T. Rex – Tanx

T. Rex – Tanx

Released in 1973, Tanx is the eighth studio album by T. Rex and a fascinating chapter in Marc Bolan's evolution from the stripped-back glam rock sound of Electric Warrior and The Slider towards a broader, more adventurous musical palette. Arriving at the height of T. Rex's commercial success in Britain, the album retains Bolan's unmistakable gift for catchy melodies, swaggering guitar riffs and playful lyrics, while introducing richer arrangements, soulful backing vocals and a wider range of instrumental textures.

By this point, T. Rex had become one of the defining acts of the British glam rock movement. Bolan's combination of rock 'n' roll simplicity, boogie rhythms, fantastical imagery and charismatic performance helped establish the group's distinctive identity, influencing the look and sound of early-1970s popular music. On Tanx, he pushes beyond the familiar formula, drawing on American soul, funk and rhythm and blues alongside the group's established rock sound. The album was recorded in 1972 and released in the UK by EMI's Fly Records imprint in March 1973. 

The opening track, “Tenement Lady”, sets the tone with a confident, rolling groove, while “Rapids” and “Mister Mister” reveal Bolan's knack for combining direct rock arrangements with unexpected melodic turns. “Broken Hearted Blues” brings a more reflective mood, contrasting with the tougher, more electric character of “Shock Rock”. “Country Honey” adds another shade to the album's varied palette, before “Electric Slim And The Factory Hen” closes the first side with an eccentric, character-driven performance.

The second side continues to explore Bolan's shifting musical interests. “Mad Donna” and “Born To Boogie” capture the playful energy and rhythmic drive associated with T. Rex, while “Life Is Strange” offers a more atmospheric change of pace. “The Street And Babe Shadow” and “Highway Knees” further demonstrate the album's range, leading into “Left Hand Luke And The Beggar Boys”, an expansive closing track featuring gospel-influenced backing vocals and a fuller ensemble sound.

Although Tanx arrived after the extraordinary success of Electric Warrior and The Slider, it is more than a follow-up to those landmark records. Its willingness to experiment with soul influences, backing vocals and contrasting arrangements makes it an essential part of the T. Rex catalogue, capturing Bolan at a point when he was exploring new directions without abandoning the hooks and attitude that made the band so influential.

For fans of Marc Bolan, classic glam rock, early-1970s British rock and vintage T. Rex vinyl, Tanx offers a rewarding alternative to the group's most familiar hits. It is particularly appealing to listeners who want to explore the full breadth of Bolan's songwriting and the more adventurous side of the band's celebrated glam-era output.

Tracklist

Side A

A1 Tenement Lady
A2 Rapids
A3 Mister Mister
A4 Broken Hearted Blues
A5 Shock Rock
A6 Country Honey
A7 Electric Slim And The Factory Hen

Side B

B1 Mad Donna
B2 Born To Boogie
B3 Life Is Strange
B4 The Street And Babe Shadow
B5 Highway Knees
B6 Left Hand Luke And The Beggar Boys