Things really started to roll with this album. A UK No. 1 and a top ten single. The line-up had been changed again. Out went Paul Di'Anno and in with ex-Samson frontman Bruce Dickinson. With him came a whole new sound to Maiden. Not that he wrote anything for the album, but his vocal range meant new possibilities for Maiden. SH had written most of the songs for the first 2 albums, but now other members where helping. This album is very much a Harris/Smith album. That is not the only reason that the album turned out so good. Their musicianship also got better as they constantly played gigs and recorded. But man, what an album.
Invaders: A very nice opener. Great riff and a great drive in the song. The chorus is a bit lame or at least it sounds a little lame. But that doesn't make it a bad song. There are too many good parts in the song, so it doesn't matter. All in all a killer opener!!
Children of the Damned: Maiden goes quiet .again. But this time with style. It's more a power ballad than an actual ballad. Classic Maiden solo. Smith's just brilliant on this album! Great vocal work by Mr.
Air Raid Siren. Play the drums Mr. Burr if you please. Uh yeah.
The Prisoner: Great intro, taken from the TV-series the "The Prisoner". Killer riff and again a kick-ass solo! What can I say? Listen and learn all you Nu-metal fans!!
22 Acacia Avenue: Will this never end? Why do you do this to me? I don't deserve this? Please stop this classic Maiden track or my ears will bleed. Oh dear, here the solo comes. Shit. Soiled myself again. Classic Harris/Smith collaboration. Very bluesy yet very heavy. The song is actually the continuing saga of
Charlotte the Harlot.
The Number of the Beast: A song about worshipping the devil. Not that the band do, but they wanted to make song about it. SH has some weird dreams once in a while. He turns them into songs. Hmm, song is not the right word here. Aahh here it is: ANTHEM!
Not my favorite track on the album, but this is still a classic track, with the spoken part in the start and the "your-hairs-going-off-your-head"-riff are.classic! (I wonder how many times I can write the word classic in this review.)
Run To The Hills: Their first top ten single and fine one at that. For some I guess. I don't like it. Maybe its because I heard it too much. Also when I say I dont' like it I mean, if I had to rate it, it would still get a 7-8. In my opinion!! Mind you there are a lot of fans out there that just loves this track. It starts with classic drum/guitar intro.
Great bass playing in the middle section though.
Gangland: I haven't met someone yet that liked this track other than myself. I like the drums and the solo. The solo is very simple, but very Maidenish. Twinlead! Also the drive in the song. Great!
Total Eclipse: Not on the original record. It was suppossed to be on the album instead of "Gangland". But somehow the 2 got mixed, so "Total Eclipse" ended as a B-side. A great B-side, but I think this mistake was the best that could have happened. The song ain't that great. I don't like the drive in the song. Except for the part where the they pick up the tempo. Now thats cool.
Hallowed Be Thy Name: CLASSIC! Nay a masterpiece! One of SH best songs ever! What an intro! What a riff! What a vocal! Cool drums! A Masterpiece! Nothing more, nothing less! (Maybe more!!) ;o)
As all of the remastered this album features loads of extra material. Hurrah!
The production has gone up a notch. That is nice to hear. I think it sounds like something from 1988-90 and not 1982. Great job Martin Birch. For all of you new Maiden fans, this is a very good place to start! It has it all. Vocals, drums, raunchy guitars and of course the easy to remember sing alongs and melodies!
But how to rate it! It sure has masterpiece written all over it, with "only" 2 weak songs on it. Actually only one since
"Total Eclipse" wasn't on the original. But that's it. Something is weak. Or at least that is how I feel. That is why I will "only" rate it as a classic and not a masterpiece. But buy it/listen to it or even listen to it again and let me know if you disagree.
Written by
Ulrick Wednesday, July 10, 2002
Show all reviews by UlrickRatingsUlrick: 9.5/10Members: 9.25/10 - Average of 2 ratings.
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