A Driving Beat of Glam-Rock Obsession: The Glitter Band’s “Makes You Blind”
“Makes You Blind,” The Glitter Band’s follow-up single to their earlier success, is a potent and driving slice of glam rock that pulsates with an almost feverish energy, exploring the intoxicating and potentially blinding nature of intense attraction. Released in the autumn of 1975, it continued their run of hits on the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 14, further solidifying their position as key players in the glam rock landscape. Beyond its chart performance, the song captures the raw, visceral thrill of infatuation, suggesting how overwhelming desire can sometimes cloud judgment and distort reality. It’s a track that pulses with a relentless beat, mirroring the obsessive nature of its lyrical theme.
The story behind “Makes You Blind” sees The Glitter Band continuing to hone their distinctive sound, characterized by its heavy, stomping beat, layered guitars, and shout-along choruses. Following their initial breakthrough, the band consistently delivered high-energy singles that resonated with a fanbase eager for more of their infectious brand of glam rock. “Makes You Blind,” co-written by members of the group, delves into a darker, more intense lyrical territory than some of their earlier, more overtly celebratory tracks. The lyrics vividly portray the almost disorienting effect of strong attraction, hinting at how passion can consume and potentially lead one astray. The song’s relentless rhythm and powerful instrumentation amplify this sense of overwhelming sensation, creating a sonic whirlwind that mirrors the feeling of being blinded by desire.
Think back to late 1975, a period where the initial explosion of glam rock was perhaps beginning to evolve, with some artists exploring more nuanced or harder-edged sounds within the genre. “Makes You Blind” reflects this shift, retaining the core elements of glam – the driving beat, the catchy hooks – but injecting a sense of urgency and a slightly more menacing undertone. The band’s signature layered guitars create a wall of sound, while the insistent drumming propels the track forward with relentless energy. This sonic intensity perfectly complements the lyrical theme of being overwhelmed by attraction, creating a visceral and almost claustrophobic listening experience.
The meaning of “Makes You Blind” extends beyond a simple tale of attraction, delving into the idea of how intense emotions can sometimes distort our perception. It suggests that the object of our desire can become so consuming that we lose sight of reality, potentially ignoring warning signs or making irrational decisions. The lyrics, with their repeated emphasis on the blinding nature of attraction, serve as a cautionary tale wrapped in a high-energy glam rock package. It’s a song that acknowledges the intoxicating power of desire while also hinting at its potential pitfalls, suggesting that even the most thrilling sensations can sometimes lead us astray if we’re not careful.
For those of us who remember that era, “Makes You Blind” is a potent reminder of the raw energy and often theatrical intensity of the glam rock scene. It evokes a feeling of youthful passion and the sometimes overwhelming nature of strong emotions. It reminds us of a time when music was often loud, bold, and unafraid to explore both the exhilarating highs and the more unsettling aspects of human experience. The Glitter Band’s “Makes You Blind” is a driving and intense slice of glam rock that captures the intoxicating and potentially blinding power of desire, a testament to their ability to create music that was both thrilling and, at times, surprisingly insightful. It’s a song that understands the overwhelming nature of attraction and the importance of seeing clearly, even when passion threatens to cloud our vision.
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