If you want to talk about the sound of the NWOBHM you can’t leave Saxon out of the conversation.
From the moment those riffs started flying in the early ’80s Saxon gave heavy metal some of its most recognizable anthems songs about speed, steel, the road, battles, airplanes, motorcycles and of course heavy metal itself.
But which one is the ultimate Saxon song? That’s where things get interesting.
We’ve picked 10 essential Saxon tracks, covering some of the band most iconic early material. Now it’s time to choose your favorite.
10 Saxon Songs. One Vote.
1. “Wheels of Steel” – Wheels of Steel (1980)
The quintessential Saxon anthem. That driving riff hits immediately and the song became one of the band defining statements during the rise of the NWOBHM.
If someone asks you what Saxon sounds like, this is one of the first songs to put on.
2. “Princess of the Night” – Denim and Leather (1981)
Fast, melodic and ridiculously catchy “Princess of the Night” was inspired by a powerful steam locomotive.
The combination of speed, riffing and that huge chorus makes it one of Saxon most enduring classics.
3. “747 (Strangers in the Night)” – Wheels of Steel (1980)
Saxon turned a real aviation incident into one of their greatest storytelling songs.
The soaring melody and unforgettable hook give “747” a different flavor from some of the band straight-ahead metal attacks.
4. “Denim and Leather” – Denim and Leather (1981)
This one is for the fans.
“Denim and Leather” is an anthem dedicated to the heavy metal community itself, with a fist-pumping rhythm that makes it feel like it was built for a packed crowd singing along.
5. “Crusader” – Crusader (1984)
Epic and theatrical “Crusader” takes a more atmospheric approach before launching into its heavy battle-themed attack.
It’s a different side of Saxon but one that has remained a crowd favorite.
6. “Power and the Glory” – Power & the Glory (1983)
Massive guitar riffs, galloping drums and pure early ’80s Saxon energy.
The title track of Power & the Glory captures the band firing on all cylinders during one of their biggest periods.
7. “Heavy Metal Thunder” – Strong Arm of the Law (1980)
Raw, aggressive and fast “Heavy Metal Thunder” sounds exactly like its title suggests.
It’s also an important part of the musical bridge toward the faster metal styles that followed.
8. “And the Bands Played On” – Denim and Leather (1981)
Inspired by the legendary 1980 Monsters of Rock festival at Donington Park, this song celebrates the energy of live metal.
And that hook? Once it’s in your head, good luck getting it out.
9. “Motorcycle Man” – Wheels of Steel (1980)
Pure speed and adrenaline.
“Motorcycle Man” is one of those tracks that wastes absolutely no time getting moving. Its reputation even caught the attention of Metallica Lars Ulrich.
10. “The Eagle Has Landed” – Power & the Glory (1983)
Slow-building tension, moody atmosphere, an epic structure and soaring guitar solos make “The Eagle Has Landed” stand apart from Saxon faster material.
It’s proof that Saxon didn’t need to play at full speed to sound massive.
Now It’s Your Turn
Ten songs. Ten different reasons to crank up the volume.
But which one gets your vote as the ultimate Saxon song?
Or is your favorite somewhere else in the Saxon catalog?
Vote in the poll and tell us your choice in the comments.
And remember: there is no wrong answer when the volume is loud enough.
MetalX 🤘
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