Slade My Life Is Natural: A Look Back at the B-Side That Complemented a Classic Single
In the autumn of 1971, British rock band Slade released what would become one of their most consequential singles, Coz I Luv You. The track, penned by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler, soared to the top of the UK Singles Chart in late November, marking the band’s first number one and cementing their status as a major force in the glam rock movement. The single’s success, driven by its stomping rhythm and electric violin flourishes, ensured Slade a firm place in the early seventies rock landscape. My Life Is Natural appeared on the B-side of this landmark release, originally issued on 7-inch vinyl on October 8, 1971 by Polydor Records in the United Kingdom.
Unlike Coz I Luv You, which was a carefully crafted pop-rock anthem built around a memorable hook, My Life Is Natural occupies a quieter, more introspective space in Slade’s catalogue. With a running time just over three minutes, the song did not receive the same level of contemporary critical attention as its A-side counterpart. However, it gained appreciation over time among fans and collectors for its distinct character and lyrical uniqueness. The track was routinely included in later compilations such as the 1972 Coz I Luv You collection and the expanded B-Sides compilation released in the 2000s, ensuring that it remained accessible to listeners exploring beyond Slade’s hit singles.
Musically, My Life Is Natural blends melodic acoustic guitar with the more aggressive lead lines typical of Slade’s early seventies output. The verses carry a reflective tone, and while the lyrics do not carry the overt crowd-pleasing ethos of the band’s biggest hits, they hint at themes of personal philosophy and observation. The chorus kicks in with a muscular guitar presence and Holder’s distinct vocal delivery, bridging the band’s rock roots with their glam sensibilities. Over the years, the song has earned attention through reissues and archival releases aimed at celebrating Slade’s broader body of work.
In the context of Slade’s 1971 concert performances, the band was known for their raw energy and direct engagement with audiences. Live shows from this period often featured more up-tempo rock numbers, and while Coz I Luv You was brought to television audiences through appearances on programs such as Top of the Pops, there is no widely documented record of My Life Is Natural being promoted in the same way at the time. Nonetheless, the B-side survives in official audio releases, including the band’s own YouTube channel, where contemporary listeners can hear the track in high quality decades after its original release.
Today My Life Is Natural stands as a valuable artifact of Slade’s early era, offering insight into the band’s creative range beyond their chart hits. It reflects a moment when Slade were refining their sound and expanding their songwriting partnership, and for devoted listeners it remains an intriguing piece of the band’s enduring legacy.