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Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow

by T. Rex

Released: March 01, 1974

Glam rock, soul, R&B, funk

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

"Zinc Alloy and The Hidden Riders of Tomorrow," is the ninth studio album by British rock band T. Rex, released on 1 February 1974 by record label EMI. Additionally, "Zinc Alloy and The Hidden Riders of Tomorrow" is often viewed as the point in Bolan's career where his alcohol and drug problems began to seriously affect his music. The title of the album is derived from some alter-egos Bolan had created, including Zinc Alloy, signifying his robot-like persona, and "The Hidden Riders of Tomorrow," which referred to Bolan's backing band at the time.

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Essential Tracks

Teenage Dream

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Explore the Album

T. Rex - Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow

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Then

Reception

Despite the initial mixed reviews, the album has since gained a cult following for its experimental sound and stands as a unique chapter in the T. Rex discography. Despite this, the album boasted hit singles like "Teenage Dream" and "The Groover." However, the album itself did not live up to the commercial success of the previous T. Rex albums, peaking at number 12 in the UK charts. The album was a deviation from T.Rex's usual style, with lead singer Marc Bolan incorporating a futuristic approach with sci-fi themed lyrics, soul-inspired music, and lush sound arrangements, leading to a mixed reaction by fans and critics.

Now

Legacy

Despite the initial mixed reviews, the album has since gained a cult following for its experimental sound and stands as a unique chapter in the T. Rex discography.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Zinc Alloy and The Hidden Riders of Tomorrow," is the ninth studio album by British rock band T. Rex, released on 1 February 1974 by record label EMI. The album was a deviation from T.Rex's usual style, with lead singer Marc Bolan incorporating a futuristic approach with sci-fi themed lyrics, soul-inspired music, and lush sound arrangements, leading to a mixed reaction by fans and critics.

Despite this, the album boasted hit singles like "Teenage Dream" and "The Groover." However, the album itself did not live up to the commercial success of the previous T. Rex albums, peaking at number 12 in the UK charts. Additionally, "Zinc Alloy and The Hidden Riders of Tomorrow" is often viewed as the point in Bolan's career where his alcohol and drug problems began to seriously affect his music.

The title of the album is derived from some alter-egos Bolan had created, including Zinc Alloy, signifying his robot-like persona, and "The Hidden Riders of Tomorrow," which referred to Bolan's backing band at the time.

Despite the initial mixed reviews, the album has since gained a cult following for its experimental sound and stands as a unique chapter in the T. Rex discography.