Rocka Rolla (CD - 1974)

Recorded in June & July 1974.

A sketchy and underfocused debut, Rocka Rolla nonetheless begins to delineate the musical territory Judas Priest would explore over the remainder of the decade: frighteningly dark in its effect, tight in its grooves, and capable of expanding to epic song lengths. On the other hand, Rocka Rolla is also murkier, less precise and powerful in its riff attack, and more blues-based; the stylistic debts to Black Sabbath and Deep Purple are obvious at this juncture, although they would become much less apparent on subsequent releases. The compositions alternate between short songs and extended suites; some are decent, but overall they don't establish a real direction and tend to plod aimlessly in many of the longer pieces. Mostly a curiosity for hardcore fans, Rocka Rolla definitely hints at Judas Priest's potential and originality, but doesn't always suggest the quantum leap in vision that would occur with their very next record. ~ Steve Huey

Released after Stained Class, The Best of Judas Priest is an effective sampler of their first three albums, containing most of the highlights from Rocka Rolla, Sad Wings of Destiny, and Sin After Sin. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Judas Priest's frequently overlooked debut lacks the sonic punch of its successors, but it has its charms and, more importantly, displays the roots of what would become the band's classic sound--brooding lyrics, raucous riffs, and Rob Halford's distinctive screams and multi-faceted vocals. ROCKA ROLLA remains one of the quintet's most diverse efforts, particularly the "Winter Suite," which traverses the dirge-like atmosphere of "Winter," the eerie feedback exercise of "Deep Freeze," the tranquil respite of "Winter Retreat," and the snarling blues-rock of "Cheater."

Also featured is the epic, melancholy ballad "Run of the Mill," which features an atypically quiet solo that builds in intensity to reach the song's despondent, dramatic climax. Priest may no longer play these songs live, but there are some memorable moments to be found on ROCKA ROLLA. The Koch reissue features a bonus track, a cover of Joan Baez's "Diamonds and Rust," a different version than the one later found on SIN AFTER SIN. minimize