Slade: "Radio Wall of Sound" Single (1991)

A Hard Rock Comeback

Slade’s “Radio Wall of Sound” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 7, 1991, on Polydor Records (catalogue: PO 180). Backed with “Lay Your Love On The Line,” this vibrant R&B-infused rocker, written and produced by bassist Jim Lea, marked Slade's return after a four-year hiatus, promoting the Wall of Hits compilation. Noddy Holder's soaring vocals and the band's tight rhythm drove the track, peaking at No. 21 on the UK Singles Chart on its entry spot on October 20, 1991 - October 26, 1991—their final Top 30 hit. Housed in a colorful sleeve with the band's ‘90s image, it captured Slade's enduring glam spirit amid a new wave landscape.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Radio Wall of Sound” (3:59)Written by Jim Lea. A high-energy R&B rocker with radio DJ soundbites, pulsating bass, and Holder's gritty vocals, echoing Slade's ‘70s stomp. Produced by Lea for Perseverance Ltd., it celebrated rock 'n' roll escapism with a modern edge.

B-Side: “Lay Your Love On The Line” (3:22)Written by Jim Lea. A punchy, guitar-driven ballad with romantic lyrics and Lea’s multi-instrumental flair, offering a softer contrast to the A-side's drive. Also produced by Lea, it highlighted the band's versatility.

Release Details:

Label: Polydor Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (PO 180): “Radio Wall of Sound” / “Lay Your Love On The Line.” In a picture sleeve with band artwork.

12-Inch Vinyl (PZ 180): Includes “Cum On Feel The Noize” as a bonus.

CD Single (PZCD 180): Three tracks, with “Cum On Feel The Noize.”

Notes: ℗ & © 1991 Polydor Ltd. / Perseverance Ltd. Runout etched by George “Porky” Peckham. From Wall of Hits.

Production and Context

Recorded in 1991 at Jim Lea's home studio, the single was produced and arranged by Lea for Perseverance Ltd., marking Slade's return after You Boyz Make Big Noize (1987). The lineup: Noddy Holder (vocals, guitar), Dave Hill (guitar), Jim Lea (bass, keyboards, backing vocals), Don Powell (drums). “Radio Wall of Sound” featured DJ Mike Read's voiceovers, blending R&B with glam stomp. Released after Polydor approached the band for Wall of Hits, it aimed to recapture their ‘70s glory amid Britpop's rise, but “Universe” (follow-up) flopped, ending their chart era.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

The single was a standalone release from Wall of Hits, with no further singles from it:

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 21 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 5 weeks—their 23rd Top 30 hit and final chart entry.

Ireland: No. 12.

Netherlands: No. 39 (Single Top 100).

Germany: No. 45 (GfK).

Australia: No. 88 (ARIA).

Other Countries: No chart entries in US, Canada, France, Sweden, or New Zealand.

EP Chart Performance

As a single, it peaked at No. 21 in the UK, charting for 5 weeks. Wall of Hits reached No. 34 UK.

Have you got this Slade comeback in your vinyl stack? Does it echo their glam glory? Share in the comments!