6 brilliant but overlooked glam rock gems from the Super ’70s you need to hear again

In the 1970s, a variety of music styles came into existence. One of them, glam rock, shone brightly with its flashy costumes and high heels. To this mix, add some flamboyant personalities producing massive sounds in the first part of the decade, and you’ve got all the elements that make up that remarkable genre.

In the realm of glam rock, several artists stand out: The Sweet, Slade, T.Rex featuring Marc Bolan, Rod Stewart, and David Bowie are among them. Elton John and others contributed significantly, while groups like Geordie (with future AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson), Mott the Hoople, and numerous others were more deeply rooted in rock and roll. Most of these acts originated from the UK, but the New York Dolls, based in the US, also played a significant role.

The assortment of tunes and music mirrors the vibrant personalities of the artists themselves. From upbeat rhythms, strong guitar-driven rock, catchy pop melodies, to a touch of timeless classic rock – there was something for everyone. While many of these songs remain popular, some have faded over time and are seldom heard nowadays.

Six brilliant glam rock songs from the 1970s

For certain individuals, the appeal of those popular tracks during that specific period has faded, and wisely, they no longer find themselves on playlists. However, there are still some fantastic tunes that weren’t initially successful or have fallen out of favor since then. The six songs listed below would be a valuable addition to any playlist; they encompass both a few hits and a couple of less-recognized tracks.

Alvin Stardust – “My Coo Ca Choo”

To begin, there’s a popular song that had multiple individuals involved in its creation as the vocalist. This song was composed, performed, and produced by Pete Shelley, who is recognized for his work as a record producer and performer, not the person associated with The Buzzcocks.

However, upon reaching the charts, Shelley opted to replace the original performer with Bernard Jewry, who was previously known as Shane Fenton. But he adopted the stage name Alvin Stardust for this new role.

Jewish community prospered greatly from that agreement, subsequently achieving further success in their revamped, black-leather style. For this debut song, the catchy chorus was particularly memorable, but there was more to it than meets the ear. The powerful drum rhythm, combined with some straightforward yet impactful guitar melodies, all reminiscent of the glam rock period. A common trait of that era in music.

Iron – “Virgin Rebels Rule”

Coming next is a track that didn’t quite reach the top, yet it possesses all the essential qualities for a smashing glam rock anthem. Being a Scottish band caught my attention, so I included it in my playlists. The song starts with what I would categorize as energetic glam rock drums. Although the vocals seem slightly detached, they provide a backdrop to some strong guitar riffs that propel the tune forward.

This anthem becomes increasingly boisterous and rebellious, both in spirit and title. If it seems vaguely familiar but you’re having trouble recognizing it, I recommend checking out “California Paradise” by The Runaways. Alternatively, explore other glam rock gems that carry a similar vibe.

Sailor – “Girls, Girls, Girls”

This particular strain of glam rock places greater emphasis on the pop aspect. It’s a lively, somewhat flamboyant yet vibrant tune. I recommend watching the video for its eye-catching costumes and energetic performance.

The sailor’s other popular tune, “A Glass Of Champagne,” was quite catchy too, but it isn’t played much these days, regretfully. Both tracks showcased their distinctive style, combining synthesizers, keyboards, and glockenspiel with a range of other instruments. They were fun to listen to and fit perfectly within the realm of glam rock.

Showaddywaddy – “Hey Rock and Roll”

This band sported a sleek, 1950s-inspired look, complete with tight drainpipe trousers, crepe-soled shoes, and elegant drape jackets. While they were dedicated to rejuvenating ’50s music, they also infused their style with an element of glam rock flair.

The structure of their band included eight members, divided into two lead vocalists, two bass players, two guitarists, and uniquely, two drummers. This setup notably emphasized the drum sound, a significant element in the genre of glam rock music.

Their initial chart-topper, ‘Hey, Rock and Roll’, was penned by them. This tune reached the second spot on UK charts. In my opinion, it’s their most quintessential glam rock piece. The style matches perfectly with the genre, and it’s another lively and energetic representation of it.

Hello – “Tell Him”

Originally composed as a song in the 1960s, it later gained a more glamorous edge with The Glitter Band’s version in the 1970s. Not long after, Hello gave it an even bigger boost by recording their remake. This remake propelled the song to its highest UK chart position of number nine in 1974. Now, it carries that classic glam rock vibe once more.

As I continue to play these tunes, I’m increasingly struck by the depth hidden within the drum sounds. Following this, they introduced “New York Shuffle,” a rhythm that Ace Frehley and Kiss later adapted for their massive hit.

Heavy Metal Kids – ”Delirious”

Back in the day, I stumbled upon some tunes that were a blend of punk’s raw energy, a hint of metal’s heaviness, and a dash of glam’s flair. This band, formed in ’72, had a unique vibe to them. Their lead singer, Gary Holton, was no stranger to the stage with his theatrical background adding an extra layer to their sound.

As a kid, I was fortunate enough to perform in several operas and plays, and later, post-band, I graced some TV screens. However, this particular track showcases our band at its rocking pinnacle – we might not have had any chart-toppers, but with performances like this one, it’s clear that we were undeniably worthy of greater recognition.

2025-04-23 13:01

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