3 Underrated Iron Maiden Songs
In honor of the songs that didn’t get enough attention, Audio Ink Radio presents its tally of three underrated Iron Maiden songs. – Author: Anne Erickson, Photo via Ken Settle
Metal mavens Iron Maiden have an intense studio discography packed with songs that are simply timeless. Very few of Maiden’s albums don’t have at least a few “hits,” not hits in the sense of radio airplay but instead meaning that fans know and love these classics and even those who aren’t fans recognize them.
Yes, Iron Maiden is really one of the greatest metal bands of all time, alongside giants such as Judas Priest, Metallica, Testament and Megadeth, to name just a few. The band is really spearheaded by bass player Steve Harris, who has been with the group since the beginning and is the band’s chief songwriter. Of course, lead singer Bruce Dickinson is also pretty much the face of the band and a huge part of their identity and brand.
Even with a band as well-known as Iron Maiden, some songs tend to fly under the radar. In honor of the songs that didn’t get enough attention, Audio Ink Radio presents its tally of three underrated Iron Maiden songs.
Incredibly Underrated Iron Maiden Songs to Listen to Again
“Strange World” off 1980’s “Iron Maiden”
Sure, Iron Maiden got more known as their catalog expanded, but sometimes, it’s refreshing to go back to where it all began. Iron Maiden released their debut album in 1980, and that release made a statement. It was obvious that this band was going to be very different and offer a refreshing new take on British metal and the new wave movement. “Strange World” appears on that album, and it offers a bit of psychedelia along with the raging metal for which the band would eventually be known. It’s worth dusting off and listening to again.
“Back in the Village” off 1984’s “Powerslave”
It’s difficult to find an underappreciated song off “Powerslave,” because that album is so huge and is pretty much one big hit. But, if there’s any song on there that has gone overlooked over the years, it’s “Back in the Village.” This track is the compliment to “The Prisoner,” and why the lyrics are very hard to interpret, that almost doesn’t matter, because the track is pure fire. Will Iron Maiden ever play this one live? Probably not. But, wow, that would be a treat if they did.
“Wasting Love” off 1992’s “Fear of the Dark”
This one is this writer’s favorite off the tally. Iron Maiden isn’t a ballad band. That title is reserved for other bands from the 1980s that were, well, a bit cheesier, not that there’s anything wrong with that. But, this group created what could be considered a ballad in 1992’s “Wasting Love.” Here, Dickinson sings with so much emotion about empty flings and the loneliness that comes with those short-lived relationships, if you can even call them that. It’s a gem on “Fear of the Dark” that often gets overlooked.
For more metal fun, also check out Audio Ink Radio’s feature on the greatest Iron Maiden songs and the best Iron Maiden album of all time.
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