The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome cover

The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome

Slade · 1983

66 min · 16 tracks · glam rock

An exuberant fusion of glam rock energy and catchy hooks wrapped in vibrant production and playful lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Run Runaway — This track features an infectious chorus and combines elements of rock and pop that highlight Slade's signature sound, becoming one of their most recognizable songs.
  • →
    My Oh My — With its catchy melody and engaging lyrics, this song showcases Slade's ability to create memorable anthems, solidifying their status in the glam rock era.
  • →
    (And Now the Waltz) C’est la vie — This track stands out for its whimsical charm and theatrical flair, exemplifying Slade's knack for blending humor with music while pushing genre boundaries.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic glam rock with catchy hooks, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a high-energy tempo, with 'My Oh My' serving as a standout single that shifts the mood slightly without losing momentum.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • dynamic peaks and valleys
  • energetic sing-along moments
  • vibrant party atmosphere
  • short bursts of excitement
  • catchy melodies for engagement

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Reestablished Slade's popularity with a major hit after a hiatus, marking their return.
Themes
glam rock revival· theatrical whimsy
Career context
The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome marked Slade's return after a five-year hiatus, following their declining success in the late 1970s. Released in December 1983, it was their first album since 1978's Whatever Happened to Slade, showcasing a reinvigorated sound that aimed to reclaim their place in the UK rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
T. Rex· David Bowie· Alice Cooper

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Slam the Hammer Down 3:25
  • 2 In the Doghouse 2:44
  • 3 Run Runaway 5:00
  • 4 High and Dry 3:10
  • 5 My Oh My 4:12
  • 6 Cocky Rock Boys (Rule OK) 3:26
  • 7 Ready to Explode 8:37
  • 8 (And Now the Waltz) C’est la vie 3:43
  • 9 Cheap ’n’ Nasty Luv 3:27
  • 10 Razzle Dazzle Man 4:38
  • 11 Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply 3:34
  • 12 My Oh My (12″ version) 5:34
  • 13 Don’t Tame a Hurricane 2:33
  • 14 Run Runaway (12″ version) 5:26
  • 15 Two Track Stereo, One Track Mind 2:55
  • 16 Slam the Hammer Down (Hotter mix) 3:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata