Review Summary: Slade me baby one more time.
Slade approached their next album – which became a turning point in the band’s creative output and style – with a much clearer sense of purpose and direction. While on
Play It Loud they would often zip around the alleys of early hard rock and glam, attempting to write popular music a la the
The Beatles, on
Slayed they are impressively consistent and confident in the sound they tapped into.
It is still based on the same concise hard rock, though it has gone through some renovations. Among the materials used are rock ‘n’ roll plaster, melodic flooring, and glam wallpaper. Throwing away the attempts to write verbose and profound lyrics – which were periodically notable on their previous release – the lads focused on the music, groove, and unrestrained presentation, which in turn influences the perception of the LP.
There is no need for listeners to strain themselves to get into the album’s contents (it is very simple) or get bored waiting for the end (it is very lightweight). There are heavy hitters sound-wise (
Move Over,
Gudbuy Gudbuy) and apparent hits that became the band’s calling cards and eternal classics (
The Whole World's Goin' Crazee,
I Won't Let It 'Appen Agen,
Gudbuy T'Jane,
Mama Weer All Crazee Now), as well as a cover song that successfully fits into the overall flow (
Let the Good Times Roll / Feel So Fine). Nevertheless, the rock ‘n’ roll cuts are the binding element used to build down-to-earth yet well-leveled structure of one of their better albums.
Sure, you can feel the planned commercial approach, an exercise in increasing popularity and a calculated bet on chart positions (which paid off, as we know). It is also the first time the band used their humorous trademark know-how: the deliberate misspelling of track titles, aimed at attracting attention and highlighting once again the general levity and easiness of the selected style.
But, first of all, this kind of approach is not inherently a bad thing, considering the desire of a singer or a band to be recognizable and popular (if you fail to present your work to a larger audience, then why create anything at all?). Secondly, Slade never aspired to be a part of some highbrow elite with a tag over their whole career saying “Not for everybody”. Thirdly, if the music is great within its genre boundaries – clearly defined for the audience – why not let the band earn some cash with it? Moreover, despite the obvious leaning toward commercialization, the LP still sounds fresh and pleasantly raw. The musicians managed to combine studio polish with a vital drive, making the album feel like a high-quality live record. And that is yet another upside to the release.
So, for those who do not look only for stylistic innovations, lyrics filled with wisdom and experience, and instrumental pirouettes – and who are still able to enjoy lightweight, energetic, and mildly aggressive rock –
Slayed is recommended for a spin or two.
Best tracks:
How d'You Ride,
The Whole World's Goin' Crazee,
I Won't Let It 'Appen Agen,
Gudbuy T'Jane,
Mama Weer All Crazee Now,
Let the Good Times Roll / Feel So Fine
