When it comes to heavy metal, few bands have left as indelible a mark as Judas Priest. For nearly five decades, this legendary group has defined and redefined what it means to rock hard, their leather-clad swagger and unmistakable sound becoming synonymous with the genre itself. From Rob Halford’s iconic high-pitched wails to the band’s razor-sharp guitar riffs, Judas Priest has shredded its way into the hearts of millions of fans across the globe. Their catalog is stacked with headbanging anthems, fist-pumping choruses, and rebellious energy that have stood the test of time.
In this article, we’ll take a ride through the flames and fury to unveil the top 10 most popular Judas Priest songs of all time. These tracks are the essence of metal—blistering solos, electrifying energy, and lyrics that make you want to raise your horns high. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the band’s iconic sound, these Judas Priest anthems are guaranteed to get your blood pumping and your heart racing. So, buckle up, crank up the volume, and get ready to experience the ultimate metal playlist from one of the genre’s true pioneers.
1. Breaking the Law (1980)
Released in 1980 as part of their iconic album British Steel, “Breaking the Law” became an instant anthem for rebels everywhere. With its unforgettable riff and rebellious lyrics, this track captured the spirit of defiance that defines heavy metal. The song’s rapid-fire pace, combined with Rob Halford’s fierce vocals, makes it an adrenaline rush from start to finish. The music video, featuring a bank heist, became a visual staple of the early days of metal. To this day, “Breaking the Law” remains a concert favorite, with fans chanting along to the song’s rebellious chorus. It’s simple, powerful, and an undeniable classic.
2. Painkiller (1990)
“Painkiller” is a masterpiece of speed and aggression, released in 1990 as the title track of the album Painkiller. This song marked a triumphant return to Judas Priest’s heavier roots, showcasing blistering guitar solos from Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, paired with Scott Travis’ relentless double bass drumming. Rob Halford’s vocals reached new heights, soaring above the intense instrumentation with piercing screams. “Painkiller” is often hailed as one of the greatest metal songs of all time, combining technical prowess with raw, unbridled energy. It’s a song that has inspired countless metal bands and continues to be a high point in Judas Priest’s live performances.
3. Living After Midnight (1980)
A staple of the 1980 album British Steel, “Living After Midnight” is one of Judas Priest’s most accessible and radio-friendly tracks. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus made it a favorite among rock and metal fans alike. With lyrics celebrating late-night partying and freedom, it became an anthem for a generation of rockers. The track is driven by a punchy rhythm and infectious energy, making it a feel-good classic that still gets crowds moving decades later. Its infectiousness and simplicity helped the band reach a wider audience, cementing Judas Priest as rock royalty.
4. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ (1982)
Released as part of the Screaming for Vengeance album in 1982, “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” stands as one of Judas Priest’s most commercially successful songs. This mid-tempo track is built on a driving rhythm and features one of the most recognizable riffs in metal history. The song’s lyrics, about perseverance and fighting against the odds, resonated with fans across the world. It became a massive hit in the U.S., breaking Judas Priest into the mainstream and earning heavy rotation on radio and MTV. It’s a metal anthem about resilience, still empowering fans today.
5. Hell Bent for Leather (1978)
“Hell Bent for Leather” was unleashed in 1978 as the title track for Judas Priest’s Killing Machine album (released as Hell Bent for Leather in the U.S.). This fast-paced song became an anthem for the leather-clad, motorcycle-riding metal crowd. With its high-powered riff and aggressive delivery, the track encapsulates the toughness and raw energy of the band at the height of their powers. Rob Halford’s scream of “Hell Bent, Hell Bent for Leather!” remains one of the most iconic moments in metal, and the song continues to be a live staple.
6. Electric Eye (1982)
Part of the legendary Screaming for Vengeance album released in 1982, “Electric Eye” is a futuristic anthem that warns of a surveillance state, where “the eye in the sky” sees all. This track is driven by a galloping rhythm and some of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing’s most ferocious dual-guitar work. The song opens with the instrumental “The Hellion,” which leads right into the powerful opening riff of “Electric Eye.” Its themes of control and surveillance feel as relevant today as ever, making this track a timeless metal classic.
7. Victim of Changes (1976)
“Victim of Changes” is widely regarded as one of Judas Priest’s finest songs, and it first appeared on the 1976 album Sad Wings of Destiny. The track fuses elements of hard rock and progressive metal, with moody verses giving way to explosive choruses. Rob Halford’s vocal range is on full display here, moving from soulful, bluesy passages to screaming highs. The song’s dramatic structure, with its shifting tempos and emotional intensity, makes it a fan favorite. The extended guitar solos and powerful lyrics about loss and regret make “Victim of Changes” a masterpiece of 1970s metal.
8. The Ripper (1976)
“The Ripper,” also from the Sad Wings of Destiny album (1976), is a chilling, adrenaline-pumping track that tells the story of the infamous Jack the Ripper. With its eerie, tension-filled intro and haunting lyrics, the song creates an atmosphere of fear and menace. Rob Halford’s theatrical vocals paint a vivid picture of the Victorian-era killer stalking the streets. The song’s driving rhythm and sharp, biting guitar riffs make it a standout track from the early days of Judas Priest, showcasing the band’s ability to blend storytelling with powerful metal.
9. Turbo Lover (1986)
“Turbo Lover” was released in 1986 as part of the Turbo album, and it marked a stylistic shift for Judas Priest. The band embraced synthesizers and a more polished, futuristic sound, which was a departure from their earlier, rawer material. Despite the change in direction, “Turbo Lover” became a hit, with its infectious melody and driving beat. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of speed and power, making it a perfect anthem for the high-octane 1980s. While controversial among die-hard fans at the time, “Turbo Lover” has since earned its place as one of Judas Priest’s most beloved tracks.
10. Beyond the Realms of Death (1978)
A standout track from the 1978 album Stained Class, “Beyond the Realms of Death” is a powerful, emotionally charged song that deals with themes of despair and escape. The song alternates between haunting, melancholic verses and explosive, aggressive choruses. Rob Halford’s vocal performance is full of raw emotion, while the twin guitars of Tipton and Downing deliver some of their most memorable solos. Often considered one of the band’s most profound and impactful songs, “Beyond the Realms of Death” is a fan favorite that showcases the depth and versatility of Judas Priest’s songwriting.