1980 - .Wheels of steel

Released 5 May 1980

Saxon was one of the shining lights of the famous “New Wave Of British Heavy Metal”.  
In 1980, there were many NWOBHM full-length releases, including well-regarded LPs by Diamond Head, Angel Witch,
Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and Samson.  
Of all these bands, it was Saxon that had the most straightforward, simple heavy metal songs (and that ain’t a bad thing).  
We often hear the adjective “blue-collar” used by writers to describe Saxon.
Indeed, Saxon’s style of metal was not pretentious or flashy.  
The music was not complicated and the lyrics were genuine and grounded in real life.  
(Not so sure if I love those abrasive guitar tones, though.)
Wheels Of Steel was the first of the two albums released by Saxon in 1980 (the other was Strong Arm Of The Law).  
Though the two albums make a handsome pair, in my worthless opinion Wheels Of Steel is the better record.  
Favorites include Motorcycle Man, Wheels Of Steel, See The Light Shining and Suzie Hold On.  
This is probably Saxon’s most famous album.  
Indeed, it is quintessential Saxon; straightforward, raw and engaging.