Point of Entry

Point of Entry is the seventh album on which Judas Priest, while keeping sharp metal aggression, tried more open, radio-ready writing. The riffs are simply organized, and Rob Halford’s voice carries the drive of the singing itself, not just raising a high register. Following the success of the previous British Steel, it pushes that conciseness further. From the brisk, dashing feel of the opener “Heading Out to the Highway” and the expansive melody of “Desert Plains” to the momentum of “Hot Rockin’” and the grandeur of “Solar Angels,” every song carries accessible hooks, while a cut like “Don’t Go” shows a new side of the band. Its distinction is turning the band’s native weight into lighter, brighter melody. Beyond mere heaviness, it pursues a hard-rock openness and catchy appeal. Though it drew mixed views, it is an intriguing record on which the early-1980s band sought to widen its expression — the appeal of Halford’s singing shining.