Old New Borrowed and Blue is a 1974 studio album by the English rock band Slade. It was the group's fourth full-length record and marked a stage in their early-1970s career when the band broadened its style beyond the raw glam-rock sound that had made them popular. In the United States the album was released under the alternative title Stomp Your Hands, Clap Your Feet. The record produced the singles "My Friend Stan" and "Everyday" and reached number one on the UK album chart.

Background and context

By 1974 Slade had become one of the most visible acts in Britain, known for loud, sing-along anthems and energetic live shows. This album arrived at a point when many UK rock acts were experimenting with different approaches to songwriting and production. Its title — suggesting a mixture of familiar and new material — reflected a conscious attempt to present variety: rock-driven numbers, slower songs and work that hinted at broader arrangements than the band had usually recorded.

Music, themes and arrangement

The record balances uptempo tracks with more reflective pieces. Guitar-driven rhythms and forceful vocals remain central, but the songs also explore melody and dynamics that temper the band’s characteristic stomp. Listeners will notice moments of greater harmonic detail and an emphasis on tunes that could work both as singles and as part of a cohesive album sequence. The band’s songwriting and performance style keep the music grounded in rock while allowing occasional departures toward softer or more plaintive moods.

Release, packaging and reception

Released in 1974, the album enjoyed commercial success in the UK, where it reached the top of the album chart. Contemporary reviews noted the group’s ability to write catchy choruses and craft compact, radio-friendly songs while also attempting more varied textures. The American issue under the alternate title used a different running order and cover treatment, a common practice at the time when labels tailored releases for different markets.

Notable tracks and legacy

  • "My Friend Stan" and "Everyday" were promoted as singles and remain among the better-known tracks from the record.
  • The album is often cited as an example of Slade’s range during their peak years: a band that could generate raucous stadium numbers and softer, melodic material without losing its identity.
  • Over time the record has been included in retrospective discussions of early 1970s British rock and the development of bands that bridged glam, hard rock and mainstream pop sensibilities.

For more on the album’s place in the band’s catalogue and its track details, consult dedicated discographies and music-reference sources: for album listings see album details, for contemporary reviews and context see historical coverage, and for the band's broader history return to the artist page above at Slade.