The Darkness – Permission To Land

The Darkness – Permission To Land

Released in 2003, Permission To Land is the explosive debut album from British rock band The Darkness. Bursting with oversized guitar riffs, soaring falsetto vocals, infectious choruses and a playful take on classic rock excess, the album brought glam rock and hard rock roaring back into the mainstream. Drawing inspiration from the theatrical spirit of 1970s rock and the arena-sized sound of 1980s metal, the band created a record packed with attitude, humour and unforgettable hooks.

The album kicks off with Black Shuck, a high-energy introduction driven by thunderous guitars and Justin Hawkins' distinctive vocals. Get Your Hands Off My Woman and Growing On Me keep the momentum going, before the hugely popular I Believe In A Thing Called Love delivers one of the band's most recognisable anthems. Its soaring vocal lines, infectious melody and flamboyant guitar work capture everything that made The Darkness stand out from the early-2000s rock scene.

There is plenty of variety beyond the big singles. Love Is Only A Feeling brings a more melodic, power-ballad feel, while Givin' Up and Stuck In A Rut showcase the band's heavier side. Friday Night adds another dose of youthful energy, and the epic Love On The Rocks With No Ice stretches out with a dramatic arrangement and memorable guitar work. The album closes with Holding My Own, rounding off a debut that balances hard-rock power with strong songwriting and a sense of fun.

Featuring Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain and Ed Graham, Permission To Land remains a defining British rock album of the 2000s. Essential listening for fans of glam metal, classic hard rock and larger-than-life guitar music, this is a record built for loud speakers, singalong choruses and unapologetic rock'n'roll.

Tracklist:

1. Black Shuck (3:21)
2. Get Your Hands Off My Woman (2:46)
3. Growing On Me (3:31)
4. I Believe In A Thing Called Love (3:36)
5. Love Is Only A Feeling (4:20)
6. Givin' Up (3:34)
7. Stuck In A Rut (3:18)
8. Friday Night (2:55)
9. Love On The Rocks With No Ice (5:57)
10. Holding My Own (4:56)