T.rex - 20th Century Boy Now

: Not all contemporary reviews were glowing; Penny Valentine at Sounds felt the song showed Bolan was not pushing his musical capabilities as far as he could have. Some modern retrospectives also note that the song's most experimental moments are buried in its 30-second fadeout. Legacy and Cultural Impact

: The song is the namesake for Naoki Urasawa’s famous manga series 20th Century Boys and inspired a character "Stand" in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure . T.Rex - 20th Century boy

: It reached a new generation in 1991 when it hit #13 in the UK charts after being featured in a Brad Pitt Levi's commercial. It also appears in films like The Truman Show and The Purge: Election Year . : Not all contemporary reviews were glowing; Penny

: It remains a staple of glam rock tributes, including a popular stage musical of the same name that celebrates Bolan's life and music. : It reached a new generation in 1991

: Most reviews highlight the song's "crunchy" and "majestical" guitar riff as its centerpiece. Critics from NME at the time of release called it the group's best since "Telegram Sam," noting its "thunder guitar" assault.

The song's enduring popularity is often credited to its frequent use in media:

: Bolan admitted the lyrics were a collage of celebrity quotes, such as Muhammad Ali’s "sting like a bee". Critics often point out that the lyrics are more about "attitude and escape" than deep meaning, embodying the flamboyant spirit of the 1970s.