Nobody's Fool (Slade song)

Last updated

"Nobody's Fool"
Sladesingle-nobodysfool.jpeg
Single by Slade
from the album Nobody's Fools
B-side "L. A. Jinx"
ReleasedApril 1976
Genre Rock
Length
  • 4:40 (album version)
  • 3:50 (single version)
  • 3:15 (US edit)
Label Polydor
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Chas Chandler
Slade singles chronology
"Let's Call It Quits"
(1976)
"Nobody's Fool"
(1976)
"Gypsy Roadhog"
(1977)
Audio sample

"Nobody's Fool" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1976 as the third and final single from their sixth studio album, Nobody's Fools . It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Chas Chandler. "Nobody's Fool" failed to enter the UK Singles Chart, ending a run of 17 consecutive hits the band had achieved since 1971, but it did reach number 3 in the UK Star Breakers Chart.

Contents

Background

In 1975, after enjoying four years of success across much of the world, Slade relocated to the United States in attempt to break the market there. The resultant album Nobody's Fools was tailored towards the US market but failed to give the band their commercial break. The album fared better in the UK and Europe but still saw a considerable slump in sales when compared to the band's previous releases. [1] [2] In the US, "Nobody's Fool" was released by Warner Bros. as the album's only single, whereas in the UK and Europe it was issued by Polydor as the third and final single. Breaking the band's run of 17 consecutive hits, it failed to enter the UK Singles Chart, although it did reach number 3 in the UK Star Breakers Chart on 24 April 1976. [3]

Inspired by the music of Queen, Jim Lea originally intended for "Nobody's Fool" to be a "twenty-minute extravaganza, with everything thrown in". When the band came to record the song, they decided to scrap the idea as it was felt it would not appeal to the band's fan base. The song was subsequently recorded in a more standard format and features Tasha Thomas on backing vocals. [4]

Music video

The song's music video was directed by Bruce Gowers for the production company Trilion Video and was shot at St John's Wood Studios in London. At the time of the single's release, the video was only shown once on UK television on Sally James' LWT show Saturday Scene. [5]

Critical reception

Upon its release as a single in the UK, Sue Byrom of Record Mirror & Disc described "Nobody's Fool" as "Slade at their best" and believed it would be an "instant hit". She called it "one of the best singles Slade have released for ages", noting it is "bright and bouncy" and "very catchy, from the first hearing". [6] The Shepherds Bush Gazette praised Slade for "really hav[ing] come up with a winner this time". They wrote, "They have managed to combine the mellow sound only achieved before on their slower numbers with a bounchy, up-tempo rhythm. Gone is the screech and the crash-bang-wallop. Welcome instead an irresistible toe-tapper with a tune that will have you singing along by the second chorus." [7]

John Hutson of the Thanet Times was also positive, remarking, "Enter Slade with style and a newly-found sophistication which epitomises their latest album – of which this is the title track. The song is nicely controlled with lush piano and guitar chords to enfold Noddy Holder's vocals and gets well away from the group's former brash and raw image." [8] Ken Lawrence of the Sandwell Evening Mail considered it a "good song" and noted the "change of style from foot-stomp music to a less violent, easier-to-listen to brand". [9]

In a review of the single's US release, Record World wrote, "Slade's new streamlined sound displays less of the throaty coarseness of old and more of a melodic pop timbre. This tune has excellent AM/FM potential as a couple of chiming guitars dominate." [10] Jim Green of Trouser Press called it "arguably the best track" from Nobody's Fools and "certainly the most commercial". He remarked it "barely sound[s] like Slade but for Noddy's unmistakable vocal, and even he sounds different until he hits the chorus", and also noted the "slightly syncopated, catchy bass line" and "Motown-ish female backing vocals". [11]

Formats

7-inch single (UK, Germany, Austria, Belgium and Yugoslavia) [12]

  1. "Nobody's Fool" – 3:50
  2. "L.A. Jinx" – 3:57

7-inch single (US and Canada) [13] [14]

  1. "Nobody's Fool" (Edit) – 3:15
  2. "When the Chips are Down" – 4:16

Personnel

Slade

Additional musicians

Production

Charts

Chart (1976)Peak
position
Irish Singles Chart [15] 21
UK Star Breakers Chart [3] 3

Cover versions

In 1980, Lea recorded a version of "Nobody's Fool" as part of his side project, The Dummies, with his brother Frank. It was intended for it to be released as a single that year but the plans were dropped after the Dummies recorded further material. [16] [17] The Dummies' version of "Nobody's Fool" would remain unreleased until its appearance on the album A Day in the Life of the Dummies in 1992. [18]

Related Research Articles

<i>Nobodys Fools</i> 1976 studio album by Slade

Nobody's Fools is the sixth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released in March 1976 and reached No. 14 in the UK. The album was produced by Chas Chandler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Myzsterious Mizster Jones</span> 1985 single by Slade

"Myzsterious Mizster Jones" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1985 as the third single from their twelfth studio album, Rogues Gallery. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter. "Myzsterious Mizster Jones" reached number 50 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for five weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little Sheila</span> 1985 song by Slade

"Little Sheila" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1985 as the fourth and final single from the band's twelfth studio album, Rogues Gallery. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lock Up Your Daughters (song)</span> 1981 single by Slade

"Lock Up Your Daughters" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1981 as the second single from the band's tenth studio album, Till Deaf Do Us Part. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Slade. "Lock Up Your Daughters" reached number 29 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 75 for eight weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universe (Slade song)</span> 1991 single by Slade

"Universe" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in December 1991 as the second single from their compilation album Wall of Hits (1991). It was written and produced by bassist Jim Lea. "Universe" reached number 76 in the UK Singles Chart and was the band's last single before disbanding in 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">7 Year Bitch (song)</span> 1985 single by Slade

"7 Year Bitch" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1985 as the second single from their twelfth studio album, Rogues Gallery. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter. It reached number 60 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for three weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)</span> 1975 single by Slade

"Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1975 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 7 in the UK, remaining in the charts for seven weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In for a Penny</span> 1975 single by Slade

"In for a Penny" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1975 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, Nobody's Fools. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Chas Chandler. It reached number 11 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 50 for eight weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let's Call It Quits</span> 1976 single by Slade

"Let's Call It Quits" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1976 as the second single from their sixth studio album Nobody's Fools. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 11 in the UK, remaining in the charts for seven weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruby Red (song)</span> 1982 single by Slade

"Ruby Red" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1982 as the third single from the band's tenth studio album, Till Deaf Do Us Part. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Slade. "Ruby Red" reached number 51 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 75 for three weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do You Believe in Miracles</span> 1985 single by Slade

"Do You Believe in Miracles" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1985 as a single. It was also included on the band's studio/compilation album Crackers (1985). The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter. It reached number 54 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for six weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Still the Same (Slade song)</span> 1987 single by Slade

"Still the Same" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1987 as the lead single from their fourteenth and final studio album, You Boyz Make Big Noize. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter. "Still the Same" peaked at number 73 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for four weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give Us a Goal</span> 1978 single by Slade

"Give Us a Goal" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1978 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Chas Chandler. A football-themed song, it failed to enter the UK Singles Chart but did reach number 62 in the Record Business Singles Chart and number 70 in Gallup's National Top 100 Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Boyz Make Big Noize (song)</span> 1987 single by Slade

You Boyz Make Big Noize is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1987 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Lea. Named after the band's 1987 album of the same name, the song reached number 94 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for the one week.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That's What Friends Are For (Slade song)</span> 1987 single by Slade

That's What Friends Are For is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1987 as the second single from their fourteenth and final studio album, You Boyz Make Big Noize. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Roy Thomas Baker. "That's What Friends Are For" reached number 95 in the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ginny, Ginny</span> 1979 single by Slade

"Ginny, Ginny" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1979 as the lead single from their eighth studio album, Return to Base. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Slade. "Ginny, Ginny" failed to make an appearance in the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Won't Give In</span> 1987 single by Slade

"We Won't Give In" is a song by English rock band Slade which originally appeared on the soundtrack of the 1986 British drama film Knights & Emeralds. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Lea. In 1987, it was released as the fourth and final single from the band's fourteenth studio album, You Boyz Make Big Noize, and reached number 121 in the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burning in the Heat of Love</span>

"Burning in the Heat of Love" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1977 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Chas Chandler. The song failed to make an appearance in the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock 'n' Roll Bolero</span> 1978 single by Slade

"Rock 'n' Roll Bolero" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1978 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Slade. The song failed to make an appearance in the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Knuckle Sandwich Nancy</span> 1981 single by Slade

"Knuckle Sandwich Nancy" is a song by English rock band Slade, released by Cheapskate in 1981 as the lead single from their tenth studio album, Till Deaf Do Us Part. The song was written by band members Noddy Holder and Jim Lea, and was produced by Slade. "Knuckle Sandwich Nancy" failed to enter the UK Singles Chart, but did reach number 101 in the Record Business Bubbling Under Singles chart.

References

  1. Charlesworth, Chris (1984). Slade, Feel the Noize!: an illustrated biography. London: Omnibus Press. pp. 69, 79. ISBN   0-7119-0538-X.
  2. Nobody's Fools (UK 2007 CD reissue liner notes). Slade, Chris Ingham. Salvo. 2007. SALVOCD005.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. 1 2 "Star Breakers". Chartwatch. No. 35. December 1990. pp. Breakers 1976 section.
  4. Kemp, Dave (May–June 1981). "Did You Know That...?". The Slade Supporters Club. Retrieved 30 August 2023 via sladefanclub.com.
  5. Slaughter, Trevor (September–December 1986). "Slade on Video - Part Two". Slade International Fan Club. Retrieved 30 August 2023 via sladefanclub.com.
  6. Byrom, Sue (10 April 1976). "Singles: Slade's Great Decade". Record Mirror & Disc . p. 28. ISSN   0144-5804.
  7. Lewis, Dave; Clerk, Carol (15 April 1976). "Sounds Around: Singles" . Shepherds Bush Gazette. p. 9. Retrieved 30 August 2023 via British Newspaper Archive.
  8. Hutson, John (18 May 1976). "Pop Chat: Changes of tempo could hit chances" . Thanet Times. p. 12. Retrieved 30 August 2023 via British Newspaper Archive.
  9. Lawrence, Ken (1 May 1976). "High fliers: Singles" . Sandwell Evening Mail. p. 5. Retrieved 30 August 2023 via British Newspaper Archive.
  10. "Single Picks". Record World . Vol. 31, no. 1500. 20 March 1976. p. 18.
  11. Green, Jim (June–July 1976). "Green Circles". Trouser Press . No. 14. p. 37. ISSN   0164-1883.
  12. Nobody's Fool (UK, German, Austrian, Belgian and Yugoslavian 7-inch single label/sleeve notes). Slade. Polydor. 1976. 2058 716.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. Nobody's Fool (US 7-inch single label notes). Slade. Warner Bros. 1976. WBS 8185.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. Nobody's Fool (Canadian 7-inch single label notes). Slade. Polydor. 1976. 2058 708.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. "The Irish Charts – All there is to know". Irishcharts.ie. Archived from the original on 2 June 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
  16. Kemp, Dave (March–April 1980). "News in Brief". Slade Fan Club News. Retrieved 30 August 2023 via sladefanclub.com.
  17. Kemp, Dave (May–June 1980). "News in Brief". The New Slade Fan Club. Retrieved 30 August 2023 via sladefanclub.com.
  18. A Day in the Life of the Dummies (UK CD liner notes). The Dummies. Receiver Records Limited. 1992. RRCD 155.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)