Top Glam Rock Albums: A Beginner's Guide

T. Rex – The Slider (1972) Marc Bolan’s glam pinnacle, packed with swaggering hits like “Metal Guru” and “Telegram Sam.” Its polished yet raw energy and Bolan’s charismatic delivery make it a defining glam rock masterpiece.

David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (1972) A concept album about an alien rock star, blending theatricality and hits like “Starman” and “Suffragette City.” It’s a glam cornerstone with enduring influence.

Roxy Music – Roxy Music (1972) A stylish debut mixing art rock and glam. Bryan Ferry’s croon and Brian Eno’s avant-garde flair shine in tracks like “Virginia Plain.”

Sweet – Desolation Boulevard (1974) Bubblegum-metal anthems like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run” deliver glam’s catchy, hard-edged sound.

Lou Reed – Transformer (1972) Produced by Bowie and Mick Ronson, this blends New York grit with glam polish in songs like “Walk on the Wild Side” and “Satellite of Love.”

New York Dolls – New York Dolls (1973) Proto-punk glam with a raw, drag-queen aesthetic. Tracks like “Personality Crisis” and “Trash” bridge glam and punk.

Mott the Hoople – Mott (1973) Powered by Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes,” this album delivers glam grit with tracks like “All the Way from Memphis.”

Alice Cooper – School’s Out (1972) Theatrical shock-rock meets glam in the iconic title track, blending dark humor with catchy riffs.

Sparks – Kimono My House (1974) Quirky, operatic glam with “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us,” showcasing Sparks’ theatrical wit.

Slade – Slayed? (1972) Working-class glam with stomping hits like “Mama Weer All Crazee Now,” defined by raucous energy and chant-along choruses.