The band's 1977 album Whatever Happened to Slade proved a commercial failure while their tour that spring had shown that they could no longer fill large venues.

When rough copies of Return to Base were sent to a number of European record labels, each had different thoughts on what song they believed to be a good contender.

[7] In a 1981 fan club interview, lead vocalist Noddy Holder said: "We released things like "Sign of the Times" as an A-side single but it was withdrawn after only a week as we decided that we didn't want it out as most of the radio stations refused to play it.

When asked why the song hadn't been included on the band's October tour, Hill revealed: "The reason for that is that at the moment we feel the act is just about right.

Starting slowly and building up to the usual foot-stomping, heavy head banging climax; it's sure to go down well in the Northern clubs where the band have a fervent following.

Record Mirror commented: "On a recent trip to a Buzzocks gig I had the misfortune to be half-deafened by a vintage Slade album blasting from the four corners of their transit vehicle.

"[18] In a review of Return to Base, James Parade said: "I accept that Slade are not the most intelligent of men but then that's not what I demand from my pop stars, but I do expect a little more than references to Big brother, Stereo, Radio etc, in the otherwise catchy 'Sign of the Times'".

[18] In the 2007 Salvo remaster liner notes for We'll Bring the House Down, writer Chris Ingham said: "Of the lighter brand tracks on the album, "Sign of the Times" meditates on the technological revolution amidst rich chords and surprising key changes.