Judas Priest--British Steel

Judas Priest--British Steel (1980) Rating--9.2 **U.S. Sales Certification--Platinum**

Many have said that this is one of Priest's more commercial-sounding albums, but it's more a matter of continued growth, IMO. In fact, the "commercial" assessments are largely based on the "catchiness" of some of the tunes... but it's this same catchiness that enables the band to excel in the power-anthem arena of the mid-80s.
In any case, no prior opinions should get in the way of realizing some of the greatness held within, once you give it a spin. The incorporation of some of those grooving, catchy anthems can be heard on both "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight". However, few will argue that these are anything but Priest songs.
The rest of the album contains a number of underrated Priest classics: "Rapid Fire" (the beginning of speed metal?), the brutally heavy "Grinder," "Don't Have to be Old to be Wise," "The Rage," and "Steeler".
"Metal Gods" has long been a live favorite of the band-- mainly because of its message, I suppose...
HOT CHOPS--Rob's ending vocals on "Rapid Fire"-- more amazing power from this man. Also, his tight singing throughout "Steeler" will leave any mortal in awe.
TRACK LIST: Breaking the Law/Rapid Fire/Metal Gods/Grinder/United/Living After Midnight/Don't Have to be Old to be Wise/The Rage/Steeler

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