One to One

"One to One" is a song by the Joe Jackson Band, released as the third single from Jackson's third studio album Beat Crazy (1980). The song was written and produced by Jackson. It was released as a single in the US and Canada in 1980 and the UK and Australia in 1981. It failed to enter the UK Singles Chart, but did reach number 123 on the Record Business Singles Chart. Background Lyrically, "One to One" is sung by the narrator to a female partner who is preoccupied with supporting various political causes. Although the narrator agrees with her political beliefs, he does not have the same desire to "wear a badge" or "wave a banner" and wishes for more personal commitment from her. Speaking of the song, Jackson told Melody Maker in 1980, "One to One" was released as the lead single from Beat Crazy in the US and Canada in November 1980. It was released in the UK as the album's third and final single in March 1981. Critical reception Upon its release as a single in the US, Cash Box praised "One to One" as an "affecting plea to a socially conscious (and active) lover to keep it 'one to one'" and felt it shows Jackson to be "a romanticist deep at heart". In a review of its UK release, Mark Dawson of the Sunday Sun noted that Jackson "says something important about human existence" on the track and added, "Not only does Jackson make great music, he also holds a place in his heart for the transitory blessings of pop music." A reviewer for the Evening Chronicle described it as a "slowish, angular song with clever lyrics and piano backing", but added they "much prefer the B-side". Paul Walker of the Sandwell Evening Mail considered it a "good song" from an "excellent artist", but added it was "not distinctive enough" and felt Jackson would be better releasing new material than further tracks from Beat Crazy.