What makes Power Supply by Budgie notable?

Power Supply marks a significant moment for Budgie as it showcased their ability to adapt to heavier sounds while maintaining melodic sensibilities. The album received positive reviews and helped the band retain a devoted following, even as they faced stiff competition from emerging heavy metal acts. Released in 1980, Power Supply was Budgie's fifth studio album, coming after their 1978 release, If I Were Brittania I'd Waive the Rules. At this point in their career, the band was experiencing a transitional phase as they sought to solidify their place in the evolving heavy metal landscape of the late '70s and early '80s.

Who is Power Supply for?

Power Supply works well if you're into steady mid-tempo rhythmic drive, gritty riffs for headbanging and melodic hooks for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Power Supply?

Power Supply has 12 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Power Supply

Budgie · 1980

56 min · 12 tracks · hard rock

A gritty blend of hard rock and traditional heavy metal, infused with dynamic riffs and charged vocals that demand attention.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Forearm Smash — Opening with powerful riffs and an aggressive tempo, this track sets the tone for the album's energetic approach and showcases Budgie's signature sound.
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Heavy Revolution — This track exemplifies the band's knack for marrying catchy hooks with hard-hitting instrumentals, reflecting the era's burgeoning heavy metal scene.
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Crime Against the World — The track delivers a compelling narrative set against a backdrop of soaring guitar work, highlighting Budgie's lyrical depth alongside their musical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and energetic performances but lacks standout tracks that elevate it further.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and fast tempos, establishing a high-energy opening.
Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts, alternating between heavy verses and melodic choruses, particularly in 'Power Supply' and 'Secrets in My Head'.
The album closes with a track that features a slower tempo and more reflective lyrics, providing contrast to the preceding intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo rhythmic drive
gritty riffs for headbanging
melodic hooks for sing-alongs
even pacing for focused listening
nostalgic energy of late 70s

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1980, Power Supply was Budgie's fifth studio album, coming after their 1978 release, If I Were Brittania I'd Waive the Rules. At this point in their career, the band was experiencing a transitional phase as they sought to solidify their place in the evolving heavy metal landscape of the late '70s and early '80s.
Stylistic neighbors: Saxon· Judas Priest· Diamond Head