The Sunset Strip Serenade: A Tale of Hollywood Dreams and Fading Glories
Ah, Slade. Just the name itself conjures images of glitter, platform boots, and anthemic singalongs. For many of us who came of age in the 70s, their raw energy and undeniable hooks were the soundtrack to our youth. But as the years turned into decades, even the most enduring acts found themselves navigating new musical landscapes. And so we arrive at “Ooh La La in L.A.”, a track that, while perhaps not the stadium-filling smash some of their earlier hits were, holds a particular charm and a poignant story, especially for those of us who remember the band’s journey. Released in 1987, this song was a significant departure from their glam-rock roots, a foray into a more polished, AOR sound that was prevalent at the time. It was featured on their album “You Boyz Make Big Noize”, an effort that saw Slade attempting to re-establish their presence in a rapidly changing music industry. While it didn’t ignite the charts in the way their 70s singles famously did – it sadly didn’t register on the Billboard Hot 100 or the UK Singles Chart – its narrative and sound offer a fascinating glimpse into the band’s evolution and the broader musical currents of the late 80s.
The story behind “Ooh La La in L.A.” is one of aspiration and the often-elusive pursuit of success in the glittering, yet notoriously fickle, world of Hollywood. The song itself paints a vivid picture of a young, hopeful individual arriving in the City of Angels, ready to conquer the entertainment industry. It speaks to the universal dream of making it big, of seeing your name in lights, a dream that has drawn countless souls to Los Angeles for generations. The lyrics, penned by Noddy Holder and Jim Lea, perfectly capture this wide-eyed optimism, from the “sirens calling” to the promise of “fame and fortune.” For those of us who remember the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, energy of the 80s, this song resonates with the era’s ambition and the belief that anything was possible if you just worked hard enough – and perhaps had a little luck on your side.
But beneath the surface of this hopeful narrative lies a deeper, more reflective meaning, particularly when viewed through the lens of Slade‘s own career trajectory. By 1987, the band had experienced the stratospheric highs of global stardom, followed by periods of relative quiet. They had seen trends come and go, and witnessed the shifting sands of musical tastes. In a way, “Ooh La La in L.A.” can be interpreted as a meta-commentary on the band’s own enduring quest for relevance and continued artistic expression. Are they the wide-eyed newcomers, or are they the seasoned veterans looking back at their own journey, perhaps with a touch of bittersweet nostalgia? The beauty of the song lies in its ability to be both a universal tale of ambition and a subtle reflection of the band’s own enduring spirit. It’s a testament to their resilience, their willingness to adapt without completely abandoning their core identity.
Listening to “Ooh La La in L.A.” now, it evokes a particular sense of nostalgia for the 80s – the synthesizers, the polished production, the underlying optimism that permeated much of the decade’s popular music. It’s a reminder of a time when dreams felt bigger, and the journey to achieve them, even if fraught with challenges, was always infused with a certain glamour. For older readers, it might transport you back to a time when you too harbored your own ambitions, perhaps not in Hollywood, but in your own personal “L.A.” – whatever that dream destination might have been. It’s a song that speaks to the enduring human spirit, the desire to chase what you believe in, and the perpetual allure of a new beginning, even when the path ahead isn’t always clear. So put it on, close your eyes, and let Slade take you on a journey, not just to the Sunset Strip, but back to a time when dreams felt boundless.