What makes Slade in Flame by Slade notable?

Slade in Flame reached number 6 on the UK Albums Chart, demonstrating the band's continued popularity during the glam rock era. The album's ambitious storytelling and musical diversity garnered critical acclaim, helping to solidify Slade's place in rock history while influencing subsequent artists within the genre. Released in January 1974, Slade in Flame was the band's fifth studio album and marked a significant evolution from their earlier work. Following the commercial success of their previous albums, this project aimed to explore deeper themes and narratives, particularly as it accompanied a film about the band's fictionalized story.

Who is Slade in Flame for?

Slade in Flame works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, poignant moments for introspection and sing-along potential with friends.

How many songs are on Slade in Flame?

Slade in Flame has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Slade in Flame

Slade · 1974

40 min · 10 tracks · glam rock

Glam rock anthems intertwine with poignant ballads, showcasing a blend of raucous energy and introspective lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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How Does It Feel? — This opener blends powerful vocals with a reflective melody, establishing the album's introspective tone while still holding true to Slade's energetic roots.
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Far Far Away — A standout ballad that showcases emotional depth, this track features poignant lyrics and a haunting melody, illustrating a more vulnerable side of the band.
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O.K. Yesterday Was Yesterday — With its catchy chorus and upbeat energy, this track encapsulates Slade's signature sound while addressing themes of nostalgia and moving forward.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic anthems with reflective ballads, creating a cohesive narrative experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong anthem, 'How Does It Feel?', which sets a high-energy tone that persists through the first half.
Tracks like 'Far Far Away' and 'Heaven Knows' shift to slower tempos, introducing introspective themes that contrast with the earlier tracks.
The lyrics throughout often tell stories or convey emotions directly tied to the music, enhancing the overall narrative of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

steady mid-tempo groove throughout
poignant moments for introspection
sing-along potential with friends
melodic hooks that linger
nostalgic themes of longing

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek high-energy dance anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases ambitious storytelling and musical diversity, marking an evolution in their sound.
Career context: Released in January 1974, Slade in Flame was the band's fifth studio album and marked a significant evolution from their earlier work. Following the commercial success of their previous albums, this project aimed to explore deeper themes and narratives, particularly as it accompanied a film about the band's fictionalized story.
Stylistic neighbors: T. Rex· David Bowie· Alice Cooper