892. Judas Priest / Turbo. 1986. 3.5/5

It is somewhat remarkable just how maligned this album is in the core of the Judas Priest discography. Trying to follow up the mostly brilliant Defenders of the Faith is no mean feat, let alone mentioning those albums that came before that. It was also a changing time in metal, with the 1980's staple, the keyboard synthesiser, beginning to drift into many band's curricular as a progression in their music. Any change was often confused for being a sell out. In these instances, surely a case by case basis should be used to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

While on the surface there may appear to be a change in the style of the metal played here, the usual Judas Priest elements are all to the for - the solid rhythm section, the twin guitar attack of Downing and Tipton, and the vocal talents of Rob Halford. You can successfully argue that the immediate heaviness of the music is not as prevalent, that the songs have a more mainstream feel, and that the synth has progressed in its influence that began on the previous album. All of those things can be held to be accurate. The qualities of a song such as, for instance, "Parental Guidance" can be debated, that it's simplicity in both structure musically and lyrically is a come down from what truly sets Judas Priest apart from the pack. Perhaps, and perhaps not. Without trying to suggest which song is better, surely "Breaking the Law" is similarly structured, and similar arguments could be raised against it? Diehard fans of course would never accede to such arguments, and like most I agree that "Breaking the Law" is a classic whereas "Parental Guidance" is more of an average Priest track.
There are a few tracks on Turbo that fall into this category. "Private Property", "Rock You All Around the World" and "Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days" are also simplistic and straight forward tracks, which doesn't mean they are bad songs, it just means they are... easy listening...
"Hot For Love" sounds great, the underlying guitar riff itself drives the song along nicely, but just tends to get a bit repetitive in the chorus line to fully enjoy it more than the average. Still has a great dual guitar solo section though. "Locked In" too is a good song, keeping the drive of the album going following on from the opening song. The closing song "Reckless" settles within this framework as well.
The obvious killer track here is the title track and lead off song, "Turbo Lover". It has been a classic since its release, along with its music video which was played to death on music video shows on its release. It is the stand out on this album. Personally I also really enjoy "Out in the Cold", though this may well have more to do with the live version of the song that leads off the Priest... Live! album which was released after this. Either way, I love to moody pace of the song and Rob's mournful vocals, and is a great way to start of side two of the album.

The fact that this album and the follow up are thought of so negatively in many parts is probably more to do with the band looking to blend other influences into their music, and the fact that the younger bands who had looked up to Priest and been heavily influenced them were beginning to rise and take on the world with their own sound. Eventually it was they who influenced Priest to revitalise and record what is arguably their finest album after that.
Putting that aside however, there is still more than enough here to love. It may not be a classic, and it may not have many songs that could be categorised as their most brilliant, but the Judas Priest sound is still there, and it still holds the flame high.

Rating:  "We hold each other closer as we shift to overdrive". 3.5/5