The 10 Best Judas Priest Songs of All-Time
Being a fan of Judas Priest for many years, I’ve had many opportunities to really sit down and listen to their different albums. There are so many songs that I love in the catalog of Judas Priest, but then there are songs that transcend the others and become classics. It’s these songs that are the absolute best in their repertoire and they deserve recognition as such. In this article, I will cover the top 10 Judas Priest songs of all time.
10. “Hellrider”
This song was a big hit in the band’s most pivotal time in their career – when singer Rob Halford returned to the helm in 2003. It was a song that truly represented the heavy metal heart of the band, as it showcased their heavy and aggressive nature better than any other tune in their repertoire. After a long hiatus, fans were overjoyed to hear a track like this, that affirmed the Judas Priest they knew and loved was back in action, and still had a few tricks up their sleeve. The song acts as an epic return track, where Rob is letting everyone know he’s not going anywhere any time soon.
9. “Evening Star”
Off their hit record “Hell Bent For Leather” in 1978, “Evening Star” was one of the standout tracks from that album. It’s a song that has a very progressive sound to it, as it features elements of many different genres in its music. It is heavy and progressive in every way, and the melody is truly unique compared to all other Judas Priest songs. It’s one to remember, and it’s catchy melody will be stuck in anyone’s head long after they have their first listen through.
8. “Beyond The Realms Of Death”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwbO0zO2jvU
Another standout from the 1978 album “Stained Class”, this song is one that every metal head knows and loves. It’s a track you can’t help but headbang to whenever it hits. “Beyond The Realms Of Death” is an epic song that shows what Judas Priest is capable of as a band, as they combine all of the elements they’re great at as a group into one big story. The opening riff is very well done, and it’s something everyone should pay attention to while listening. The drumming on this record is also incredibly impressive, with Scott Travis building the song up with his powerful drum fills and beats. This is one for the metal heads, and everyone else will love it too.
7. “Victim Of Changes”
From the 1976 breakout record “Sad Wings Of Destiny”, “Victim Of Changes” is one of my personal favorite songs from the group. It’s a song that is very memorable, and it’s one that never fails to get people electrified with excitement. “Victim Of Changes” has an old school feel to it, and it shows the timeless quality that all classic Judas Priest songs have. It’s one of those songs that will only grow on you over time, and it’s also something you can’t help but remember from time to time.
6. “Painkiller”
As the title track form their 1990 album, this song packs an absolute punch. It’s a song that is very heavy, and it shows the band’s ability to give fans songs they won’t forget. The track is a real feast for the ears, as you’ll be treated to many different sounds from the group in one package. Every aspect of this song works incredibly well and it’s definitely one of my personal favorites.
5. “The Hellion”
This track is off their 1982 release “Screaming For Vengeance”, and it kicks off the album on a high note. It’s a song that let’s you know what the album is all about, and it sets a tone for the rest of the songs to follow. The guitar work on this record is incredible, and it’s one that will stick in everyone’s head. This song has everything a great Judas Priest song needs, and for that reason, it sits as my favorite off their classic “Screaming For Vengeance” album.
4. “Heading Out To The Highway”
Released as the first single for their 1981 release, “Point Of Entry” this song has one of the most memorable riffs in all of Judas Priest’s catalog. It’s a song that is catchy, and it has all the components fans want to hear from a classic metal band. It’s a song that also lets people know they don’t have to change their way of life just to join a metal band.
3. “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin”
As the lead single for their best selling album in 1982, this song is one every metal head knows and loves to headbang to. It’s a song that is unique in its sound and the guitar work on this track is very impressive. The song tells a story from beginning to end and it’s one that not many people will forget as soon as they hear it. It’s a classic Judas Priest song that has stood the test of time, and it deserves all the praise it gets.
2. “Living After Midnight”
As the lead single off of Judas Priest’s 1980 album, this is one of my favorite Judas Priest songs. It’s also a song that has a story to it, and everything about it is simply amazing. The beginning of the song features some pure insanity, as Rob Halford delivers a powerful rant throughout the entire song. It’s something that no one can forget after they have their first listen through, and it’s also something everyone should try to learn to play because it is amazing. It’s also incredibly catchy.
1. “Breaking The Law”
Of course, no Judas Priest list could be complete without their most famous all time track – “Breaking The Law” off “British Steel” from 1980. This song has a pit style quality to it that is easy to listen too, and it’s something everyone can enjoy. It’s a classic metal song that has everything anyone would want from Judas Priest. It’s also one of the most popular Judas Priest songs, and it shows how important this group is in the world of metal.
