Album review: The first album the boys got out there. The sound isn't so clear, but dont forget that this is 1980. There is a little influence from punk. The songs show that Maiden is a band that has talent, creativity and a great future in Heavy metal. The drums are good, the base w/Steve Harris simply just impress, Pul Di'Anno does a good job with the vocals and the only downside is the not so smooth "quitar cooperation" between Stratton and Murray. The songs are very good, but as the sound quality lacks, the overall rate goes down. Produced by Martin Birch.
Rating in a scale of 10: 8.3/10
Best song: between Phantom of the Opera and Iron Maiden
Individual song review:
This song is a masterpiece, on of the best of the album, but nt the best(competing against Phantom of the Opera or Iron Maiden isn't easy :) ) The intro, and solos are a w e s o m e . A song created by Steve Harris.(3:55 min)
Another very good song in that album, along with Prowler. Combination of slow and fast rhythm, remember tomorrow is a great song, with great lyrics, great guitars and awesome bass. The song was supposedly inspired from Di'Anno's grandfather death. Created by Di'Anno and Harris.(5:27 min)
I know, I know, you got tired of heraing this, but, yes, this IS another GREAT song in this album. Very good, designed to psyche you up in live performances(every iron maiden live album has this song). However this version, isn't the same as in live performances, the drums and the bass are different, and ofcourse the vocals are different as Di'Anno was replaced by Bruce Dickinson. In my opinion the later versions are better, but the original is worth it too. Created by Harris and Di'Anno.(3:16 min)
This is the best song of the album, a true epic. Harris considered this to be his best song until "Rime of the Ancient Mariner came out"(Powerslave, 1984). Anything I might say about this song would be little. So, get out there and get a copy for yourself and just hear it. Magnificent song! Created by Harris( :-) ).(7:07 min)
Instrumental song, the best instrumental song Maiden has created. Created by Harris.(4:05 min)
The "slow song of the album", a very good ballade. This is the slowest song Maiden ever did. A very good song, with great solos. Created by Harris and Di'Anno.(5:45 min)
Powerfull song, to psyche you up! Definitely for live performances, and thats exactly what the boys did! Heavy sounds and fast solos, good combination. Created by everybody.(3:13 min)
Great song, that talks about a prostitute. This song is believed to have started the "saga of charlotte", which is continued by other songs later on. The only song that Murray made ever by himself. And indeed a very good one. Created by Murray.(4:12 min)
Along with Phantom of the Opera, this is the best song of the album, a maiden classic, a psyche up song for lives. One of the best intros you will ever hear and a fast continuation. Great! Created by Harris.(3:35 min)