Saxon's second album is one of the best examples of the greatness that was the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. While not as technically proficient as Iron Maiden or as heavy as Judas Priest, Saxon were one of the top metal bands of the early `80s with their brand of blue collar metal. This album is all about believing in yourself and band's love of transportation, especially motorcycles. "Motorcycle Man" starts out with the Harley racing down the highway before launching into a fierce attack led by Biff Byford's powerful vocals. Their zeal and passion never let up as one great anthem blends into another only slowing down a bit on the excellent mid-tempo "747 (Strangers in the Night)" and the melodic "Suze Hold On" and even those songs rock. Otherwise, "Street Fighting Gang", "Freeway Mad", "Machine Gun", "See the Light Shining", and "Stand Up and Be Counted" are all wicked tracks with awesome riffs from Paul Quinn and Graham Oliver and strong performances from the rhythm section of Steve Dawson and Pete Gill. The title track is their signature song, their "Tom Sawyer" or "Walk This Way" if you will, and is one of the all-time great metal anthems. This is Saxon's best album (Strong Arm of the Law is close) and if you love heavy metal, this is a must have.
