Complete List Of T. Rex Songs From A to Z

Feature Photo: ABC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

T. Rex began as a British folk rock group under the name Tyrannosaurus Rex, formed in London in 1967 by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Marc Bolan. The original duo included Bolan and percussionist Steve Peregrin Took. They quickly gained a cult following with their mystical lyrics and acoustic style, releasing their debut album My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair… But Now They’re Content to Wear Stars on Their Brows in 1968. Three more albums followed under the Tyrannosaurus Rex name before Bolan transitioned the project toward electric instrumentation and a new, more commercial direction.

By 1970, Bolan shortened the band’s name to T. Rex and shifted the group into glam rock territory, recruiting new musicians including Mickey Finn on percussion, Steve Currie on bass, and Bill Legend on drums. That same year, T. Rex released their self-titled album T. Rex, which included the hit single “Ride a White Swan.” The track marked the beginning of a series of major UK chart successes and introduced Bolan’s new vision of swaggering electric pop fused with fantasy-laced lyrics. The sound was distinct from their earlier acoustic work and quickly resonated with a broader audience.

The breakthrough came in 1971 with the release of Electric Warrior, which became the band’s best-known and most successful album. It topped the UK Albums Chart and included their biggest hit, “Get It On” (released as “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” in the U.S.), which reached No. 1 in the UK and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. The album also featured “Jeepster,” another UK Top 10 hit. Produced by Tony Visconti, Electric Warrior defined the glam rock era and cemented Bolan’s image as a glittering rock icon.

T. Rex followed up with The Slider in 1972, which reached No. 4 in the UK and contained two more Top 10 hits: “Telegram Sam” and “Metal Guru,” the latter of which became their fourth and final UK No. 1. By this point, the band was at the height of its fame, and Bolan had become a fixture in British pop culture. His charisma and fashion-forward image helped make glam rock a dominant force in early 1970s Britain. The album was once again produced by Visconti and received favorable reviews, reinforcing T. Rex’s status as leaders of the genre.

In 1973, T. Rex released Tanx, which reached No. 4 in the UK but did not generate the same level of commercial success as its predecessors. The singles “20th Century Boy,” “The Groover,” and “Truck On (Tyke)” continued to chart but signaled a decline in the band’s dominance. The following albums—Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow (1974), Bolan’s Zip Gun (1975), and Futuristic Dragon (1976)—saw a further drop in chart performance and critical reception, with Bolan experimenting with soul and funk elements in an effort to evolve the band’s sound.

In 1977, Bolan made a partial comeback with the release of Dandy in the Underworld, which was better received than his previous three albums. The album’s title track and single “Celebrate Summer” marked a return to form, and Bolan was seen as reconnecting with his audience. Around this time, he began appearing on British television, including hosting the music show Marc, which featured rising punk acts and showed Bolan adapting to the new musical climate.

T. Rex’s output during their decade of recording includes 12 studio albums—four under the Tyrannosaurus Rex name and eight as T. Rex. Their discography also includes multiple live albums, compilations, and over 20 singles. The band earned four UK No. 1 singles: “Hot Love,” “Get It On,” “Telegram Sam,” and “Metal Guru.” They also scored multiple Top 10 hits and maintained a strong presence on the British charts between 1970 and 1973.

Though their success in the U.S. was more modest, T. Rex became a cornerstone of the UK glam rock movement, influencing later acts such as David Bowie, Elton John, and Roxy Music. The band’s music, style, and presentation contributed heavily to the genre’s visual and sonic identity. Bolan’s blend of electric rock with mystical and often surreal lyrics created a unique brand that stood out during the era’s cultural explosion.

Tragically, T. Rex’s story came to an abrupt end when Marc Bolan died in a car crash on September 16, 1977, at the age of 29. His death occurred just as he was beginning to regain commercial momentum, and it effectively ended the band’s existence. The remaining members disbanded, and T. Rex was no longer active following Bolan’s passing. Despite their relatively short run at the top, the impact of their work would continue to grow posthumously.

Marc Bolan’s legacy has remained strong over the decades, with numerous tribute albums, biographies, and posthumous reissues keeping his music alive. In 2020, T. Rex was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with recognition focused on Bolan’s influence as a songwriter, performer, and pioneer of glam rock. The honor reflected the enduring relevance of his music and the significant role T. Rex played in shaping 1970s rock culture.

While T. Rex was not known for philanthropic work or activism during their active years, Bolan’s influence extended beyond music into fashion and media. His flamboyant look, use of glitter and glam aesthetics, and refusal to conform helped pave the way for future artists across multiple genres. His appearances on television and his support of newer musical trends in his later years also showed his openness to artistic evolution.

T. Rex’s catalog continues to be rediscovered by new generations, in part due to the reissue of their albums and the inclusion of their music in films, advertisements, and television series. Songs like “Get It On,” “Children of the Revolution,” and “20th Century Boy” remain staples of classic rock radio and streaming playlists, ensuring that Bolan’s work endures well beyond his lifetime.

The story of T. Rex is tightly bound to the vision and charisma of Marc Bolan. From acoustic beginnings to electric dominance, the band’s decade-long output left a deep impression on British music and global pop culture. Though their time was brief, their influence has proven to be lasting.