“Only” is a pulsating, genre-blending anthem from Nine Inch Nails, released on July 25, 2005, as the second single from their With Teeth album Wikipedia . Infused with the energetic drive of dance-rock, synth-pop, new wave revival, and dance-punk, the song stands out for its sleek, propulsive rhythms and layered production textures. Thematically, it confronts the tension between artistic authenticity and the pressures of the music industry—a conflict that Trent Reznor candidly explores through his lyrics Wikipedia .
“Only” marked a commercial high point for the band, claiming the #1 spot on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart for seven weeks and earning success on the UK Rock & Metal chart as well Wikipedia . Complementing its sonic punch is a visually striking music video crafted by director David Fincher and CGI specialists Digital Domain. The video transforms office objects—pin art frames, Newton’s cradle, computer screens—into dynamic, kinetic elements, with Reznor’s face emerging stylized through a pinscreen effect Wikipedia .
