Poll: The strongest 90s Maiden album

What's the strongest 90s album?


  • Total voters
    60

Vaenyr

Ancient Mariner
Since we're in full polling mode and I haven't created a thread yet, might as well get it over with and get y'all to choose between the plague and cholera (as we'd say in Germany) :D

NPFTD is commonly seen as a disappointment after SSOASS with barely any high points.

FOTD has far higher highs, but also some of the least popular songs in their entire career.

TXF is seen as long, slow and brooding, with a weak production and weak performances.

VXI is more energetic but commonly criticized for repeating itself far too much, for what feels like half the album. Also, Nicko's drumming is unforgivably simple.

So, maidenfans: What's the best among the black sheep? What's your favorite?
 
NPFTD is the weakest for me, FOTD has more than half great songs but also some fillers, TXF is probably the most consistent with not bad songs - but VXI is my favorite. Yes, there is repetition, some choruses are bit odd, but I genuinely think there are no weak songs (as such) among the 8 songs. Especially compared to the other albums. Every song brings something, which can be said for TXF too. And I just love the melancholic melodies and vocals, can't beat them. Never!

Let's put it this way: I love VXI, one of my favorite albums, FOTD is great and I love listening to it from start to finish, and TXF is special.
 
This poll needed a 5th funny option. I really don't know what to choose. I choose The Chemical Wedding :blueangel:.
Even if I chose the tracks I like off each of these albums, I wouldn't be able to make an actually good Maiden album.

1. Futureal
2. The Sign of the Cross
3. Judas be my Guide
4. Lord of the Flies
5. Afraid to Shoot Strangers
6. No Prayer for the Dying
7. The Clansman
8. Fear of the Dark
 
1. «Никаких молитв за умирающих» (1990)

Этот альбом ознаменовал собой отход от прогрессивного звучания предыдущих работ в сторону более прямолинейного, «уличного» хэви-метала. Уход Эдриана Смита повлиял на авторскую манеру исполнения — материал стал проще и менее амбициозным. Хотя такие треки, как «Bring Your Daughter... to the Slaughter» и «Tailgunner», понравились поклонникам, альбом в целом часто считают одним из самых слабых в дискографии группы.

Рейтинг: 6/10
⚙️ Ключевые треки: Tailgunner, Bring Your Daughter... to the Slaughter


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2. Страх темноты (1992)

Более зрелая и разнообразная работа по сравнению с предыдущей. Альбом включает в себя как классические хэви-метал-композиции, так и намёки на прогрессивные элементы. Заглавный трек стал настоящим гимном Iron Maiden и остаётся фаворитом на концертах. Однако общее качество альбома неоднозначное.

Рейтинг: 7/10
⚙️ Ключевые треки: Fear of the Dark, Afraid to Shoot Strangers, Be Quick or Be Dead


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3. X-Фактор (1995)

Первый альбом с новым вокалистом Блейзом Бэйли. В музыкальном плане он мрачнее, атмосфернее и серьёзнее предыдущих работ. Несмотря на амбициозность и глубину текстов, ограниченный вокальный диапазон Бэйли сдерживает его полный потенциал. Альбом, вызывающий разногласия, но недооценённый.

Рейтинг: 7/10
⚙️ Ключевые треки: Sign of the Cross, The Edge of Darkness, Man on the Edge


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4. Виртуальный XI (1998)

Второй и последний альбом Бэйли с группой. Здесь Maiden стремились к более прямолинейному и доступному звучанию, но результат оказался одним из самых невдохновленных в их репертуаре. Слабое продюсирование, затянутые песни и отсутствие энергии оставляют неоднозначное впечатление.

Рейтинг: 5/10
⚙️ Ключевые треки: The Clansman, Futureal
 
I just straight up dislike No Prayer and FOTD - especially Bruce's vocals - so for me this is a contest between the 2 Blaze albums.
X Factor has some very good music but as others have noted it's a bit too broody / depressing for my tastes. But I do love Judgement of Heaven.

Anyway, my vote here goes to Virtual XI. I like all 8 songs despite the repetition in TAATG and Eyes of a Stranger.
Futureal and Clansman are great; Lightning Strikes Twice and Educated Fool are both very good.
 
The X Factor has the more artistic merit in that the songs are mostly there, it's the production and performances that let it down.
No Prayer is the most consistent across the whole album, it's just consistently average. Fear of the Dark has the strongest high points. Virtual XI is Maiden's worst album.
You nailed all of my thoughts on these albums. Couldn't agree more.
 
  1. "No Prayer for the Dying" (1990)
    • Style Shift: Transition from progressive to straightforward, "street" heavy metal.
    • Impact: Departure of Adrian Smith led to simpler, less ambitious material.
    • Reception: Tracks like "Bring Your Daughter... to the Slaughter" and "Tailgunner" were popular, but the album is often considered one of the weakest in the band's discography.
    • Rating: 6/10
    • Key Tracks: "Tailgunner," "Bring Your Daughter... to the Slaughter"
  2. "Fear of the Dark" (1992)
    • Maturity: More mature and diverse compared to the previous album.
    • Content: Includes classic heavy metal compositions with hints of progressive elements.
    • Reception: The title track became an Iron Maiden anthem and remains a concert favorite, though the overall album quality is mixed.
    • Rating: 7/10
    • Key Tracks: "Fear of the Dark," "Afraid to Shoot Strangers," "Be Quick or Be Dead"
  3. "The X Factor" (1995)
    • New Vocalist: First album with new vocalist Blaze Bayley.
    • Tone: Darker, more atmospheric, and serious.
    • Reception: Despite its ambition and lyrical depth, Bayley's limited vocal range holds it back. It's a divisive but underrated album.
    • Rating: 7/10
    • Key Tracks: "Sign of the Cross," "The Edge of Darkness," "Man on the Edge"
  4. "Virtual XI" (1998)
    • Final Bayley Album: Second and last album with Bayley.
    • Style: Aimed for a more straightforward and accessible sound but ended up being one of the most uninspired in their repertoire.
    • Reception: Weak production, lengthy songs, and lack of energy leave a mixed impression.
    • Rating: 5/10
    • Key Tracks: "The Clansman," "Futureal"
 
У «X Factor» отвратительный продакшн и слишком много медленных, задумчивых песен, все в одной тональности, но я думаю, что он заслуживает одобрения для меня.
Yeah, but despite that there are some good tracks on there. It sounds like our favorite Maiden. I listen to Fortune of war on repeat sometimes. It's a flawless song with the band's trademark gallop in the second half.
 
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Да, но, несмотря на это, там есть несколько хороших треков. Звучит как наши любимые Maiden. Иногда я слушаю Fortune of War на повторе. Это безупречная песня с фирменным галопом группы во второй половине.

The language on this board is English. Please post in English.
 
Actually this thread got me to revisit Fear Of The Dark. In my opinion, FOTD is the band's best record from the 90s. No matter how much overplayed you find the title track to be, its definitely a gem of a song and a real crowd mover! Afraid To Shoot Strangers is a memorable epic, Judas Be My Guide is actually a very unique number compared to the rest of the songs and hints toward a Somewhere In Time Time/Seventh Son feel. Be Quick Or Be Dead is surprisingly aggressive and kicks ass. Though I'm not the biggest fan of Wasting Love, it actually has nice melody going on and the songwriting department shines.

Now they did try hard to go for a rough/aggressive sound on No Prayer For The Dying, but I feel they finally nailed it here on this record. Bruce sounds wicked cool and grittier on this record (the only other Maiden album where I can say the same is Dance Of Death). From Here To Eternity and Chains Of Misery are cool enjoyable songs with dirty rock 'n' roll overtones. I know The Apparition somewhere falls flat in this regard but still got a decent rhythm and great lyrics, to be honest. The Fugitive is much much better than I remember. Fear Is The Key has an already awesome intro and along with Childhood's End (that drumming though!) and Weekend Warrior, is among the very unusual ventures for the band.
 
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