"Tanx" is the eighth studio album by English glam rock act T. Rex, released on 16th March 1973 by record label EMI. This album showcases a large dose of soul and gospel influences, along with T. Rex's traditional rock roots. Diverting from the band’s usual simplistic boogie rock, this album marked a significant change in the band’s sound, adding both brass and string arrangements into several tracks.
The album features lead vocalist and guitarist Marc Bolan, percussionist Mickey Finn, bassist Steve Currie, and drummer Bill Legend. However, the album didn't receive the universally glowing reviews as its predecessors, namely "Electric Warrior" and "The Slider". Instead, it was met with a more mixed critical response.
Some mainly criticized the album for its departure from T. Rex's earlier sound, while others praised its willingness to experiment and evolve. The album produced two singles, “20th Century Boy” and “The Groover”, which are now considered classics in the band's catalog.
Despite the mixed reviews, "Tanx" still achieved commercial success. Upon its release, it reached number 4 in the UK charts and stayed in the charts for a total of 16 weeks. It was also the last album by T. Rex to crack the U.S. top 200. Even though "Tanx" wasn't as universally acclaimed as its predecessors, it is still remembered as an important release in T. Rex's discography and in the glam rock genre as a whole. It’s been acknowledged for its raw, creative energy and for pushing the boundaries of the band's sound.
