A Roaring Call to Let Loose and Embrace the Energy of Rock: Slade’s “Cum on Feel the Noize”
Ah, Slade. Just the name conjures up images of packed dance floors, the air thick with anticipation, and a raw, untamed energy that defined a generation. And no song encapsulates that feeling more perfectly than their iconic smash hit, “Cum on Feel the Noize”. Released in the spring of 1973, this thunderous track didn’t just enter the charts; it exploded onto them, reaching the coveted number one spot in the UK Singles Chart in its first week of release. It was a seismic event in the musical landscape, a testament to Slade’s undeniable power and their uncanny ability to connect with the primal urges of their audience.
The story behind “Cum on Feel the Noize” is as vibrant and unpretentious as the band themselves. Following a somewhat disappointing chart performance of their previous single, “Gudbuy T’Jane” (though still a respectable number two hit), the pressure was on for Slade to deliver another chart-topper. Legend has it that the song was partially inspired by the raucous atmosphere of their live shows, where the crowd would often chant and stomp their feet in unison, creating a palpable wave of sound. This raw, untamed energy was precisely what the band aimed to capture in their new single. The title itself, with its slightly unconventional spelling, was a deliberate nod to the band’s working-class roots and their down-to-earth image. It wasn’t about pristine pronunciation or sophisticated language; it was about the feeling, the sheer visceral impact of the music.
Lyrically, “Cum on Feel the Noize” is a straightforward invitation to let go of inhibitions and immerse oneself in the exhilarating world of rock and roll. The repeated calls to “Cum on feel the noize,” “Girls rock your boys,” and “We’ll kick out the jam” are not steeped in complex metaphors or hidden meanings. Instead, they serve as a direct and irresistible command to join the party, to surrender to the infectious rhythm and the sheer joy of the music. It was a song that spoke directly to the youthful spirit, the desire to break free from the mundane and embrace the excitement of the moment. In a time of social and cultural change, Slade provided the soundtrack to letting your hair down and simply having a good time.
The impact of “Cum on Feel the Noize” was immediate and far-reaching. Its raw energy and catchy chorus made it an instant anthem, played relentlessly on the radio and at countless gatherings. It cemented Slade’s status as one of the biggest and most exciting bands of the era, their name becoming synonymous with high-octane rock and roll. The song’s success also paved the way for further chart domination, with Slade racking up a string of number one hits throughout the early to mid-1970s.
Beyond its chart success, “Cum on Feel the Noize” has endured as a timeless rock classic. Its infectious energy continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, and it remains a staple of rock compilations and live performances. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, perhaps most notably by the American heavy metal band Quiet Riot in 1983, who took their version to the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, introducing the raw power of Slade to a new generation across the Atlantic. This only further solidified the song’s place in the pantheon of rock and roll greats.
Thinking back to those days, the sound of “Cum on Feel the Noize” was more than just music; it was a feeling, an attitude, a shared experience. It was the sound of youthful exuberance, of carefree abandon, and of a generation finding its voice through the power of rock and roll. It’s a song that instantly transports you back to a time when music felt truly alive, raw, and utterly irresistible. And even now, all these years later, when those opening chords ring out, you can’t help but turn up the volume and, yes, feel the noize all over again. It’s a testament to the enduring magic of Slade and the timeless appeal of a truly great rock and roll song.