T. Rex (September 18, 1974) – “Light of Love” Single Review – The News of Cumberland County / Bridgeton Evening News
This Bridgeton Evening News clipping from September 18 1974 offers a brief but scathing review of T. Rex’s single “Light of Love” (Casablanca NB‑9006), dismissing Marc Bolan’s latest effort as uninspired and predicting it might be his last worthwhile release.
Publication: The News of Cumberland County / Bridgeton Evening News Date: September 18 1974 Country: United States
The review tersely critiques “Light of Love” as “another exercise in boredom from would‑be international superstar Marc Bolan and company.”
The writer’s tone is openly derisive, suggesting that Bolan’s glam‑rock magic had faded by this stage of his career. The single, released on Casablanca Records, represented Bolan’s attempt to re‑establish T. Rex’s presence in the American market after their early‑1970s success.
The reviewer’s closing remark—“If we’re lucky, this will be the last one”—underscores the dismissive attitude toward Bolan’s evolving sound and declining U.S. chart fortunes.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
By 1974, T. Rex’s popularity in America had waned compared to their British success. “Light of Love” was part of Bolan’s transitional period, blending funk and soul influences into his glam‑rock framework.
This negative review reflects the critical backlash he faced in the mid‑1970s, as U.S. audiences and journalists grew less receptive to his stylistic experimentation. Despite such reactions, Bolan continued recording and touring until his death in 1977, leaving behind a legacy that later critics reassessed more favorably.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Review of T. Rex’s single “Light of Love”
Era: 1974 – Late Glam / Casablanca Period Tone: Dismissive and critical Photography: None included; text‑only review
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS - Short review of T. Rex’s single “Light of Love” - Negative assessment of Marc Bolan’s career trajectory - Casablanca Records catalog reference (NB‑9006)
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