Saxon

Although hard to imagine nowadays, for a brief time during the early '80s, Saxon were running neck and neck with the likes of Def Leppard and Iron Maiden in the "which NWOBHM band will crack America first" sweepstakes. But it's true. On the strength of such metal classics as Wheels of Steel and Denim and Leather, Saxon were right up there with the big boys, before an ill-fated decision to soften their sound in hopes of big-time chart success derailed the group. And while Saxon never replicated their U.K. success in the U.S., their first few recordings still hold up rather well against the aforementioned artists' early works, as evidenced by the majority of the 16-track overview Collection. Quite a few of the group's best tracks are included here, including the headbanger anthem "Denim and Leather" as well as "747 (Strangers in the Night)," "And the Bands Played On," and "Motorcycle Man." That said, too many weak latter-day tracks are included ("Rock & Roll Gypsy," etc.), and you simply cannot call this a real "Saxon Collection" without the inclusion of "Wheels of Steel" (which was once voted one of the top heavy metal tracks of all time in Hit Parader magazine -- remember those good ol' days?). Collection is a flawed Saxon sampler, and certainly not a definitive set. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide