Roxy Music are one of the most stylish, influential and important bands Britain ever produced. Formed in London in 1970 by art-school visionary Bryan Ferry, they fused glam, art rock and the avant-garde into something startlingly new — then evolved, across a decade, into the sophisticated, sensual sound of their masterpiece Avalon. Here is our fellow fan’s ranking of their finest songs.

The short version

If you only hear a few, make them “Love Is the Drug”, “Virginia Plain”, “More Than This” and “In Every Dream Home a Heartache” — their funky signature hit, the thrilling debut single, their sublime sophisti-pop masterpiece, and a dark art-rock landmark. The full ranking is below.

Art rock’s most stylish pioneers

Few bands have been as effortlessly influential as Roxy Music. Formed in London in 1970 by the art-school-trained Bryan Ferry, they arrived like nothing before them — a dazzling collision of glam rock, avant-garde experiment and old-Hollywood glamour, with Brian Eno’s synthesizers lending the early records a thrilling strangeness. As Eno departed and the band matured, they evolved from art-rock provocateurs into peerless sophisticates, a journey that culminated in the lush, romantic Avalon. With guitarist Phil Manzanera, saxophonist Andy Mackay and drummer Paul Thompson, they became one of the most distinctive and stylish bands of their era — and a foundational influence on everything from David Bowie to punk and new wave. These fifteen songs are the best.

How we ranked them

This is one fan’s order, weighing songcraft, style, influence and lasting impact. The facts are accurate; the order is a starting point for the debate.

The essential six

At the very top sits “Love Is the Drug” (1975), their funky, irresistible signature hit. With it: “Virginia Plain” (1972), the thrilling debut single that announced them; “More Than This” (1982), their sublime, haunting sophisti-pop masterpiece; “In Every Dream Home a Heartache” (1973), a dark, surreal art-rock landmark; “Mother of Pearl” (1973), a two-part epic and fan favourite; and “Do the Strand” (1973), a glammy, exhilarating call to the dancefloor.

Love Roxy Music and British art rock? The books go deeper →

Reliably great

The next tier is essential too. “Avalon” (1982) is the shimmering, romantic title track; “Re-Make/Re-Model” (1972) is the exuberant, avant-garde opening statement of their debut; “Out of the Blue” (1974) is a soaring, violin-driven highlight; “Dance Away” (1979) is a bittersweet, hugely successful comeback hit; and “Both Ends Burning” (1975) is a propulsive, disco-tinged stormer.

Deeper cuts

For the dedicated, these reward repeat listens. “Street Life” (1973) is a punchy, chart-topping opener; “Angel Eyes” (1979) is a sleek, danceable single; “All I Want Is You” (1974) is a driving, energetic gem; and “Over You” (1980) is a catchy, melodic hit.

Every song at a glance

All fifteen songs, in chronological order — each linked to the album it comes from, so you can hear it in context.

Where to start

Begin with their revolutionary self-titled debut and the dark, brilliant For Your Pleasure, then the smooth hit Siren and the sublime sophisti-pop of Avalon. Every album, from Stranded to Flesh and Blood, rewards exploration.

The players

Roxy Music revolved around the singular vision of Bryan Ferry — singer, songwriter and style icon — alongside the inventive guitar of Phil Manzanera, the saxophone and oboe of Andy Mackay and the powerhouse drumming of Paul Thompson. In the early years, Brian Eno’s synthesizers and tape treatments gave the band its avant-garde edge; after his departure, Eddie Jobson, formerly of Curved Air, added violin and keyboards. Though they never kept a permanent bassist, this core defined one of rock’s most stylish and enduring sounds — and the four longtime members still reunite to this day.

Why they still matter

Roxy Music changed what a rock band could be. Emerging alongside British contemporaries like King Crimson, Yes and Genesis, they brought art, fashion and avant-garde ideas into pop — and their influence, on David Bowie, punk, new wave and the new romantics, is almost impossible to overstate. From the glam thrill of “Virginia Plain” to the aching beauty of “More Than This,” they remain one of the most sophisticated and stylish acts progressive rock ever produced.

Go deeper

Keep exploring: rank their records with our guide to the best Roxy Music albums, or place them in the bigger picture with the best progressive rock songs of all time.

Find your next read on the bookshelf below →