Slade in Flame

"Slade in Flame" is the first soundtrack album and fifth studio album by British rock band Slade, released on November 29, 1974. The album was a companion to the band's film of the same name, which told the fictional story of a 1960s rock band called Flame and their rise and fall. It reached No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Gold by the BPI in February 1975. The album was produced by Chas Chandler and features a mixture of rock styles, reflecting the band's shift from their usual glam rock sound to something more serious and experimental.

By 1974, Slade had achieved major success in the UK and beyond, but they were looking to expand their sound and move away from their established "happy-go-lucky" image. This led to the idea of making a film and accompanying soundtrack that would tell a more gritty and realistic story about the music industry. The movie and soundtrack were based on real events from Slade’s own experiences and those of other bands in the 1960s. The band's manager, Chas Chandler, suggested they make a movie, and the band agreed.

For the film, Noddy Holder (lead vocals) and Jim Lea (bass) wrote the majority of the material. The music took on a more varied tone, moving away from the band's typical rock anthems to explore different musical styles, including ballads and more textured, orchestral rock.

The album was recorded in October 1974, with the lead single, "Far Far Away", being released a month prior. The single reached No. 2 on the UK charts, and its success helped promote the album. The soundtrack is notable for its departure from the band’s usual sound, incorporating more introspective and emotional tracks, such as the melancholy ballad "How Does It Feel"—a standout moment that was both a commercial risk and a reflection of the film’s darker tone.

While the album received praise for its musical variety and emotional depth, it did not sell as well as expected, especially in comparison to the band's previous chart-topping successes. Fans of Slade, known for their high-energy glam rock hits, were initially confused by the more serious tone of both the album and the film. The Slade in Flame film, released in January 1975, was a critical success but failed to make a significant commercial impact, and it was regarded as bleak and dark, which contrasted sharply with the fun-loving persona fans had come to expect from the band.

The album’s lead single "Far Far Away" became one of Slade’s most beloved songs, reaching No. 2 in the UK and contributing to the album’s success. "How Does It Feel" was a slower, introspective ballad that marked a significant departure from the band’s usual sound. It reflected the tone of the film and showcased Slade's ability to tackle more serious themes. "Standin' on the Corner" was another track praised by the band for its swing feel and the inclusion of brass, marking an early experiment with different instrumentation.

The album was initially slated for release on November 22, 1974, but due to production delays, it was released a week later. It was a success in terms of pre-orders, earning the album a Gold Disc before its release. Despite this, sales were somewhat disappointing considering the band's previous chart-topping albums. By February 1975, however, the album had sold over 200,000 copies in the UK.

In the US, the album was released under a slightly altered tracklisting, with "The Bangin' Man" replacing "Summer Song (Wishing You Were Here)" and "Thanks for the Memory" replacing "Heaven Knows." The album would go on to be re-issued several times, including a 2015 repackage by Salvo Sound & Vision, which included a DVD version of the film.

Although Slade in Flame wasn't as commercially successful as their previous albums, it is now regarded as an important work in Slade’s catalog. The album marked a creative step forward and is seen as one of the band's most ambitious projects. Many years later, it has been recognized as a cult classic, with some fans considering it one of the greatest rock films of the 1970s. The band’s exploration of more serious and varied musical territory, combined with the film’s bleak storyline, set Slade in Flame apart from the more raucous and fun-filled rock albums of the time, but also contributed to the shift in their popularity. It was the beginning of the end for Slade’s reign as the UK's most popular rock group, but it remains a unique and cherished part of their legacy.