One Way Ticket To Hell... And Back
by The Darkness
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Nov 29, 2005
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 3 out of 24
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Not so much a letdown as a comedown, One Way Ticket to Hell...and Back just shows that the giddy highs of Permission to Land aren't so easy to get the second time around.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    50
    One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back is a sturdy rock album with some saucy titles and odd instruments, but sadly it is less than it could or should be.
  3. The New York Times
    50
    The riffs aren't as well built as the first album's, nor are the songs' conceits. Still, the album's not a disaster. [28 Nov 2005]
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  5. Rolling Stone
    60
    One Way Ticket to Hell . . . and Back is a classic case of a hot band with a hit debut -- 2003's Permission to Land -- running headlong into the sophomore jinx.
  6. Uncut
    60
    This is fizzy, superficial pop by a band convinced they're making classic rock. [Dec 2005, p.114]
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  7. Dot Music
    50
    Stripped of novelty and goodwill, The Darkness are just a resolutely ordinary band after all.
  8. Los Angeles Times
    50
    The challenge in coming back for Round 2 was to make it more than a one-note joke, but the Darkness remains in its Spinal Tap mode for most of "One Way Ticket." [6 Dec 2005]
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  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    This perpetual desire to show off is Hawkins' weakness and 'One Way Ticket..."s ultimate downfall. [26 Nov 2005, p.44]
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  10. Prefix Magazine
    40
    One Way Ticket to Hell's blandness seems like the perfect example of the difficulties of riding a revivalist routine longer than necessary.

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 57
  3. Negative: 11 out of 57
  1. Alfie18
    Feb 5, 2023
    9
    One Way Tickets is my favorite Darkness song. Other songs that slap are Hazel Eyes, Girlfriend and Dinner Lady Arms. Just as good as theirOne Way Tickets is my favorite Darkness song. Other songs that slap are Hazel Eyes, Girlfriend and Dinner Lady Arms. Just as good as their first album in my opinion.… Full Review »
  2. WXYZ
    Aug 15, 2015
    0
    I have to admit, I have never read a better scathing review than Tiny Mix Tapes, as they are fully correct. As a follow up their debut albumI have to admit, I have never read a better scathing review than Tiny Mix Tapes, as they are fully correct. As a follow up their debut album Permission To Land, this is just like the last one! Horrible. When will these guys just quit?… Full Review »
  3. Screenager
    May 20, 2013
    8
    This is where The Darkness DID become a joke. Despite being drugged up for most of the album, Justin Hawkins still makes great music, althoughThis is where The Darkness DID become a joke. Despite being drugged up for most of the album, Justin Hawkins still makes great music, although this album lacks the power of the first. This is still a jolly good listen (even if you're not drugged up) and after several listens seems to improve upon each playthrough. Obviously I would recommend the first, but this album is still fun and shouldn't be ignored (if you think I'm wrong then that's ok, this album isn't for everyone).… Full Review »
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