Slave, Slide | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 79th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Slide” by Ohio-based funk band, Slave.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 79^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Slide” performed by Slave.

“Slide, slide, slide / Yeah, baby baby, slide / Slide, slide, slide, slide / Why don’t you slide?” “Slide” is the biggest hit by the Ohio-based funk band, Slave. “Slide” is the opener from the collective’s self-titled, 1977, gold-certified album. “Slide” peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. This marked the only top 40 hit by the collective. The album version runs nearly seven minutes long.  The single verse runs under three-and-a-half minutes. Jeff Dixon produced the song and the entire album.

“Slide” delivers funky vibes from the get-go. Electric keys (Carter Charles Bradley) are one of many sweet touches. The bass line, played by Mark Adams, is electrifying. The slapping technique never fails to captivate. Furthermore, there is killer rhythmic guitar. The groove is sickening, with pummeling drums by Tom Dozier, serving up ample high-quality funk. The tight, bright horn riffs, including the trumpet playing of Steve Washington, add another dimension to “Slide.” One sound contrast that stands out is the horns and the raucous electric guitar solo. The guitar solo kicks ass and takes names. Additionally, it adds psychedelic/rock flair.  Beyond the awesome instrumental components, the vocals are dope too! The performance is playful. “I’ll take you where you’ve never been before,” they sing, adding, “There’s something for you, and a whole lot more / You ain’t got to speak, everyone knows you’re a freak.” Ooh-wee! Harmonized vocals up the ante. “Slide” by Slave is a decadent slice of funk heaven!

Slave // Slave // Cotillion // 1977

Slave , Slide: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 79 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Cotillion; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]