A Roaring Glam-Rock Reimagining of Untamed Rebellion
“Born to Be Wild,” as unleashed by Slade, transforms a hard-rock anthem of counterculture into a stomping, glam-rock declaration of unbridled energy and pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
While Steppenwolf’s original “Born to Be Wild” etched its place in rock history as a gritty anthem of motorcycle rebellion and counterculture defiance, Slade took that raw energy and injected it with their signature brand of stomping glam-rock exuberance. Released in 1972, this cover, while not a massive chart topper in the same way as some of their other hits, stands as a testament to their ability to take any song and imbue it with their own unique, larger-than-life personality. It’s a sonic explosion, a raucous celebration of rock ‘n’ roll’s untamed spirit, delivered with Slade’s trademark swagger.
Slade, those titans of the glam-rock era, possessed an innate ability to connect with audiences through their sheer, unbridled energy. Their sound, a potent mix of powerful vocals, driving rhythms, and a healthy dose of raw, unpolished rock ‘n’ roll, was tailor-made for the era. When they turned their attention to “Born to Be Wild,” they didn’t simply replicate it; they reimagined it, transforming it into a Slade anthem, a roaring declaration of their own untamed spirit.
Where Steppenwolf’s version carried a sense of brooding intensity, Slade’s rendition explodes with a celebratory fervor. Noddy Holder’s unmistakable vocal delivery, raw and powerful, injects the song with a sense of joyous abandon. The driving rhythm section, anchored by Dave Hill’s distinctive guitar riffs, propels the song forward with relentless energy, creating a sonic landscape that is both exhilarating and undeniably Slade.
Imagine the scene: a packed concert hall, the air thick with anticipation, and then, the opening chords of “Born to Be Wild” erupt, sending a wave of energy through the crowd. Slade, in their flamboyant attire, command the stage, their performance a whirlwind of raw power and unbridled enthusiasm. This version of the song becomes a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll’s ability to liberate, to unleash the wildness within, and to create a sense of communal euphoria.
For those of us who lived through the glam-rock era, Slade’s “Born to Be Wild” evokes memories of youthful rebellion, of dancing until dawn, and of embracing the sheer, unadulterated joy of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a reminder of a time when music was a powerful force for liberation, a way to break free from societal constraints and embrace a sense of unbridled freedom. The stomping beat, the powerful vocals, and the sheer energy of the performance transport us back to a time when rock ‘n’ roll was a force to be reckoned with.
Slade’s version of “Born to Be Wild” is a testament to their ability to take a classic song and make it their own, infusing it with their unique brand of glam-rock energy. It’s a roaring, stomping celebration of rock ‘n’ roll’s untamed spirit, a reminder that sometimes, the most liberating thing you can do is simply let loose and embrace your inner wild child.