Guide to Iron Maiden album

A brief guide to buy an Iron Maiden albums
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Iron Maiden (1980)

This was the first album the group released. A new rock music era was rising in those days and the album was a success. And while it was just a beginning and some would argue that it not as great at albums that followed it. It was start and a darn good one. This album became the foundation of the future works. It gave start to important traditions for the group. The group still performs the title track at every concert, and the "Charlotte" theme was carried on for over a decade. It is pretty much a agreed that Iron Maiden is a classic. And while it is just a first attempt and it is rough in some parts, every fan would agree that the group did a great job on this album.
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Dannis Stratton - Guitar. Paul Di'Anno - Vocals. Clive Burr - Drums.
Track list:
Prowler. Remember Tomorrow. Running Free. Phantom of the Opera. Transylvania. Strange World. Sanctuary. Charlotte The Harlot. Iron Maiden.

Killer (1981)
Killers

Following the success of "Iron Maiden", group releases second album - "Killers". I remember being told that until you have heard Innocent Exile or Genghis Khan, you haven't heard Maiden. And while I would not go that far, I agree that "Killers" is one of the best albums Iron Maiden created. Featuring Adrian "H" Smith on guitar, who replaced Dannis Stratton, has given the band a new sound and brought band one step closer to it's most famous line-up. Twin guitars of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith are the finest example of guitar play in heavy metal scene.
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Adrian Smith - Guitar. Paul Di'Anno - Vocals. Clive Burr - Drums.
Track list:
Ides Of March. Wrathchild. Murders In The Rue Morgue. Another Life. Genghis Khan. Innocent Exile. Killers. Twilight Zone (US version only). Prodigal Son. Purgatory. Drifter.

The Number of the Beast (1982)

Bruce arrives! This album is the beginning of a new era for Iron Maiden. Even though I have heard an opinion that Maiden died when Paul left, I believe the majority would agree with me that Bruce was the best singer Maiden ever had. The Number of The Beast has some of the best songs including the title track, Hallowed Be Thy Name and The Prisoner. It is the beginning of Bruce Dickinson era, that most people consider to be the best of Iron Maiden.
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Adrian Smith - Guitar. Bruce Dickinson - Vocals. Clive Burr- Drums.
Track list:
Invaders. Children Of The Damned. The Prisoner. 22 Acacia Avenue. The Number Of The Beast. Run To The Hills. Hallowed Be Thy Name.

Piece of Mind (1983)
Peace Of Mind

Yes, I know the question you all are asking right now is "What is the backwards message before Still Life?". Well if you are VERY impatient, you can scroll down and find out the answer. But first is the change in line-up. Yes, Nicko McBrain arrives and starts drumming. And this is probably the line up that most of us consider to be the best. Mad monk McBrain in Flight Of Icarus video is what I think about as a symbol of Piece Of Mind. I still can't decide it is my favorite song, or if Still Life is the one. But either way, this album has some of the greatest songs. And Dune fans would definetely like To Tame A Land. And now about the backwards recording (from FAQ): Right at the beginning of the song Still Life is two quick backwards messages, one after the other. Both are spoken by Nicko in a deep Rasta accent, not too much even understandable even when played backwards. Well, the first says "What ho sed de t'ing wid de t'ree bonce", which means "What ho said the monster with the three heads." The second aso"Don't meddle wid t'ings you don't understand." And of course, the message ends with a belch! :)
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Adrian Smith - Guitar. Bruce Dickinson - Vocals. Nicko McBrain - Drums.
Track list:
Where Eagles Dare. Revelations. Flight Of Icarus. Die With Your Boots On. The Trooper. Still Life. Quest For Fire. Sun And Still. To Tame A Land.

Powerslave (1984)

For the first time, there was no line-up changes for this album. This was the longest period of time for maiden with no changes in the line-up and I believe that during this time Iron Maiden created their best albums. Personally, I became a fan or Iron Maiden, after I listened to "2 Minutes To Midnight", I still consider it to be one of the best songs ever writeeen by Maiden. But my guess would be that an opinion of majority would be that "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" wins. This song, based on Samuel Taylor Coleridge's work of the same name, was probably the most powerful work, the group created up to that moment. In 14 minutes, this songs gives as much impression as the original work.
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Adrian Smith - Guitar. Bruce Dickinson - Vocals. Nicko McBrain - Drums.
Track list:
Aces High. 2 Minutes To Midnight. Losfer Words (Big 'Orra). Flash Of The Blade. The Duellists. Back In The Village. Powerslave. Rime Of The Acnient Mariner.

Live After Death (1985)

Live After Death is the best live album ever. Featuring all the best songs of Iron Maiden, up to the Powerslave. It is in this album where you can see the raw power of Iron Maiden. The best line-up at their best. I often heard people saying that they prefer live version of the certain song over a studio one. And every time I have heard this being said about Iron Maiden it referred to song from Live After Death. Recorded at Long Beach Arena, this live performace is simply a must for any Iron Maiden fan. Especially A Vinyl version of it (it includes several tracks that are not available on CD).

Somewhere In Time (1986)

Any Iron Maiden fan could spend hours just looking at the cover of this album. While most of Iron Maiden albums, featuring great graphics by Derek Riggs, have amazing sleves, this one is something special. A whole history of Iron maiden up to this point is depicted on it. At first glance there is just Eddie standing there with a gun, but as you look closer you will recognize places from Maiden's history and their works. Here's Ruskin Arms, and there is Aces High bar, and Phantom Opera house, and Ancient Mariner Seafood Restaraunt, and... this list could go on and on, there is a whole chapter in FAQ on this topic! But it is not the cover that deserves most attention. This album features some of the best songs. For the third time in a row this line up comes up with a winner. As time passes they only seem to get better. The song that deserves the most attention in my opinion is Alexander The Great. This great epic and a rightful challenger of popularity of Rime Of The Ancient Mariner. Wasted Years has become a topic for many future ideas and traditions. And speaking of traditions we cannot neglect Heaven Can Wait, up to a present day stage is being taken over every time group performs this song.
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Adrian Smith - Guitar. Bruce Dickinson - Vocals. Nicko McBrain - Drums.
Track list:
Caught Somewhere in Time. Wasted Years. Sea Of Madness. Heaven Can Wait. The Lonliness Of The Long Distance Runner. Stranger In A Strange Land. Deja Vu. Alexander The Great.

Seventh Son of the Seventh Son (1988)
Seventh Son of Seventh Son

"This is the best album Iron Maiden has ever made", almost everyone agrees on this one. But even if it not you opinion, with almost complete certainty, I can guess that it is one of your favorites. This is the best and unfortunately the last album by this line-up. It is tempting to say that each album they made was better then a previous one, but I just cannot say that any album is worse then the other. This album in addition to greatest music features greatest lyrics. A whole album is a made from songs that are partof a story? What is the story? Well I would leave that to your imagination, because this album will not just send your hand in the air, but it will send your fantasy to the wildest adventures. My favorite song is Infinite Dreams, but it is very hard to decide: The Evil That Men Do, The Prophecy, The Clairvoyant and the title track are some of the best songs ever written.
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Adrian Smith - Guitar. Bruce Dickinson - Vocals. Nicko McBrain - Drums.
Track list:
Moonchild. Infinite Dream. Can I Play With Madness. The Evil That Man Do. Prophecy. Clairvoyant. Seventh Son of The Seventh Son.

No Prayer for the Dying (1990)

I have heard a lot of negative comments about this album. I have made a lot of negative comments about this album. I used to say that is the worst album ever released by Iron Maiden... And then one day it struck me. Everything made sense. Now I consider it to be as great as other albums, but I still don't get it what is it I finally understood that made it clear. Unfortunately nothing lasts forever and the greatest line-up of Iron Maiden ceased to exist. Adrian Smith has left and Janick Gers took his place. While Janick is an excellent gitarist, nothing can beat twin guitars of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. But dispite the change Iron Maiden has released some great songs, including Fates Warning, Mother Russia and Public Enema #1. Also Dave Murray has decided to go back to his Charlotte theme. "Hooks In You" is carrying the story on.
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Janick Gers - Guitar. Bruce Dickinson - Vocals. Nicko McBrain - Drums.
Track list:
Tailgunners. Holy Smoke. No Prayer For The Dying. Public Enema Number One. Fates Warning. The Assassin. Run Silent Run Deep. Hooks In You. Bring Your Daughter... To The Slaughter. Mother Russia.

Fear Of The Dark (1992)

If Somewhere In Time has surprised us with great sleve. Fear Of The Dark is disappointing - it is not made by Derek Riggs and while it is featuring some very nice artwork, it simply doesn't measure up to works of Derek - he is the best But unlike the sleve, album has some great songs. From Here To Eternity, yet another chapter in Dave Murray's story of Charlotte, is an excellent song. And Afraid To Shoot Strangers is often referred by newer fans of Iron Maiden as "absolutely the best". The line-up did not change, but this is the last album before a big change....
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Janick Gers - Guitar. Bruce Dickinson - Vocals. Nicko McBrain - Drums.
Track list:
Be Quick Or Be Dead. From Here To Eternity. Afraid To Shoot Strangers. Fear Is The Key. Childhood's End. Wasting Love. Chains Of Misery. The Apparition. Judas Be My Guide. Weekend Warrior. Fear Of The Dark.

A Real Dead/Live One (1993)

A Real Live One and A Real Dead One are two live albums the band released after Fear After Dark. Bruce was planning to leave and Iron Maiden decided to record couple more live albums. Well, maybe it wasn't such a great idea after all. These albums are really below the level Iron Maiden usually maintains. Bruce simply doesn't sound as good as he usually does and doesn't seem too be thrilled with idea of singing (sad but true). Don't get me wrong, these are great albums, but I just think that Maiden usually does better, much better. Maybe we're simply spoiled by Live After Death, but I do think that A Real Live One and A Real Dead One are just not up there with the rest of Maiden's masterpieces. The recording quality is very low but band does a good job (except Bruce, maybe). I would recommend these albums only to die hard fans, who want to have every record by Iron Maiden.
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Janick Gers - Guitar. Bruce Dickinson - Vocals. Nicko McBrain - Drums.
[A Real Live One] Track list:
Be Quick Or Be Dead. From Here To Eternity. Can I Play With Madness. Wasting Love. Tailgunner. The Evil That Men Do. Afraid To Shoot Strangers. Bring Your Daughter... To The Slaughter. Heaven Can Wait. The Clairvoyant. Fear Of The Dark.
[A Real Dead One] Track list:
The Number Of The Beast. The Trooper. Prowler. Transylvania. Remember Tomorrow. Where Eagles Dare. Sanctuary. Running Free. Run To The Hills. 2 Minutes To Midnight. Iron Maiden. Hallowed Be Thy Name.

Live at Donington Park (1993)

Best Tracks:
Afraid to shoot Strangers. Running Free...
Track List:
DISC 1 Be Quick or be Dead. The Number of the Beast. Wrathchild. From here to Eternity. Can I play with Madness. Wasting Love. Tailgunner. The Evil that Men do. Afraid to shoot Stranger. Fear of the Dark.
DISC 2 Bring your Doughter... To the Slaughter. The Clairvoyant. Heaven Can Wait. Run to the Hills. 2 Minutes to Midnight. Iron Maiden. Hallowed be thy Name. The Trooper. Sanctuary. Running Free.

The X-Factor (1995)

After almost four years of waiting and uncertainty about the new vocalist, this album was just what fans needed. It is one of the greatest albums ever, featuring Blaze Bayley on vocals, who replaced Bruce Dickinson. I have heard a lot of criticism, saying that Blaze is not Bruce. He isn't and he shouldn't be, as Bruce was not Paul. This was a big change, but a change for the better. Bruce had problems with his voice and style differenced with the rest of the band. While Bruce was a great singer, the fact that he left should not be seen as the end of Iron Maiden. The X Factor features awesome songs with new style and great lyrics. Sign Of The Cross, the opening song is one of the most powerful epics that makes you remember Alexander The Great, Mother Russia and Rime Of The Ancient Mariner. Man On The Edge is a song that competes with Powerslave. and the Edge Of Darkness brings back the tradition of great storytelling.
Line-up for this album:
Steve Harris - Bass. Dave Murray - Guitar. Janick Gers - Guitar. Bruce Dickinson - Vocals. Nicko McBrain - Drums.
Track list:
Sign Of The Cross. Lord Of The Flies. Man On The Edge. Fortunes Of War. Look For The Truth. The Aftermath. Judgement Of Heaven. Blood On The Worlds Hands. The Edge Of Darkness. 2AM. The Unbeliever.

The Best of The Beast (1996)

The Best Of The Beast is the greatest hits album that Iron Maiden finally released. As soon as I found out that it's available I got it, and didn't regret. This is a must for any Iron Maiden fan. While the only new song is Iron Maiden's cover of Virus, there is much more to this album. For example Afraid To Shoot Strangers, marvelously performed by Blaze, A great artwork by Derek Riggs (Yes, he is back, better then ever). And a 60 pages book with pictures of the group. I think that this album has a great selection of songs. It covers all the albums Maiden has released and shows all the best aspects of the band. Doesn't matter if you are a long time fan of Iron Maiden or just getting your first album, Best Of The Beast is a must. And I mean it!
[CD-1] Track List:
Virus. Sign Of The Cross. Man On The Edge. Afraid To Shoot Strangers (Live). Be Quick Or Be Dead. Fear Of The Dark (Live). Bring Your Daughter... To The Slaughter. Holy Smoke. The Clairvoyant. Can I Play With Madness. The Evil That Men Do. Heaven Can Wait. Wasted Years.
[CD-2] Track list:
Rime Of The Ancient Mariner (Live). Running Free (Live). 2 Minutes To Midnight. Aces High. Where Eagles Dare. The Trooper. The Number Of The Beast. Run To The Hills. Hallowed Be Thy Name. Wrathchild. Phantom Of The Opera. Sanctuary. Strange World. Iron Maiden.

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