Judas Priest is a British heavy metal band that formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969. They are considered one of the pioneers of the heavy metal genre and have had a significant influence on the development of the genre over the years.
The band’s classic lineup consists of vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis (who joined in the late 1980s). Throughout their career, Judas Priest has released numerous acclaimed albums and singles, and they are known for their powerful vocals, dual lead guitar work, and aggressive sound.
Some of Judas Priest’s most famous songs include “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” and “Painkiller.” They have also released iconic albums such as “British Steel,” “Screaming for Vengeance,” and “Painkiller,” which are considered classics within the heavy metal genre.
Judas Priest’s influence can be heard in countless other metal bands that followed them, and they continue to be a highly respected and influential force in the world of heavy metal music.
1. The Hellion/Electric Eye
“The Hellion/Electric Eye” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, appearing on their 1982 album “Screaming for Vengeance.” The song is actually a combination of two tracks, “The Hellion” serving as the instrumental introduction to “Electric Eye.”
“The Hellion” is a brief instrumental piece featuring ominous guitar riffs and atmospheric effects, serving to set the stage for the more intense “Electric Eye.”
“Electric Eye” is a powerful and driving song with lyrics that explore themes of surveillance, paranoia, and the invasion of privacy. The song’s title refers to a fictional surveillance device, and the lyrics describe the experience of being constantly watched and monitored.
“Electric Eye” is known for its memorable guitar riffs, aggressive vocals by Rob Halford, and relentless energy. It has become one of Judas Priest’s most iconic and enduring songs, and a staple of their live performances. The combination of “The Hellion/Electric Eye” has become one of the most recognizable and beloved opening tracks in the heavy metal genre.
2. Metal Gods
“Metal Gods” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, appearing on their 1980 album “British Steel.” The song is notable for its driving rhythm, powerful guitar riffs, and catchy chorus.
“Metal Gods” features lyrics that celebrate the power and influence of heavy metal music and its fans. The song’s title refers to the idea of metal music and its performers being revered as “gods” by their followers.
“Metal Gods” has become one of Judas Priest’s signature songs and is often performed live. It is celebrated for its anthemic quality and its representation of the band’s iconic sound, which helped define the heavy metal genre in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
3. Turbo Lover
“Turbo Lover” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on their 1986 album “Turbo.” The song is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy melody, and synthesizer-heavy sound, marking a departure from the band’s traditional heavy metal style.
“Turbo Lover” features lyrics that evoke themes of desire, passion, and the thrill of the open road. The term “turbo lover” refers to someone who is intense and powerful in their pursuit of pleasure and excitement.
The song’s music video, featuring futuristic and automotive imagery, helped “Turbo Lover” gain significant popularity upon its release. It became one of Judas Priest’s most commercially successful singles, reaching high positions on various music charts.
“Turbo Lover” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Judas Priest’s live performances. Despite its initial departure from the band’s traditional sound, the song has become an enduring classic in the heavy metal genre.
4. Breaking the Law
“Breaking the Law” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on their 1980 album “British Steel.” The song is one of Judas Priest’s most iconic and popular tracks, known for its catchy riff, memorable chorus, and rebellious lyrics.
“Breaking the Law” features lyrics that tell the story of a person who, feeling frustrated and disillusioned with life, decides to rebel against societal norms and laws by engaging in acts of vandalism and theft. The song’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “Breaking the law, breaking the law,” has become a rallying cry for fans of the band.
“Breaking the Law” was accompanied by a music video that further popularized the song, featuring the band members performing in a warehouse setting and engaging in various mischievous activities. The song’s infectious energy and relatable themes helped it become one of Judas Priest’s most enduring and beloved songs.
“Breaking the Law” remains a staple of Judas Priest’s live performances and is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal anthems of all time.
5. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released on their 1982 album “Screaming for Vengeance.” The song is one of Judas Priest’s most well-known and popular tracks, recognized for its infectious riff, catchy chorus, and powerful vocals.
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” features lyrics that convey confidence, defiance, and determination. The song’s narrator asserts their independence and warns others that they won’t be easily swayed or defeated. The catchy chorus, which repeats the phrase “You’ve got another thing comin’,” has become a memorable and often-quoted refrain.
The song’s music video, featuring the band performing live on stage, helped further popularize “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” and contributed to its success on radio and MTV.
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” remains a staple of Judas Priest’s live performances and is considered one of the band’s signature songs. It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and video games, solidifying its status as a classic heavy metal anthem.
6. Living After Midnight
“Living After Midnight” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was released on their 1980 album “British Steel,” which is often considered one of the band’s most influential albums. The song was written by lead vocalist Rob Halford, lead guitarist K.K. Downing, and bassist Ian Hill.
“Living After Midnight” is one of Judas Priest’s most popular and enduring songs. It features a catchy and memorable guitar riff, powerful vocals by Rob Halford, and a driving rhythm section. Lyrically, the song celebrates the hedonistic lifestyle of staying up late and partying into the early hours of the morning.
The song’s anthemic chorus, with its refrain “Living after midnight, rockin’ to the dawn,” has made it a staple of Judas Priest’s live performances and a favorite among fans of heavy metal music. “Living After Midnight” helped solidify Judas Priest’s reputation as one of the pioneering bands of the genre and remains one of their most recognizable and beloved songs.
7. Hell Bent for Leather
“Hell Bent for Leather” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It was released on their 1978 album “Killing Machine” (released as “Hell Bent for Leather” in the United States). The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist Rob Halford.
“Hell Bent for Leather” is one of Judas Priest’s signature songs and is often cited as an early example of the band’s aggressive and driving sound. The song features powerful vocals by Halford, blistering guitar work by K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, and a thunderous rhythm section.
Lyrically, “Hell Bent for Leather” embodies the rebellious spirit and attitude associated with heavy metal music. The song’s title is a reference to the leather attire commonly worn by heavy metal fans and musicians, symbolizing toughness and defiance.
“Hell Bent for Leather” has become a staple of Judas Priest’s live performances and remains a fan favorite. Its intense energy and memorable riff have helped cement its status as one of the band’s most iconic tracks.
8. Electric Eye
“Electric Eye” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. It appears on their 1982 album “Screaming for Vengeance.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist Rob Halford, lead guitarist K.K. Downing, and rhythm guitarist Glenn Tipton.
“Electric Eye” is known for its powerful and driving riff, delivered by Downing and Tipton, and its iconic opening line, “I’m electric, electric spy.” Lyrically, the song explores themes of surveillance, technology, and paranoia. The lyrics depict an all-seeing, all-knowing “electric eye” watching over society, reflecting the increasing concerns about surveillance and privacy in the modern world.
“Electric Eye” became one of Judas Priest’s most popular and enduring songs. Its combination of intense guitar work, catchy melody, and thought-provoking lyrics resonated with fans of heavy metal and helped solidify the band’s status as one of the genre’s pioneers.
The song has been featured in numerous Judas Priest live performances and has become a staple of their concert setlists. Its impact on heavy metal music is evident in its continued popularity and influence among fans and fellow musicians alike.
9. Painkiller
“Painkiller” is a song by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, released as the title track of their 1990 album. It is one of the band’s most popular and critically acclaimed songs, known for its fast tempo, intense guitar work, and powerful vocals.
“Painkiller” is characterized by its driving rhythm, intricate guitar solos, and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals, which reach impressive highs. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a futuristic, robotic figure known as the Painkiller, who emerges as a savior to combat evil and restore justice to the world.
The song’s rapid pace and aggressive energy make it a favorite among fans of heavy metal music, and it has become a staple of Judas Priest’s live performances. “Painkiller” is often cited as one of the band’s greatest achievements and has been praised for its technical prowess and adrenaline-pumping intensity.
10. Screaming for Vengeance
“Screaming for Vengeance” is the title track of Judas Priest’s eighth studio album, released in 1982. The album, widely considered one of their best works, features a mix of heavy metal and hard rock elements, and it played a significant role in establishing Judas Priest as one of the premier heavy metal bands of the era.
The song “Screaming for Vengeance” itself is a powerful and energetic anthem that captures the essence of Judas Priest’s style. With its driving guitar riffs, soaring vocals by Rob Halford, and thunderous rhythm section, the track embodies the raw energy and intensity for which the band is renowned.
Lyrically, “Screaming for Vengeance” reflects themes of rebellion, defiance, and the desire for justice. The lyrics speak to the frustration and anger felt by those who have been wronged and their determination to seek retribution.
The album “Screaming for Vengeance” was a commercial success, reaching platinum status in the United States and producing several hit singles, including “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” and “Electric Eye.” It remains one of Judas Priest’s most acclaimed and beloved albums, and the title track continues to be a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances.
Edward Tomlin 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.
