Glam rock, with its flamboyant style and theatrical edge, wasn’t just a genre—it was a movement that married glitter and grit. Emerging in the early 1970s, it gave us iconic artists who shattered conventions, embracing androgyny, bold fashion, and swaggering sounds that fused rock ‘n’ roll with pop sensibilities.

1. David Bowie – “Starman” (1972)

No list of glam rock anthems is complete without David Bowie, and “Starman” is the quintessential example. Released as part of his The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album, this celestial ballad became a beacon for outsiders and dreamers. Its cosmic imagery, paired with Bowie’s theatrical live performances, made it a defining moment for glam rock’s ascent.

2. T. Rex – “Get It On (Bang a Gong)” (1971)

Marc Bolan’s T. Rex was the epitome of glam, blending sultry grooves with an infectious rock edge. “Get It On” (titled “Bang a Gong” in the U.S.) is a seductive, guitar-driven track that became synonymous with the glitter-drenched spirit of the genre. Bolan’s whispery vocals and the track’s boogie rhythm were irresistible, propelling it to international acclaim.

3. Queen – “Killer Queen” (1974)

Freddie Mercury’s flamboyance and Queen’s knack for crafting operatic rock made “Killer Queen” a glam masterpiece. Mercury described the titular character as a high-class call girl, and the song’s piano-driven melody and razor-sharp guitar solos brought sophistication to the genre. It was an early sign of Queen’s penchant for theatricality, solidifying their place in glam rock history.

4. Slade – “Cum On Feel the Noize” (1973)

Before Quiet Riot turned it into a hair metal anthem, “Cum On Feel the Noize” was a raucous glam rock hit by Slade. The band’s anthemic choruses and stomping rhythms made it a staple of the movement. Noddy Holder’s gritty vocals and the track’s raw energy captured the working-class bravado at the heart of glam.

5. Roxy Music – “Virginia Plain” (1972)

Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music brought art-school sophistication to glam rock with “Virginia Plain.” The track is a kaleidoscope of surreal lyrics, lush instrumentation, and Ferry’s crooning vocals. Its avant-garde approach showcased the experimental side of glam rock, while still maintaining the genre’s bold and glamorous edge.

6. Sweet – “Ballroom Blitz” (1973)

The Sweet were glam rock pioneers, and “Ballroom Blitz” is a chaotic, high-energy anthem that screams glitter and excess. Its theatrical intro—“Are you ready, Steve?”—and driving beat make it an instant crowd-pleaser. The band’s flamboyant stage personas were the perfect embodiment of glam rock’s rebellious exuberance.

7. Lou Reed – “Walk on the Wild Side” (1972)

While more subdued than the genre’s usual fare, Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” captures the glam ethos with its tales of unconventional characters and its smooth, jazzy vibe. Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, the track’s iconic bassline and Reed’s deadpan delivery made it an anthem for the misfits and boundary-pushers of the era.

8. Alice Cooper – “School’s Out” (1972)

Alice Cooper’s shock-rock antics made him a unique figure in glam rock, and “School’s Out” became his signature hit. The rebellious anthem, complete with heavy riffs and a theatrical edge, resonated with youth culture and showcased glam’s ability to blend raw rock power with dramatic flair.

9. Gary Glitter – “Rock and Roll Part 2” (1972)

Despite controversies surrounding Gary Glitter’s later life, “Rock and Roll Part 2” remains a pivotal glam rock instrumental. Its stomping beat and chanting vocals became a sports arena staple and epitomized glam’s primal, audience-participation appeal. The minimalist lyrics allowed the music to take center stage, driving its enduring legacy.

10. Mott the Hoople – “All the Young Dudes” (1972)

Penned by David Bowie, “All the Young Dudes” became Mott the Hoople’s anthem and a glam rock standard. Its themes of youthful rebellion and outsider solidarity made it a rallying cry for a generation. Ian Hunter’s impassioned delivery, coupled with Bowie’s glam touch, turned it into an enduring classic.