Maiden have many openers that are much better than this song, such as... Be Quick Or Be Dead, Aces High, Invaders, Where Eagles Dare, The Wicker Man. Wildest Dreams is an ok song, I give it 6/10.
'Wildest Dreams' is so completely fantastic! (Sorry, new here, so, just now finding this thread.) This song is wonderful and I used to cry while listening to Bruce on this. So new, so fresh. Knowing that they were into this album as much as me was also a "cry" factor. Awesome single for this song as well. Great artwork with 'Top Hat Eddie'. Very excellent bonus/b-side track in 'Pass The Jam'. ((The title is great since it basically a very organized "jam" session.)) Excellent lyrics in 'Wildest Dreams' too! One of the very best opening tracks ever along such greats as 'Aces High' & 'The Wicker Man'.
Having just read through the comments in this thread, I can very safely say that I'm in a huge minority who actually loves this song. I also prefer it to the overrated "The Wicker Man", which I've always found a fairly dull opener which is only rescued by a great H solo and an inspired outro. "Wildest Dreams" is a far more energetic song making it a perfect opener, and the lyrics are pretty inspiring I have to say... can't see why they've attracted so much hate here! The solo by H is awesome, and overall, I love the energy, and drive of this song. I certainly wouldn't be averse to them putting this in future setlists, and I'd certainly be letting loose if they play it at a future Maiden concert that I attend! A final point, I disagree with a lot here who feel "Rainmaker" would be a better opener on "Dance Of Death". It is a fantastic song, and even better than "Wildest Dreams", but it doesn't have the feel of an opener. I think it's perfectly placed as the second song.
Right now its my no. 1 song but I decided to be fair and give it a 9/10 its not the best on the album but it is my favorite atm I feel like I can relate to it when it says "I'm going to organize some changes in my life, I'm going to excorcise the demons of my past" because sometimes I feel everything in my mind is going to drive me crazy I need to go on a ride in the car or a walk outside to sort of clear my mind.