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)
Ziggy StardustDavid Bowie
This is an emblematic work from English artist David Bowie’s landmark album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, released in June 1972.
The song lies at the heart of the story depicting the glory and downfall of a rock star from outer space.
You can almost picture the alien protagonist leading his band and furiously thrashing his guitar.
Listeners are instantly captivated by his overwhelming charisma and the allure that hints at a ruinous, destructive edge.
The famous anecdote of Bowie himself announcing the end of the character at a July 1973 concert is well known.
Why not give it a listen when you want to experience a powerful individuality that shatters conventional boundaries?
The Ballroom BlitzSWEET
Sweet are a British band who debuted in the late 1960s, rode the wave of the glam rock boom in the 1970s to success, and then evolved along their own path as a band.
When it comes to their representative song from the glam rock era, it has to be The Ballroom Blitz, released in 1973.
Its Japanese title—literally something like “Madly in Love with Rock ’n’ Roll”—is unforgettable, and the track’s ultra-catchy, crisp guitar riff stands out.
Covered by many bands, it’s remembered as a timeless classic.
Rock And Roll (Part 1 & 2)Gary Glitter
This is the debut single by UK artist Gary Glitter, whose glitter-clad outfits came to symbolize the 1970s.
Released in March 1972, it spent three consecutive weeks at No.
2 on the UK charts.
The track is structured in two parts: a vocal section that serves as an ode to rock ’n’ roll, and an instrumental section built solely on a driving rhythm and repeated shouts of “Hey.” Its sheer, unfiltered exhilaration has the power to sweep listeners into a frenzy in an instant.
It was also included on his debut album, Glitter, and many may remember its memorable use in the film Joker.
Give it a listen when you want to feel that stadium-shaking sense of unity.
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?