One Way Ticket To Hell... And Back - The Darkness
User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 51
  3. Negative: 10 out of 51

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  1. MichaelC
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    I'm 14 again and listening to "News of the World" for the first time. Incredible, over the top, sand blasted wall of sound, this is. If they don't come to the US, I'm flying to the UK. "Bald" is my favorite track, followed closely by "English Country Garden" and "Hazel Eyes" but every track is a jewel, a lavish and guilty pleasure. This one goes to eleven.
  2. RayL
    Dec 8, 2005
    9
    Balances the jokes with the good tunes. Definitely underrated.
  3. JohnS
    Dec 9, 2005
    9
    You know what to expect and you get it. An excellent album. OK there are probably a few too many jokes, but so what. The songs are works of genius.
  4. JoshH
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Finally a band that doesn't take themselves too seriously!!! This is really fun to listen to and just puts you into a good mood.
  5. ChrisC
    Feb 14, 2006
    10
    Stunning!! If you like Thin Lizzy and the rock icons of the 70's this album is a must! I'm going to see The Darkness LIVE in Vienna in March. Can't wait!! "Bald" is a Rock Classic!!
  6. LyndenA
    Feb 20, 2006
    10
    A terrific follow-up to their sensational first album, unfairly stung by the misguided criticisms of "reviewers" like Filmore Mescalito Holmes from Tiny Max Tapes, who are continually trying to deconstruct and evaluate the album for everything that it isn't. With the familiar over-the-top antics, screeching guitars and the superbly unique singing voice of frontman Justin Hawkins, this album suggests that, much like some of the reviews written by the unfavourable critics, not everything should be taken too seriously. Rock on.… Expand
  7. AndyT.
    Dec 19, 2005
    9
    Almost as good as their debut. Totally off-the-wall songs that just rock, like "Dinner Lady Arms", "English Country Garden", and "Hazel Eyes". Just don't try to take them too seriously, but then again, they don't want you to.
  8. AlbertoG
    Dec 20, 2005
    10
    The best rock band in this moment
  9. nickt
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    100%
  10. AndrewL
    Jan 20, 2006
    10
    Wonderful follow-up. Highlights include: 'Dinner Lady Arms' 'Is It Just Me?' 'Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time' 'Girlfriend' ...hell, the whole album is great.
  11. YiannosG
    Jan 24, 2006
    9
    I don't know what the 'proffesional' reviewers were listening to, honestly. This is an immensely enjoyable album, reminding is just how fun rock can be, and reviving the best Leppard and Queen moments. No fillers at all, but Hazel Eyes and Bald are my current faves
  12. jyotirmayad
    Dec 14, 2005
    9
    I overlooked them the first time around because I found his opera voice unbearable. but since I heard the buzz about how well this album is, I decided to give it a try and I really liked what I heard. Even the falsetto thing was gone (whoever told him to cut it out did them a BIG favor) It was like listening to Queen rising from hell and back!!! j.t.
  13. David
    Dec 19, 2005
    9
    A score to reflect the number of great songs on this album, shame about Hazel Eyes!. Wasn't to impressed to begin with, but this album has grown on me so much - I love it
  14. Wolfmother
    Sep 26, 2010
    10
    I love how the producer is the same producer for Queen. Its so fitting since they are Queen jr. Although there is that AC/DC vibe in them as well, its a shame they broke up, I found this album to be better than their debut
  15. pepelepiuxx
    Feb 23, 2013
    10
    Es impresionante de principio a fin, son de las pocas esperanzas para el rock actual,
    mis favs "One Way Ticket"
    "Is It Just Me?" "Dinner Lady Arms"
    "Hazel Eyes"
    "Bald"

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 3 out of 24
  1. All Music Guide
    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.
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  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.
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  3. Entertainment Weekly
    33
    Without any real scream-along, kick-ass songs, this is just a One Way Ticket to Hell. Period. [2 Dec 2005, p.81]
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