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 Dazzling Array of Classic Songs That Colored Music History (11–20)
Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, a London-born act that stood out with literary lyrics and a theatrical sound.
Released in January 1975, this single became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the UK charts in February of the same year.
Its brisk, catchy melody has a charm that lifts anyone’s spirits the moment they hear it.
Yet what the song contains is Steve Harley’s biting irony and loneliness toward his former bandmates after experiencing their departure.
Even as he’s been betrayed, the protagonist puts on a brave face and says, “Go ahead, make me laugh,” which only deepens the poignancy.
It’s likely for this very depth that the track has been used in many works, including the film The Full Monty.
If you know the bittersweetness of human relationships, it will surely resonate with your heart.
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.
All The Young DudesMOTT THE HOOPLE
Known in Japan for its striking translated title “Subete no Wakaki Yarō-domo” and for being provided by David Bowie, Mott the Hoople’s 1972 hit “All the Young Dudes” is invariably cited as a classic of the glam rock era.
It became the band’s signature song after achieving success not only in their home country of the UK but also in the United States.
The anthemic melody, the distinctive organ tone, and that slightly decadent atmosphere all make it incredibly cool.
Cum On Feel The NoizeSlade
You’ve probably heard its dynamic riff and unforgettable chorus somewhere! Slade, a powerhouse band that rose to popularity with a style between glam rock and hard rock, delivered one of the genre’s indispensable classics with their signature anthem “Cum On Feel The Noize.” As evidenced by Quiet Riot’s later cover becoming a massive hit, the song combines both an aggressive edge beloved by metal bands and a glamorous vibe—how cool is that? The lyrics and music were written by Slade’s vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea.
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.
The allure of 70s glam rock! A selection of masterpieces that colored a dazzling musical history (21–30)
Metal GuruT-REX
In Japan, “20th Century Boy,” which was used as the theme song for the film 20th Century Boys, might be the more famous track.
However, when it comes to T.
Rex, this song from the 1972 album The Slider is absolutely indispensable.
Frontman Marc Bolan—his look, style, singing, and even the way he lived (he died young in a car accident)—embodied glam rock in every sense.