Iron Maiden is a British heavy metal band that formed in 1975. The band consists of lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris, guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers, and drummer Nicko McBrain. Known for their elaborate live shows, powerful vocals, and intricate guitar work, Iron Maiden is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful heavy metal bands of all time.
Iron Maiden’s music is characterized by complex arrangements, melodic guitar solos, and Dickinson’s powerful vocals. Their debut album, Iron Maiden (1980), featured hits like “Running Free” and “Phantom of the Opera” and established them as one of the leading bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. They went on to release numerous critically acclaimed albums, including The Number of the Beast (1982), Powerslave (1984), and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988).
In addition to their music, Iron Maiden is also known for their elaborate live shows, which often feature giant Eddie the Head props, pyrotechnics, and other theatrical elements. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have been honored with numerous awards for their music and contributions to heavy metal.
Iron Maiden’s legacy as one of the most innovative and influential heavy metal bands of all time lives on, and their music continues to inspire fans and musicians around the world.
1. Hallowed Be Thy Name (The Number Of The Beast, 1982)
One of the best Iron Maiden songs of all time is a track from their album 'The Number Of The Beast' called 'Hallowed Be Thy Name'. It has an iconic opening guitar riff coupled with Bruce Dickinson's amazing vocals. The song tells a story of a man facing execution, and it captures his emotions perfectly. This song was even covered by Metallica, highlighting its popularity.
The storytelling aspect of this song sets it apart from other heavy metal tracks. The lyrics combined with the music create such an immersive experience for the listener that it leaves them captivated until the very end. Also, the instrumentation in this song creates an atmosphere that complements the lyrics brilliantly.
While everyone loves Iron Maiden's instrumentals, when you add some great lyrics and vocal performances like in 'Hallowed Be Thy Name,' it becomes one of their most memorable pieces. Fans regard this song as one of their greatest hits because they can relate to and immerse themselves in it.
If you're a fan of Iron Maiden or heavy metal music in general, 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' is definitely a must-listen! Its story-like nature will have you hooked on every note from start to finish.
If you don't feel empowered after listening to 'Powerslave', you clearly haven't cranked up the volume enough.
2. Powerslave (Powerslave, 1984)
This song from Iron Maiden's album 'Powerslave' released in 1984, is full of the band's signature sound and energy. A tribute to Egyptian mythology, it features heavy riffs and intense drums, along with Bruce Dickinson’s electrifying vocals. The track explores the themes of power and mortality, making it a fan favorite. The composition highlights Adrian Smith's guitar prowess, with a masterful solo that complements Dickinson's performance. Overall, this song represents Iron Maiden at their best.
Adding to its epic reputation, Powerslave was a cornerstone of Iron Maiden's live performances during their World Slavery Tour in the mid-80s. The band crafted an elaborate stage show featuring numerous references to ancient Egypt and staple Maiden motifs like Eddie the Head. It remains one of their most iconic shows to date.
It is worth noting that Powerslave's popularity is not limited to hard rock fans – it has also been featured in popular culture through video games such as Grand Theft Auto IV and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Its continued recognition speaks volumes about its timeless appeal and significance in the music world.
Bullets, booze, and Bruce's impressive pipes – The Trooper is the ultimate rock anthem for history buffs and metalheads alike.
3. The Trooper (Piece Of Mind, 1983)
The timeless classic 'The Trooper' from the album 'Piece Of Mind' is one of Iron Maiden's greatest hits. Here are five key points that make it stand out:
- Driven by a galloping bassline and hard rock drum beats, the song boasts a powerful musical arrangement.
- The lyrics, inspired by the Charge of the Light Brigade, narrate a gripping story of heroism and courage amidst war.
- Bruce Dickinson's high-pitched vocals add an extra layer of intensity to the song, amplifying its impact.
- A sublime guitar solo by Dave Murray and Adrian Smith adds flair to an already potent track.
- The song is a live performance favorite and has been played at almost every Iron Maiden concert since its release in 1983.
As a lesser-known fact, 'The Trooper' was released as a single in the US only after two years of its British release. Its commercial success there boosted the band's popularity in North America.
Pro tip: For those looking to experience the full impact of "The Trooper," put on a good pair of headphones or turn up your sound system to appreciate all its intricate details.
Flying high with 'Aces High', Iron Maiden proves that even in the midst of war, metal prevails.
4. Aces High (Powerslave, 1984)
This track from Powerslave (1984) showcases Iron Maiden's signature high-energy sound that hits hard right from the opening riffs. Aces High is a heavy metal masterpiece that tells the story of aerial warfare with lyrics inspired by the events of the Battle of Britain. The song has a classic guitar solo, harmonized vocals, and strong drumming throughout its duration.
Iron Maiden's unique take on war themes and masterful musicianship make Aces High an unforgettable addition to their discography. This adrenaline-fueled track packs a punch with its fast-paced and well-crafted instrumentals that stay with you long after playback.
It's important to note that Bruce Dickinson's powerful vocal performance and Steve Harris' expert bass playing make this song a standout in Iron Maiden's repertoire. Aces High draws the listener into its world, painting vivid imagery through music and lyrics alike.
For fans looking for a quintessential Iron Maiden experience, this song is an essential listen in their catalog. Whether you're new to their music or a long-time fan, Aces High captures what makes this band one of the most beloved in all of metal. For best results, turn up the volume and prepare for takeoff!
Phantom of the Opera – not just the title of a Broadway musical, but also the reason why Iron Maiden's opera mask sales skyrocketed in 1980.
5. Phantom Of The Opera (Iron Maiden, 1980)
Iron Maiden's hit single, released in 1980, the Phantom of the Opera, is a classic heavy metal masterpiece. The song showcases the band's diverse musicianship and creative prowess as they use dual guitar harmonies and high-pitched vocals to tell a dramatic tale of terror.
With an intricate arrangement that blends elements of classical music with metal, this song has stood the test of time and remains a fan favorite.
In addition to its musical complexity, the Phantom of the Opera has deep significance within Iron Maiden lore, as it served as an early example of lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson's immense vocal range and stage presence. This track highlights every aspect of what makes Iron Maiden such a legendary band, from their storytelling ability to their fearless experimentation with genre-bending sounds.
Moreover, what sets this particular song apart is its progressive nature, which was unusual for heavy metal at the time of its release. The track spans nearly seven minutes and features various instrumental sections that showcase individual musicians' talents while staying true to the overall narrative arc.
Fun Fact: Iron Maiden's Phantom Of The Opera was based on Gaston Leroux's novel 'Le Fantôme de l'Opéra'.
If Fear of the Dark doesn't send chills down your spine, you might want to check if your heart is still beating.
6. Fear Of The Dark (Fear Of The Dark, 1992)
Fear of the Dark, released in 1992, is one of Iron Maiden's most recognizable songs. It opens with an iconic riff and showcases Bruce Dickinson's vocal range. The song's lyrics capture the feeling of fear that arises when one is alone in the darkness. The chorus carries a catchy melody that is perfect for a sing-along at concerts. Fear of the Dark has become a staple of Iron Maiden's live shows and continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Moreover, the song features memorable guitar solos and harmonies that showcase Iron Maiden's musicianship. The use of acoustic guitar in the beginning adds a nice contrast to the heavy metal sound that follows. Fear of the Dark has been covered by numerous bands and artists over the years, cementing its place as an Iron Maiden classic.
Interestingly, Fear of the Dark was originally written before Iron Maiden had even recorded their debut album. The band felt that it wasn't ready at the time and held onto it until they found a way to do it justice. This patience paid off as Fear of the Dark has gone on to become one of their most beloved songs.
To fully enjoy Fear of The Dark, one can listen to it on high-quality headphones or speakers to experience all layers and levels incorporated into this work-of-art musical piece. Additionally, while listening to this masterpiece, intense feelings such as goosebumps or hair standing up are expected due to its captivating lyrics and excellent instrumentals that make you feel like you're standing alone in darkness yourself.
In summary, Fear Of The Dark stands firm amongst other tracks on this list because of its mesmerizing power instrumental composition with engaging vocals delivering powerful emotions listeners could connect with at various levels; making it truly one-of-a-kind among Iron Maiden’s enthralling collection!
Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son: proof that if you keep adding sevens, you'll eventually hit a jackpot of epic musical proportions.
7. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son (Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, 1988)
“Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son”, a track featured in the album with the same name, released back in 1988. The song tells the story of a child who is born with special abilities due to being the seventh son of his father who was also the seventh son. The track showcases Iron Maiden's progressive side with its use of unusual time signatures and spoken-word segments. The guitar solos by Dave Murray and Adrian Smith and Bruce Dickinson's powerful vocals add to its appeal.
The song made it to number 12 on the UK charts at the time of its release. It was also on the setlists for several tours by Iron Maiden including Seventh Son world tour, which ran from 1988 until 1989.
“Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son” stands out as an essential milestone in Iron Maiden's discography, both musically and lyrically. Its unique storytelling aspect still resonates with fans worldwide.
Don't miss out on listening to this classic Iron Maiden masterpiece that represents their artistic brilliance and impeccable musicianship.
Travel through time with Iron Maiden's ‘Wasted Years’, but be warned, this song may make you regret all the wasted time in your own life.
8. Wasted Years (Somewhere In Time, 1986)
A track that stands tall in the Iron Maiden discography is one from their 1986 release 'Somewhere In Time'. This song is a powerful statement called 'Wasted Years'. With its fast-paced, heavy riffs and soaring vocals from Bruce Dickinson, it's no surprise that this track features in the top ten list of best Iron Maiden songs of all time. The lyrics also speak about looking back on life and realizing how much time has been wasted. Overall, 'Wasted Years' is a perfect embodiment of Maiden's music style.
The song was written by guitarist Adrian Smith and takes an introspective look at a musician's life on the road. The music video for this track featured band footage from tours spanning three years and further resonated with audiences worldwide. Many fans consider this track as one of their favorites due to its relatability and musical excellence.
In addition, 'Wasted Years' has become an anthem for rock lovers worldwide as it evokes strong emotions through its stirring guitar work, catchy melodies, and high-energy vocals. It remains among Iron Maiden's most beloved classics till date.
It is recommended to listen to 'Wasted Years' before or after going through the entire list of the ten best Iron Maiden songs of all time. This will allow for better context appreciation and create anticipation among listeners who may be revisiting these iconic tracks or discovering them for the first time.
Sail the salty seas with Iron Maiden's epic tale, but don't forget to bring a life jacket for when the song takes a dark turn.
9. Rime Of The Ancient Mariner (Powerslave, 1984)
This classic track from the album 'Powerslave' tells the tale of a doomed voyage, transporting the listener back in time to witness harrowing events. It boasts intricate guitar riffs, hair-raising vocals and captivating storytelling that showcases Iron Maiden's talent for creating epic songs. The song is lengthy, but never loses its grip on your attention, leaving you spellbound until its impactful conclusion. Its imagery, melody and overall vibe continue to make it a fan favourite and one of Iron Maiden's most revered hits.
What sets this track apart is how it marries literary influences with heavy metal music. Based on Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 19th-century poem with the same name, Bruce Dickinson's lyrics breathe life into the story – gripping you with their poignancy. Steve Harris's masterful composition provides an excellent backdrop for this haunting case of nautical misfortune. Atmospheric solos and intricate harmonies work together to keep you captivated throughout this eight-minute journey.
Renowned for their live performances, Iron Maiden keeps listeners gripped when playing Rime Of The Ancient Mariner by incorporating stagecraft elements that further enhance the story being told. For example, Dickinson would often wear a tattered coat to match the song's seafaring narrative or add live sound effects like thunderclaps.
Pro Tip: While listening to Rime Of The Ancient Mariner visualise the tragic shipwreck as described in Coleridge's poem – let your imagination roam free!
2 minutes to midnight – the perfect amount of time to get your heart racing and your head banging.
10. 2 Minutes To Midnight (Powerslave, 1984)
This acclaimed song from Iron Maiden's 1984 album Powerslave rightfully grabs its position among their top 10 tracks ever. "2 Minutes To Midnight" is an ideal blend of aggressive, fast-paced guitar riffs and politically charged lyrics that talk about the threat of nuclear warfare. The track's catchy chorus and memorable guitar solos make it a fan favorite and an absolute classic in the band's vast repertoire.
The song features legendary guitarist Adrian Smith's unique touch, who adds his flair to the guitar riffs and solo. The hard-hitting drumming by Nicko McBrain ensures that the song remains fast-paced throughout, never letting up on intensity until the final notes ring out. Moreover, Bruce Dickinson's daringly soaring vocals lift it further.
Additionally, "2 Minutes To Midnight" has been noted for its fascinating reference to the Doomsday Clock that symbolizes how far humanity is from global disaster, calling attention to critical issues that still plague civilization today.
Pro Tip: To truly appreciate this song's essence, listen to it loud with headphones on to savor every nuance of this masterpiece.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
