The Contrarians Panel: Dark Horse Album #7 - Judas Priest's Rocka Rolla

[@thecontrarians2438]

What does Rocka Rolla deserve our of 10? Support us on Patreon and join our chats! www.patreon.com/contrarians or donate over at: ko-fi.com/thecontrarians

[@princegoogoogjoob3024]

I’m probably the only person that would definitely buy tickets to see Priest perform Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings in their entirety.

[@anypoxynames]

You are not alone.

[@williamunison5265]

I would love to see Run of the Mill and the full version of Caviar and meths live.

[@moomoomooshit]

Not alone there at all. The "Hero Hero" compilation is my desert island Priest album.

[@sydneyhalliwell2513]

I’m there front row

[@TheBerndude]

I’d be right there with you, brother🤘🏼

[@747panos]

Rocka Rolla is one of Priest's best works , along with Sad Wings , Sin After Sin and Point Of Entry . .

[@archibaldsalyards926]

Third time!! Im so grateful for the creation of this show!!! Giving love to classic music that will remain timeless! And a special THANK YOU to Martin Popoff! Having your encyclopedic musicality added to this show, adds even more credibility to its content. Not taking away from the other guests! Ive just been reading Martins books for over 10 years now!!!

[@sydneyhalliwell2513]

I really do love this album. I feel it’s not a great Judas Priest album but just an album within itself it’s really good

[@djkrismilam]

Run of the mill is a great work. The reflection in the lyrics is my favorite aspect with the lost in the music middle section..groovy anthem title track. I give this an 8 out of ten🤘

[@mannyruiz1954]

Been listening to Rocka Rolla on YT. I love it. I'd rank it above Sad Wings and Sin. I said it. I think it's heavy, riffy, and proggy. Love it.

[@anypoxynames]

Got into this album immediately after Sad Wings came out. I prefer it to some of their later albums as there is a lot of variety as opposed to every track, straight out metal, riffing.

[@daicullinane7746]

Rocka Rolla was one of the first Priest songs I heard (in the late 80's). I prefer this album to Defenders and anything after.

[@johnzavradinos4677]

I had a double cassette from Attic records that had Rocka Rolla on one side and Sad Wings of Destiny on the other. I think I bought it in the late 80's,maybe around '88 or '89 and I played the crap out of that tape. While Sad Wings did become my favorite Priest album,I actually enjoyed Rocka alot as well. I'd say that it sits in the bottom half of my Priest top ten albums. My favorite songs of the album are Run of the Mill, One for the Road,Never Satisfied and Dying to Meet You.

[@scottoz7891]

Yes sir Attic records. Had the original also.

[@KowankoMusic]

I tend to lean toward Christian's estimation of Rocka.- it's embryonic Priest, before their songwriting came to life and lacking a lot of the band's signature trademarks, but still showing glimmers of promise. Side note: Rocka Rolla is the name of my favorite neighborhood bar in Brooklyn.

[@thecontrarians2438]

Ya Christian is smart he nailed it in many ways

[@JohntheMusicNut]

Great dark horse album choice and as usual, the discussion here is spirited and intelligent. I didn't own this album until 2005. To me, Rocka Rolla is to Judas Priest what Lonesome Crow is to Scorpions. The band was still finding their sound but you can hear what was to come and to this day, it is still a rewarding listen. As one commenter noted, there is a bit of similarity to Rush's Caress of Steel here. That was an album that grew on me over time and Rocka Rolla is the same. "Never Satisfied" is my favorite track on the album with the title track and the Winter medley not far behind it. Yes, Sad Wings of Destiny is a quantum leap forward musically but everything here is interesting. This is my 10th favorite Judas Priest record and I would give it a 7 out of 10.

[@thecontrarians2438]

Thanks for the comment! People have suggested that some really heavy songs were cut and the production didnt favor the groups style at the time or we may have got a very different and possible even better debut

[@JohntheMusicNut]

@@thecontrarians2438 You're welcome and thank you! Interesting, that's good to know!

[@jimekberg]

Never Satisfied is one of my favorite Judas Priest songs. Rocka Rolla is a really good album.

[@archibaldsalyards926]

Im a life long JP fan!! Crunchier stuff was my first love, and now that im 54 years old, i really appreciate the first three albums more than most of their later catalog! I fall asleep to Run Of The Mill quite often!!! Id give it a 9!!

[@scottoz7891]

The WINTER MEDLEY IS FANTASTIC..💜💜💜9 minutes of eargasm....This wasn't supposed to be the Judas Priest we know AND love. Always had a special PLACE for this record. I remember finding it in the cutout bins when I used too buy albums....😎

[@t.josephcravens4272]

The mastering of the original pressings of Rocka Rolla don't do it any favors. The remasters issued by Repertoire in 2015 make a world of difference. It's the way this album should be heard. In the end, it's a good, live-in-the-studio recording with an excellent mix. The production is fairly straightforward, much like what Bain did with the early Sabbath albums. Glenn Tipton joined the band right before they went into the studio, so he wasn't involved in the writing, minus two songs. To keep it in perspective, Ian Hill co-wrote two songs on this one, which is one song more than the credits he received on the rest of their catalogue. KK Downing was the primary writer on this one, with Rob Halford and Al Atkins providing the lyrics and melodies. KK's Hendrix influence is prominent on "Deep Freeze," "Cheater," and the funky bridge of "Dying to Meet You." The bluesy elements of early JP would be all but gone by Sin After Sin. Glenn was obviously responsible for the huge leap forward in songwriting that encapsulates Sad Wings, having solely written 3 of the 9 songs and cowriting the other 6. Glenn also provided keyboards and "second vocals" on Rocka Rolla (his voice is very prominent on the harmony vocal of "Run of the Mill"). Also - this album has always reminded me of early Rush. The Winter Suite in line with Caress of Steel's "Fountain of Lamneth" or "the Necromancer." It also has the dirgey, psychedelic feel in spots. Both albums were released in 1974. Listening to the remaster, I dig every song the album. 7.5 Addendum: My introduction to this album was similar to Martin's. I wound up having to special order the album from the mall record store. This was circa 1982, and I had no idea that they had put out a record before Sad Wings. Oddly, it was only released on cassette format in the US when it was initially released in 1974. The LP was not issued in the US until 1978.

[@thecontrarians2438]

Awesome thanks for the great in depth review! appreciate the point of view and im not far off from you

[@garyjoyce2160]

Own the entire discography. Sad wings /7️⃣6️⃣is my favorite. Saw JUdas Priest numerous x at Meadowlands NJ and NYC over the years. Saw Halford / Queensryche/ Iron Maiden at Madison square garden 2000. Unreal show. Martin/ Marco and company you guys always do a bang up job “ 👍💯

[@missiontotransition641]

I found it in the cut out bin of Record Bar at the mall. I purchased it around 1981 after buying Point of Entry, Unleashed and British Steel. Totally different. Few tracks i liked. Not something i listen to much. One of those you dig out maybe once a year. Gonna give it another listen.

[@michaelfoulker5137]

Preist started off as acid rock, more trippy, and evolved into metal. I myself loved every era of preist and appreciate the ride.

[@pjones8404]

I bought this in 1975 and I just LOVE this album. It's dark, brooding and oh so heavy at times. No, it' not Sad Wings. But that is ok with me! These tracks are amazing! Rocka Rolla, One for the Road, Cheater and the albums greatest gem "Never Satisfied!" Listen to Rob's solo band "Halford" play it on the "Live in Anaheim" video, and you will gain an instant new respect for a very powerful song! Here is the thing with many albums. One can get too caught up in the sonics and while they are extremely important, sometimes a great riff is just that...a great riff. Even if the guitars are not as heavy as one would expect from albums later in their career, there are some great moments on this album and the lightweight mix and sound can't bury that. I give it a 6 out of 10.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

It's a very British sounding album too nothing international about it at all, it has the gloomy countryside UK weather feel about it if that makes sense to say. I don't love these songs by any means but do like them all to varying degree, the amazing "Run of the Mill" was always my favorite here and an early Judas Priest masterpiece.

[@GBCR]

I don't always agree with Martin Popoff, but when I do, he's 100% right!

[@chadpettitt557]

this album is incredible and is underated

[@tjsststsjsjyksjgksjysjs7633]

I wonder if the 14 minutes long version of "Caviar and Meths" even exist somewhere in Priest's archives. I'd love to listen to a full version of this song.

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

I can definitely say that I used to not like this album, but over the last year or so, the guys at work have been playing it a lot and it has really grown on me. Still near the bottom of the Judas Priest discography, but not a bad album.

[@neilmiller2779]

Better than Nostradamus, that's for damn sure!

[@andrewpeters8906]

16:00 Old Grey Whistle Test

[@thomasfarmer1730]

I saw this album and Sad Wings of Destiny in a music store both in special packaging about early 2k,I grabbed em both...I couldn’t miss out.It is better than UFO’s,Scorpions or AC/DC’s debut.

[@thomaswery3087]

I would give this album an 8.Bought this when it first came out.I never compared it to the rest of the catalog because it is a first album and it's just good music

[@lateramae]

I half-heartedly listened to 'Rocka Rolla' sometime last year or 2020 and I thought it was ok. But I want to go back and check it out again, especially since I've discovered that when it comes to Judas Priest, I don't care for the popular albums.

[@thecontrarians2438]

i think every time i hear it i appreciate it a bit more!

[@lateramae]

@@thecontrarians2438 I'll remember that the next time I listen to it, thanks!

[@archibaldsalyards926]

Im a life long JP disciple. Grew up listening to the crunchier stuff. Never understood their early albums. Then 8 years ago I picked up the first three album's box set. Im now more of early material talent!!! I fall asleep to Run Of The Mill on a regular basis. And now that Rob is older, its a gift to hear his voice in its prime!!!

[@magnuswettermark8293]

Great album. Great guitars by KK on the album..🤘

[@LeatherRebel75]

I have this album on vinyl with the original bottle top cover. Overall, I like this album as a good early 70's heavy rock album with a lot of cool progressive, experimental ideas. It definitely doesn't sound like a Judas Priest album, but it has traces of what's to come. It's a great snapshot of a band that is still finding itself. "One for the Road," "Never Satisfied," and the title track are awesome early metal jams, and the rest of the album is still pretty respectable for the time. I give it a solid 6.75 out of 10.

[@simonrichards3225]

apparently the original pressing of this album had a constant buzz or noise right through the record. I think it was what the band were complaining about. They never had a good relationship with Gull records. That interference was corrected later. Whether those copies made it outside of the UK?

[@reckia]

I happen to like this album a bunch. It’s not as fast and sinister at their other albums, but I still like it a bunch. My fifth favorite Judas Priest album, actually!

[@TheBerndude]

I’d much rather listen to Rocka Rolla than Turbo, Ram it Down, Nostradamus, and the two Ripper-era albums. 6.5/10

[@gilesglossop5071]

I love this album - I stop listening to Priest in the main after "Stained Class" (with exceptions like "Rapid Fire" and "The Rage"), when they lost their prog and made simplified, albeit pioneering, early metal. I rate the murkiness of the production, rather like Kiss's first album; it has this evocative, earthy and human 70's feel, before heavy rock evolved into metal, the UFO "Phenomenon" comparison is entirely appropriate. And to be totally contrarian, for me "Run of the Mill" is the greatest thing they ever did - an expansive, melancholic piece which not only evokes Floyd but even "Sloth" by Fairport Convention! (The first, and quite possibly the last, comparison Priest has had to Fairport ha ha) Yes, "Sin After Sin" is their finest album, the variety and depth on that record is up there with "Physical Graffiti", but Zep never created anything as shattering as "Dissident Aggressor". And as far as "Sinner" goes, well it's epic.

[@bobhalford]

I wish they would get the master tapes and get it mixed the way it was intended to sound. I know the band were pretty upset at the result. It was supposed to sound a lot heavier.

[@EdwardBox]

I first got this back in 81. I found it strange at the time but always liked it. it is priest after all but I've got to say as times gone on I've liked it more and more. The difference is that it's Blues based heavy Rock album and not heavy metall. I also think the artwork and branding lets it down. Imagine if it had come out with the football payer artwork and a different album title or maybe self titled. I have a 24 bit Japanese remaster and it sounds really good. 8/10 for me. I rank it 11 on my all time JP studio albums but it could break the top 10 one day.

[@AlanBerry]

Love it

[@willd4731]

So random, when the young man is speaking a bizarre 5-second commercial comes in with some dude saying "vaping brings metal in your lungs.. metal!"... How bizarre and ironic.

[@archibaldsalyards926]

Sorry for further thoughts: Am i the only one who thinks FIREPOWER is overrated? I think Rock-a-Rolla far more than their latest album. I think Priest has had three eras of sound... The first three albums Then Hell Bent through Ram It Down Then Painkiller and on..

[@tjsststsjsjyksjgksjysjs7633]

I can't answer your question about Firepower, I haven't listened to it yet. But as for Priest eras of sound I would argue. 1. Classic era: Rocka Rolla to Killing Machine (+Unleashed) 2. Mainstream era: British Steel to Painkiller 3. The Ripper era: Jugulator & Demolition 4. Modern era: Angel of Retribution through nowadays.

[@tjsststsjsjyksjgksjysjs7633]

If you exclude the two guys who didn't like this album you'll have an accurate 7,5 average number which is probably the most proper ranking of this album.

[@RockaRolla6969]

Side 2 is masterful

[@MsKalachakra]

To me it's just a cool album to find if you find it on vinyl for cheap and want just a generic hard rock/prog/psych album from that era, not thinking is a part of your JP collection. It would make sense that way to have it. Of course that would be impossible, to find it these days for $3.00 or so, but at some point I'm pretty sure it was a discount record on used vinyl stores. So if Sad Wings is $10.00 on vinyl, I'll pay $3.00. Of course these days of overpriced vinyl yo might find Sad Wings for $15.00 if you are very lucky, so maybe R&R value would be $5.00.

[@johnspokus]

I give it a 6.5 out of ten.

[@briandunlap8534]

I give it a 5

[@rickrobb6546]

Judas Priest............................................... Rules

[@neuroisis85]

I only like 6 Priest albums: all the 70's albums and Painkiller. So for me Rocka Rolla is great and better than everything they did in the 80's and everything after Painkiller.

[@tjsststsjsjyksjgksjysjs7633]

How can you like Painkiller and not like Defenders or Vengeance? Painkiller is just a heavier version of their 80s records. But stylistically it's the same mainstream heavy metal.

[@neuroisis85]

@@tjsststsjsjyksjgksjysjs7633 No it's not, SFV and Defenders have lame ass hard rock songs on them Painkiller does not. Touch of Evil is a shit ballad but that's it. Painkiller was them making an album of the good tracks on Defenders and SFV.

[@stevewhiteside4525]

Don't think Rob Halford ever spoke like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins.

[@jimmcguy5511]

Rocka Rolla was a good hard rock album for 1974. It's not a Heavy Metal album. I like it. I wouldn't expect Priest to play these songs today. That being said, it amazes me how the Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z fans trash 70 blues rock. Why can't they diversify their tastes and begin to realize 70's music is the origins for Heavy Metal.

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

It ain't their best but not the worst. Cheater is an awesome song.

[@grahamevans9606]

I hate that Red, White and Blue is tagged onto the British Steel remaster. It is a abomination of a song!!! BTW...most Audiophiles hate the 2001 remasters by Jon Astley. My first realisation that so called 'remasters' are by and large a con job...that actually sound worse.

[@TheChadTI]

I like it, not love. It's ok👍

[@peterbrickley6041]

Your all stuck on that I wasn't born yet bs! Look at the monetary n legend components of this release! Not when you where born ! Wtf..

[@Truthmoses]

that chick on the bottom is hot!

[@JohnF-007]

this album is boring , rob halford's vocals on Dying to Meet You not good at all, why is he crooning on this , wow, and when i compare the production to everything that came after-it is bad, sounds like it was recorded in a dungeon. i would rate this 2 out of 10

[@kevinkaple3615]

I give it a 2 out of ten …boring

[@christianhaynes1954]

Don't like it at all . No good .and I love priest

[@inmyhouse11]

Definitely the worst 70s era Priest album. Songs are very boring and its tough to listen all the way through. 3/10