Having failed to conquer America yet again while splitting fan opinions via 1985's
Innocence Is No Excuse -- their strongest and most accessible album in years --
Saxon obviously decided to appeal to Average Metal Joe's rank, stone-deaf stupidity with the following year's
Rock the Nations. Though graced with a somewhat rougher sound more in line with the band's New Wave of British Heavy Metal early years,
Rock the Nations was arguably less heavy than its predecessor, and easily ranks with
Saxon's most unimaginative efforts, pitting cliché-ridden anthems like "We Came Here to Rock," "Running Hot," and the title track against unconvincingly sappy ballads like "Waiting for the Night" and "Northern Lady." Perhaps the only moment of interest on this dismal album is a guest piano performance by
Elton John (who was allegedly recording next door) on the aptly titled "Party 'til You Puke," hardly a show of intellectual prowess, but good for a laugh, nonetheless. In every other respect, however,
Rock the Nations is an album that the
Saxon faithful would likely rather forget. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia