T. Rex (March 18, 1971) Self-Titled Album Review - Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati Enquirer review of T. Rex’s self-titled album, describing it as pleasant but overly familiar soft-rock in the transition from Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Publication: The Cincinnati Enquirer

Date: March 18, 1971

Country: United States

Section: Album Review / Soundings Column

Knippenberg opens with a wry observation about the flood of winter releases, then dives into T. Rex, the first album under the shortened band name. He notes the departure of Steve Took and the current lineup of Marc Bolan and Micky Finn. The album is described as soft-rock with occasional flair, but ultimately too familiar — likened to Simon and Garfunkel without the folk roots.

Vocals are compared to Ray Davies of the Kinks, though Knippenberg admits he can’t tell whether it’s Bolan or Finn singing. Instrumentation is minimal, with quiet guitars and drums backing lyrics that are “generally very nice, if sometimes mishandled.” The overall verdict: middle ground, harmless, and likely embraced only by die-hard fans.

In contrast, Colosseum’s Daughter of Time is celebrated as a triumph. Knippenberg praises the originality of each band member, especially vocalist Dave Greenslade and drummer Jon Hiseman. The album is described as “technically perfect, ever amazing, always tight,” offering something for every listener — from voice freaks to percussion purists.

THE STORY	WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Jim Knippenberg reviews T. Rex’s self-titled album as soft-rock with occasional energy. He notes the duo format (Marc Bolan and Micky Finn), the departure of Steve Took, and finds parts pleasant but overly familiar, comparing elements to Simon & Garfunkel and Ray Davies.	• Column headline “Soundings” • Review of T. Rex’s self-titled album • Discussion of the band’s shift from Tyrannosaurus Rex • Mixed assessment of the record’s originality and appeal

CONTEXT AND NOTES	RELATED MATERIAL
This early US review reflects how American critics were first encountering T. Rex during their transitional phase. While “Ride a White Swan” had some impact, the glam explosion had not yet fully hit America. The review shows the challenge of placing Bolan’s evolving sound within familiar US reference points.	For more similar posts, check out the tags at the bottom of the page.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS	SOURCES
Event: Album review Era: 1971 (Early US exposure) Tone: Mixed, cautious, observational Photography: N/A	• The Cincinnati Enquirer, March 18, 1971 • Writer: Jim Knippenberg

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