Glam Rock Chronology

Glam Rock, a style that peaked in the early to mid-1970s, was defined by its theatrical flair, catchy hooks, and androgynous aesthetic. Below is a list of notable glam rock songs, ordered by their release date. I’ve focused on key tracks from the genre’s core period, primarily in the UK and US, based on verified release information. Exact dates can vary slightly due to regional releases or reissues, but I’ve used the earliest known release for each

T. Rex - "Hot Love" (February 1971)

Marc Bolan’s glittery breakthrough, defining early glam with its handclaps and swagger.

T. Rex - "Get It On" (July 1971)

A seductive, riff-driven classic, known as "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" in the US.

Chicory Tip - "Son of My Father" (January 1972)

A synth-heavy UK No. 1, blending bubblegum pop with glam’s sheen.

David Bowie - "Starman" (April 1972)

Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust anthem, a sci-fi call to the youth.

Sparks - "Wonder Girl" (May 1972)

From their debut album (Sparks), a quirky, theatrical track with Ron Mael’s eccentric lyrics and Russell Mael’s falsetto, embodying glam’s campy art-pop side.

Alice Cooper - "School’s Out" (April 1972)

A rebellious proto-glam hit with shock-rock theatrics.

Blackfoot Sue - "Standing in the Road" (June 1972)

A stomping, obscure UK track mixing glam energy with pub rock grit.

Mott the Hoople - "All the Young Dudes" (July 1972)

Bowie’s gift to Mott, a glam anthem for disaffected youth.

Roxy Music - "Virginia Plain" (August 1972)

Art-glam with Brian Eno’s synths and Bryan Ferry’s suave delivery.

Slade - "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" (August 1972)

A raucous, chant-heavy hit from Slade’s boisterous catalog.

T. Rex - "Sunken Rags" (September 1972)

An obscure B-side to "Children of the Revolution," with Bolan’s dreamy, driving vibe.

T. Rex - "Children of the Revolution" (September 1972)

A bold, stomping anthem with Bolan’s glam strut.

Lou Reed - "Walk on the Wild Side" (November 1972)

From Transformer, produced by Bowie, this sultry, decadent track captures glam’s androgynous allure.

David Bowie - "The Jean Genie" (November 1972)

A gritty, riff-heavy hit inspired by Iggy Pop and Jean Genet.

New York Dolls - "Personality Crisis" (July 1973)

From their debut album, this raw, campy track blends glam theatrics with proto-punk attitude.

Sweet - "Block Buster!" (January 1973)

A siren-driven chart-topper with bubblegum glam energy.

Slade - "Cum On Feel the Noize" (February 1973)

A rowdy, singalong classic from Slade’s working-class glam peak.

T. Rex - "20th Century Boy" (March 1973)

A swaggering, riff-heavy staple of T. Rex’s legacy.

David Bowie - "Drive-In Saturday" (April 1973)

A doo-wop-infused glam gem with dystopian storytelling.

Wizzard - "See My Baby Jive" (April 1973)

Roy Wood’s retro-glam hit, with a Phil Spector-inspired Wall of Sound.

Suzi Quatro - "Can the Can" (May 1973)

A gritty, bass-driven hit from glam’s leading lady.

Hector - "Wired Up" (June 1973)

A rare UK single with Slade-like energy and Sweet-style harmonies, a forgotten gem.

David Essex - "Rock On" (August 1973)

A sparse, echoey hit tied to Essex’s glam persona and Stardust role.

Sweet - "Ballroom Blitz" (September 1973)

A chaotic, high-energy anthem, a glam rock cornerstone.

Mud - "Dyna-Mite" (October 1973)

A Chinn-Chapman stomper with synchronized dance moves.

Jobriath - "Space Clown" (November 1973)

A theatrical, Broadway-esque track from the US glam pioneer, with Peter Frampton’s guitar.

New York Dolls - "Trash" (July 1973)

A sleazy, heartfelt track from their debut, mixing glam camp with punk rawness.

Lou Reed - "Vicious" (November 1972)

From Transformer, a snarling, Bowie-produced track with glam’s decadent edge.

Kenny - "Baby I Love You, OK!" (January 1974)

A pop-glam obscurity with Beach Boys harmonies and Sweet-style guitars.

Sparks - "This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us" (April 1974)

From Kimono My House, a dramatic, operatic hit with eccentric glam flair, a UK Top 5 single.

Queen - "Killer Queen" (October 1974)

Queen’s campy, baroque-pop breakthrough, a glam masterpiece.

Hello - "New York Groove" (October 1974)

A strutting, city-vibe cover of a Russ Ballard song, later covered by Ace Frehley.

The Plod - "Neo City" (January 1975)

A punky, obscure Essex glam track, released as the genre waned.