Few bands have left as indelible a mark on heavy metal as Judas Priest. With their soaring vocals, twin guitar assaults, and electrifying stage presence, they’ve earned their place as one of the genre’s most influential pioneers. From the raw grit of their early albums to the polished anthems that defined the 1980s, Judas Priest has consistently delivered music that ignites the soul and commands fans to raise their fists in unison. Over five decades, they’ve built a legacy that’s nothing short of legendary.
But which songs truly stand out in their monumental discography? Which tracks have become the anthems of rebellion, the hymns of leather-clad metalheads, and the battle cries of generations? Whether you’re a seasoned Priest fan or a newcomer ready to dive into their iconic catalog, this countdown will take you on a thrilling ride through their greatest hits.
Get ready to revisit the thunderous riffs, unforgettable solos, and Rob Halford’s unparalleled voice as we reveal the top 10 most popular Judas Priest songs of all time. Brace yourself for a journey that’s as fiery and unstoppable as the band itself—because when it comes to Judas Priest, the music is eternal, and the metal is pure.
1. Breaking the Law (1980)
“Breaking the Law” isn’t just a song—it’s a full-blown rebellion in under three minutes. Released in 1980 on the British Steel album, this track became a defining anthem not just for Judas Priest, but for the metal genre itself. Right from the first power chord, the song charges forward with a gritty, relentless energy. The simple but unforgettable riff hits like a punch to the gut, and Rob Halford’s vocals are dripping with frustration and fury. It’s the voice of someone who’s had enough—enough of being ignored, enough of playing by the rules that never seem to benefit him. The lyrics paint the picture of a man pushed to his breaking point, and the iconic sound of smashing glass at the start of the song sets the perfect tone for the chaos that follows. What makes “Breaking the Law” so timeless is its directness. No frills, no overthinking—just pure, unfiltered emotion. It’s become an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped or powerless, offering a cathartic release through headbanging defiance. Even today, decades later, its message and raw power hit just as hard. It’s not just a classic—it’s a war cry.
2. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ (1982)
If there’s one Judas Priest song that perfectly captures the spirit of determination and resilience, it’s “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” Released in 1982 as part of the Screaming for Vengeance album, this track quickly became one of the band’s biggest hits and a staple of their live shows. The song kicks off with a sharp, commanding riff that instantly gets your blood pumping, and from there it only builds. Rob Halford delivers each line with swagger and conviction, giving the lyrics a defiant edge. This isn’t just a song about standing up for yourself—it’s a full-on declaration of war against doubt and defeat. The message is clear: underestimate me at your own risk. Beyond the attitude, though, lies an incredibly tight arrangement, with Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing trading off scorching guitar solos that add layers of adrenaline. It’s confident, catchy, and endlessly empowering. Over the years, “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” has become more than a metal anthem—it’s a motivational mantra for anyone who’s been told they can’t. And every time that chorus hits, it feels like a jolt of electric belief. It’s classic Priest, firing on all cylinders.
3. Painkiller (1990)
When Judas Priest unleashed “Painkiller” in 1990, they weren’t just making a song—they were making a statement. This was their way of saying they still had the fire, the power, and the skill to blow minds. Taken from the album of the same name, “Painkiller” is six minutes of pure, blistering metal perfection. The song wastes no time; it explodes into motion with Scott Travis’s jaw-dropping double-kick drumming, which was a new addition to the band’s arsenal at the time and instantly elevated their sound. Then come the guitars—razor-sharp, lightning-fast, and completely unrelenting. But the true centerpiece is Rob Halford’s voice. His high-pitched screams are otherworldly, cutting through the mix like a siren from some apocalyptic future. Lyrically, “Painkiller” tells the tale of a metallic savior, descending from the skies to save mankind from destruction—a fitting metaphor for the band’s own resurgence. The imagery is larger than life, but so is the sound. Everything about the song is intense, theatrical, and masterfully executed. Even decades later, few metal tracks can match its ferocity. “Painkiller” isn’t just a Judas Priest classic—it’s one of the most powerful songs in metal history, period.
4. Living After Midnight (1980)
“Living After Midnight” is Judas Priest at their most fun, their most free, and arguably their most relatable. Released in 1980 as part of the landmark British Steel album, this track became an instant hit with fans, thanks to its catchy hooks and rebellious spirit. It’s a celebration of late nights, loud music, and the kind of freedom that only comes when the sun goes down. From the first thumping beat, you know this song isn’t about overthinking—it’s about letting loose. Rob Halford’s vocals here are less aggressive and more playful, perfectly matching the song’s party vibe. The guitar riffs from Tipton and Downing are crisp and clean, driving the song forward with a confident swagger that just begs to be played loud. While many of Judas Priest’s tracks tackle heavy themes, this one is refreshingly lighthearted, yet still 100% metal. It’s a crowd favorite for a reason—every chorus feels like a communal shout from fans all over the world who’ve stayed out too late and loved every second of it. “Living After Midnight” is more than a song; it’s a mood, a memory, a celebration of the night.
5. Electric Eye (1982)
“Electric Eye” isn’t just a song—it’s a warning. Released in 1982 on the Screaming for Vengeance album, it remains one of Judas Priest’s most powerful and forward-thinking tracks. Paired with the instrumental opener “The Hellion,” the song kicks in with a fierce guitar riff that grabs you immediately. But it’s the subject matter that truly sets it apart. “Electric Eye” imagines a world under constant surveillance, where privacy is a thing of the past and every move is watched. What sounded like science fiction back then feels eerily relevant today, with its themes of technology and control hitting harder than ever. Rob Halford’s vocals are razor-sharp, slicing through the track with a sense of urgency and paranoia. The guitar work is fast and precise, capturing the tension and momentum of a society spinning out of control. It’s dark, dramatic, and loaded with energy. This track wasn’t just ahead of its time—it was prophetic. And yet, despite its serious themes, it’s also one of the most electrifying songs in Priest’s catalog. “Electric Eye” proves that heavy metal can be both thrilling and thought-provoking, all while sounding absolutely massive.
6. The Hellion (1982)
Even though it clocks in at under a minute, “The Hellion” is one of the most iconic intros in heavy metal history. This instrumental opener to “Electric Eye” is short, but it carries an enormous punch. Built around a soaring twin-guitar harmony from Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, the track feels like the opening of a futuristic battle, full of drama and anticipation. As soon as it begins, you know something epic is about to happen. There’s a sense of rising power, like a storm about to hit, and it sets the perfect tone for the track that follows. The melody itself is triumphant—bold and cinematic—and it instantly grabs the listener’s attention. It’s the kind of piece that makes you want to throw on a leather jacket and head into the unknown. What makes “The Hellion” so remarkable is its ability to convey a full mood and narrative without a single lyric. It’s the musical equivalent of a curtain rising before the main event. Even after all these years, hearing those first notes still gives fans chills. It may be brief, but it’s unforgettable—a perfect prelude to the electric storm of what’s to come.
7. Hell Bent for Leather (1978)
“Hell Bent for Leather” is Judas Priest at full throttle—lean, mean, and riding fast. Released in 1978 on the Killing Machine album (titled Hell Bent for Leather in the U.S.), this track embodies the biker-metal aesthetic that the band helped pioneer. From the opening riff, it’s all about speed, freedom, and attitude. The rhythm gallops like a motorcycle tearing down an open highway, and Rob Halford’s vocals match that intensity note for note. He snarls, he screams, he roars—turning a simple phrase into a call to arms for rebels and outcasts everywhere. Lyrically, the song taps into the thrill of pushing limits and living life on your own terms. There’s a fierce independence at its core, one that’s become central to Judas Priest’s legacy. The guitars slice and burn with a sharpness that still sounds fresh decades later. It’s an anthem built for leather jackets, late nights, and loud engines. Over the years, the track has become a staple in their live sets—often accompanied by Halford rolling onto the stage on a roaring motorcycle. “Hell Bent for Leather” isn’t just a song—it’s a symbol of everything metal stands for: power, freedom, and relentless spirit.
8. Turbo Lover (1986)
“Turbo Lover” is one of Judas Priest’s most polarizing yet iconic tracks, showcasing a bold leap into synth-laden territory. Released in 1986 as part of the Turbo album, the song blended the band’s signature heavy metal power with glossy, futuristic production. At its core, though, “Turbo Lover” is still classic Priest—built on a pulsing rhythm, infectious chorus, and Rob Halford’s unmistakable vocal seduction. There’s a sleek, almost mechanical quality to the song, which perfectly fits its theme of high-speed romance and sensuality. Halford leans into the metaphor of the turbocharged machine as a stand-in for passion, and it works—straddling the line between playful and intense. While some purists scoffed at the synths when the song first dropped, time has been kind to “Turbo Lover.” Its boldness and experimentation have aged into a kind of retro charm, making it a standout in the band’s catalog. The track’s hypnotic beat and melodic hooks make it a live favorite, and over time, fans have come to embrace it for what it is: a daring, infectious slice of ‘80s metal that still revs the engine. “Turbo Lover” proves that even leather-clad metal gods can groove with style.
9. Beyond the Realms of Death (1978)
“Beyond the Realms of Death” is one of Judas Priest’s most emotionally charged and haunting songs. Released on the Stained Class album in 1978, it stands as a powerful testament to the band’s range—not just musically, but lyrically and thematically as well. The song unfolds slowly, opening with a melancholic acoustic guitar that sets a somber, reflective mood. Rob Halford delivers the verses with incredible sensitivity, his voice trembling with restrained emotion. The lyrics delve deep into feelings of alienation, depression, and the search for meaning beyond suffering. But just when you think the song will stay in that soft space, the chorus crashes in—heavy, defiant, and full of rage. It’s a perfect juxtaposition: quiet despair turning into explosive catharsis. Glenn Tipton’s guitar solo is among his finest, weaving melody and fire into one unforgettable moment. This isn’t just a song—it’s a journey through pain, loss, and the hope of transcendence. It resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever felt on the edge. Over the years, “Beyond the Realms of Death” has become more than a fan favorite—it’s an anthem of survival, a cry for understanding, and one of Judas Priest’s most profound creations.
10. Victim of Changes (1976)
“Victim of Changes” is the crown jewel of Judas Priest’s early years—a sprawling, dynamic masterpiece from their 1976 album Sad Wings of Destiny. Clocking in at over seven minutes, the song is a rollercoaster of emotion, power, and technical brilliance. It begins with a bluesy, slow-burning intro, almost mournful in tone, before evolving into something far more aggressive and commanding. Rob Halford’s vocal performance here is legendary—ranging from soulful croons to earth-shattering screams, displaying his full range with jaw-dropping precision. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship unraveling, capturing both the hurt and helplessness of watching love slip away. The dual guitars of Tipton and Downing shine, shifting from melancholic harmonies to searing leads that mirror the song’s emotional peaks and valleys. “Victim of Changes” is more than just a metal song—it’s a symphony of human experience, structured like a classical piece but infused with raw, electric fury. Live, it’s a showstopper; fans still wait eagerly for Halford’s piercing wail near the end—a moment that sends chills every single time. This track marked a turning point for the band, showing the world what metal could be: ambitious, intelligent, and absolutely unforgettable.
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.
