Slade

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By 1975, Slade had released countless hit albums and singles, completed numerous tours and released a movie. As a result, the band took the decision to move from England to America in order to crack the market. It was only the Americans that the band hadn’t conquered and so this decision was nothing but logical as the next step in the band’s career. The band toured constantly throughout the country in 1976 and released the commercially disappointing Nobody’s Fools album which stepped out of the glam rock sound and into new musical territory. Slade were unsuccessful in cracking the American market and so the band returned to England at the beginning of 1977. The group found a much different music scene where punk rock had risen. Despite Slade’s reputation, the band were now seen as old fashioned. Slade refused to give in and began working on a new album, one that would stand strong against the punk rock craze. Named after a piece of graffiti painted on a London bridge, Whatever Happened To Slade was released early 1977.

The album opens with Be which features a strong introduction, consisting of a hard hitting guitar riff and thunderous percussion. The verses feature some extremely speedy vocals, sung in two part harmony between lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea. A strong verse, carried by some strong guitar which almost has a metal-influence to it. The chorus features some fantastically strong lead vocals from Noddy which is backed by more weaving guitar and strong percussion. A strong solo section is included, showing a mature rock sound from the band. The lyrics have a sense of maturity and are sung throughout almost like a rap over a solid rock melody. A strong opener with elements of maturity, metal and punk influences. “Be faithful to the true man, sympathetic to the blue man, oh baby. Be dwarf against the tall man, be a giant against the small man, oh baby…”

Lightning Never Strikes Twice continues the hard hitting sound with a stomping guitar riff, a keyboard drone and brilliant percussion from Don Powell. The verses flow perfectly with a strong blend of solid vocals and a memorable guitar riff. An anthemic chorus follows, backed with more solid guitar work from Dave Hill. Lea’s bass guitar work is brilliant here with a fantastic bassline throughout the song. The lyrics describe a total eclipse of the mind and work nicely with the song’s riff. An exceptional guitar solo if featured here, followed by some interesting instrumentation that works along with the vocals nicely. The ending of the track features a reoccurring vocal effect that closes the track well. “From an eternity to an eternity, I crossed the universe and wanted to stay. Passed through infinite time, I passed through infinite time, saw creation from the opposite way…”

The album’s only single Gypsy Roadhog follows which has a slight country-rock influence that is present throughout. A strong guitar riff opens the track, backed by some solid percussion. The verses flow nicely with some strong vocals and interesting lyrics. A strong chorus follows with a great vocal performance. This song’s lyrics refer to the exploits of an American cocaine dealer. The entire song flows perfectly and remains memorable. In fact, this song is the most commercial sounding on the album. “I powdered my nose in Oklahoma, over the top. I wasted away in New Orleans, I couldn't stop. Down in the alley - happy dust, me and Romona we was getting bust. I got away just in the nick of time…”

Dogs of Vengeance returns to the dark and rough sound of the album, opening with some strong guitar work. The verses consist of a solid vocal performance, excellent percussion, weaving guitar and a great bassline. A simple but effective chorus follows with some interesting lyrics. Lyrically, this song probably refers to an addiction of something that’s not quite revealed although the lyrics do refer to the ‘entertainment’ that Noddy has planned. The entire song flows nicely and shows the band’s strong musical connection between all four members. “So come to my castle you innocent souls, some good entertainment I've planned. Come to my chamber and I will unfold, some exquisite passion so grand. Some torment, the best in the land…”

Next is When Fantasy Calls which is an interesting and rather unique sounding track from Slade. The track opens with a strong guitar riff which leads into some rather suggestive vocals from Noddy, backed by a great guitar melody. A memorable chorus follows with a solid vocal performance. A guitar solo follows the first verse which works nicely in theme with the song. The lyrics clearly refer to sexual desire and remain one of Slade’s most graphic insights into that theme. A strong ending consists of more great vocals and some nice guitar work. A solid album track with a thoroughly brilliant band performance. “Juicy fruit, cock-a hoot, you're coming on strong, you're coming on strong. Not so fast, make it last. The feeling takes time, it's yours and it's mine…”

One Eyed Jacks With Moustaches has a slight influence of rock ‘n’ roll and recalls the band’s usual rock sound. A strong and memorable guitar riff opens the track which follows into a highly energetic verse. The verses feature some fantastic vocals, pounding drumming and some fun rock-themed lyrics. A great chorus follows and continues the fun rock theme with a solid guitar solo playing after. The following section is no doubt influenced by Elvis Presley. A brilliantly energetic ending consists of a strong guitar solo, backed by a solid bassline. Slade at their rocking best. “Bald headed eagles like to feather their nests on the side, wide eyed Madonnas like to treasure their chests on the side, smooth talking Gigolo's are going along for the ride…”

Big Apple Blues has a strong influence of life in America from the band’s point of view. A memorable guitar riff opens the track, followed by a solid bassline and effective percussion. Noddy’s strong vocal and interesting lyrics allow the verses flow perfectly, backed by a solid guitar riff. The chorus is memorable, hard hitting and consistently strong. A strong and interesting section follows the second chorus which consists of some great percussion, solid backing vocals and an effective guitar rhythm. Throughout, the lyrical theme follows the band’s experience of life in New York City which works perfectly. “City streets where the steam and the heat never goes to sleep. And city walls standing tall, if you fall no one hears you call. There are bodies all filled up with wine, saying buddy have you got a dime? The apple ain't bad, it's just bruised and I'm glad that it's there at all…”

The next track is Dead Men Tell No Tales which is the odd song out on the album in terms of musical theme and overall sound. A melodic guitar riff opens the track whilst the verses are carried by acoustic guitar and lyrics that refer to a bank robbery that goes wrong from the view of one of the robbers. The chorus is overall memorable and features a strong guitar riff. A great guitar solo is featured along with some strong backing vocals. Some fine guitar from Hill closes this track well. Overall, a great song with an interesting story but with a bit more lyrical work the track would be much more stronger and memorable. “As the good guy he lay there bleeding, me the bad guy, I started to retch. Then old Mugsy, he caught a ricochet, we were heading for a stretch…”

Following is She's Got The Lot which features a strong raw sound that truly benefits this song. The track opens with an interesting vocal, followed by some fantastic dominant bass guitar and great guitar licks. The verses are consistently strong with some great vocals over the bassline and guitar. A strong chorus follows with some notable guitar, solid percussion and more brilliant vocals. Following the second chorus comes a strong solo section with some fantastic lead guitar. The ending of the track features a long instrumental section which works perfectly. This song’s lyrics refer to a girl who thinks that she’s ‘it’. “That chic cheeky lady, she's gonna get what she picks. She can wear you out and she can milk you dry with them tricks. That wily-styli lady with sophisticated quips, she can eat you up and she can spit you out with them lips…”

It Ain't Love But It Ain't Bad is a rather furious and dark sounding track, helped by the moody production. Brilliant percussion and a fierce guitar riff open this song, followed by the first verse. The song’s verses feature brilliant vocals and some great guitar licks. A fantastic chorus follows with a great mix of energetic percussion, strong guitar, solid bassline and more powerful vocals. From the second chorus is a showcase for a great guitar solo by Hill. The ending features some strong backing vocals and ends the track well. This song’s lyrics show the appreciation for a rock band’s groupies. “Backstage rendezvous are healthy, they realise there ain't for keeps, ooh. Nitty gritty recreation, I have to go without some sleep…” and “No complication or frustration, they don't keep you sane but they keep you thin…” are two examples of the lusty lyrics.

The album’s closer is The Soul, The Roll And The Motion which opens with a strong guitar riff and thunderous percussion. Noddy’s vocals are on top form in the verses, set perfectly over the guitar melody. The chorus is energetic, memorable and features another fantastic performance from each member of the band. A fantastic guitar solo follows the second chorus which adds to the raw energy this track has. Before the final verse is a brilliant dominant bassline which follows into the final verse itself. The lyrics are rather suggestive throughout. A brilliant album closer, proving the band as a fantastic rock group. “Oh, you can call me the leaper and you can call me the king of the stroke. Well call me the leaper, cause I'm the love king with plenty of poke. It‘s the soul and the roll and the motion. It's the strength and the length and the notion…”

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Upon release, Whatever Happened To Slade made little impact on the UK charts, even failing to enter the top 100 at all. Despite this, the album was met with critical praise and support from the English punk uprising. Both Smashing Pumpkins vocalist Billy Corgan and Nirvana vocalist Kurt Cobain have cited the album as influential. The only single from the album Gypsy Roadhog marked the band’s return to the UK but stalled at #48 in the chart. This was due to the band performing the track on the children show Blue Peter where the producers didn’t realise that the lyrics referenced drugs. Complaints from viewers followed which led to the BBC banning the single altogether. Perhaps the single would have been a hit if given the full chance at the time. Interestingly at the time, Slade’s manager and producer Chas Chandler complained that the band’s material wasn’t commercial enough. This album has huge atmosphere to it, both moody and dark with a couple of lighter moments such as Gypsy Roadhog and Dead Men Don’t Tell No Tales. The production from Chandler keeps the guitar rough throughout which adds to the mood greatly. Slade’s glam rock image had completely vanished with this release.

I highly recommend this album for any rock fan. This was Slade’s attempt at fitting with the new heavy sound of the late 70s, escaping the glam rock image and adding some maturity to their work which was also shown on the band’s previous 1976 album Nobody’s Fools. Whatever Happened To Slade is a fantastic album, bursting with attitude.

this is slade`s most underrated record,it is really a fantastic hard rock album,much more heavy than they use to be.The sound on the album is great,raw and powerfull.only one of the songs were released as a single,Gypsy roadhog.That song was banned from the bbc,because the lyrics flirted with cocaine.the song sounds a bit like creedence,if creedence had tried to be a heavy rock band...
The album sounds like old zz top meets black sabbath..