(Rated this album with 6 out of 10) Reviewed by
The B
from Carbondale, IL USA
I can understand why Judas Priest's Turbo may be one of the most unpopular albums in their catalog. The year was 1986 and the group (like many other bands at the time)started "experimenting" with synthesizers and more obvious pop metal. There are times on Turbo when Priest sound similar to Def Leppard, then other times like Ratt. I would almost go as far as to say there's a moment or two that sounds like Winger, but I won't because that would just be mean. It's not that the music is bad, it's not, it's executed well - its the style. Still, it's very slick and polished and probably Priest's most non-dangerous & unoriginal sounding album though. Just listen to "Wild nights, hot & crazy days" - its the kind of 80s pop metal sound that you've heard a million times. So taken as a Priest record, which is hard not to do, its a disappointment of sorts following 1984's "Defenders of the Faith" and comparing it to their groundbreaking albums like "British Steel", "Screaming" or the dark toned "Stained Class" is pointless. I can see where lovers of the Priest sound as defined by everything leading up to Turbo see this album as a sellout & creative low. All that said, the album sounds no worse than other pop metal of 1986, actually better in many cases because its Priest playing it. However, being a drummer, I can't help but be a little disappointed with Dave Holland's restricted drum beats and sound (especially when compared to earlier songs like "Bloodstone" & "Desert Plains"),but it does fit in with what's being played on Turbo and the time period. Bottom line: If you don't mind synthesizers and pop metal hooks 80's style or you're a Priest completist, by all means pick it up. I can't recommend it as a Priest starting point for newcomers. The newly remastered version is a nice way to get it for the first time for the inclusion of 2 bonus tracks and an insert with photos and lyrics. Turbo is the only time Priest "experimented" this far into pop metal & synthesizers, but most have to admit that they did it well.
