Since bursting onto the heavy metal scene in the 1970s, Judas Priest has solidified their status as one of the most influential and enduring bands in the genre. With their electrifying riffs, soaring vocals, and an unwavering dedication to their craft, this British powerhouse has consistently delivered a sonic assault that resonates with metal enthusiasts around the globe. As we embark on a journey through their illustrious discography, we explore the ten timeless masterpieces that have come to define the essence of Judas Priest.
From the iconic and ear-shattering scream of Rob Halford to the intricate and mind-bending guitar solos of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, Judas Priest’s music has transcended generations, becoming the lifeblood of metalheads old and new. With their unparalleled ability to fuse aggression with melody and lyrical depth, the band has created an unmistakable sound that is uniquely their own.
This definitive list of the Top 10 Best Judas Priest Songs of All Time is a tribute to the band’s unwavering dedication to their craft, their indomitable spirit, and their undying influence on the metal landscape. We will delve into their discography, spanning over four decades, to uncover the tracks that have left an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of fans worldwide. So, get ready to unleash the thunderous anthems that have shaped the very fabric of heavy metal and discover the brilliance that is Judas Priest.
1. 'Victim of Changes'
The song that stands out among the 10 best Judas Priest songs of all time is a masterpiece called 'The Victim of Circumstance'. This song, originally released in 1976, features a unique blend of heavy metal, progressive rock and blues elements. The soaring vocals of Rob Halford and the intricate guitar work by Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing make for an unforgettable listening experience.
As one listens to this song, it becomes clear that Judas Priest was at the forefront of the burgeoning heavy metal movement in the mid-1970s. The opening riffs are instantly recognizable and set the tone for a hard-driving rock sound that would become synonymous with the band.
One aspect that sets 'The Victim of Circumstance' apart from other Judas Priest classics is its extended structure. The nearly eight-minute track takes listeners on a journey through intense guitar solos, melodic ballads and powerful vocal passages. It is clear that every musical element has been carefully crafted to create an emotional impact upon the listener.
Interestingly, 'The Victim Of Circumstance' was originally two separate tracks – 'Whiskey Woman' and 'Victim Of Changes'. Combining them turned out to be a stroke of genius which transformed them into one single epic song.
If you think 'You’ve Got Another Thing Coming' is just a catchy tune, you probably also think 'Hells Bells' is just a friendly greeting.
2. ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Coming’
This Judas Priest classic, with its iconic opening riff and soaring vocals, has become a staple in the world of heavy metal. Its lyrics speak to chasing your dreams and taking risks, with lines like "If you think I'll sit around as the world goes by / You're thinkin' like a fool 'cause it's a case of do or die." Its popularity has only grown over the years, cementing its place as one of the band's most beloved hits.
The song was first released in 1982 as part of the album Screaming for Vengeance and quickly became an anthem for fans of Judas Priest. Its success has been measured not just by its commercial sales but also by its impact on popular culture, with appearances in films, TV shows, and video games over the years.
Despite being released nearly 40 years ago, ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Coming’ remains relevant today, inspiring generations of heavy metal fans to pursue their passions and take chances.
Listening to 'Living After Midnight' makes me want to stay up all night partying, or at least until I remember I have work in the morning.
3. ‘Living After Midnight’
This classic and iconic Judas Priest song, known by its dynamic and catchy tune, is a fan favorite. 'Living After Midnight', with its driving guitar riffs and powerful vocals, perfectly captures the spirit of heavy metal music. The lyrics are infused with energy, encouraging listeners to let loose and party all night long.
As one of Judas Priest's most popular tracks, 'Living After Midnight' has become a staple in their live performances for over three decades. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes about the timelessness of this beloved song. Its catchy melody will have you singing along every time you hear it.
One unique element of this song is its simplicity – there's no complex storyline to decode or hidden meanings to interpret. It's just pure rock n' roll fun that taps into the thrill of living on the edge. If there was ever a Judas Priest track that embodies their signature sound and style, it would be 'Living After Midnight'.
Fun fact: Rob Halford, the lead singer of Judas Priest, has been known to wear a studded leather jacket adorned with "Living After Midnight" written across the back during live performances.
Breaking the Law is the ultimate theme song for anyone who's ever had a rebellious streak or just really likes the sound of screeching guitars and Rob Halford's leather pants.
4. ‘Breaking the Law’
This iconic track, often referred to as ‘the rebel anthem’, is a must-listen for any Judas Priest fan. ‘Breaking the Law’ sets the tone with its powerful guitar riffs and commanding vocals that demand attention. Its unforgettable chorus is sure to have you singing along in no time.
As one of Judas Priest’s biggest hits, ‘Breaking the Law’ speaks to a universal theme of rebellion and pushing boundaries. The song’s relatable lyrics and energetic rhythm make it an instant classic. From Rob Halford's signature vocals to K.K. Downing's blistering guitar solo, every element of this track is perfectly crafted.
Interestingly enough, ‘Breaking the Law’ was actually inspired by an encounter between the band and a group of policemen who mistakenly thought they were trying to break into their own tour bus. This personal experience helped give the song its raw authenticity, making it stand out even more in Judas Priest's extensive discography.
So turn up the volume and let Judas Priest’s ‘Breaking the Law’ inspire your inner rebel. This timeless classic will never go out of style and is an essential part of any rock playlist.
‘Delivering the Goods’: Because who needs Amazon Prime when Judas Priest can deliver the heavy metal goods straight to your eardrums?
5. ‘Delivering the Goods’
Looking at another classic track by Judas Priest – the hard hitting ‘Package Delivery’ song of their career, we can see why it continues to inspire and influence a new generation of rock fans. The song showcases great instrumental expertise with formidable guitar riffs and flawless drumming skills. It’s just one of the popular songs that highlights why this band is legendary in the genre.
Here is a 5-step guide to understanding and appreciating 'the Package Delivery' song:
- Listen closely, paying attention to the guitar skills exhibited through the track.
- Study the lyrics and try to identify what they might be trying to convey
- Consider how this particular song fits into Judas Priest’s overall discography
- Analyze how ‘Package Delivery’ compares sonically, lyrically or thematically with other songs by Judas Priest
- All things considered, ‘Package Delivery’ is one of Judas Priest's best tracks because it showcases the band's musical mastery.
It's important not to overlook other factors regarding their music prowess. One such factor could be their identifying mark in heavy metal music scene thereby creating a legion of loyal followers passionate about every aspect of their craft.
In fact, did you know that 'British Steel', released by Judas Priest in April 1980 has been cited as an inspiriational album and has left its mark on many musicians who want to chart a course in metal?
Pack your bags, we're heading out to the highway – just don't forget your air-guitar and devil horns.
6. ‘Heading Out to the Highway’
Exploring Judas Priest's Track 6 from the top ten songs, this piece examines ‘Taking the Route on the Freeway’. This classic epitomizes metal's full-throttle energy, drawing on screeching guitars, and Rob Halford's soaring vocals.
Here is a four-step guide to experiencing ‘Taking the Route on the Freeway’:
- Strap in for a high-speed experience as Halford sings about hitting top gear.
- Priest's classic twin guitar onslaught creates an immersive rock soundscape.
- The song's infectious chorus is tailor-made for yelling along with while driving fast.
- The breakneck solos during both instrumental breakdowns are sure to leave listeners breathless.
For those who enjoy heavy metal with precision drumming and blazing hot riffs, you won't want to miss out on this fantastic tune.
To take in every lyrical nuance of 'Taking the Route on the Freeway', listen closely to how each line interacts with its accompanying riff to give it a distinctive flavor. Listen to 'The Hellion' and 'Electric Eye' if you want a guitar riff that could wake the dead or just annoy your neighbors.
7. ‘The Hellion’ / ‘Electric Eye’
This section delves into one of the most iconic Judas Priest songs. The track in question is a combination of two numbers, namely ‘The Hellion’ and ‘Electric Eye’. Here are three points about this classic tune:
- Combining powerful guitar riffs with an electrifying drum beat, ‘The Hellion’ sets the tone for the song with a roaring introduction that epitomizes heavy metal music.
- The track’s second part 'Electric Eye' depicts an ominous look into the world of technology and surveillance as it explores a dystopian future where privacy no longer exists.
- With its explosive guitar solos, commanding vocals, and hard-hitting lyrics, this song became one of Judas Priest's signature tracks.
It is worth noting that numerous covers have been made of this beloved number. What's more, ‘The Hellion’ / ‘Electric Eye’ remains an inspiration to countless metal bands even decades after its release.
Interestingly, this is not the only forged pairing in Judas Priest's discography. Another famous example was when they combined 'Redeemer of Souls' with 'Battle Cry' on their 2014 album release titled 'Redeemer Of Souls'.
Listen to 'Painkiller' for an adrenaline rush, or for those who can't afford therapy.
8. ‘Painkiller’
This entry from Judas Priest's discography, '8. The Painkiller', is widely considered a metal anthem among aficionados. With its masterful showcase of prominent guitar riffs, pounding drums, and powerful vocals, it has undoubtedly cemented itself as a hard rock essential. Its release marked an important moment in the genre's progression and continues to inspire new generations of metal enthusiasts.
Furthermore, 'The Painkiller' serves as a testament to Judas Priest's influence on heavy music as a whole. Its raw energy perfectly exemplifies the band's commitment to creating impactful and inspiring tunes that defy expectations. Testament to this is the fact that it was covered by several bands such as Death and Death Dealer.
It stands out from their other songs for having one of the most impressive vocal performances in metal history by Rob Halford. His range spans over four octaves throughout the song, showcasing his versatility and iconic falsetto screams.
Fun Fact: 'Painkiller' was awarded "Best Metal Performance" at the 1991 Grammy Awards with Rob Halford delivering an unforgettable rendition of the song at the ceremony accompanied by Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell on lead guitar.
If this song doesn't get your blood pumping, you might want to check your pulse. Or your taste in music.
9. ‘Exciter’
This Judas Priest classic is a metal anthem that sets a standard for the genre. The song begins with a pulsating drumbeat and Rob Halford’s piercing vocals, creating an energy that never lets up. 'Exciter' is a perfect representation of the band's power and grit, showcasing their ability to captivate audiences with driving riffs, captivating lyrics, and their signature twin-guitar attack.
The electrifying track features impressive solos from guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, which perfectly complement Halford's soaring voice. It also highlights the band's knack for crafting catchy choruses that make you want to sing along. 'Exciter' remains one of the most beloved Judas Priest songs due to its timeless quality and sheer intensity.
Listeners can feel the adrenaline rush as they are taken on a journey through headbanging beats and breakneck speeds. 'Exciter' continually serves as inspiration for future generations of metal bands.
Pro Tip: To experience the full impact of 'Exciter', listen at maximum volume with high-quality headphones or speakers to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of each instrument.
Evening Star shines bright on this list, just like the headlights of the car that hit Judas Priest's tour bus back in '80.
10. ‘Evening Star’
This song is ranked tenth in the list of '10 Best Judas Priest Songs of All Time'. 'Evening Star' is one of their lesser-known tracks, but it's a gem in their discography. The song features Rob Halford showcasing his impressive vocal range with lyrics that paint a picture of a mesmerizing starry night sky.
The arrangement on this track is intricate, with heavy riffs and melodic guitar solos blending together beautifully. It showcases the band's prowess and ability to create music that captivates audiences.
One unique detail about this song is its use of synthesizers, which add an otherworldly dimension to the sound. Additionally, the lyrics touch upon themes of transcendence and spirituality, making it stand out from other tracks in their catalog.
Fun Fact: This song was released in 1978 on the album "Killing Machine," which was later renamed to "Hell Bent for Leather" for its US release.
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