📰 Melody Maker POP 30 – Chart Listing : Nov. 1972
- Charts

- Nov 18, 1972
- 2 min read
The *Melody Maker* POP 30 published on **November 18, 1972** captured a vibrant moment in early‑’70s British pop, where glam, soul, MOR and novelty singles all competed for chart space. With Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Clair” holding the top position and Sweet’s “Wig‑Wam Bam” still present in the Top 30, the chart reflected a transitional period between bubblegum‑glam energy and the rise of softer singer‑songwriter hits.
Publication: Melody Maker
Date: November 18, 1972
Format: Weekly singles chart
Writer: Melody Maker
A moment of glam‑era momentum, MOR crossover and early‑’70s chart eclecticism.
đź“° Key Highlights
• “Clair” by Gilbert O’Sullivan at No. 1
• Strong Top 10 presence for Hollies, Lieutenant Pigeon, Elton John and Lobo
• David Cassidy’s “How Can I Be Sure” at No. 16
• Sweet’s “Wig‑Wam Bam” at No. 20
• David Bowie’s “John, I’m Only Dancing” at No. 22
• T. Rex’s “Children of the Revolution” at No. 23
• A chart blending glam, soul, MOR ballads, novelty hits and country‑pop
đź“° Overview
This chart captures the UK singles landscape at the close of 1972 — a moment when glam rock was rising fast, yet still shared space with MOR crooners, American soul imports and novelty records. Melody Maker’s POP 30 offered one of the clearest snapshots of national taste, documenting a week where the theatrical stomp of glam coexisted with the softer, melodic sensibilities dominating radio.
đź“° Source Details
Publication / Venue: Melody Maker
Date: November 18, 1972
Format: Weekly singles chart
Provenance Notes: Based on the official Melody Maker POP 30 dated November 18, 1972.
đź“° The Story
The chart highlights:
• The commercial strength of singer‑songwriters like Gilbert O’Sullivan
• The continued rise of glam through Sweet, Bowie and T. Rex
• The enduring appeal of American soul and R&B
• A competitive mid‑chart filled with MOR and country‑pop crossovers
• A transitional moment before glam’s full takeover in 1973
The tone is eclectic, energetic and era‑defining — a chart that reflects the full spectrum of early‑’70s British pop culture.
đź“° Visual Archive

đź“° Closing Notes
A vivid snapshot of late‑1972 pop, the Melody Maker POP 30 of November 18 stands as a key document of the artists, sounds and shifting tastes shaping the UK charts at the dawn of the glam era.





Comments