1972 Hit 'All the Young Dudes' Named 'Most Awesome Rock Song' of All Time

The Vinyl District ranked the Mott The Hoople song as the greatest rock song ever released.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The 1972 song 'All the Young Dudes' by English rock band Mott The Hoople has been named the 'most awesome rock song of all time' by The Vinyl District. The song, written by David Bowie, was originally rejected by the band before Bowie convinced them to record it. Mott The Hoople's lead singer Ian Hunter recalled the first time he heard the song, saying 'The first thing [I thought] was I can sing this. And the second thing was like I've never been behind a hit before.'

Why it matters

The recognition of 'All the Young Dudes' as the greatest rock song ever highlights the enduring popularity and influence of classic rock music from the 1970s. The song's glam aesthetic and 'unserious, fun vibe' have made it a beloved rock anthem for generations of listeners.

The details

David Bowie originally wrote 'All the Young Dudes' and offered it to Mott The Hoople after the band rejected his song 'Suffragette City.' Mott The Hoople's lead singer Ian Hunter said the band was planning to break up before Bowie presented them with 'All the Young Dudes.' Hunter was immediately impressed with the song, thinking 'I can sing this' and realizing 'I've never been behind a hit before.'

  • The song 'All the Young Dudes' was released in 1972.

The players

Mott The Hoople

An English rock band that recorded the song 'All the Young Dudes' in 1972.

David Bowie

The acclaimed singer-songwriter who wrote the song 'All the Young Dudes' and convinced Mott The Hoople to record it.

Ian Hunter

The lead singer of Mott The Hoople who recalled his first impressions of 'All the Young Dudes' in a 2003 interview.

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What they’re saying

“The first thing [I thought] was I can sing this. And the second thing was like I've never been behind a hit before.”

— Ian Hunter, Lead singer of Mott The Hoople (Howard Stern Show)

The takeaway

The enduring popularity and critical acclaim of 'All the Young Dudes' demonstrates the lasting impact of classic rock music from the 1970s. The song's glam aesthetic and 'unserious, fun vibe' have made it a beloved rock anthem that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its initial release.