pop-rock anthem performed by British singer Chesney Hawkes, released in January 1991 as the lead single from his debut album Buddy’s Song, which serves as the soundtrack of the film of the same name, in which Hawkes also starred. In the United States, the album was released as The One and Only. Written by Nik Kershaw, the song became Hawkes’ signature hit and one of the most memorable tracks of the early 1990s.
The lyrics of “The One and Only” celebrate individuality and self-confidence, with lines like “I am the one and only, nobody I’d rather be” delivering an empowering message about embracing one’s uniqueness. Musically, the track is a high-energy blend of pop and rock, featuring an infectious melody, driving guitars, and a powerful vocal performance by Hawkes. The production, handled by Kershaw and Alan Shacklock, is polished and dynamic, with a catchy chorus that contributed to its widespread appeal.
“The One and Only” achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and staying there for five weeks. It also charted highly in several other countries, including the United States, where it peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success helped propel Hawkes to stardom, though he struggled to replicate the impact of the song with subsequent releases.