A Dark, Brooding Anthem of Spiritual Restlessness, Signaling the Early, Untamed Rock Power of a Band on the Cusp of Stardom.
The year 1970 found the band that would soon conquer the UK charts as Slade in a vastly different, more volatile state. Known then simply as Ambrose Slade, and later just Slade, they were a raw, heavy-rock act still finding their identity, shedding the skin of their mod roots and embracing a grittier, heavier sound. Their second album, Play It Loud, released in this transitional period, was a bold, if commercially frustrated, statement of intent. The album itself failed to chart significantly in the UK or the US, as the band had not yet adopted the signature look and sound that would bring them superstardom. Deep within this fiercely earnest collection of songs, however, lies a dramatic, original track that foreshadowed their future power: “Raven.” As it was not released as a single, this track never charted, yet it stands as a haunting, crucial artifact of the band’s early, untamed emotional depth.
The story behind “Raven” is the drama of a band attempting to reconcile their heavy-rock aspirations with a complex inner world. Written by the powerhouse songwriting duo of Noddy Holder and Jim Lea, the song is a striking departure from the celebratory, almost mindless cheer that would later define their glam-rock hits. It taps into a primal, almost gothic mood, channeling the heavy, brooding atmosphere of early ’70s rock. The narrative is a restless, almost feverish exploration of spiritual anxiety and the search for an elusive truth. The drama lies in the metaphorical use of the raven—a classic symbol of foreboding, mystery, and an ancient, watchful wisdom. It suggests a profound inner turmoil and a sense of being pursued or guided by a dark, knowing force, lending the track an unexpected philosophical weight.
The meaning of “Raven” is a raw statement about internal restlessness and the longing for enlightenment or release. The narrator feels trapped, observed, and desperately seeks to understand the cryptic messages carried by the titular bird. Musically, the song is a masterclass in early Slade’s heavy, blues-influenced rock. It is built on a massive, slow-burn riff—a grinding, deliberate groove that allows the song to build a genuinely menacing atmosphere. Noddy Holder’s vocal performance, before he fully embraced the iconic, screaming persona, is strikingly expressive and dark. He sings with a soulful, almost tortured intensity, perfectly matching the lyrical mood. The song is heavy, loud, and utterly compelling, utilizing the powerful drumming of Don Powell and the booming bass of Jim Lea to create a dense wall of sound that is far more atmospheric and serious than the stomping anthems they are best known for.
For older readers who appreciate the complex history of British rock, “Raven” is a powerfully nostalgic glimpse into the chrysalis period of a legendary band. It is a testament to the raw talent and musical ambition of Slade before the glitter and the chart domination took hold. The song stands as a timeless, deeply emotional, and dramatically dark piece of musical pre-history, a haunting echo of the power that was latent just beneath the surface.