The mighty Saxon return to the fray in a blaze of publicity as they are about to be featured in a new Channel 4 programme “Harvey Goldsmith Presents” in which our heroes subject themselves to a makeover (Biff gets a haircut) and let a couple of hip producers loose on their new single. For whilst Saxon have remained a large draw on the live metal circuit despite their chucklesome legal problems, they haven’t had a British hit single for aeons. 

The single version of If I Was You is produced by Mark Wallis and David Ruffy who have worked with Razorlight and U2 whilst the album version, also featured here is helmed by Charlie Bauerfeind who brought such a great sound to the band’s awesome Lionheart CD. It’s a brave move to step out of their generic confines but on the whole the Wallis/Duffy mix doesn’t work for me. The drum sound in particular is way too metallic (and not in that way), too shrill and at times drowns Uncle Biff out completely. 

The Bauerfeind effort is much better; the guitars chime beautifully at the beginning, Biff is crystal clear and the song reaches a satisfactory conclusion rather than the rather hasty chopped finish of the single version. If I Was You is a terrific song and if there is any justice in this world (and I know there isn’t) it would bring Saxon their much hoped for hit. 

If you’re only a passing fan you may be unaware that a few years ago Saxon re-recorded many of their best known songs for the Heavy Metal thunder album and this single features the updated version of 747 (Strangers In The Night). This has always been a classic and the wonders of modern technology breathe new life into a legendary song. 

I’m sure that many of Saxon’s target audience don’t buy singles any more, but metal fans of all ages could do far worse than grabbing If I Was You ASAP.

Let us know your views on 'If I Was You'

Track List

If I Was You (single version)
If I Was You (album version)
747 (Strangers In The Night)
 

Line Up

Doug Scarratt - GUitars
Nigel Glockler - Drums
Biff Byford - Vocals
Paul Quinn - Guitars
Nibbs Carter - Bass