On this day February 26 1981 Judas Priest released their seventh studio album Point of Entry. Following the success of British Steel, the band aimed for a more radio-friendly sound with this album, incorporating a mix of hard rock and melodic elements while still maintaining their heavy metal edge.
Despite mixed reactions from fans and critics, Point of Entry performed well, reaching number 39 on the Billboard 200. The album featured notable tracks such as Heading Out to the Highway, Hot Rockin’, and Desert Plains, with the former becoming one of the band’s most enduring live songs. While it lacked the immediate impact of British Steel or the later success of Screaming for Vengeance, the album remains an interesting chapter in Judas Priest’s evolution.
Over time, Point of Entry has gained appreciation for its unique approach and experimentation. The album’s cover art and production style were also noticeably different from the band’s previous work, reflecting their attempt to expand their sound to a wider audience.
Fun fact: The European and North American releases of Point of Entry featured different album covers. The European version had a futuristic design, while the US version showcased a long open road, symbolizing the album’s themes of freedom and exploration.
Trivia question: Judas Priest followed up Point of Entry with a massively successful album in 1982 that featured their signature hit You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’. Can you name the album?
Despite mixed reactions from fans and critics, Point of Entry performed well, reaching number 39 on the Billboard 200. The album featured notable tracks such as Heading Out to the Highway, Hot Rockin’, and Desert Plains, with the former becoming one of the band’s most enduring live songs. While it lacked the immediate impact of British Steel or the later success of Screaming for Vengeance, the album remains an interesting chapter in Judas Priest’s evolution.
Over time, Point of Entry has gained appreciation for its unique approach and experimentation. The album’s cover art and production style were also noticeably different from the band’s previous work, reflecting their attempt to expand their sound to a wider audience.
Fun fact: The European and North American releases of Point of Entry featured different album covers. The European version had a futuristic design, while the US version showcased a long open road, symbolizing the album’s themes of freedom and exploration.
Trivia question: Judas Priest followed up Point of Entry with a massively successful album in 1982 that featured their signature hit You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’. Can you name the album?
