🔘 Let's Call It Quits – Single: Jan. 1976

In the early weeks of 1976, Slade were navigating the changing musical landscape as the classic glam rock era began to fade. Still one of Britain’s most reliable hit-makers, the band released “Let’s Call It Quits” — a mid-tempo, reflective rocker that showed a more mature and melodic side compared to their earlier stomping anthems.

Released on January 30, 1976, the single appeared on Polydor Records under catalogue number 2058 690. Backed with “When The Chips Are Down,” this 7-inch release marked one of Slade’s final major chart entries of the 1970s.

Label: Polydor Records

Catalogue Number: 2058 690

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: January 30, 1976 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Polydor – 2058 690 — 1976

A. Let's Call It Quits

B. When The Chips Are Down

Written by:

- Let's Call It Quits: Noddy Holder / Jim Lea

- When The Chips Are Down: Noddy Holder / Jim Lea

Produced by: Chas Chandler

Recorded: 1975

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released January 30, 1976

• Showcased Slade’s shift toward a more melodic and mature sound

• Strong singalong chorus with Noddy Holder’s trademark rasp

• Chart debut: February 7, 1976

• Peaked at No. 11 in the UK

🔘 The Story

By 1976 the raw energy of early glam was giving way to new trends, and Slade adapted accordingly. “Let’s Call It Quits” was a thoughtful, mid-paced track with a memorable hook and lyrics about the end of a relationship. While it lacked the sheer stomping power of “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” or “Cum On Feel The Noize,” it demonstrated the band’s versatility and songwriting strength.

""Let's Call It Quits," released under Polydor with catalogue number 2058 690 in the Netherlands.

The B-side “When The Chips Are Down” offered a tougher, more straightforward rock edge. The single performed respectably, reaching the Top 15 and proving that Slade could still deliver hits even as musical fashions changed around them.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Polydor – 2058 690 — UK — 1976

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Polydor – 2058 690 — UK — 1976

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — Polydor – 2058 690 — UK — 1976

• Issued in standard Polydor company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on February 7, 1976 and peaked at No. 11. It spent a total of 8 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 8

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Let's Call It Quits” – melodic, mid-tempo rocker with strong emotional delivery and a memorable chorus.

• B-side: “When The Chips Are Down” – tougher, straight-ahead rock track providing contrast.

• Production: Chas Chandler – continuing his long partnership with the band.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Polydor company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released as the glam rock wave was receding, showing Slade’s attempt to evolve while retaining their core identity.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on Slade’s later greatest hits collections covering their mid-1970s period.

🔘 Related Material

• In For A Penny (1975)

• How Does It Feel (1975)

• Far Far Away (1974)

• Mama Weer All Crazee Now (1972)

🔘 Discography

In For A Penny – Single: 1975

Let's Call It Quits – Single: 1976

Nobody's Fool – Single: 1976

Gypsy Roadhog – Single: 1977

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1975 — Recorded with producer Chas Chandler

✦ January 30, 1976 — UK single released

✦ February 7, 1976 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ February/March 1976 — Peaks at No. 11

✦ Early 1976 — Completes 8-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

As the glitter began to dim in 1976, Slade proved they could still deliver a strong hook and a raspy roar with “Let’s Call It Quits,” showing the enduring spirit of one of glam’s greatest bands.

#ReleaseChronicle #Slade #LetsCallItQuits #1976 #Polydor

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Polydor Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13od7F4tXDY