Electric Chaos and Rock ‘n’ Roll Swagger—The Untamed Energy of “20th Century Boy”
If any song embodies the raw, untamed spirit of glam rock, it’s T. Rex’s “20th Century Boy”. Released in March 1973 as a standalone single, this track is a feral explosion of electric riffs, pounding rhythms, and Marc Bolan’s signature vocal sneer—a song that doesn’t just play; it struts, preens, and radiates pure rock star bravado.
At its core, “20th Century Boy” is a celebration of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, a bold, swaggering anthem that encapsulates Bolan’s own mystique as a glitter-drenched rock deity. Unlike some of his earlier, more whimsical hits, this track leans heavily into hard rock, with a searing guitar riff that ranks among the greatest of its era. There’s something primal about its energy—it doesn’t ask for attention; it demands it.
Lyrically, “20th Century Boy” is more impressionistic than direct, full of Bolan’s trademark mystical, half-mumbled phrases, hinting at themes of fame, identity, and the seductive power of rock stardom. Though the words might seem cryptic, the message is loud and clear—this is music meant to be felt, not overanalyzed.
Despite not being included on the Tanx album, the song became one of T. Rex’s most iconic hits, reaching No. 3 on the UK charts and later finding a second life through films, commercials, and even a revival in the 1990s when it was used in a Levi’s ad. It’s the kind of song that never really ages—a testament to the fact that true rock ‘n’ roll swagger is eternal.
Decades later, “20th Century Boy” still pulsates with the same untamed energy, a reminder of an era when rock stars were larger than life, and a song that continues to make every generation feel like they own the world—if only for three minutes and 40 seconds.