Judas Priest, one of the most influential and iconic heavy metal bands of all time, has released numerous classic songs throughout their illustrious career. With their powerful vocals, twin guitar attacks, and driving rhythms, Judas Priest has left an indelible mark on the world of rock and metal. Their music has inspired countless artists and continues to captivate fans around the globe. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most popular Judas Priest songs of all time, each of which has played a significant role in shaping the band’s legacy and cementing their status as true legends of the genre.
1. Breaking the Law
“Breaking the Law,” from Judas Priest’s 1980 album “British Steel,” is an undisputed classic and one of the band’s most recognizable songs. With its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and anthemic chorus, the track embodies the rebellious spirit of heavy metal. The song’s themes of defiance and non-conformity have resonated with fans for decades, making it a staple of the band’s live performances. Rob Halford’s powerful vocals, combined with the twin guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, create an explosive musical experience that has stood the test of time. The song’s iconic music video, featuring the band members as bank robbers, has also contributed to its enduring popularity. “Breaking the Law” has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various media, including video games and movies, further cementing its status as a true heavy metal anthem. The song’s influence can still be felt in the works of countless metal bands that have followed in Judas Priest’s footsteps, making it a crucial piece of the band’s legacy and a testament to their impact on the genre.
2. Painkiller
“Painkiller,” the title track from Judas Priest’s 1990 album, is a blistering showcase of the band’s musical prowess and a testament to their ability to evolve with the times. The song features a relentless double-bass drum assault, intricate guitar work, and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals, which push the limits of his impressive range. The lyrics, which deal with themes of redemption and the search for salvation, are delivered with a sense of urgency and conviction that matches the intensity of the music. “Painkiller” has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows, with its high-energy performance and technical complexity showcasing the skills of each member. The song’s influence can be heard in the works of countless metal bands that have followed, with its combination of speed, power, and precision setting a new standard for the genre. “Painkiller” serves as a reminder of Judas Priest’s enduring relevance and their ability to continue pushing the boundaries of heavy metal, even as the genre has evolved over the years.
3. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” from Judas Priest’s 1982 album “Screaming for Vengeance,” is a classic hard rock anthem that has become one of the band’s most popular and enduring songs. The track features a driving rhythm, memorable guitar riffs, and Rob Halford’s confident, assertive vocals, which deliver lyrics about resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable guitar solo have made it a staple of rock radio and a fan favorite at live shows. “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and video games, further cementing its status as a cultural touchstone. The song’s success played a significant role in propelling Judas Priest to mainstream recognition in the United States and has since become one of their most recognizable hits. The track’s influence can be heard in the works of countless hard rock and metal bands that have followed, with its combination of accessible songwriting and heavy metal edge serving as a blueprint for the genre. “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” remains a testament to Judas Priest’s ability to craft timeless, fist-pumping anthems that continue to resonate with fans decades after their release.
4. Electric Eye
“Electric Eye,” also from Judas Priest’s 1982 album “Screaming for Vengeance,” is a powerful and ominous track that showcases the band’s ability to create atmospheric, thought-provoking metal. The song features a menacing guitar riff, pounding drums, and Rob Halford’s dynamic vocals, which alternate between melodic passages and aggressive, almost snarled delivery. The lyrics, which deal with themes of surveillance, control, and the loss of privacy in the modern world, are as relevant today as they were upon the song’s release. “Electric Eye” is a testament to Judas Priest’s skill at crafting songs that are both musically compelling and lyrically provocative, with its dark, dystopian vision serving as a commentary on the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. The track’s intense, brooding atmosphere and memorable instrumental passages have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows. “Electric Eye” serves as a prime example of Judas Priest’s ability to push the boundaries of heavy metal, incorporating elements of science fiction and social commentary into their music to create a unique and enduring sound.
5. Living After Midnight
“Living After Midnight,” from Judas Priest’s 1980 album “British Steel,” is a classic party anthem that has become one of the band’s most recognizable and beloved songs. The track features a catchy, upbeat guitar riff, driving rhythm section, and Rob Halford’s exuberant vocals, which perfectly capture the spirit of youthful rebellion and the joy of living life to the fullest. The lyrics celebrate the freedom and excitement of staying out late, partying, and defying societal norms, making it a perfect encapsulation of the rock and roll lifestyle. “Living After Midnight” has become a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite at live shows, with its infectious energy and singalong chorus making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The song’s music video, which features the band performing in a packed arena, has also contributed to its enduring popularity and status as a quintessential Judas Priest track. “Living After Midnight” serves as a testament to the band’s ability to craft memorable, accessible songs that still retain their heavy metal edge, and its influence can be heard in the works of countless hard rock and metal bands that have followed in their footsteps.
6. Hell Bent for Leather
“Hell Bent for Leather,” the title track from Judas Priest’s 1979 album, is a high-octane, leather-clad anthem that has become one of the band’s most iconic and enduring songs. The track features a driving, up-tempo rhythm, searing guitar riffs, and Rob Halford’s powerful, rebellious vocals, which perfectly capture the spirit of the song’s lyrics about living life on the edge and defying authority. The song’s title and lyrics have become synonymous with the image of the leather-clad biker, and Halford’s onstage persona, often featuring him riding a motorcycle, has further cemented this association. “Hell Bent for Leather” is a prime example of Judas Priest’s ability to craft songs that are both musically powerful and visually evocative, with its high-energy performance and rebellious spirit making it a staple of the band’s live shows. The track’s influence can be heard in the works of countless metal and hard rock bands that have followed, with its combination of aggressive musicianship and iconic imagery serving as a blueprint for the genre. “Hell Bent for Leather” remains a testament to Judas Priest’s enduring impact on heavy metal and their ability to create timeless anthems that continue to resonate with fans decades after their release.
7. Turbo Lover
“Turbo Lover,” from Judas Priest’s 1986 album “Turbo,” is a high-energy, synth-infused track that showcases the band’s willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles. The song features a driving, up-tempo rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals, which are complemented by the use of synthesizers and electronic effects. The lyrics, which compare the thrill of riding a motorcycle to the excitement of a romantic relationship, are delivered with a sense of passion and intensity that matches the song’s high-octane musical style. “Turbo Lover” represents a departure from Judas Priest’s traditional heavy metal sound, incorporating elements of hard rock and pop to create a more accessible and radio-friendly track. Despite this shift in style, the song has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows, with its infectious energy and memorable hooks making it a crowd-pleaser. “Turbo Lover” serves as a testament to Judas Priest’s versatility and their ability to adapt to changing musical trends while still maintaining their signature sound and rebellious spirit.
8. Heading Out to the Highway
“Heading Out to the Highway,” from Judas Priest’s 1981 album “Point of Entry,” is a classic rock anthem that celebrates the freedom and adventure of life on the open road. The song features a driving, midtempo rhythm, memorable guitar riffs, and Rob Halford’s powerful, emotive vocals, which perfectly capture the spirit of the lyrics about leaving troubles behind and embracing the journey ahead. The track’s catchy chorus and uplifting message have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows, with its sing-along quality and fist-pumping energy making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. “Heading Out to the Highway” showcases Judas Priest’s ability to craft songs that are both musically compelling and lyrically relatable, with its themes of escape and self-discovery resonating with fans across generations. The song’s influence can be heard in the works of countless classic rock and metal bands that have followed, with its combination of accessible songwriting and powerful performance serving as a blueprint for the genre. “Heading Out to the Highway” remains a testament to Judas Priest’s enduring impact on rock music and their ability to create timeless anthems that continue to inspire and entertain fans decades after their release.
9. The Sentinel
“The Sentinel,” from Judas Priest’s 1984 album “Defenders of the Faith,” is a powerful, epic track that showcases the band’s mastery of heavy metal storytelling. The song features a complex, multi-part structure, with intricate guitar work, pounding drums, and Rob Halford’s dynamic vocal performance, which ranges from haunting whispers to soaring wails. The lyrics tell the tale of a mythical guardian, the Sentinel, who stands watch over a dark and foreboding landscape, ready to defend against any threat. The song’s vivid imagery, combined with its intense musical performance, creates an immersive and cinematic listening experience that transports the audience to another world. “The Sentinel” is a prime example of Judas Priest’s skill at crafting elaborate, fantasy-inspired metal epics that push the boundaries of the genre, both musically and lyrically. The track has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows, with its dramatic, theatrical elements and powerful instrumental passages making it a standout in their catalog. “The Sentinel” serves as a testament to Judas Priest’s enduring influence on heavy metal and their ability to create complex, thought-provoking works of art that continue to captivate and inspire fans around the world.
10. Beyond the Realms of Death
“Beyond the Realms of Death,” from Judas Priest’s 1978 album “Stained Class,” is a haunting, introspective ballad that explores the darkest depths of the human psyche. The song features a slow, mournful guitar melody, atmospheric keyboards, and Rob Halford’s emotive, almost operatic vocals, which convey a sense of despair and longing. The lyrics, written by Halford and guitarist Glenn Tipton, delve into themes of depression, isolation, and the search for meaning in a world that can often feel cold and unforgiving. The track’s powerful, poetic imagery and emotional intensity have made it a fan favorite and a standout in Judas Priest’s catalog, showcasing their ability to create songs that are both musically and lyrically profound. “Beyond the Realms of Death” is a testament to the band’s versatility and their willingness to explore more introspective, personal themes alongside their more traditional heavy metal fare. The song’s influence can be heard in the works of countless metal and rock bands that have followed, with its combination of emotional vulnerability and musical complexity serving as a blueprint for the genre. “Beyond the Realms of Death” remains a powerful and enduring example of Judas Priest’s artistic vision and their ability to create songs that continue to resonate with fans on a deep, personal level.
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.
