10 Best Judas Priest Songs of All Time

Judas Priest, the iconic British heavy metal band, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with their powerful sound, electrifying performances, and unparalleled influence. With a career spanning nearly five decades, they have unleashed a torrent of anthems that have become the very essence of heavy metal itself. From their early days as pioneers of the genre to their later triumphs, Judas Priest has consistently pushed boundaries, mesmerizing audiences worldwide. In this article, we embark on a sonic journey through the annals of metal history to unveil the top 10 best Judas Priest songs of all time.

Each song on this list is a testament to the band’s artistry, showcasing their mastery of melody, precision, and unrelenting energy. From the soaring vocals of Rob Halford to the searing guitar solos of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, Judas Priest has created an unparalleled sonic landscape that continues to captivate and inspire generations of metalheads.

With a discography that spans over twenty studio albums, selecting the crème de la crème of Judas Priest’s immense catalog was no easy task. This comprehensive ranking delves deep into their vast repertoire, embracing the diversity of their music, from the raw aggression of their early releases to the refined craftsmanship of their later works.

Join us as we delve into the blistering world of Judas Priest’s top 10 songs, where we pay homage to the enduring classics and uncover hidden gems that have etched themselves into the very fabric of heavy metal history. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into the realms of the best that Judas Priest has to offer.

1. 'You've Got Another Thing Coming'

One of Judas Priest's most recognizable songs, this track was released in 1982 and is considered a classic by many fans. With its blazing guitar riffs, thunderous bassline, and powerful vocals from frontman Rob Halford, this song epitomizes the band's unique sound and style. It's no surprise that it continues to be a staple of their live shows to this day.

Continuing the trend of high-energy anthems, "Electric Eye" is another beloved track that showcases the band's technical proficiency and dynamic musicality. Featuring a driving beat, blistering guitar solos, and even a spoken-word intro from Halford himself, this song perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of heavy metal.

For fans seeking something a little more melodic, "Victim of Changes" delivers with its haunting vocals and intricate instrumentation. Originally released on the band's 1976 album Sad Wings of Destiny, this epic track gradually builds to an explosive climax that showcases Halford's incredible vocal range.

Other notable tracks include "Beyond the Realms of Death," which features emotive lyrics about self-reflection and inner turmoil set against a backdrop of soaring guitars and haunting melodies. Meanwhile, "The Sentinel" offers a more uptempo sound that gets pulses racing with its driving rhythms and catchy chorus.

For those looking for pure adrenaline-pumping anthems, "Breaking the Law" and "Hell Bent For Leather" are both great choices that feature relentless beats and sing-along choruses. And for those who prefer deeper cuts off lesser-known albums, tracks like "The Ripper" or "Diamonds & Rust" are sure to impress with their raw energy and impeccable musicianship.

Ultimately, Judas Priest has a wealth of great songs in their catalog – these ten represent just a small handful of the many hits that have made them legends in the world of heavy metal. Whether you're looking for virtuosic guitar solos, powerful vocals, or just some good old-fashioned headbanging, there's something for everyone in this band's diverse and dynamic repertoire.

Breaking the law, breaking the law… Judas Priest may not condone illegal activity, but they sure know how to make it sound badass.

2. 'Breaking the Law'

This Judas Priest classic is a crowd favorite. It is about a guy, who tired of living by society's rules, decides to break them. Breaking The Law has become an anthem for rebellious youths and rock enthusiasts since its release in 1980.

• Breaking The Law features Rob Halford's iconic vocals and Glenn Tipton's excellent guitar riffs.
• It was the band's first Top 20 hit in their home country, the United Kingdom.
• The song has been covered by various bands, including the Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish.
• In 1990, German heavy metal band Helloween did an acoustic cover of Breaking The Law.
• The song's memorable music video featured the band members dressed as robbers.

Breaking The Law is one of Judas Priest's most popular songs and remains a staple at their live shows. Its catchy chorus and energetic guitar riffs make it impossible not to sing along and headbang to.

Get your motor running, because this Judas Priest classic is ready to hit the road and leave the competition in the dust.

3. 'Heading Out to the Highway'

This song, often regarded as one of Judas Priest's most iconic hits, showcases their heavy metal prowess. The track was first released on the band's 1981 album 'Point of Entry.' It quickly became a fan favorite and has remained a staple of their live performances over the years. The song's catchy chorus and energy make it an unforgettable experience for fans.

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Pro Tip: To truly appreciate this classic track, listen to it at maximum volume while driving down an open road.

Judas Priest's 'Painkiller' is the ultimate metal anthem that's guaranteed to cure any discomfort, except maybe tinnitus.

4. 'Painkiller'

With its fast-paced riffs and epic drum beats, this track is a heavy metal anthem. 'Painkiller' is one of the most iconic songs in Judas Priest's repertoire, known for its electrifying instrumental performances and operatic vocals delivered by Rob Halford. The lyrics speak of a mechanized creature sent to destroy evil, creating an apocalyptic atmosphere.

The song was initially composed as a response to criticism from conservative groups who accused Judas Priest of promoting Satanism through their music. 'Painkiller' proved them wrong with its Christian-inspired message and became an instant hit among fans. It also marked the return of drummer Scott Travis, whose powerful playing contributed to the track's intensity.

What sets 'Painkiller' apart from other Judas Priest songs is its innovative use of classical music elements like tremolo-picking and baroque fugue melodies. The guitar solos by Glenn Tipton and K.K Downing are mesmerizing, showcasing their virtuosity as musicians. Overall, 'Painkiller' defines what Judas Priest stands for – unapologetic heavy metal with a message of hope amidst chaos.

Evening Star may not have lit up the charts, but it's definitely the brightest gem in Judas Priest's underground treasure trove.

5. 'Evening Star'

Judas Priest's 'Evening Star' is a dynamic and intense song that showcases the band's talent for driving rhythms and captivating lyrics. The lead guitar work is intricate and powerful, while Rob Halford's vocals soar above the music with raw emotion. The song tells a tale of hope in the face of darkness, with lines like "Through the darkness shines a light, guiding me through endless night" serving as a beacon of hope for listeners.

In addition to its musical strengths, 'Evening Star' also features thought-provoking lyrics that explore themes of perseverance, self-reflection, and finding one's place in the world. The emotional depth of the song is further enhanced by Halford's delivery, as he imbues each line with an intensity and sincerity that feels genuinely authentic.

One interesting fact about 'Evening Star' is that it was not released as a single or included on any of Judas Priest's greatest hits compilations. Despite this relative obscurity, the song has remained enduringly popular among fans, who appreciate its hard-hitting riffs and meaningful lyrics.

Overall, 'Evening Star' is a standout track from Judas Priest's extensive catalog, showcasing the band at their best both musically and lyrically. Its message of hope in dark times resonates strongly with listeners, making it a timeless classic that will continue to be loved for years to come. Whether you're a night owl or an early bird, 'Living after Midnight' will keep you singing and rocking till the break of dawn.

6. 'Living After Midnight'

This Judas Priest classic, with its instantly recognizable riff, features on their iconic album 'British Steel'. 'Living After Midnight' is a testament to the band's ability to blend rock and metal together seamlessly. The song's infectious chorus and powerful vocals make it a fan favorite during live performances. Its success cemented Judas Priest's place in the heavy metal pantheon and further solidified their influence on the genre.

As one of Judas Priest's most commercially successful songs, 'Living After Midnight' represents a pivotal moment in the band's career. The track marked a departure from their early sound, which was more rooted in blues-rock. This shift towards a harder, more aggressive style would go on to define the band's musical output for years to come.

Interestingly, 'Living After Midnight' was originally written as an ode to staying up all night partying. However, the band later revealed that they often wrote songs about topics beyond what initially meets the eye. In this case, frontman Rob Halford explained that the song could also be interpreted as a celebration of individual freedom and self-expression.

Pro Tip: If you're new to Judas Priest, start with 'Living After Midnight'. It perfectly encapsulates the band's high-energy and riff-heavy approach to metal music.

'Delivering the Goods' is not just a song, it's also what Judas Priest does best – bringing metal to the masses with every riff and beat.

7. 'Delivering the Goods'

Judas Priest changed the metal scene forever with their iconic music, and one such masterpiece is 'Delivering the Goods.' This song was released in 1978 and has been a staple of their live performances since then.

Here's a guide to understand 'Delivering the Goods' better:

1. Starts off with a guitar riff that sets the mood.
2. The drums kick in, followed by Rob Halford's commanding vocals.
3. The lyrics are full of attitude, encouraging listeners to join in on the party.
4. One of the standout parts is Glenn Tipton's guitar solo that showcases his mastery over the instrument.
5. The song ends with an explosive finale that leaves audiences screaming for more.

What makes 'Delivering the Goods' so unique is how it's structured like a classic rock anthem but still manages to sound fresh and exciting every time you hear it.

To enhance your listening experience, try these suggestions:

• Listen to it on good-quality speakers or headphones to appreciate its intricate details.
• Look up live performances of this song for an even more immersive experience.
• Try learning the lyrics or playing along on an instrument to feel like a part of the band.

Judas Priest's 'The Hellion' and 'Electric Eye' will have you feeling like a metal robot in no time.

8. 'The Hellion' / 'Electric Eye'

This entry on the list showcases one of Judas Priest's most iconic and recognizable tracks, known as 'The Hellion' / 'Electric Eye'. It is a classic and timeless masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Here are a few key highlights to note.

1. This track commences with distinct sound effects and intro music, which serves as an energizing pre-cursor to the main event.
2. Rob Halford's powerful vocals take center stage in this song, as he delivers intense lyrics coupled with dynamic guitar riffs that sync perfectly together.
3. The Hellion acts as the perfect prelude to Electric Eye, as it sets the tone for what is yet to come.
4. Lastly, despite being released way back in 1982 on their "Screaming for Vengeance" album, this song remains a fan favorite even now in 2021.

It's worth noting that many die-hard fans consider 'The Hellion' / 'Electric Eye' to be one of Judas Priest's absolute best songs of all time.

Fun Fact: The intro music for "The Hellion" was used by boxer Triple G (Gennady Golovkin) as his entrance music for many years while entering the boxing ring.

Move over coffee, 'Exciter' is the real heart-pumping, head-banging, adrenaline-inducing energy boost you need.

9. 'Exciter'

One of the timeless classics by Judas Priest is a track that is rightly named as a thrill provider, and its iconic music video was one of the reasons it became such a fan-favorite. This song showcases their ability to blend heavy metal with catchy melodies.

Below is a table representing the key details of this song:

The song's lyrics were primarily inspired by motorcycles and racing while it also signifies breaking away from societal expectations. The high-paced guitar riffs in 'Exciter' are something that sets it apart from other Judas Priest songs.

Don't miss out on adding this track to your playlist – an epitome of Heavy Metal. Turn up the volume, immerse yourself in the music and let the excitement take over!

Listening to 'Victim of Changes' is like being on an emotional rollercoaster, except it's less scary and has a killer guitar solo.

10. 'Victim of Changes'

This entry in the list showcases one of Judas Priest's most iconic tracks. The song blends elements of hard rock and heavy metal, featuring soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and pounding drums. Its lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and betrayal, making it relatable to fans around the world. One particular standout moment is the extended guitar solo towards the end of the track, which showcases the band's incredible musicianship and technical ability. "Victim of Changes" continues to be a crowd favorite for its raw energy and emotional intensity.

It's worth noting that "Victim of Changes" actually began as two separate songs – "Whiskey Woman" and "Red Light Lady" – before being combined into one epic track. The song was first featured on Judas Priest's critically acclaimed album Sad Wings of Destiny, released in 1976. Over time, it has become a staple in their live performances and a symbol of their enduring legacy in the heavy metal genre.

Samuel Moore

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.