Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Tenement Lady Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Children of the Revolution — This track encapsulates the essence of glam rock with its catchy chorus and themes of rebellion, resonating deeply with youth culture during the early 70s.
-
→
20th Century Boy — As one of T. Rex's most recognizable songs, it blends infectious energy with iconic guitar riffs, reflecting Bolan's mastery of combining rock and pop sensibilities.
-
→
Mister Mister — This track stands out for its intricate lyrical storytelling and melodic hooks, showcasing Bolan’s unique ability to merge narrative depth with commercial appeal.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Tanx showcases T. Rex's blend of glam rock and folk but lacks consistent cohesion across its diverse tracks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track, followed by a series of songs that shift between upbeat glam rock and more introspective folk elements.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, including strings and horns, which add depth to the arrangements.
- The sequencing includes abrupt transitions between styles, such as moving from the energetic 'Born to Boogie' to the slower 'Life Is Strange'.
- The final track, 'Free Angel', closes the album with a reflective tone, contrasting with the earlier high-energy songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- celebratory vibes for gatherings
- short bursts of vibrant energy
- dynamic journey through emotions
- playful irreverence and flamboyance
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, introspective albums
- seek consistently slow tempos
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Consolidated T. Rex's status in glam rock after the success of Electric Warrior.
- Career context
- Released in 1973, Tanx was T. Rex's sixth studio album, following their massive commercial success with Electric Warrior. At this point in his career, Marc Bolan was consolidating his status as a glam rock pioneer while experimenting with diverse musical styles, reflecting both personal and artistic growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· Roxy Music· Marc Bolan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Children of the Revolution
The narrator speaks directly to a collective sense of identity among youth striving for change.
This direct address fosters a sense of inclusion and urgency, inviting listeners to join in a shared revolutionary spirit that characterizes the glam rock movement.
Tracklist
- 1 Tenement Lady Start here 2:55
- 2 Rapids 2:49
- 3 Mister Mister 3:30
- 4 Broken Hearted Blues 2:03
- 5 Shock Rock 1:43
- 6 Country Honey 1:47
- 7 Electric Slim & the Factory Hen 3:06
- 8 Mad Donna 2:15
- 9 Born to Boogie 2:04
- 10 Life Is Strange 2:30
- 11 The Street & Babe Shadow 2:17
- 12 Highway Knees 2:34
- 13 Left Hand Luke & the Beggar Boys 5:22
- 14 Children of the Revolution 2:30
- 15 Jitterbug Love 2:59
- 16 Sunken Rags 2:54
- 17 Solid Gold Easy Action 2:20
- 18 Xmas Message 0:11
- 19 20th Century Boy 3:41
- 20 Free Angel 2:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.