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 better understanding of the purpose and cause. While on
Play It Loud they would often zip around the alleys of early hard rock and glam, and attempt to write popular music ala 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 that has gone through some renovations. Among the materials used are rock ‘n’ roll plaster, melodic flooring and glam wallpaper. Throwing away the efforts to write verbose and profound lyrics periodically notable on their previous release, the lads focused on the music, groove and unrestrained presentation, which in turn influences perception of the LP.
There is no need for the listener to strain oneself 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 their 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, which successfully fit in 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 but leveled structure of one of their better albums.
Sure, you can feel the planned commercial approach, exercise to increase popularity and bets on chart positions (which paid off, as we know). It is also the first time the band used their humorous trademark know-how in deliberate misspelling of the track titles aimed to attract attention and highlight once again the general levity and easiness of the selected style.
But, first of all, this kind of approach is not something ill in general, considering 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 to the audience, why not let the band earn some cash with it? Moreover, despite obvious leaning towards commercialization the LP still sounds fresh and pleasantly raw. The musicians managed to combine studio sterility and vital drive making the album feel like a high-quality live record. And it 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 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
