T. Rex (September 24, 1971) – “LP Spot: Electric Warrior” Album Review - Manchester Evening News and Chronicle
This brief but enthusiastic Manchester Evening News review predicts major success for T. Rex's newly released Electric Warrior album. Praising Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn for expanding their musical range while retaining their distinctive style, the reviewer confidently concludes that the album would become a smash hit.
Publication: Manchester Evening News and Chronicle
Date: September 24, 1971
Country: United Kingdom
Appearing under the heading “LP Spot”, the review opens with strong praise for T. Rex, stating that the group had made “some of the best sounds in pop this year.”
The writer argues that T. Rex extend their repertoire with the release of Electric Warrior, issued on the Fly label. The album is presented as a significant step forward while maintaining the elements that had already brought Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn considerable success.
Particular attention is given to the inclusion of the recent hit “Get It On”, which had already established itself as one of the year's most successful singles. The reviewer notes that Bolan and Finn's familiar vocal style remains a central part of the record across the remaining eleven tracks.
The article highlights the variety of tempos found on the album. The slower “Girl” is singled out as a contrast to more energetic tracks such as “Lean Woman Blues” and “Mambo Sun.”
Although the review is short, its verdict is unequivocal. After praising both the quality and range of the material, the writer concludes simply:
“The album will be a smash.”
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published shortly after the release of Electric Warrior, the review captures contemporary confidence in what would become one of the most celebrated albums of the glam rock era.
Unlike longer reviews that analyse individual themes and performances in detail, this piece concentrates on the album's accessibility and variety. The reviewer clearly viewed T. Rex as one of the leading acts of 1971 and saw Electric Warrior as further confirmation of their growing dominance.
The mention of “Girl,” “Lean Woman Blues” and “Mambo Sun” is especially useful because it demonstrates how quickly those tracks were being highlighted in early reviews of the album.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Review of Electric Warrior
Publication Date: September 24, 1971
Era: Electric Warrior era
Tone: Highly positive
Label: Fly Records
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Positive review of Electric Warrior
• Praise for T. Rex's contribution to pop music during 1971
• Reference to the hit single “Get It On”
• Mentions of “Girl,” “Lean Woman Blues” and “Mambo Sun”
• Recognition of the album's musical variety
• Prediction that the album would become a smash hit
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