What makes 78 in the Shade by Small Faces notable?

'78 in the Shade' received mixed critical reception but stands out as a crucial point in the band's discography, signaling their artistic maturation. While not chart-topping like earlier works, it has been recognized for its influence on subsequent British rock bands navigating similar stylistic shifts. Released in January 1978, '78 in the Shade' marked Small Faces' fifth studio album and their first since reuniting after a brief hiatus. The band was transitioning from their earlier sound, having evolved through various musical influences during the late 1960s and early 1970s, which is evident in this release's experimentation with hard rock elements.

Who is 78 in the Shade for?

78 in the Shade works well if you're into short bursts of vibrant energy, playful anthems for gatherings and nostalgic reflections on love.

How many songs are on 78 in the Shade?

78 in the Shade has 10 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

78 in the Shade

Small Faces · 1978

32 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A blend of hard rock and rhythm and blues, infused with psychedelic touches and reflective lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Let Me Down Gently — This track showcases a poignant blend of vulnerability and melody, encapsulating the album’s introspective themes while highlighting the band’s vocal harmonies.
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Thinkin' About Love — The song features a catchy chorus that balances upbeat instrumentation with contemplative lyrics, making it a quintessential representation of the band's evolving sound.
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Stand by Me (Stand by You) — The cover offers a soulful rendition that emphasizes emotional depth, showing Small Faces’ knack for reinterpreting classic tracks in their unique style.
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You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet — This track stands out with its energetic rhythm and guitar riffs, embodying the hard rock influences that permeate the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100

Lowland

Higher than 13% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of styles with reflective lyrics, though it lacks the cohesion and standout tracks of their earlier work.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that gradually shift between upbeat and slower rhythms.
Several tracks feature layered guitar work and harmonized vocals, creating a rich texture that blends hard rock with rhythm and blues elements.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short bursts of vibrant energy
playful anthems for gatherings
nostalgic reflections on love
catchy tunes for sunny days

Maybe skip if you

slow-paced, drawn-out compositions
long, immersive listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A reunion-era catalog entry that documents the band's later sound rather than defining its wider reputation.
Career context: Released in January 1978, '78 in the Shade' marked Small Faces' fifth studio album and their first since reuniting after a brief hiatus. The band was transitioning from their earlier sound, having evolved through various musical influences during the late 1960s and early 1970s, which is evident in this release's experimentation with hard rock elements.
Stylistic neighbors: The Who· The Kinks· Faces