🔘 Far Far Away – Single: Oct. 1974

Slade
Oct 11, 1974
3 min read

Released in the UK on October 11, 1974, Slade’s “Far Far Away,” backed with “O.K. Yesterday Was Yesterday,” appeared as a 7-inch vinyl single on Polydor Records (2058 522). Written by Noddy Holder and Jim Lea, the track was drawn from the soundtrack album *Slade in Flame*, released the following month. A wistful, reflective glam‑rock ballad, it showcased a more mature side of the Wolverhampton band, contrasting sharply with their earlier, rowdier anthems. Holder’s evocative lyrics and soaring vocal delivery, paired with Lea’s melodic craftsmanship, helped the single become one of Slade’s most enduring hits. It peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and remains a fan favourite from their mid‑’70s peak.

Label: Polydor Records

Catalogue Number: 2058 522

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Solid Centre / Push‑Out Centre; Promo & Commercial)

Released: October 11, 1974 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Polydor Records – 2058 522 — 1974

A. Far Far Away

Written by: Noddy Holder, Jim Lea

Produced by: Chas Chandler

B. O.K. Yesterday Was Yesterday

Written by: Noddy Holder, Jim Lea

Produced by: Chas Chandler

Recorded at: Portland Studios, 1974

Published by: Barn Publishing Ltd.

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released October 11, 1974

• A-side: Reflective glam‑rock ballad from *Slade in Flame*

• B-side: Harder‑edged album track

• UK peak: No. 2

• Chart run: 8–10 weeks (varies by source)

• Issued in solid centre, push‑out centre, and promo variants

🔘 The Story

“Far Far Away” marked a turning point for Slade. Written during the band’s time in the United States, the song captured Noddy Holder’s homesickness and longing for familiarity, wrapped in a sweeping, melodic arrangement that contrasted with the band’s usual high‑energy stompers. Its introspective tone aligned perfectly with the themes of *Slade in Flame*, the band’s ambitious film project exploring the darker side of the music industry.

Musically, the track blended acoustic textures with Slade’s trademark power, creating a bittersweet anthem that resonated with fans and critics alike. Holder’s vocal performance — emotional, powerful, and tinged with yearning — remains one of his finest.

The B-side, “O.K. Yesterday Was Yesterday,” offered a more traditional Slade rocker, driven by Jim Lea’s bass and Don Powell’s pounding drums. Together, the two tracks showcased the band’s versatility during their creative peak.

Commercially, “Far Far Away” was a major success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of the standout hits of late 1974. Its multiple UK variants, including solid and push‑out centre pressings, make it a staple for collectors of Slade’s glam‑era output.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Solid Centre — Polydor – 2058 522 — UK — 1974

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Push‑Out Centre — Polydor – 2058 522 — UK — 1974

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo — Polydor – 2058 522 — UK — 1974

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

2 — Peak Position

Chart Run: Approx. 8–10 Weeks Total

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: One of Slade’s most melodic and enduring singles

• B-side: Hard‑rocking track from *Slade in Flame*

• Production: Chas Chandler

• Sleeve: Standard Polydor company sleeve (UK)

• Historical placement: Key single from the *Slade in Flame* era

🔘 Related Material

• “The Bangin’ Man” (1974)

• Slade in Flame (Album, 1974)

• “How Does It Feel” (1975)

• “Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)” (1975)

🔘 Discography

The Bangin’ Man — 1974

Far Far Away — 1974

How Does It Feel — 1975

Thanks for the Memory — 1975

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1974 — Recorded during *Slade in Flame* sessions

✦ Oct 11, 1974 — UK single released

✦ Late 1974 — Peaks at No. 2 on UK chart

🔘 Glam Flashback

A wistful, melodic gem from Slade’s cinematic era — heartfelt, reflective, and one of the band’s most beautifully crafted singles.

🔘 Hashtags

#ReleaseChronicle #Slade #FarFarAway #1974 #Polydor #GlamRock #SladeInFlame

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources:

Wikipedia • Discogs • 45cat • BBC / Official Charts Company

🔘 Copyright Notice

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.