1967/ 1976 "Simply The Best" is a series of compilations have appeared in the late 1990's, created by Sony Music Entertainment Germany, very heterogeneous for artists involved. This is the compilation of that series dedicated to Sony Music Entertainment (former CBS) catalogue of Judas Priest. Unfortunately, the songs included in this compilation are the most commercial and Priest have published. (P.s.: "Painkiller", "All Guns Blazing" and "Night Crawler" are the highlights of "Painkiller, an album that could not miss here, given the success and influence that has had). But I challenge anyone to blame me if I say that this compilation contains great songs, that everyone should know.

What immediately jumps at the forefront of my mind is the fact that some songs contained herein are similar to songs by Saxon and Angelwitch! It is no coincidence, we note that even if the other NWOBHM bands had similar songs in his repertoire. I think this is due to the common origin of these bands. However it should be noted that technically the bases were common and this affects the style. Discriminating factor is the fact that only certain songs are aged good due to writing, performance, production and many other factors. Judas Priest, however, over the years have managed to incorporate sounds and techniques of writing and performance from a myriad of musical genres, not just Metal. For Example: "Living After Midnight" is a pure NWoBHM song, "Painkiller" is a pure Speed/ Thrash Metal and "Evening Star" is a Hard Rock similar to a UFO or better... Of a Scorpions song(!) and "Jawbreaker is a Power Metal song! And all with a personal style.

Unfortunately, this compilation is assembled at random, without a minimum and sincere order. Why "Evening Star" follows "Night Crawler" and is followed by "Before The Dawn", three songs in the order they were entered into this compilation eventually be ugly and unconnected! Interesting to follow "Painkiller" to "Breaking The Law". It would have been better to have a chronological order, in order to understand the evolution of Judas Priest ... Unfortunately, there are the songs of the first two albums, because published by Gull Records. Thing to meet with the live versions ("Diamonds And Rust" in cover of Joan Baez, is live record!).

Compared to many compilations like this is not an exception to the rule. All similar, all have heard. Yet this sounds good. Although it might be the definitive album of Sony catalogue. Instead is not the definitive album of Sony catalogue, since assembled at random and because it is missing some pearls that Priest have produced. But "Simply The Best" is a good CD if you "Living After Midnight".