Once Upon a Time in the Top Spot: T. Rex, “Hot Love”

48 years ago this week, T. Rex landed atop the UK Singles chart with a song which – although it was considered a standalone single at the time of its initial release – has since found its way into the “Bonus Tracks” section of the band’s 1971 album ELECTRIC WARRIOR.

Recorded at Trident Studios under the watchful eyes and ears of producer Tony Visconti, “Hot Love” continued the musical evolution of the band that had been heard on their previous single, “Ride a White Swan.” Written – as ever – by Marc Bolan, “Hot Love” was the first T. Rex track to feature a full drum kit, and it was also the first to feature backing vocals from Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman of The Turtles. It would not be the last, of course, as the duo could be heard prominently when Bolan and the rest of the band entered the studio to record ELECTRIC WARRIOR, but their introduction on this song certainly served as an indicator that T. Rex was definitely not planning to return to their earlier folk-inspired sound anytime soon.

And why would they? We neglected to mention the very important point that this was actually the first #1 hit by T. Rex, which is just the sort of reaction that makes a musician in the midst of a stylistic transition certain that they’ve made the right move. As such, Bolan continued to rock out, and the hits just kept on coming…at least for awhile, anyway.