Electric Warrior is the album that fans of Tyrannosaurus Rex (before it was known as T.Rex, the band recorded 4 albums as Tyrannosaurus Rex) shunned, as the Marc Bolan-fronted group shed much of the psychedelic folk influence and turned to a flashier, pop-oriented sound. However, almost half a century later, it stands as a pioneering glam rock record, and the laid-back, cool jams that fill up Electric Warrior sound as good as ever. Yes, "Bang a Gong (Get It on)" is on here, but the LP is so much more than that. From the nuanced, groove-filled production and stripped-down songwriting to the dramatics, it's clear how influential this album would be on subsequent developments of punk ("Rip Off"), new wave, and alternative rock. Other standout tracks include "Mambo Sun," "Jeepster," and "Life's A Gas."

• 180g black vinyl pressing
• remastered audio
  
• gatefold sleeve
• original release year: 1971
• music label: Reprise Records 2017

reviewed by nakaveli 10/2017