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!
The allure of 70s glam rock! A collection of classic songs that colored a dazzling chapter of music history (1–10)
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.
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.
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?
Search and DestroyIggy & The Stooges
This is a track by the American band Iggy and the Stooges, often hailed as the godfathers of protopunk.
Released as a single in June 1973, it was also included on the landmark album Raw Power, mixed by glam rock icon David Bowie.
The song voices the feelings of a young person who thinks society has abandoned them, calling themselves a “cheetah walking down the street,” torn between destructive impulses and a hunger for recognition.
Its machine-gun-like guitar riff and feral vocals radiate a raw energy that stands apart from glittering glam rock.
It was memorably used in Wes Anderson’s film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
When you feel the urge to tear everything down, why not surrender yourself to this roaring wall of sound?
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?
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.
Queen BitchDavid Bowie
David Bowie, the British artist who kept revolutionizing the music scene with his ever-changing style.
Featured on the December 1971 album Hunky Dory, this track can be called a dazzling prelude to his glam rock era.
As Mick Ronson’s aggressive guitar riff rings out, a perverse world swirling with jealousy and longing unfolds before your eyes.
From his apartment, the protagonist watches the person who dumped him wandering the nighttime streets, his feelings a complex tangle.
You can’t help but be captivated by its decadent beauty.
The song later appeared as the B-side to the single Rebel Rebel and is also known for its use in the film Milk.
Why not give it a listen when you want to feel the precarious air lurking beneath the glitter of the 1970s?