IRON MAIDEN / Somewhere in Time (1986)

The Iron Maiden sound has remained traditionally galloping from day one, but it was shaken up quite dramatically on Somewhere in Time with the addition of synth guitar; it's surprisingly good, so don't knock it until you've heard it. It was mostly due to Adrian Smith, who composed the riffs for some of its strongest songs. Adrian had always been dependable but hadn't contributed his own vision before.
The second half of the album is less interesting. It's Maiden by numbers, and if not for Stranger in a Strange Land being placed there it'd be largely forgettable.
The full album cover (HERE) by long-time artist Derek Riggs is densely packed with Maiden lore and classic sci-fi references and is perfect for desktop wallpaper.

Songs of Note: Caught Somewhere in Time; Stranger in a Strange Land

3½ golden years out of 5

IRON MAIDEN / Powerslave (1984)

Powerslave opens with all guns firing, and ends even stronger. In-between are some classics and some lesser known tracks that don't make it onto Best of... compilations but are nevertheless constructed with the same love and care as the hits that do. The production is astonishing; it sounds as good today as it did in '84.
The album is most notable for having the ambitious 13+ minute track, Rime of the Ancient Mariner, a retelling of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem of the same name. It takes the listener on a journey of shifting moods and poetical allusions. If you're really lucky. they'll play it live the next time you see them.

Songs of Note: Aces High; Rime of the Ancient Mariner

4 slain and risen out of 5

IRON MAIDEN / Piece of Mind (1983)

Maiden's fourth album was also Nicko McBrain's first; he added his drum skills to the existing line-up, which was a line-up that lasted for many years. It's a solid album with typical Maiden-esque riffs and breaks, but except for fan-favourite The Trooper there's few obvious stand-out moments. It requires repeated listens before it begins to impact like the previous albums did. But once it clicks, it sticks.

Songs of Note: The Trooper; Flight of Icarus

4 literary inspirations out of 5

IRON MAIDEN / The Number of the Beast (1982)

Bruce Dickinson's first Maiden album fully deserves its place in history. The soaring vocal ability of Bruce is a perfect match for the galloping rhythm section, which is now tighter than a nun's ass. Steve Harris and Clive Burr work together on bass and drums, respectively, like two parts of the same beast, while the twin guitar attack thunders along, breaking the charge with some classic solos.
Every one of my friends in high school owned the album, and I'd guess every one of them still do. It contains my all-time favourite Maiden track (the second of the ones linked below); it still gives me the jollies to this day, twenty-five years on.

Songs of note: The Number of the Beast; Hallowed Be Thy Name

5 fires burning bright out of 5

IRON MAIDEN / Killers (1981)

The second and last Maiden album to feature Paul Di'Anno on vocals treads similar ground to their eponymous début. The production is better and the riffs are heavier, which gives new life to the dual guitar assault. Steve's bass is again the driving force - seeing as how he's the main songwriter that makes a kind of sense musically. Di'Anno seems less at home with the material but he still gives it full force. However, there are two tracks upon which he doesn't feature at all. It's Adrian Smith’s first album. Enough boring chatter. It's another classic.

Songs of Note: Killers; Purgatory

5 hands of Thatcher out of 5

IRON MAIDEN / Iron Maiden (1980)

It's amazing to think that Maiden perfected the sound that would define them for the next 30+ years on their very first album. It's heavily influenced by Thin Lizzy, but it's moulded into something unique. The dual guitar melodies are in place, the Steve Harris bass lines, the quiet refrains and the simple but addictive chorus'. There's also a distinct punk vibe running throughout, mostly due to Paul Di'Anno's vocals; they would eventually drop that part (along with Di'Anno) but it's a joy to revisit it. The eponymous release is still one of my favourite Maiden albums.

Songs of Note: Sanctuary; Iron Maiden

5 lucozade adverts out of 5