Judas Priest, the legendary British heavy metal band that emerged in the late 1960s, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With their powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and electrifying stage presence, they have become one of the most influential and revered acts in the genre. Throughout their illustrious career, Judas Priest has produced an array of iconic songs that have become anthems for generations of metalheads. In this article, we delve into the depths of their discography to compile a definitive list of the Top 10 Best Judas Priest Songs of All Time.
From the explosive intensity of “Painkiller” to the timeless classic “Breaking the Law,” each track on this list showcases the band’s exceptional songwriting prowess and unmatched musicality. We explore the evolution of their sound, from the early days of gritty blues-infused metal to the more polished and melodic compositions that defined their later albums. With their unparalleled mastery of twin guitar harmonies, thunderous drums, and Rob Halford’s signature piercing vocals, Judas Priest has shaped the very fabric of heavy metal.
Prepare to embark on a journey through the anthems that have defined the genre and stood the test of time. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to their music, this countdown will undoubtedly reignite your passion for the mighty Judas Priest and serve as a tribute to their immense impact on the world of heavy metal. Brace yourself for an exploration of the sonic landscapes crafted by the Metal Gods themselves, as we celebrate the Top 10 Best Judas Priest Songs of All Time.
1. 'Evening Star'
Judas Priest has many epic songs, and the first on our list is as brilliant as its title suggests. "Evening Star" is a triumphant ode to hope and inspiration that captures the true essence of Judas Priest's music.
- Rob Halford's soaring vocals are simply magnificent in this song.
- The guitar riffs of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton in "Evening Star" are razor-sharp and flawlessly executed.
- The powerful drumming by Scott Travis adds an extra layer of intensity to the already potent tune.
It's worth mentioning that the song's lyrics convey optimistic messages about life, growth, and personal development.
This incredible piece took many hours of hard work and collaboration by the band members. In one interview, Rob Halford admitted that it took several revisions before they arrived at the final version that we all know and love.
But their persistence paid off, making "Evening Star" a true masterpiece that will remain timeless for generations to come.
Listening to 'Victim of Changes' is like taking a ride on a rollercoaster, only this one goes straight to metal heaven.
2. 'Victim of Changes'
One of the top 10 Judas Priest songs is a legendary track about heartbreak – Victim of Changes. It features two different songs put together, one written by Rob Halford and the other by K.K Downing and Glenn Tipton. The song showcases Halford's impressive range and vocal prowess with soulful, bluesy delivery in the beginning before transitioning into an upbeat heavy metal chorus. The song's message resonated so deeply that it became a staple at Priest concerts for decades.
In addition to its powerful vocals, Victim of Changes also showcases impressive guitar work from Tipton and Downing. Their riffs and solos are intense, technical, and complement each other seamlessly. This combination creates an emotionally charged song that ignites audiences to this day.
Interestingly, Victim of Changes was not originally intended to be a single track but rather two separate songs. However, after both songs were played during rehearsals, they found that they blended together perfectly and decided to combine them into one masterpiece.
For those wanting to experience this iconic Priest track at their next show or jam session, it's important to focus on nailing Halford's challenging vocal melodies while mastering the intricate guitar parts played by Tipton and Downing. By doing so, musicians can pay homage to the lasting impact of Judas Priest's Victim of Changes.
Whether you're revving up your motorcycle or just your playlist, 'Exciter' is the perfect anthem for your rebellious side.
3. 'Exciter'
- Its aggressive opening riff immediately sets up a high-energy pace that is maintained throughout the song.
- The vocals are delivered with intensity, adding to the overall energy of the track.
- The guitar solos are impressive and showcase the technical skill of Judas Priest's guitarists.
- The lyrics are also notable, with references to power and control creating a sense of aggression and raw energy.
- 'Exciter' remains a popular song among fans and showcases all of the best elements of Judas Priest's signature sound.
Judas Priest is watching you through the 'Electric Eye', so make sure you're headbanging to 'The Hellion' like a true metal warrior.
4. 'The Hellion' / 'Electric Eye'
This section delves into a classic Judas Priest track, known for its electrifying presence. The song brings forth the thundering sound of 'The Hellion' and the catchy chorus of 'Electric Eye'. Here's why this song remains iconic among fans.
- It was released in 1982 on the Screaming for Vengeance album.
- The intro features a methodical build-up with 'The Hellion', followed by an energetic riff in 'Electric Eye'.
- The lyrics are about government surveillance and the fear of being watched all the time.
- It has been widely covered by notable bands like Helloween, As I Lay Dying, and Primal Fear.
One intriguing detail is that the riff from 'Electric Eye' was used as a sample in Public Enemy's hip-hop track 'She Watch Channel Zero?!'.
Interestingly, when Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson hosted a radio show, he played 'The Hellion/Electric Eye' to request airtime to a traffic cop who stopped him for speeding.
Listening to 'Painkiller' is like getting a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart – except way more metal.
5. 'Painkiller'
With its iconic drum intro and screaming guitars, Judas Priest's 'Metal God' screams his lungs out in the heavy metal masterpiece known as "The Destructor". This headbanging classic showcases the band's prowess in powerful riffs, impressive solos, and a thunderous rhythm section. The lyrics are larger than life, perfectly fitting the adrenaline-fuelled sound of Painkiller. This track is an essential part of any true metalhead's playlist.
Judas Priest's blistering anthem "Painkiller" came roaring into our lives in 1990, signalling the return of heavy metal with a vengeance. With rapid-fire guitar riffage and Rob Halford's soaring vocals, this song was a wake-up call for anyone who doubted the power of heavy metal. The instant classic has been covered by countless bands since its release and remains one of their most famous and beloved songs to date.
This track is not only held up as one of Judas Priest's best tracks; it also defined a genre for years to come. Painkiller remains the gold standard for all modern heavy metal bands. No album collection or live show is complete without witnessing this masterpiece in all its glory.
If you're a true metalhead, you need to add Judas Priest's "Painkiller" to your daily rotation immediately. Don't miss out on experiencing one of the defining moments in heavy metal history- let this song take you on a wild ride that you will never forget!
"If you haven't broken any laws, have you really lived?" Judas Priest's Breaking the Law is the ultimate anthem for the rebel in all of us.
6. 'Breaking the Law'
One of the best songs by Judas Priest is their hit, which has earned huge fame and appreciation over the years.
The song features vibrant guitar riffs, powerful drum beats, memorable lyrics, and remarkable vocals by Rob Halford – Judas Priest's lead singer. It narrates a story of individuals who find themselves on the wrong side of the law after committing a crime they thought was necessary to survive. The track captures emotions ranging from fear, regret, defiance to desperation.
What makes 'Breaking the Law' stand out from other Judas Priest songs is its universal appeal – anyone can relate to it. Everyone has experienced a moment where circumstances forced them to take unconventional actions that have severe repercussions. The song empowers people to embrace their mistakes and reminds us all of our humanity.
The song's true history traces back to bassist Ian Hill's encounter with a traffic jam while driving home from London; he jotted down "breaking the law" as an idea for a future song when he noticed graffiti around him. Vocalist Rob Halford later wrote lyrics referencing rebellious youth and created an earworm chorus hook with his iconic scream leading up to "breaking the law."
Overall, 'Breaking The Law' is an unforgettable classic track that will remain relevant for generations to come due to its timeless theme and solid musicianship by Judas Priest members. Who needs Amazon Prime when Judas Priest is delivering the goods?
7. 'Delivering the Goods'
'Delivering the Goods' is one of Judas Priest's classic hits from their 1978 album 'Hell Bent for Leather'. The song showcases Rob Halford's soaring vocals and the band's signature heavy metal sound.
Here is a 4-Step guide to appreciate 'Delivering the Goods':
- Start by listening to the opening guitar riff, which sets the tone for the entire song.
- Focusing your attention on Halford's powerful vocals and how they complement the aggressive drumming and heavy guitar riffs.
- Take note of Glenn Tipton's epic guitar solo towards the end, which highlights his technical proficiency and melodic sensibilities.
- Finally, pay attention to how 'Delivering the Goods' perfectly encapsulates Judas Priest's unique blend of hard rock and heavy metal influences.
One interesting fact about 'Delivering the Goods' is that it was originally titled "Sunday Drivers" before being reworked into its current form. The song has remained a fan favorite throughout the years, with many considering it to be one of Judas Priest's best tracks.
Don't miss out on experiencing this iconic piece of music history by giving 'Delivering the Goods' a listen today. You won't be disappointed!
"Living after midnight, rocking till the dawn" – Judas Priest proves that heavy metal and sleep deprivation go hand in hand.
8. 'Living After Midnight'
This classic Judas Priest hit embodies the electrifying energy and powerful vocals that have defined the band's legendary career. It's a fan favorite, often played as an encore at live shows. With its infectious chorus and driving beat, 'Living After Midnight' has become a timeless anthem of the heavy metal genre. Fans will always crank up the volume when they hear those opening riffs.
In addition to its popularity among fans, 'Living After Midnight' has also achieved critical acclaim, being named one of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." The song's lyrics about living life to the fullest and embracing the night resonate with audiences across generations.
Interestingly, frontman Rob Halford came up with the song's iconic opening riff while tinkering around with his guitar during a soundcheck back in 1980.
(Source: Rolling Stone)
Judas Priest knew you were thinking it, so they put it in a song: 'You've Got Another Thing Coming'.
9. 'You've Got Another Thing Coming'
'You've Got Another Thing Coming' is one of Judas Priest's most recognizable hits. It was released as a single in 1982 and became a top 40 hit in the US. The song features a catchy chorus, blistering guitar solos, and powerful vocals from Rob Halford.
This song has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and video games. It's also a staple of Judas Priest's live shows, and often serves as the encore to their performances.
What sets 'You've Got Another Thing Coming' apart from other Judas Priest songs is its accessibility. It has all the elements of a classic heavy metal anthem while still being approachable for those unfamiliar with the band's overall sound.
Fans of all ages can sing along to the lyrics "You've got another thing coming" and get caught up in the infectious energy of the song. It may not be as musically complex or thematically profound as other tracks on this list, but it remains one of Judas Priest's most beloved songs for good reason.
Don't miss out on experiencing this iconic tune live at one of their upcoming concerts! Better pack your bags and put on your leather, we're heading out to the highway with Judas Priest's tenth best song!
10. 'Heading Out to the Highway'
One of Judas Priest's most revered tracks is an upbeat, fast-paced tune that showcases the band's topnotch musicianship and Rob Halford's soaring vocals. It is a classic heavy metal jam that tells the story of life on the road, heading out to new destinations and taking on whatever challenges come your way. The song has incendiary guitar licks, catchy choruses, and dynamic rhythms that make it irresistible to headbang enthusiasts.
What sets this track apart from other Judas Priest classics is its driving rhythm section which pushes the boundaries of conventional rock beats while remaining incredibly danceable. Its unique sonic palette leaves a lasting impression on listeners long after they've stopped playing it.
For hardcore fans who are always looking for something fresh to explore in their favorite band's catalog, 'To maximize enjoyment of'.
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.
