Saxon’s “rock phase”

Around 1985, Saxon left their metal roots for a more commercial rock sound. Generally this includes their albums from Innocence is No Excuse through Solid Ball of Rock. What say you?

I voted that it was ok. Some good stuff but not my favorite from Saxon.

Pethead wrote:I voted that it was ok. Some good stuff but not my favorite from Saxon.

Same here.

Even though there are some good songs here & there from that era, it's my least favorite stretch of albums by them. Destiny is probably their weakest album overall.

They so badly wanted to cash in like Def Leppard. I voted okay though I actually really like Solid Ball of Rock.

That was actually my first Saxon album. Some good tunes and the title track is a monster.

I went with Ok.
Mostly because I think the only thing I even own from that period is "Innocence".  I do like most of Innocence, but the only Saxon album I own after "Innocence" is 2018's "Thunderbolt".  While I do like that more modern Saxon album it doesn't seem anywhere near as good as older albums like Denim & Leather or Wheels.

You need to check out more of their stuff, start with Dogs of War.

Unleash the Beast, Metalhead, Lionheart, The Inner Sanctum are all great.

Went with Okay.   They can be great when they are more melodic - "Unleash The Beast" is a prime example, one of my favorites from them.