"Turbo" Album Description:
In the world of British heavy metal, Judas Priest stands as an iconic force, shaping the genre with their powerful sound and unmistakable presence. One pivotal chapter in the band's storied career is the release of their 10th studio album, "Turbo," a sonic masterpiece that emerged from the hallowed halls of Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas.
The album, recorded between June and November of 1985, marked a departure from Judas Priest's traditional sound, incorporating synthesizers and embracing a more commercial edge. As fans eagerly awaited the next installment from the metal maestros, "Turbo" took them on a musical journey that transcended the boundaries of conventional heavy metal.
From the very first note, the album announces its departure from the expected. The opening track, "Turbo Lover," is a heady blend of potent guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and the distinctive use of synthesizers. The infusion of electronic elements, a departure from the band's earlier works, brought a fresh, modern dimension to Judas Priest's repertoire.
The decision to record at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, a studio renowned for its acoustics and frequented by numerous legendary artists, added a layer of mystique to the album. The Caribbean backdrop infused the recording sessions with a unique energy, reflecting in the final product's vibrant and dynamic sound.
"Turbo" a
lso saw Judas Priest explore themes beyond the realms of traditional heavy metal lyricism. Tracks like "Private Property" and "Parental Guidance" delved into social commentary, showcasing the band's versatility and willingness to evolve with the times. The lyrical content, coupled with the innovative musical approach, elevated "Turbo" to a level of artistry that resonated with a diverse audience.
While "Turbo" received mixed critical reviews upon its release, it has since become a cult classic and an integral part of Judas Priest's extensive catalog. The album's influence on the evolution of heavy metal is undeniable, as it paved the way for experimentation within the genre and demonstrated that even stalwart bands could reinvent themselves.
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Music Genre: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
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Album
Production information:
The album: "JUDAS PRIEST - Turbo" was produced by:
Tom Allom
Tom Allom – Producer, Sound EngineerHe made amps behave and drums punch without turning the mix into oatmeal. Read more... Tom Allom, the kind of producer-engineer who could make a Marshall stack behave, is one of those names you only notice after the speakers stop smoking. I clock him first as a toningenieur on Black Sabbath's early run (1970-1973), then as a producer for Strawbs (1973-1975) before he helped shape the NWOBHM steelwork with Judas Priest (1979-1988: "British Steel", "Screaming for Vengeance", "Defenders of the Faith" through "Ram It Down"). He also put his stamp on Def Leppard's "On Through the Night" (1980) and Krokus' "Headhunter" (1983), and he even returned to Priest later (2009, 2018). When he nails it, the kick drum punches, guitars slice, and the chorus arrives like a door being kicked in.
Sound/Recording Engineer(s):
Bill Dooley
This album was recorded at:
Al Compass Point Studios, Nassau.
- Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Compass Point Studios, opened by Chris Blackwell in 1977 just outside Nassau, was less a paradise postcard than a working studio with sea air in its lungs and serious records being made behind the glass. The place mattered because it sounded like nowhere else once the right people got in the room. Grace Jones cut some of her sharpest work there, Talking Heads passed through, the Rolling Stones did too, and even Iron Maiden and AC/DC ended up on that same patch of Bahamian ground. I have always liked studios with a bit of salt and eccentricity in them; they usually beat the sterile ones. Compass Point had both, and you can still hear it on the records if the room is quiet enough and the coffee has gone cold.
Mastered by Bernie Grundman, Los Angeles
Bernie Grundman – Mastering EngineerI trust his work when the groove feels wide but the cymbals stay human. Read more... Bernie Grundman is the mastering engineer who taught half of Los Angeles how to make a lacquer breathe. No fairy dust, just physics and taste. He cut his teeth at Contemporary Records in 1966 before A&M came calling. I followed him from 1968 to 1984 running A&M's mastering department, where his cuts powered 70s staples by Earth, Wind & Fire (1973), the Carpenters (1974) and Steely Dan's "Aja" (1977). In the early 80s he helped shape Prince ("Dirty Mind" 1980; "Purple Rain" 1984) and Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (1982). Post-1984, at Bernie Grundman Mastering, he kept bridging vinyl and digital, even crossing into hip-hop with Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" (1992), and later opened a Tokyo studio in 1997.
Album cover artwork:
Doug Johnson
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Record Label & Catalognr:
CBS 26641
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Packaging:
This album "JUDAS PRIEST - Turbo" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos
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Media Format:
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
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Year & Country:
1986 Made in England
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