Album: SAXON – SaxonWritten By: Wes Haskins
Original Release Date: May 21, 1979
Original Label: Carrere Records
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After the run-through of the Iron Maiden catalogue, I was asked to review the Saxon catalogue next, so we start with the self-titled debut from 1979. The British Metal legends had previously been known as Son of a Bitch but changed their name at the recommendation of the record label. While the album does have some of the sound the band would become known for, overall this is a very diverse album from a band still trying to find their signature sound and showing influences such as progressive, glam, and hard rock.
TRACK BY TRACK:
“Rainbow Theme/Frozen Rainbow” leads things off and is actually two tracks, but I consider them one long track. A very progressive style and unlike other songs on the album and most of the catalogue, but it’s a cool song because of how different it is from the band. Lyrically based in a fantasy style that again wasn’t something the band did a lot.
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“Big Teaser” has a big 70s Glam influence and a catchy chorus about chasing women at a bar.
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“Judgement Day” is just good straight-ahead hard rock and classic NWOHM. Lyrically speaking out against society or religion, or even could be government, with those being held down or oppressed getting payback in the end.
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“Stallions of the Highway” is classic Saxon through and through and a sign of things to come on the next several albums. About the motorcycle culture but mixed with a story of a hitchhiker turned ghost, but changed to a dead motorcyclist haunting the roads he once rode on.
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“Backs to the Wall” again has that classic NWOBHM and Saxon vibe the band became known for.
Lyrically about being held down but finding ways to fight back against society.
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“Still Fit to Boogie” is all in the name. Just fun 70’s boogie rock n roll. Not great but solid. Follows the working class mentality of the band and not giving up in the face of adversity.
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“Militia Guard” closes the album and is supposedly about the French Revolution. It’s just an okay song for me.
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Overall, the album is better than I remembered and while it’s not quite up to what the band did over the next 5-6 years, it does have its moments.
Read more of Wes Haskins‘ Saxon reviews here as he surges through the entire discography: Author – Wes Haskins
