expected, particularly as the band's previous three albums had all reached number one. While Slade in Flame was clearly a distinct step forward for Slade, it also marked the end of their reign as the UK's favourite band. Far Far Away performed respectably in the UK, but the album's opening track (and next single), the ballad How Does It Feel, had such a different sound from the British teeny pop scene of the day that it reflected the gulf between where Slade were at and what was expected of them. Although regarded, thirty years on, as one of the greatest rock films, at the time the movie itself (released in January 1975) hardly helped matters. Slade's audience were used to Slade delivering a rollicking good time whereas the movie's bleak, sour atmosphere had understandably confused rather than enthused fans. While it was a story that Slade wanted told, this half satirical look at the inside of the rock'n'roll business wasn't necessarily the kind of story most of their young fans were eager to hear about. Release The album was originally scheduled for release on 22 November 1974 but Polydor were unable to produce enough copies to cover pre-order sales. Prior to its release, the album was awarded a Gold Disc based on pre-order sales. By February 1975, the album had surpassed 200,000 sales in the UK. Critical reception Upon release, Record Mirror commented that "because Flame is set in the 1960s, the album has a distinctive 1960's flavour", but also noted: "[As] the songs have been taken out of context, a few of them have lost their charm and meaning but nevertheless, it is an enjoyable elpee." In 1976, Record Mirror would vote the album No. 5 on their list of the Top 10 best albums of 1975. Disc said: "The music included here certainly sounds like the Slade we all know and love. Only occasionally, do they stray from the usual mould. A touchy album but definitely more good than bad." After the film was shown on British TV in December 1987, London Evening Standard advised people to listen to the soundtrack instead of watching the movie. In 2007, Classic Rock listed Slade in Flame as No. 18 on their "49 Best Soundtrack Albums" list. Geoff Ginsberg of AllMusic retrospectively said: "Slade in Flame is a tough album to judge. Made as an accompanying piece to the movie of