Old New Borrowed and Blue cover

Old New Borrowed and Blue

Slade · 1974

37 min · 12 tracks · glam rock

A vibrant blend of glam rock anthems and melodic pop, brimming with exuberance and catchy hooks.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    My Friend Stan — This track exemplifies Slade's signature sound with its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, becoming one of their most recognizable songs.
  • →
    When the Lights Are Out — A poignant ballad that showcases the band's ability to blend emotional depth with their upbeat glam rock style, highlighting lead singer Noddy Holder's vocal prowess.
  • →
    Find Yourself a Rainbow — This song blends whimsical lyrics with a bright melody, capturing the playful spirit of the album while appealing to both pop and rock audiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong hooks and varied tempos, though it lacks a tightly cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies and call-and-response vocals, particularly evident in 'My Friend Stan' and 'We’re Really Gonna Raise the Roof.'
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • singalong choruses with friends
  • steady pace for afternoon drives
  • catchy hooks that uplift mood
  • vibrant energy for celebrations

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek deeply introspective experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Reinforced Slade's status in glam rock, following their earlier successes.
Career context
Released on February 15, 1974, 'Old New Borrowed and Blue' was Slade's fourth studio album, coming off the success of their previous record, 'Slayed?' which had solidified their position in the glam rock scene. This album further cemented their commercial appeal in the UK, showcasing their knack for infectious melodies and energetic performances.
Stylistic neighbors
T. Rex· David Bowie· Alice Cooper

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Just Want a Little Bit 4:01
  • 2 When the Lights Are Out 3:06
  • 3 My Town 3:07
  • 4 Find Yourself a Rainbow 2:11
  • 5 Miles Out to Sea 3:50
  • 6 We’re Really Gonna Raise the Roof 3:09
  • 7 Do We Still Do It 3:04
  • 8 How Can It Be 3:03
  • 9 Don’t Blame Me 2:32
  • 10 My Friend Stan 2:42
  • 11 Everyday 3:12
  • 12 Good Time Gals 3:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata