The Echo of Dreams: A Soundtrack to Youth’s Unfolding Story
When we cast our minds back to the vibrant, often chaotic, soundscape of the mid-1970s, certain songs don’t just echo, they resonate deep within the chambers of our memory. They’re not merely tunes; they’re bookmarks in the grand narrative of our lives, each note imbued with the feelings and experiences of a bygone era. Among these indelible sonic markers, Slade’s evocative ballad, “How Does It Feel,” stands as a poignant reminder of burgeoning self-awareness and the bittersweet uncertainties of youth. Released in late 1975 as a standalone single from their ambitious film, ‘Slade in Flame,’ this track represented a significant departure for the Wolverhampton rockers, known primarily for their raucous glam-rock anthems and singalong choruses. While it might not have scaled the dizzying heights of some of their previous chart-toppers, “How Does It Feel” still achieved a respectable chart position, peaking at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. For a band synonymous with stomping, glitter-infused rock and roll, this foray into a more introspective and orchestral sound was a bold move, one that revealed a surprising depth and maturity beneath the familiar platform boots and outlandish stage costumes.
The story behind “How Does It Feel” is intrinsically linked to the narrative of ‘Slade in Flame,’ a gritty, semi-autobiographical film that delved into the dark underbelly of the music industry. It wasn’t a whimsical rockumentary; it was a raw and unflinching look at the pressures, compromises, and eventual disillusionment that can accompany fame. The film, and consequently the song, tells the tale of a fictional band named ‘Flame’ (clearly a thinly veiled representation of Slade themselves) navigating the treacherous waters of superstardom. Within this cinematic context, “How Does It Feel” serves as the emotional core, a moment of profound introspection amidst the industry’s relentless grind. It’s a question posed not just by the character on screen, but by the band themselves, and indeed, by anyone who has ever pursued a dream only to find its reality far more complex than anticipated. Noddy Holder, with his distinctive, gravelly voice, delivers the lyrics with a vulnerability rarely heard in their earlier work, imbuing each word with a genuine sense of longing and wonder. The lush orchestration, a stark contrast to their typical guitar-driven sound, amplifies this emotional resonance, creating a sweeping, almost cinematic, sonic landscape that perfectly complements the song’s reflective mood.
The meaning of “How Does It Feel” is multi-layered, inviting listeners to project their own experiences onto its universal themes. At its heart, it’s a contemplation of success, fame, and the elusive nature of happiness. It asks, quite simply, what it feels like to achieve your aspirations, to stand on the precipice of everything you’ve ever wanted, and yet still harbor a sense of existential questioning. For the young dreamers of the 70s, it resonated with the uncertainty of stepping into adulthood, of chasing ambitions without truly knowing the emotional cost. The lyrics speak of the journey, the struggles, and the ultimate arrival, prompting us to consider whether the destination truly delivers the satisfaction we anticipate. It’s a song that speaks to the moments of quiet reflection after the roar of the crowd has faded, when you’re left alone with your thoughts, pondering the true value of your achievements. It taps into that universal human experience of reaching a significant milestone, only to find new questions emerging. For many older readers, this song conjures images of their own youthful aspirations, the dreams they chased, and the often-surprising realities they encountered along the way. It’s a bittersweet melody, a gentle reminder that life’s greatest lessons are often learned in the quiet moments of introspection, long after the confetti has settled. And in those moments, even today, the question posed by Slade in 1975 still resonates with profound relevance: “How Does It Feel?“