T. Rex, led by the charismatic and enigmatic Marc Bolan, was one of the most influential bands of the glam rock era in the early 1970s. With their catchy guitar riffs, funky rhythms, and poetic lyrics, T. Rex helped define the sound and style of the era, and their music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world.
In this list of the 10 best T. Rex songs of all time, we’ll explore some of the band’s most iconic and enduring tracks, from the early hits that launched their career to the later songs that demonstrated their continuing relevance and artistry. Each song on this list showcases the unique blend of rock, pop, and glam that made T. Rex such a beloved and influential band, and reminds us of the enduring power of their music to move and inspire us.
1. Get It On (Bang a Gong)
“Get It On (Bang a Gong)” is a classic rock song by British band T. Rex. Released in 1971, the song features a catchy guitar riff, funky bassline, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Marc Bolan. The lyrics describe the pursuit of pleasure and desire, with lines like “Well, you’re dirty and sweet, clad in black, don’t look back, and I love you” and “You’re built like a car, you’ve got a hubcap diamond star halo.” The song’s infectious groove and unforgettable chorus make it a timeless classic, with its popularity enduring for more than four decades.
2. Children of the Revolution
“Children of the Revolution” is a classic rock song by British band T. Rex. Released in 1972, the song features a driving beat, catchy melody, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Marc Bolan. The lyrics describe a rebellion against conformity and authority, with lines like “You’re all fakes, run to your mansions, come around, we’ll kick your ass in” and “I drive a Rolls-Royce, ’cause it’s good for my voice.” The song’s infectious rhythm and memorable chorus make it a timeless classic, with its popularity enduring for more than four decades.
3. 20th Century Boy
“20th Century Boy” is a classic rock song by British band T. Rex. Released in 1973, the song features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Marc Bolan. The lyrics describe the desire to be a rock star and live a life of passion and excess, with lines like “Friends say it’s fine, friends say it’s good, everybody says it’s just like Robin Hood” and “I’m a twentieth century boy, I wanna be your toy.” The song’s energetic groove and memorable chorus make it a timeless classic, with its popularity enduring for more than four decades.
4. Metal Guru
“Metal Guru” is a classic rock song by British band T. Rex. Released in 1972, the song features a catchy guitar riff, upbeat rhythm, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Marc Bolan. The lyrics describe the power of a mysterious and charismatic leader figure, with lines like “Metal Guru is it you? Jumping up with the Devil, might be too much for the Rebel” and “He’s the king of all the world and everything that you see.” The song’s infectious melody and memorable chorus make it a timeless classic, with its popularity enduring for more than four decades.
5. Hot Love
“Hot Love” is a classic rock song by British band T. Rex. Released in 1971, the song features a catchy guitar riff, upbeat rhythm, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Marc Bolan. The lyrics describe the joy and excitement of falling in love, with lines like “Well she’s my woman of gold and she’s not very old, a haiku, yes, she’s my priestess of delight” and “Well it’s been a long time, been a long time now, I’m getting ready to bed.” The song’s infectious melody and memorable chorus make it a timeless classic, with its popularity enduring for more than four decades.
6. Cosmic Dancer
“Cosmic Dancer” is a classic rock song by British band T. Rex. Released in 1971, the song features a beautiful acoustic guitar intro, dreamy melody, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Marc Bolan. The lyrics describe the longing for freedom and the beauty of existence, with lines like “I was dancing when I was twelve, I was dancing when I was twelve, I was dancing when I was out, I was dancing when I was out” and “I was dancing when I was eight, is it strange to dance so late?” The song’s introspective mood and haunting melody make it a timeless classic, with its popularity enduring for more than four decades.
7. Jeepster
“Jeepster” is a classic rock song by British band T. Rex. Released in 1971, the song features a funky guitar riff, catchy melody, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Marc Bolan. The lyrics describe the seductive power of a mysterious woman, with lines like “You slide so good with bones so fair, you’ve got the universe reclining in your hair” and “Girl, I’m just a Jeepster for your love.” The song’s energetic rhythm and memorable chorus make it a timeless classic, with its popularity enduring for more than four decades.
8. Ride a White Swan
“Ride a White Swan” is a classic rock song by British band T. Rex. Released in 1970, the song features a simple acoustic guitar riff, groovy rhythm, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Marc Bolan. The lyrics describe the freedom and joy of riding a magical creature, with lines like “Ride it on out like a bird in the skyway, Ride it on out like you were a bird, Fly it all out like an eagle in a sunbeam, Ride it on out like you were a bird.” The song’s infectious melody and catchy chorus make it a timeless classic, with its popularity enduring for more than four decades.
9. Telegram Sam
“Telegram Sam” is a classic rock song by British band T. Rex. Released in 1972, the song features a catchy guitar riff, upbeat rhythm, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Marc Bolan. The lyrics describe a mysterious and charismatic figure, with lines like “Telegram Sam, Telegram Sam, you’re my main man, Golden Nose Slim, Golden Nose Slim, I’ll make a date with your toilet trim.” The song’s infectious melody and memorable chorus make it a timeless classic, with its popularity enduring for more than four decades.
10. Ballrooms of Mars
“Ballrooms of Mars” is a classic rock song by British band T. Rex. Released in 1972, the song features a haunting guitar riff, ethereal melody, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Marc Bolan. The lyrics describe a mystical and surreal place, with lines like “Ballrooms of Mars, dripped with hunks of starlight, shimmering in chrome, and rumbling the night” and “Dream child with a suntanned face, ever so cool and ever so laid-back.” The song’s otherworldly atmosphere and hypnotic rhythm make it a timeless classic, with its popularity enduring for more than four decades.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
