Slade released the single “How Does It Feel”, a significant and somewhat unexpected turn in the band’s career.
Written by Jim Lea (music) and Noddy Holder (lyrics), this track marked a shift away from their trademark stomping glam‐rock anthems towards a more reflective and orchestral sound — complete with brass section and a melodic piano foundation.
Although it peaked at No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart — the first time since 1971 that a Slade single missed the Top 5 — the song has grown in esteem among fans and critics as one of the band’s more mature, emotionally rich works.
Slade – How Does It Feel
Jim Lea originally wrote the melody for “How Does It Feel” while still at school, playing it on a piano missing many keys.
The track features a brass section (members of the band Gonzalez) and flutes — marking one of Slade’s more ambitious arrangements to date.
Although commercially it didn’t reach the Top 5, songwriter Jim Lea said he didn’t mind: he believed it was “a much better record than we’d made before”.
In 1999, Noel Gallagher of Oasis reportedly called “How Does It Feel” “one of the best songs written, in the history of pop, ever.”
The song is tied to their film soundtrack album Slade in Flame (1975), which accompanied the film of the same name that explores the rise and pitfalls of a rock band.
Slade had achieved major success with back-to-back chart-toppers and a distinct glam rock persona — bright costumes, big hooks, crowd-pleasing choruses. But with “How Does It Feel” they took a step back from the straightforward party‐rock mould. Instead, the song is more introspective: it asks how it feels when your world flips, as shown in lyrics such as:
“How does it feel? / When your world’s turned upside down …”
The film Slade in Flame frames the band’s fictional counterpart as they navigate the music business — and this track functions within that story as a moment of reflection, rather than celebration.
Musically, the presence of a brass section and more sophisticated arrangement set it apart from Slade’s earlier, more raucous hits. The track may have alienated some fans expecting more of the same stomping rock, but for those paying attention, it revealed depth and ambition.
“How Does It Feel” stands out in Slade’s catalogue because it demonstrates the band’s versatility — their ability to write beyond the big gang-chorus glam tunes and tap into emotional resonance. While it might not have enjoyed the commercial heights of “Cum On Feel the Noize” or “Mama Weer All Crazee Now,” its long-term legacy is strong.
For fans of rock history, it’s a reminder that bands often take risks — and those risks can yield songs that endure not because of immediate impact, but because of craft and sincerity. If you’re exploring Slade beyond their greatest hits, this track is a rewarding stop.
In sum: it may have slipped under the radar in its day, but “How Does It Feel” is a track that holds up — emotionally, musically and historically.
