Playlist: The Very Best of Judas Priest features 14 tracks defined on the back jacket as "the life-changing songs, the out-of-print tracks, the hits, the fan favorites everyone loves, and the songs that make the artists who they are." For the most part, this 2008 compilation is a highlight reel of 2006's
Essential Judas Priest, which remains the best entry point for listeners unwilling to dive into the catalog headfirst. Key tracks like "Breaking the Law," "Living After Midnight," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" are the bait, while newer cuts like "Ram It Down" and "Judas Rising" from 2005's
Angel of Retribution are the kill, but there's far too much missing here to recommend over previous compilations. ~ James Christopher Monger