Songs with the Same Title – Judas Priest Edition

We’re back with another edition to the Songs with the Same Title series! I previously covered rock band Kiss, and now we’re shifting focus to the heavy metal band; Judas Priest. If you’re new to the series, there will be six rounds, and I’ll pick my preferred song from each one. In the end, I’ll choose the winner of the battle overall. Now, let’s do this, people!

“No Surrender” (1984) by Bruce Springsteen

“No Surrender” (2018) by Judas Priest

“No Surrender” is from the band’s most recent album, Firepower (2018), and it freaking slaps! It’s such a feel-good rock song with big guitars, loud drums, and Rob Halford’s irreplicable vocals. The chorus is so catchy too: “Chasing a dream as I go higher / Playing it mean, my heart’s on fire / Living my life, ain’t no pretender / Ready to fight with no surrender.” I found Bruce Springsteen’s song a bit too happy with the melody and backing vocals; it’d be perfect for the end credits of an 80s romantic comedy. So Judas Priest immediately takes the win for round one. 

“Revolution” (1968) by The Beatles

“Revolution” (2005) by Judas Priest

I always get annoyed when people call the Beatles a “rock band” because, in all honesty, I don’t see it! When I think of rock music, I think of big guitars and loud drums; well, the Beatles proved me wrong with “Revolution.” That guitar intro had me shook, and the guitar tone was so distinct and crystal clear. It’s a fun song to sway your head back and forward, with the message of making a difference in the world without the use of violence. For the guitar tone alone, the Beatles take the win for round two.

“Burn in Hell” (1984) by Twisted Sister

“Burn in Hell” (1997) by Judas Priest

Honestly, I would’ve dug Tim “Ripper” Owens if he were still in Judas Priest. I like that he wasn’t a copycat of Halford, appearance and personality-wise, yet he still had the screams to pull off Judas Priest. During his time with the band, he made two albums with them, Jugulator (1997) and Demolition (2001). “Burn in Hell” is from Jugulator, and it’s pretty darn good! It’s got a dramatic flair, and the lyrics aren’t cliche, unlike *cough cough* Twisted Sister. The song gets bonus points for Scott Travis’ double kick drum during the last minute of it. Judas Priest fought back, and they take the win for round three.

“Come and Get It” (1988) by Judas Priest

“Come and Get It” (2013) by Selena Gomez

Even if the Judas Priest song sucked, there’s no way in heck I would’ve let Selena Gomez take the win for this round! I could go on and on about why I dislike her, but that’s for another discussion. Unlike Gomez, Halford can sing and has got mad pipes! “Come and Get It” is another perfect song to blast in your car cruising down a highway and not giving a dang what people think. In a previous post titled My Favorite Songs – Fall 2020, I said that some of Judas Priest’s songs were tame and boring; however, this track is beyond the opposite of that! It’s got a brilliant guitar solo and monstrous drums; therefore, Judas Priest takes the win for round four. 

“Take On the World” (1979) by Judas Priest

“Take On the World” (2014) by Sabrina Carpenter and Rowan Blanchard

“Take on the World” is the theme song to the Disney Channel show, Girl Meets World (2014-2017), which I miss dearly. The show Girl Meets World was no Boy Meets World, but it had good moments. I was still in high school when the show aired, so I related to the concept of it, two teenage girls navigating their way through life. Sabrina Carpenter (who played Maya on the show) was one of my favorite artists from that time; her pop songs were catchy and relatable, and she’s my height, haha. Because of the nostalgia and attachment to Girl Meets World, Carpenter and Rowan Blanchard win round five.

“Love Bites” (1984) by Judas Priest

“Love Bites” (1988) by Def Leppard

Move aside Judas Priest, because Def Leppard takes the win for the last round. Come on, “Love Bites” is a Def Leppard classic from the brilliant Hysteria (1987) album. Here’s a little story for you guys! During the Fall 2019 semester, I recommended my friend check this song out for a taste of Def Leppard, and I told her to be on the lookout for the bass riff. She listened to it and then said that she couldn’t hear a bass riff and was very confused. So I responded by saying she has to listen to a live version of it; they do a jam session towards the end. But anyway, I love that bass riff; it’s a beautiful song, Joe Elliott’s vocals were on point, and Steve Clark is life!

Judas Priest won three of the six rounds; so, I couldn’t declare a winner of the overall battle, sadly. But I did discover some cool new Judas Priest tracks, and I gained a newfound respect for the Beatles (sort of). Let me know in the comments below which songs you prefer from each round!

Take care and see ya real soon!

Lana