The Bittersweet Reckoning of Fame and Desire
Slade’s “How Does It Feel”, released in 1975 as the second single from their soundtrack and fifth studio album Slade in Flame, captured a moment of emotional depth amid the band’s theatrical rock persona. Written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler, the song climbed to number 15 on the UK charts, remaining there for seven weeks, and served as a poignant promotional tie-in for the film of the same name. Unlike the bombastic hits that had defined Slade’s previous years, this track offered a reflective, almost melancholic perspective, revealing a band capable of introspection beneath their glittering exterior.
Musically, “How Does It Feel” balances Slade’s trademark energy with a more restrained, soulful delivery. The arrangement favors melodic clarity and emotional resonance, allowing Holder’s gravelly voice to carry the weight of the lyrics without distraction. Subtle guitar motifs, steady rhythm, and understated backing vocals create a soundscape that is both polished and intimate, highlighting the band’s ability to craft depth alongside their usual raucous exuberance. This song illustrates a rare tenderness, where the rock machinery takes a backseat to narrative and feeling.
Lyrically, the song explores the tension between desire, ambition, and the emotional cost of pursuing both. It asks a direct, almost confronting question to the listener and the subject alike: how does it truly feel to navigate longing, expectation, and the pressures of attention and fame? Holder and Lea’s writing captures a mixture of vulnerability and observation, offering a candid glimpse into the human side of rock stardom. It is less about triumph and more about reckoning, the internal dialogue that underpins public success.
The creation of “How Does It Feel” is intertwined with the cinematic context of Slade in Flame, a film depicting the rise and fall of a fictional band in the music industry. This background informs the song’s layered meaning, giving it a meta-commentary on the band’s own experience in the spotlight. By channeling narrative elements from the film, Slade transforms the track into both a character study and a reflection of their own journey, blending autobiography with storytelling.
In the broader scope of Slade’s catalogue, “How Does It Feel” stands out as a moment of introspective sophistication. It demonstrates that the band, often celebrated for high-energy hits and anthemic choruses, could also engage in subtle emotional storytelling. The song endures as a testament to their versatility, capturing a fleeting moment of vulnerability and self-awareness, inviting listeners to consider the costs and rewards of ambition, desire, and life in the glare of fame.