10 Best Judas Priest Songs of All Time

Judas Priest is one of the most iconic and influential heavy metal bands in music history. With a career spanning over five decades, the band has released numerous albums and songs that have become classics in the genre. Judas Priest is known for their powerful vocals, heavy riffs, and intricate guitar solos that have inspired countless musicians. They have influenced not only heavy metal but also rock and roll as a whole, with their music being covered by various artists over the years.

Choosing the top 10 best Judas Priest songs of all time is no easy feat. The band has an extensive discography, with many fan-favorite tracks that have stood the test of time. However, this list aims to showcase some of the most notable and beloved songs that have cemented Judas Priest’s legacy in the music industry. These songs have inspired and captivated audiences for decades and continue to do so to this day. From the hard-hitting anthems to the more melodic ballads, Judas Priest has produced a wide range of music that appeals to a diverse audience. This list will take a look at the top 10 Judas Priest songs that have earned a place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

1. 'Living After Midnight'

This iconic track, with its infectious melody and heavy riffs, is undoubtedly one of Judas Priest's most popular songs. 'Living After Midnight' showcases the band's signature high-octane energy, electrifying guitar solos and powerful vocals by Rob Halford. Its lyrics about living life to the fullest and embracing the night strike a chord with fans worldwide.

As the opening track on their landmark album 'British Steel', 'Living After Midnight' set the tone for what would become one of metal's defining works. The song's catchy chorus invites listeners to sing along and makes it a staple at live shows. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the band's ability to craft unforgettable anthems.

Interestingly, 'Living After Midnight' was written during a spontaneous jam session in their rehearsal space after Halford saw a broken bottle near his mic stand and made a comment about partying all night long. Guitarist Glenn Tipton picked up on this idea and soon they had a new song that became an instant classic.

Pro Tip: To get the full experience of this song, listen to it at maximum volume with your headbanging rhythm!

Judas Priest had another thing coming when they released this iconic hit that still has us headbanging today.

2. 'You've Got Another Thing Coming'

This classic Judas Priest hit, with its catchy guitar riff and powerful vocals from Rob Halford, is considered one of their most iconic songs. The lyrics are defiant and empowering, encouraging listeners to stand up for themselves against anyone who tries to bring them down. The song was a commercial success for the band and helped establish them as one of the top metal acts of the 1980s.

As one of Judas Priest's most well-known tracks, "You've Got Another Thing Coming" showcases the band's signature sound and style. With its driving rhythm section, soaring guitar solos, and powerful vocals, it's a true rock anthem that has stood the test of time. The song's message of standing up for oneself is universal, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans all over the world.

In addition to its memorable chorus and fiery guitar work, "You've Got Another Thing Coming" also features some impressive vocal acrobatics from Halford. His high-pitched screams and operatic falsetto add an extra layer of drama and intensity to an already electrifying track.

To truly appreciate the power of this song, it's best experienced live in concert – where fans can sing along to every word and feel the energy emanating from the stage. If you're looking for a tune that will get your heart racing and your blood pumping, "You've Got Another Thing Coming" is sure to deliver.

Get your motor running and head out to the highway with Judas Priest's epic anthem that's guaranteed to make your speakers scream for more.

3. 'Heading Out to the Highway'

Judas Priest released "Breaking the Law" which became a rebellious anthem, known for its catchy chorus – "Breaking the law, breaking the law!". Priest's use of dual guitars in this song adds depth and texture that often are missing from other metal bands. The lyrics are relatable and resonate well with listeners, especially when accented by Halford's soaring voice. All these contribute to making "Breaking the Law" the perfect soundtrack for all your criminal activities.

Fun Fact: "Breaking the Law" was released in 1980 as a part of Judas Priest's album "British Steel".

4. 'Breaking the Law'

Released in 1980, it features a straightforward yet irresistible rhythm, along with Rob Halford's powerful vocals and the signature dual-guitar harmonies. Lyrically, it tells a story about a rebel on the run from law enforcement. 'Law-Breaking' has been covered by various artists and featured in movies and TV shows, cementing its status as a timeless rock anthem.

'Delivering the Goods' is like Amazon Prime for metalheads – fast, efficient, and guaranteed to leave you satisfied.

5. 'Delivering the Goods'

When it comes to classic Judas Priest tracks, few songs pack as much of a punch as the 5th entry on our list – 'Efficient Delivery'. This driving rocker off the band's seminal 1978 album 'Hell Bent for Leather' showcases the band firing on all cylinders with its pounding rhythm section and Rob Halford's soaring vocals.

If you're looking to fully appreciate this timeless track, follow this 4-step guide:

1. Start by cranking up your speakers or headphones to get the full effect of the song's thunderous opening riff.
2. Pay close attention to Ian Hill's bass work throughout the song; his propulsive playing sets the foundation for everything else that happens.
3. Try singing along with Halford's anthemic chorus lines: "Delivering the goods!"/"Pushin' hard, getting nowhere!"
4. Take note of how Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing trade solos throughout the latter half of the track, showcasing their formidable guitar skills.

What sets 'Efficient Delivery' apart from other Priest tracks is its relentless energy. From start to finish, there isn't a moment where the intensity lets up even slightly.

Additionally, it features some of Halford's most memorable vocal lines – particularly during its choruses.

For those looking to get even more out of this classic track, consider listening to it in a live setting. Judas Priest are renowned for their explosive live shows, and 'Efficient Delivery' has often been a highlight of their setlists over the years.

So next time you're in the mood for some heavy metal goodness, be sure to give 'Efficient Delivery' a spin – you won't be disappointed!

Get ready to headbang till your neck snaps with 'Painkiller', because it's not just a song, it's a prescription for heavy metal overdose.

6. 'Painkiller'

Judas Priest's iconic track is hard-hitting 'Painkiller', known for its aggressive drums, screaming guitar solos, and Rob Halford's impressive piercing vocals. The song was released in 1990, and it became an anthem for the Heavy Metal era of the time. Its thundering essence defined it as one of the best Judas Priest songs ever made.

The track lyrics talk about a character wearing black leather and riding on a chrome horse, chasing hell down, an enigmatic antihero who brings pain and destruction to his enemies. The band brilliantly exhibits cathartic live performances with Halford dressed in spikes and motorcycle gear embodying the spirit of this powerful track.

Interestingly enough, 'Painkiller' was voted as one of the most asked-for encore tracks too many times by their fans that they had to cut it down from their setlist deliberately because it would be expected each show no matter what other new hits they brought out.

When "Painkiller" played live proves to be an electrifying moment within a Judas Priest concert. That mix buildup intro kicks off, followed by 5 minutes of metal heaven that captures everything you want from a heavy metal stage performance."

You'll be electrified by this killer duo, but don't worry, it's just the power of Judas Priest's 'The Hellion' and 'Electric Eye'.

7. 'The Hellion' / 'Electric Eye'

Judas Priest's 'The Hellion'/'Electric Eye' is a quintessential track that showcases the band's signature sound, merging horror-punk and heavy metal. Here are five points to understand its success:

• 'The Hellion' was originally designed as an instrumental piece for its respective album, but after further production work, it transformed into a live spectacle with 'Electric Eye'.
• The duo of songs debuted in Judas Priest's chart-topping album "Screaming for Vengeance" in 1982 and became a fan favorite at various live concerts.
• To achieve the roaring guitar riffs, producer Tom Allom recorded guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton on different tracks and then fused them together during production.
• 'Electric Eye's 'Big Brother is watching You' lyrics reflect George Orwell's classic novel "1984", the concept of surveillance posing as an omnipotent presence in citizens' lives.
• The song has been widely covered by other musicians ranging from power-metal masters Helloween to singer-songwriter Patrick Wolf in his eclectic style.

This track proved instrumental in establishing Judas Priest as a standard-bearer for Heavy Metal music. A fun fact about this song is that when released alongside the album, many countries had banned or edited out the more controversial lyrics due to their potentially subversive political messaging.

If being a victim of changes involves listening to this epic Judas Priest song on repeat, sign me up.

8. 'Victim of Changes'

The track features Rob Halford's soaring vocals and Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing trading blistering guitar solos. It starts off with a gentle acoustic intro before erupting into a high-energy rocker that tells the tale of love gone wrong.

One noteworthy element of 'The Plight of the Impacted' is its structure, as it combines two separate unreleased songs by former member Al Atkins. The resulting hybrid creates a dynamic listening experience that has earned it a spot in many fan's hearts as one of the best Judas Priest songs ever.

For those unfamiliar with Judas Priest, this song is an excellent introduction to their sound and style.

Don't miss out on experiencing the infectious energy and epic soundscapes of 'The Plight of the Impacted'.

Listening to 'Exciter' is like being hit by lightning – electrifying, intense, and guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

9. 'Exciter'

Judas Priest's masterpiece '9. The Thrilling Mechanical Beast' is known for its high-speed rhythm and mind-blowing guitar solos. The song was released in 1978 as part of the 'Stained Class' album and has a runtime of 5 minutes and 12 seconds.

Here's a table that presents some interesting facts associated with '9. The Thrilling Mechanical Beast':

Notably, the song showcases Judas Priest's inclination towards futuristic themes and showcases their expertise in delivering high-octane performances. Indeed, if you're a die-hard fan of heavy metal or are just starting to explore the genre, this track is not to be missed. It encapsulates everything that makes Judas Priest one of the best bands of all time!

Don't miss out on experiencing the epicness that is '9. The Thrilling Mechanical Beast.' Give it a listen today!

Listen to 'Evening Star' and you'll understand why Judas Priest is the only religion I subscribe to.

10. 'Evening Star'

This selection acknowledges the 10 best Judas Priest songs of all time, which include classics such as 'Evening Star'. 'Evening Star' from the album 'Sin After Sin' highlighted the skillful guitar work of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, who created a smooth and mesmerizing melody with insightful lyrics that resonated with many fans. This track showcased power, virtuosity, and top-notch production quality that solidified Judas Priest's place in rock history.

Many fans consider 'Evening Star' to be one of the most underrated and underappreciated tracks in Priest's vast discography. Its central themes revolve around self-discovery and redemption, showcasing unique storytelling elements through Rob Halford's powerful vocal delivery. The song features an impressive guitar solo mid-track, beautifully blending into the vocal harmonies with stunning effect.

The song may not have been a commercial hit or received widespread critical acclaim upon its initial release, but its influence is undeniable. Fans still rank this track among their favorites and marvel at its artistic merit even after all these years.

Judas Priest has always been known for their ability to craft memorable songs that both inspire and challenge listeners. 'Evening Star' captures that spirit perfectly and stands out as a shining example of what made this band so iconic in the first place.

Samuel Moore

Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.