Album: SAXON – Solid Ball of Rock
Written By: Wes Haskins
Original Release Date: February 4, 1991
Original Label: Virgin Records
Continuing my way through the Saxon catalogue with the tenth studio album from the band. The album was the band’s first on Virgin Records after the previous three with EMI and it was a return to form in some ways with a heavier, older Saxon sound and less melodic and AOR than the previous three releases. The album didn’t chart in the UK or the US and was the first small step of the band trying to rebuild the fanbase, but they didn’t really have the songs outside of a few tracks.
TRACK BY TRACK:
“Solid Ball of Rock” – is a great opener and a great heavier song with a good groove. Telling the story of early rock ‘n’ roll and inspired by Jerry Lee Lewis.
“Altar of the Gods” – is a faster-paced, upbeat metal song that has that old school Saxon metal vibe. Lyrically about capitalism and greed.
“Requiem (We Will Remember)” – probably one of my favourite Saxon songs ever. Melodic and uplifting with a memorable chorus. A great tribute to great musicians that have passed on and how they and their music will always be remembered.
“Lights in the Sky” – another faster-paced song, but it’s just okay for me and isn’t very memorable. It’s about UFO’s and aliens.
“I Just Can’t Get Enough” – a solid groove and drumbeat, but the song is just okay and doesn’t go anywhere. Solid chorus but not really memorable.
“Baptism of Fire” – solid rock n roll that’s talking about being on stage and the trial by fire of being in a band.
“Ain’t Gonna Take It” – solid song with a decent groove, but the high point of the song is the solo, which takes it up a notch. About staying optimistic in the face of adversity.
“I’m on Fire” – starts with a nice bluesy guitar riff and eventually joined by the drums and the rest of the band. A mid-tempo blues-based song with a good chorus. About being attracted to someone.
“Overture in B-Minor / Refugee” – opening with an instrumental until the thirty-second mark before going into a big melodic ballad that has a slow build to the chorus. Seems to be about those searching for a better life.
“Bavarian Beaver” (Instrumental) – a short instrumental.
“Crash Dive” – opens with a cool bass line, then drums kick in and it’s a fast-paced rock song that would be great live. About living life on the edge.
“Reeperbahn Stomp” (Japanese only bonus track) – blues-based rock ‘n’ roll that’s forgettable. Decent groove but it doesn’t go anywhere.
RECAP:
An almost return to form to a more classic Saxon sound, but not a perfect album by any means. It’s kind of disjointed at times, but overall it was a step in the right direction; besides a few songs, it feels like they were really trying but just hadn’t quite figured out how to get back to the old formula. However, the two great songs (Title track and Requiem are top shelf Saxon).
FAVOURITE SONGS:
“Solid Ball of Rock“, “Requiem (We Will Remember)“, “Refuge“, “Altar of the Gods“, “I’m on Fire“, and “Crash Drive“.
Read more of Wes Haskins‘ Saxon reviews here as he surges through the entire discography: Author – Wes Haskins
