The allure of 70s glam rock! A host of masterpieces that colored a dazzling chapter of music history
Glam rock, which took the world by storm in the 1970s with glitter-drenched makeup and flamboyant costumes.
It went beyond mere fashion, revolutionizing the music scene with genderless expression and highly artistic songs.
Although it is now recognized as an important subgenre of rock, at the time it was a shocking presence that overturned existing values.
In this article, we introduce glam rock from its birth and development to the signature songs that defined its golden era.
Enjoy the musical innovation hidden behind the flashy outfits and the timeless allure that never fades with age!
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The allure of 70s glam rock! A collection of classic songs that colored a dazzling chapter of music history (1–10)
ViciousLou Reed
Lou Reed, who emerged from New York’s underground scene.
Opening his 1972 album Transformer, this track has long been celebrated as a seductive, glamorous piece that resonated with the UK’s glam rock boom.
The famous anecdote traces back to Andy Warhol’s idea of “malice that hits like a bouquet of flowers.” When the aggressive guitar riff intertwines with Reed’s sardonic vocals, a decadent, dangerous world unfolds—like donning leather and eyeshadow.
Its use in the TV drama Billions is still fresh in memory.
When you crave a jolt to the everyday, why not surrender to the track’s dazzling, provocative sound?
Beauty QueenRoxy Music
Roxy Music, the English band that fused art and fashion and revolutionized 70s glam rock.
This piece is a gem of a song included on the celebrated album For Your Pleasure, released in March 1973 and certified Gold.
The album is also known as the last work featuring the maverick Brian Eno.
Bryan Ferry’s theatrical, resonant baritone is striking as he sings of parting from a beautiful woman with eyes like a swimming pool.
His voice conveys not only sorrow but also a romance and sincerity, as if proposing marriage, that tightens the chest.
Why not immerse yourself in the bittersweet yet beautiful story hidden behind the glittering sound?
Devil Gate DriveSuzi Quatro
You can almost picture Suzi Quatro from the United States, clad in a leather jumpsuit and hammering on her bass.
Released in February 1974, this track topped the UK charts for two consecutive weeks and became a massive hit featured on the classic album “Quatro.” It channels that distinctive thrill and rush of young people heading to a dangerous, alluring hangout, riding on a surge of high-velocity rock ’n’ roll.
Its rebellious spirit—rejecting society’s rules and celebrating freedom—seems to liberate the listener’s heart.
Also known for its use in the popular American TV show “Happy Days,” this song is a surefire way to blast through the monotony of everyday life and leave you feeling refreshed whenever you need a lift.
The Allure of ’70s Glam Rock! A Dazzling Array of Classic Songs That Colored Music History (11–20)
20th Century BoyT-REX
With its fiercely distorted guitar riff that makes your body move before you know it, this is a signature track by the British glam rock band T.
Rex.
Released as a single in March 1973, it initially didn’t appear on an album yet still reached No.
3 on the UK chart.
Marc Bolan’s confident vocals—almost as if declaring himself the darling of the era—paired with the rough yet catchy sound are irresistibly cool.
The song is also known for being used in a Levi’s commercial in 1991 and for influencing the title of the popular manga “20th Century Boys.” It’s the kind of track that gives you a firm shove forward when you’re facing a big wall, saying, “Your power is far greater than that.”
Hot LoveT-REX
This is a single released in February 1971 by the British band T.
Rex, emblematic of the dawn of the glam rock era.
It dominated the UK charts for six weeks and helped spark the social phenomenon known as “Bolanmania.” The repetitive, simple guitar riff and Marc Bolan’s sweet, whisper-like vocals are especially memorable.
The lyrics convey irrepressible, passionate love and a sense of exhilaration.
As you listen, your heart can’t help but lift, evoking a sparkle akin to the first rush of romance.
It’s often said that their performance of this song on a music show marked the very beginning of “glam rock,” making it an essential track for anyone interested in the genre.
This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us (This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us)Sparks
50th anniversary! I was surprised to hear that Sparks just held concerts in Japan.
The handsome Russell Mael and the mustachioed Ron Mael—the visually mismatched Mael brothers—released the 1974 album Kimono My House, whose cover photo of a woman in a kimono with eccentric makeup and a loosely tied obi still leaves a strong impression today.
This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us was a hit that climbed to No.
2 on the UK charts.
It’s still thoroughly enjoyable to listen to now.
Personality CrisisNew York Dolls
This is the lead track from the New York Dolls’ debut album, released in 1973.
It fully embodies the glam rock aesthetic, with dazzling outfits and flamboyant performances that are irresistibly appealing.
The guitar riff sticks in your head and gives off a distinctive charm.
The raspy vocals are passionate, drawing listeners into the song’s atmosphere.
The lyrics, which delve into a crisis of self-identity and the tension with society’s expectations, resonated with many.
It was released as a double A-side single with “Trash,” and has since been reissued in various forms.
It’s a perfect song for anyone seeking to stay true to themselves.