1980 was a glorious year for popular music, particularly for Rock, as advancing technology allowed bands to produce high-quality material. Record labels had substantial budgets for album production, creating the perfect scenario to leave a mark in music history.
Motorhead capitalized on all these resources, along with their experience from previous albums, to create “Ace Of Spades,” the band’s most commercial album. Years later, it would influence the early days of Thrash Metal, with bands like Metallica paying tribute to this iconic work numerous times, emphasizing its significance in their careers.
What can we hear?
Power, energy, and relentless speed; Motorhead showed no mercy with their constant, fast-paced tempo filled with vigor. This was delivered by the classic lineup of the band, the trinity of Lemmy Kilmister (Bass/Vocals), Eddie “Fast” Clarke (Guitar), and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor (Drums), an alignment that is unfortunately no longer with us.
Rock ‘n’ Roll is present throughout the album, expressed in a much heavier way. For example, in “Dance,” there’s a distinctly Rock/Blues rhythm, but the band fused it with Heavy Metal through distortion and faster drum rhythms. Eddie Clarke’s solos are constant in each song, accompanied by clever guitar riffs that surely leave the wrist sore after playing the entire album.
The constant use of harmonies in vocals and instruments made this album successful in its time, making its heavy sound more accessible. An example is “The Chase Is Better Than The Catch.”
The legacy of Lemmy Kilmister
“Ace Of Spades” turned Lemmy into a living legend. Through his lyrics, music, bass, and voice, he reflected a “True” lifestyle, a man who lived for Rock ‘n’ Roll. He continued this lifestyle until his last days, never ceasing to compose, record albums, and go on tours.
Lemmy established his style with raspy vocals, attacking lyrics, and a bass that not only accompanied but served as the lead instrument. In all his works, you can hear a direct bass distortion from his Marshall amplifier. For example, the intro of “The Ace Of Spades” features a grounded bass sound that, despite its distortion, maintains clarity within his style.
Speaking of “Ace Of Spades,” it’s the band’s most well-known song and the one closest to the Thrash sound. Each instrument takes the spotlight throughout the song, heavily influenced by the punk sound that was trending in the UK at that time. Motorhead, however, managed to give it a much more precise and grounded touch, rebellious without sounding “homemade” like punk.
A watershed moment for Rock
“Ace Of Spades” marked a before and after, influencing both Thrash Metal and Punk Rock. Lemmy Kilmister established a long-standing friendship with Joey Ramone, the lead vocalist of The Ramones, as both acknowledged the similarities between their respective bands.
With this album, Motorhead demonstrated that they were a global rock icon. Their unmistakable sound remained until the end of their active days. It’s incredible how, even after more than 40 years since its release, it sounds as energetic as it did at launch.
Memorable, heavy, and energetic, truly an album that makes your heart beat faster with each passing song. Undoubtedly, a Power Trio that sounds like a band of at least 5 members.
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