(Rated this album with 8 out of 10) Reviewed by
Stanley Runk
from Madison, WI United States
First off, I wanna make it crystal clear that I love this album. I wouldn't suggest it to a newcomer as an intro to Priest, coz they'll be under the impression that this is what Priest sounds like all the time. No, Turbo is for those who love Judas Priest and enjoy a few chuckles over this guilty pleasure. The band's in top form, doing a great job at what they do. I have one huge gripe with this album however. That is? Priest need to fess up with what they were doing here. Glenn Tipton-or whoever wrote the liner notes to the remasters-spins us a yarn about how this album was "experimental", thus resulting in Judas Priest's most controversial album to date. "Experimenting with guitar synthesisers". Who exactly do they think they're kidding with that line of whim-wham? I'll clear it up for ya'll. Literal translation of the term "Experimental" in this case: We decided to do a hair metal album in the mid eighties, but in retrospect, we feel kinda silly about that now, so we'd better change the label and fast. Hell, Iron Maiden ventured into the guitar synthesiser thing, but managed to still sound like Iron Maiden and not a hair band. "Experimental" my foot. If they really wanted to be "Experimental" in the mid eighties, they should have made a crossover thrash/polka album. That's "Experimental". Need more proof? Notice not only did they "Experiment with guitar synthesiser", but they also "Experimented" with their lyrics? Notice they sound a little more hair metal? They also seemed to have "Experimented" with their hair. That hair look kinda glam? Did you notice the "Experimentation" with their clothes? I think they've been caught. They even make reference to the "Experimental Turbo" in the liner notes on Ram It Down! The liner notes(by the unknown band member) go on to state how this album was pushing metal into new and unfamiliar territory. I'd say that got that one bass ackwards. I wish Priest would just be men about this album. There's no shame. Hardcore fans still love them and love this album as well. Like I said before, I love this album and play it proudly. Cheesy? A bit dated? No doubt about it, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy that.
