There are classic albums, and then there is The Slider, a record that further solidified the legendary status the English rockers had attained on this, their seventh studio album. While The Slider was not as commercially successful as Electric Warrior (1971), it’s quintessentially T. Rex and if one was to share the band with a music lover, that had yet to experience them, The Slider would be at the top of my recommendation list for T. Rex doesn’t get much better than this, even though I have a soft spot for the experimental Futuristic Dragon (1976).

Released in 1972, The Slider finds T. Rex at a pinnacle moment of their career. With a selection of songs that play akin to a Greatest Hits release, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to suggest that The Slider, despite not reaching the commercial success of Electric Warrior, is the superior album. There will be some who naturally disagree, and they’d subjectively be correct, but The Slider is a glam rock masterpiece that knows few peers.

Featuring a stark black and white photograph of Marc Bolan, courtesy of Ringo Starr (yes, the one and only), the cover art design is striking. Perhaps my only complaint is that my preferred edition, The Visconti Master, utilises the white space from the album’s cover to inform us of the different mastering when presented on Apple Music et al. It shouldn’t matter, and most of the time I overlook it, but it takes away from the original artwork and is a distraction. First world problems, I know, but at least they didn’t make the same mistake as it pertains to the physical releases.

With regard to the sonic qualities, I find the Visconti remaster simply sounds right. And, yes, that is a technical term! For those unaware, Tony Visconti was the album’s producer, and this latest mastering is smoother, bolder in the mid and low end aspects of the recording, whilst also allowing for a thoroughly pleasing wide and enveloping soundstage. It isn’t presented as an Apple Digital Master, but it doesn’t need to be, as the CD-quality counterpart is stunning.

Undoubtedly, there will be fans of the original mastering, but whichever you prefer, join me as I take a look at the songs that make up this legendary release.

Metal Guru is a killer opener with a rhythmic burst that sets the tone for the entire album. Bolan’s emotionally charged vocals help to give the song its glam rock feel, but the backing vocal harmony adds to the mystique, for “Metal Guru” is amongst T. Rex’s finest recordings.

Mystic Lady slows the tempo somewhat, but the flow from “Metal Guru” is so natural that it’s unlikely you’ll sense the shift, unless you’re expecting it. With a near-dreamlike atmosphere, “Mystic Lady” is a lushly layered masterpiece that showcases not only T. Rex’s incredible musical prowess but Visconti’s high production values.

Rock On captivates like no other. You’ll feel compelled to move involuntarily to the rhythm as this song melds with your soul and stays long after the album has ended, but an earworm such as this has never been so pleasantly rewarding to the senses. The gruff, yet highly polished style of the song is part of its appeal, as it provides a contrast that works surprisingly well.

The Slider delves into a grunge-styled tone that provides the backbone to what can only be described as a classic glam-rock number. The layered musical bed is detailed and enveloping, yet Bolan’s vocals sit perfectly within the mix, further showcasing just how well The Slider, the album and this title track, have been recorded and mixed.

Baby Boomerang is an ideal glam-rock tune, for the short and punchy styling is undeniably catchy.

Spaceball Ricochet is a musical exploration that needs to be heard firsthand in order to be fully appreciated. While those not overly familiar with the era, or T. Rex, may point to “Spaceball Ricochet” being akin to a David Bowie tune, that would be a complimentary statement. The sparse, yet evolved, styling of the song is perfectly suited to both artists and is a great example of glam music at, arguably, its apex.

Buick Mackane is amongst the heavier tunes on the album, and while I’ve always appreciated Guns N’ Roses’ 1993 cover, from The Spaghetti Incident, the original is all that one ever really needs to listen to, as its muscular driving riff, while maintaining the band’s glam aesthetic, is nothing short of exceptional.

Telegram Sam is derived from one of T. Rex’s most iconic compositions, "Get It On". With a touch of funk, a dab of rock, and a healthy dose of glam, “Telegram Sam” is as instantly irresistible and catchy as the aforementioned track and a highlight amongst a collection of songs that are some of the very best in all of recorded music history. Some may be perturbed that the riff and overall styling were reused, but when you have such an incredible tune, why not repurpose it? AC/DC has been doing it successfully for decades.

Rabbit Fighter is a boldly dramatic number that sees T. Rex at their most theatrical and grandiose, whilst simultaneously delivering one of Bolan’s most impressive vocal performances.

Baby Strange is a raw, stripped-back rocker that will find you head-bopping and toe-tapping along. The riff and Bolan’s vocal delivery are the highlights on this tune, and while it may have been seen as a little pedestrian, the strength of “Baby Strange” is its simplistic approach.

Ballrooms Of Mars is one of the slower compositions on the record, but it’s an absolutely magnificent tune and another that highlights not only the band’s overall musical ability and tightness, but Bolan’s incredible vocal capabilities that, in this case, have a slight John Lennon styling in a respectful tip of the hat to the former Beatle.

Chariot Choogle is a killer high-energy number with an incredible riff and rhythm that you’ll feel as much as you’ll hear it, for this is one number that will encourage you to move both involuntarily and intentionally to the rhythm.

Main Man is a magnificent closer, with a dreamy mystique that is reminiscent of “Life’s A Gas” and is, subsequently, difficult to ignore. It will encourage you to play the record again, as well as offering you the opportunity to sit and reflect on the music you’ve just heard.

From start to finish, T. Rex’s The Slider is nothing short of an exceptional release that has not only stood the test of time but also remains one of the greatest albums ever recorded. It is T. Rex at their finest and, if, like me, you’ll find yourself playing this record on repeat for hours, for The Slider can seldom be listened to once.