Songs you love that aren't too popular (one per album).

karljant

Ancient Mariner
Invasion: Ok, it's not a song from the album per se but IMO it should be (like Sanctuary, another excellent cut that gets lots of flak). Fast and aggressive early Maiden was certified gold and this one's not an exception. I simply can't understand all the hatred on this track.

Prodigal Son: On the other hand, I consider Killers' calmest song to be a unique jewel. Based upon acoustic strumming guitars - a structure the band only tried once again more than two decades later - The track is filled with excellent guitar solos. A calmer moment within a heavy as hell album.

Invaders: Yes, the chorus is awful. And as I stated before both of them add up to 18 seconds. As for the rest I consider this track to be absolutely amazing, especially Steve's bass line.

To Tame A Land: Now, it's not that I think many people dislike this one. It's just that I consider it to be underrated as hell, rarely mentioned among Maiden's best tracks (which is where I think it belongs). IMO easily a top 5 all time lengthy epic Iron Maiden tune.

Losfer Words (Big 'Orra): When compared with other instrumentals, Powerslave's third track is often described as a black sheep. I personally don't understand why. Excellent song.

The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner: Once again it's not like I think most fans dislike this one. It is, however, normally regarded as second rate when compared with other Somewhere In Time songs. And while I'm aware this is an album featuring nothing but bangers, it is my favorite track here - alongside Wasted Years - and top ten all time Maiden material.

The Prophecy: Very similar case to the previous one. Normally portrayed as an afterthought - even a filler - while being part of an excellent album with nothing but classics, this track is my favorite from the lot and another top ten all time. I could also pick Can I Play With Madness, since I can't understand the hate some fans have for this song. High quality "commercial" song IMO.

Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter: I could pick some quality tunes like Fates Warning or Run Silent Run Deep, yet these are songs most fans don't even pay attention to. IMO they're great tunes but fact is many even seem to acknowledge they exist. I know No Prayer is far from being the band's best effort but the level of indifference towards it is excessive to say the least. On the other hand, Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter is way more polarizing: like Can I Play With Madness, this is what I call quality "commercial" Maiden and, despite its corny lyrics, one hell of a song.

Childhood's End: This is IMO a really cool tune that is forgotten by the majority of Maiden's fandom. And while it's far from top tier quality (also falling short to what arguably are Fear Of The Dark's best three tracks), I think it should be more cherished, since both this song and Judas Be My Guide are surrounded by what IMO is a sea of fillers and stinkers. And while the latter still has its fans, Childhood's End is criminally forgotten.

Fortunes Of War: If there's a track I think bears the "underrated" tag above any other this is the one. Filled with excellent guitar harmonies that give way to simple yet crushing slow riffs, this song represents a lot of what I love about The X Factor. Recovering the epic flavor that was gone in the band's prior two albums, this somber post war chronicle is pure class as far as I'm concerned, one of the songs that started to put Maiden back on the right track again.

The Educated Fool: While not being on par with Futureal or The Clansman, I think this is easily the album's best third tune. Could be a tad bit shorter but even so it's quite enjoyable and emotional stuff.

Blood Brothers: Noticeably loved by the band (especially Steve), I think this is a superb tune. So, it was with surprise I came to the conclusion it is one of the least popular tunes from the album among fans. I utterly disagree. Easily a high point alongside The Wicker Man, The Thin Line Between Love And Hate and even Out Of The Silent Planet.

Montségur: Easily among my top 5 post reunion songs, this is a rare breed regarding that period: a fast, short, discharge of quality heavy metal featuring some folk sparkles that combine perfectly with its thematic. That being said, it is a riddle to me why some people hate this tune.

These Colors Don't Run: I believe that, overall, this is an appreciated song, yet I still feel like it's somewhat underrated. As far as I'm concerned this is A Matter Of Life And Death's best tune, and that's saying a lot, since IMO this is a superb album devoid of fillers, featuring a handful of monster tracks.

Mother Of Mercy: Now, if there's a track I believe gets an unjustifiable amount of crap this is the one. While not being top tier quality, IMO this is a quality rock-solid dramatic war themed tune. I really don't understand the disdain it gets.

When The River Runs Deep: Great uptempo tune that's seldom forgotten. Once again not top tier material but a great boost of energy within the album.

Lost In A Lost World: With the exception of the excessive repetition of the post chorus section, IMO everything in this tune is filled with quality: soothing intro, thundering verses, melodic bridge, incisive chorus, great harmonies... you name it. While most tracks from Senjutsu lost some of their glitter with the passing of time (with the exception of The Writing On The Wall and Stratego), I love this song as much as the first time I listened to it. Yet it is normally portrayed as the worst cut from the pack, something that simply puzzles me.
 
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Now we're talking! Some albums, like many of the 80s ones, are pretty well liked overall for the most part. That means some of the choices might not be a black sheep, but some overlooked gems overshadowed by far more popular tracks.

Strange World: I don't think it's particularly disliked, but it is a very different track compared to how Maiden evolved. In the context of the debut it's just one of 8 tracks, showing some vulnerability and a great feel for melody. Paul got to show a very different side of his voice as well, even more so than on Remember Tomorrow.

Purgatory: I almost went with Genghis Khan, but chose this one instead. It feels totally forgotten which is a shame. It has great melodies, a ferocious pace, some really fun key changes and pretty uplifting lyrics as well.

Gangland: One of the tracks notorious for being "bad". It's far from perfect and I get why people don't have much love for it. I think it's a bit undercooked and needed a little more time. The fundamental ingredients for a fantastic rocker are in there, it's just missing a little extra to get it to the finish line.

Quest For Fire: I unironically adore this song. Yeah, the lyrics are goofy. Yes, Bruce sounds hilariously awful in the verses. But the instrumental section, goddamn, that instrumental section. Not only are the guitar leads heavenly and Steve's bass line gets more elaborate with the repetitions, the solo tone is glorious.

Losfer Words: Maiden aren't really an instrumental kind of band. The vocals have always been a key part to their success. This ist the one that most feels like a proper composition, instead of simply a regular song with its vocals stripped out. The guitar work is great, as is their playing around with various modes. It feels like the precursor to Alexander The Great's instrumental sections.

The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner: My favorite song on the album and one of my faves from the entire decade. The lyrics are mundane, but they are sung with such passion that I always get goosebumps. Seriously, the chorus is incredibly simple but Bruce sounds like a young god. Then there's a plethora of amazing twin-guitar leads, especially the changing guitar lines in the outro of the track. Phenomenal stuff.

The Prophecy: This one seems to be seen as the weakest track on the album by most fans. I kinda get why, but it's so strange and out there that it becomes endearing to me. A wild amount of key changes, including to some very rarely used by Maiden. Then there's that "purgatory beckons" part, with a side of Bruce not heard elsewhere. He reminds me of Eric Adams from Manowar, in a good way. Also, despite me absolutely hating fade-outs, this song features two but they are used to great effect. The acoustic outro in particular is something I could listen to for hours.

Public Enema Number One: I discovered my love for this one over the last 5 or so years. Not that I actively disliked it before, but I didn't really appreciate what's happening in the song. The title and pun are kinda immature I suppose, but the melodies throughout are amazing (seeing a pattern there? I'm a sucker for melodies).

Childhood's End: Similar to TLOTLDR, this one is my fave on the album and one of the best 90s songs imo. In a sense it is The Evil That Men Do's bizarro twin. They have a similar structure to their intro, but go different directions afterwards. The production of the album really complements the songwriting on this one and elevates it.

The Aftermath: The lyrics are bleak. They are tragic. They are incredibly beatiful. With the exception of the rather silly "why did they make a war" clunker. The bridge and instrumental sections are awesome though. I get goosebumps when Blaze sings the "I'm just a soldier!" line and Janick follows with one of his more melodic and memorable solos.

Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger: My all-time favorite Maiden song. It gets a ton of hate for its repetitions, though TAATG tends to face the majority of ridicule. It never bothered me though. I love how it keeps building up in intensity until all energy is released in the frantic polka-on-steroids section. Again, great melodies throughout and the solos are both fantastic.

Dream Of Mirrors: Not sure if this one is disliked or overlooked or anything, but it's usually not among the top 3 when discussing this album. It's a long track. It takes its time to build up to the brilliant "whoah" part in the final minutes. Especially the RIR version, which is pure Maiden magic. I genuinely adore this song.

Gates Of Tomorrow: I'm not only a sucker for guitar melodies, I'm also a sucker for vocal harmonies and this one is filled to the brim with them! The ones during the verse are kinda sloppy (weird voice leading, shoddy arrangement) but the chorus in particular, with its VI VII I progression (a favorite of mine) and an army of Bruces never fails to make me smile.

Different World: No idea which songs are disliked on this album, but I'll go with the opener. I've seen it ignored quite a few times when talking about the best opening tracks, which is a shame. It's quite the different vibe, especially with its uplifting chorus. That's what makes it so special though. We even get a triple guitar lead!

The Alchemist: Honestly, this is a song that I rarely seek out on my own, but I end up loving it whenever I listen to it. One of the few post-reunion (post-AMOLAD?) tracks with very prominent triple guitar leads. The lyrics are a bit clunky, but I really like how Bruce sounds on this one.

When The River Runs Deep: Vocal harmonies. Hell yeah! The quick verses in particular are awesome. The intro and outro feel kinda sloppy though. Overall this one really feels underrated and overlooked.

Lost In A Lost World: The second best Harris epic on the record imo, after Hell On Earth of course. Bruce sings a ton of it in his mid range, which I love. The lead guitars throughout the song are gorgeous. At points (towards the middle) it sounds like a modern day TXF song, which is pretty cool.
 
Burning Ambition: The B side to Running Free, only played live 5 times according to setlistFM. Sure the lyrics are inane, but I love how it transitions from smooth guitar harmony to frantic thrashy energy and back. Just a fun song, I still go out of my way to listen to this one every now and then.

Another Life: Played a lot in the early days, these days it catches a lot of flak as being half baked especially since it's just one verse repeated over. I don't care. I'm on board with any song that starts in the middle of a guitar solo and just keeps rocking the rest of the way.

Sun and Steel: Never played live which I find crazy as the chorus feels like it's custom-built to be sung along with a crowd. Bruce delivers in top form here.

Deja Vu: It's tough for me to list anything from SIT here, but this was never played live and when I first heard it despite liking the music it was my first exposure to Bruce growly vocals which I grew to loathe by the 90s. Still a very good song, just often overlooked.

Judgement of Heaven: Never played live, which seems crazy to me as it's the only song on the album that I really like. This doesn't seem to be a widely shared opinion.

Lightning Strikes Twice & The Educated Fool: While Futureal and The Clansman are popular, appreciation for the other songs on this album pretty much drops off a cliff after that. Which is a shame, I consider both of these songs to be well-written rockers that each switch up tempos nicely a few times.

Montsegur: I can't believe this one was never played live, it would blow the roof off the building and the fan participation would be incredible. I also very much like Gates of Tomorrow and New Frontier from this album, they don't seem to get much love either.

Isle of Avalon & The Man Who Would Be King: From the much-maligned TFF, some of the 2nd half epics seem to get the love (Talisman, Starblind, When the Wild Wind Blows) but these 2 songs usually do not. Isle of Avalon is in my top 10 Maiden songs for sure, and possibly top 5. I often see TMWWBK found in people's list of IM's worst songs which I can't understand at all.

The Great Unknown: I love this song, especially the haunting intro / outro parts but also the rollicking guitar solos.

The Time Machine: Didn't seem to catch on with fans when the album was released, however I think that started to change with The Future Past tour. Chock full of proggy goodness.
 
Now we're talking! Some albums, like many of the 80s ones, are pretty well liked overall for the most part. That means some of the choices might not be a black sheep, but some overlooked gems overshadowed by far more popular tracks.
Great list! And it's not even because of the number of similar tracks we picked. First let's get out the few points of disagreement out of the way: Don't Look To The Eyes Of A Stranger (I know it's your favorite tune but, hey... one cannot agree in everything) and Dream Of Mirrors (always thought it has excellent melodies yet I totally dislike other sections, not to mention what IMO is an excessive repetitive structure). Also, IMO both lyrics and vocals seriously tarnish the great instrumental on Quest For Fire and Gangland always sounded kinda meh to me.

Other than that, I think there are some great picks here:

Strange World: I don't think it's particularly disliked, but it is a very different track compared to how Maiden evolved. In the context of the debut it's just one of 8 tracks, showing some vulnerability and a great feel for melody. Paul got to show a very different side of his voice as well, even more so than on Remember Tomorrow.
Agreed on all points. Great track and one that, although not being that cherished, I also doubt is particularly disliked.

Purgatory: I almost went with Genghis Khan, but chose this one instead. It feels totally forgotten which is a shame. It has great melodies, a ferocious pace, some really fun key changes and pretty uplifting lyrics as well.
I know it's "to each his own" and all that stuff. But Purgatory and Genghis Khan are near perfect tunes in my book. I concur they're somewhat forgotten by the band, yet I can't wrap my head around there's a considerable number of fans disliking them.

Public Enema Number One: I discovered my love for this one over the last 5 or so years. Not that I actively disliked it before, but I didn't really appreciate what's happening in the song. The title and pun are kinda immature I suppose, but the melodies throughout are amazing (seeing a pattern there? I'm a sucker for melodies).
100% agreed. Love this song, hate the title/pun. Didn't even mention it since it seems to be one of the few tracks out of No Prayer (alongside the title track and Tailgunner) that some fans truly enjoy.

The Aftermath: The lyrics are bleak. They are tragic. They are incredibly beatiful. With the exception of the rather silly "why did they make a war" clunker. The bridge and instrumental sections are awesome though. I get goosebumps when Blaze sings the "I'm just a soldier!" line and Janick follows with one of his more melodic and memorable solos.
Hey... it's The X Factor. There's not a single track here I dislike. And although not being among my favorites from the album it's still one heck of a tune.

Gates Of Tomorrow: I'm not only a sucker for guitar melodies, I'm also a sucker for vocal harmonies and this one is filled to the brim with them! The ones during the verse are kinda sloppy (weird voice leading, shoddy arrangement) but the chorus in particular, with its VI VII I progression (a favorite of mine) and an army of Bruces never fails to make me smile.
Indeed! I also think the verses are kinda forced, but the pre chorus and refrain are state of the art, not to mention the following guitar melody. Hugely underrated.

Different World: No idea which songs are disliked on this album, but I'll go with the opener. I've seen it ignored quite a few times when talking about the best opening tracks, which is a shame. It's quite the different vibe, especially with its uplifting chorus. That's what makes it so special though. We even get a triple guitar lead!
Once again, I think you nailed the reason why this song is somewhat overlooked. Apart from the la la la pre chorus I kinda dislike (the chorus itself IMO is quite intense, though), I'm also of the opinion this is a great tune. Yet, A Matter Of Life And Death is a really dire record and both this tune and Out Of The Shadows seem like being out of place when it comes to both its thematics and musicality. IMO they'd fit better on The Final Frontier or Dance Of Death (while Montségur and Face In The Sand seem tailor made for AMOLAD). Great song though.

The Alchemist: Honestly, this is a song that I rarely seek out on my own, but I end up loving it whenever I listen to it. One of the few post-reunion (post-AMOLAD?) tracks with very prominent triple guitar leads. The lyrics are a bit clunky, but I really like how Bruce sounds on this one.
100%. Not to mention the early Maiden undertones on some of the guitar melodies. Love this song.
 
Burning Ambition: The B side to Running Free, only played live 5 times according to setlistFM. Sure the lyrics are inane, but I love how it transitions from smooth guitar harmony to frantic thrashy energy and back. Just a fun song, I still go out of my way to listen to this one every now and then.

Another Life: Played a lot in the early days, these days it catches a lot of flak as being half baked especially since it's just one verse repeated over. I don't care. I'm on board with any song that starts in the middle of a guitar solo and just keeps rocking the rest of the way.

Sun and Steel: Never played live which I find crazy as the chorus feels like it's custom-built to be sung along with a crowd. Bruce delivers in top form here.

Deja Vu: It's tough for me to list anything from SIT here, but this was never played live and when I first heard it despite liking the music it was my first exposure to Bruce growly vocals which I grew to loathe by the 90s. Still a very good song, just often overlooked.

Judgement of Heaven: Never played live, which seems crazy to me as it's the only song on the album that I really like. This doesn't seem to be a widely shared opinion.

Lightning Strikes Twice & The Educated Fool: While Futureal and The Clansman are popular, appreciation for the other songs on this album pretty much drops off a cliff after that. Which is a shame, I consider both of these songs to be well-written rockers that each switch up tempos nicely a few times.

Montsegur: I can't believe this one was never played live, it would blow the roof off the building and the fan participation would be incredible. I also very much like Gates of Tomorrow and New Frontier from this album, they don't seem to get much love either.

Isle of Avalon & The Man Who Would Be King: From the much-maligned TFF, some of the 2nd half epics seem to get the love (Talisman, Starblind, When the Wild Wind Blows) but these 2 songs usually do not. Isle of Avalon is in my top 10 Maiden songs for sure, and possibly top 5. I often see TMWWBK found in people's list of IM's worst songs which I can't understand at all.

The Great Unknown: I love this song, especially the haunting intro / outro parts but also the rollicking guitar solos.

The Time Machine: Didn't seem to catch on with fans when the album was released, however I think that started to change with The Future Past tour. Chock full of proggy goodness.
I love TMWWBK a real stand out track on the album
 
Strange World: A ballad with a very 70s feel to it, something Maiden would never do again, with beautiful melodies, magnificent, emotional vocals from Paul Di'Anno and some great solos. Even though I understand that the style of the song didn't really fit with what Maiden was doing, particularly in terms of set lists, for me this song will remain one of the greatest successes of their first album.

Purgatory: Put simply, for me it's one of their best songs from the Di'Anno era. In just over three minutes, it delivers everything you'd expect from a short rock song. The guitar melodies are brilliant, and the vocals, although very fast, are truly perfect, especially the pre-chorus part ‘oh another time, another place...’ which is probably my favourite part of the whole song.

Invaders: Before the internet era, I wasn't aware of how little love there was for this song. Even though it will never be in my top 10 or what I would consider a classic, I've always loved its energy, which comes rushing in at 200 miles an hour. I really like all of Bruce's vocals, especially the very aggressive verses, and the chorus doesn't bother me, especially since it's very short.

To tame a land: When it comes to epic songs from the 1980s, people always mention Phantom, Hallowed, Rime, Alexandre and Seventh Son, but To Tame a Land seems to be the black sheep, the one no one ever thinks about because it doesn't seem to be on the same level as the others. I admit I don't understand this, because for me this song has as much right to be considered epic as any of the others. From start to finish, this track is just perfect. The part from ‘The time will come for him’ to ‘to make it all end’ is one of the most beautiful vocal lines on the entire album. And all these guitar melodies (yeah I know there is some inspiration from "Asturias" but still it doesn't bother me at all).

The Duellists: For many, this album seems to boil down to its first two and last two songs. However, the ones in the middle are far from being fillers. The Duellists is a song that stands out for its incredible instrumental section, a truly magnificent gem where the melodies and solos follow one another at a frenetic pace. And even Bruce's vocal lines, with that phrasing at the end of each line and the note he holds each time, I love it.

The loneliness of the long distance runner: Melodies, melodies, melodies... I could almost sum up this track with its superb guitar parts, but that would be to overlook the drum beat, which, although basic, suits the style of the song perfectly. It gives the impression that we are constantly on the run, that we have to pick up the pace like the protagonist of the song. Bruce's vocals add an extra layer of ‘stress’. The perfect song when you're running or doing sports!

Only the good die young: Among the plethora of excellent songs on this album, I don't think this song is forgotten, but perhaps it doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Yet it has everything it takes to be a classic, just like The Evil That Men Do or Infinite Dreams. It starts off with beautiful guitar lines, wastes no time in moving on to the verse, pre-chorus (my favourite part) and chorus, guitar solos and even a mini bass solo. For me, it's almost a twin brother to The Evil in terms of quality.

Run silent run deep: The album that both Maiden and fans often seem to overlook. Yet when you really listen to it, there are quite a few good tracks, perhaps not absolute classics, but far from mediocre overall. Among these tracks, here's one that I've never understood why Maiden never played live (when they played Hooks in You instead!). A beautiful, calm introduction before the storm arrives with the verses, a very beautiful chorus, an instrumental section that probably contains my favourite melodies on the whole album, and the guitar/vocal finale, which is perfect!

Childhood's end: Among the list compiled so far, this is perhaps the track that I myself tend to forget. I have to say that for me, this album is a real rollercoaster ride between some superb tracks (Be Quick, Afraid, Judas and Fear) and others that make you wonder what the band was thinking when they dared to include them on the album (From Here, Fear is the Key, Weekend Warrior) . But every time I listen to this track, I realise how good it is. My only criticism is that the guitars are too subdued; they deserved a heavier, more prominent sound.

Fortunes of war: It's hard for me to understand why this song seems to have been completely forgotten. Yet when you listen to it from start to finish, there's a melody and, above all, a sensitivity that is perfectly in tune with the lyrics, especially in the calm part at the beginning. And even the fact that the song takes a little while to get going doesn't bother me at all, unlike other songs. And what can I say about the instrumental part, which is absolutely brilliant, picking up the pace and featuring some magnificent solos, among the best on the album!

Como estais amigos: A beautiful ballad, with raw emotion in Blaze's voice; you can feel his investment in the lyrics he sings. The instrumental part is once again very beautiful, particularly the rhythm under the guitar solo, which is almost as beautiful as the solo itself. And, quite unusual for this album, it is one of the few songs where the repetitive effect is not noticeable at all.

The nomad: This song often seems to be summed up by the fact that its instrumental part is very inspired, not to say copied note for note from Beckett's “Life's Shadow.” However, I think this song is superb, the main riff is really cool, the second chorus has an absolutely superb melody, and the solos that follow are just perfect. As for the quiet part, if you can put aside the issue of it being a carbon copy, it fits very well into the song and perfectly complements the atmosphere of being in the middle of the desert.

Montségur: Almost from the first time I listened to the album, this song became one of my favorites, and to this day, it's on my list of “songs I don't understand why they've never been played live.” The song has a superb, heavy riff (okay, it's somewhat inspired by/a cover of the one from Fallen Angel, but at a faster tempo—is that really a problem?). While I can understand that the slightly folk/medieval part isn't to everyone's taste, I think it fits in very well, especially in relation to the lyrics. And above all, it's only one part of a song that's great as a whole.

Lord of light: In an album that is often taken as a whole because of its high quality, this track is, in my opinion, somewhat overlooked, even though it is magnificent from start to finish. Admittedly, it uses a formula that Maiden uses and abuses without restraint, namely the ever-so-soft, calm intro before everything kicks off. But this airy, dreamy aspect of the intro suits it very well and sets the mood before a devastating riff kicks in. Then we're into pure Maiden, truly excellent right to the end!

The alchemist: This track is a welcome break (along with Coming Home) in an album where the overall density of the songs, their length and complexity seem to be the norm. Here, everything is simple, it starts off quickly but the typical melody of these Maiden songs is very much present. A “simple” song drowned out in the middle of very (too?) ambitious songs, reminding us that when they want to, they can write simple and direct songs.

Shadows of the valley: Yeah, I know, “How could they dare to plagiarize the intro to the song to such an extent?” It's true that from this point of view, one would be almost tempted to skip the song and move straight on to the next one. However, once you get past this part, the song becomes something completely different from its initial inspiration. Once again, Bruce's vocals are among the most beautiful on the album, and the melodic motif repeated after each chorus is simple but very catchy. Afterwards, perhaps they could have shortened it a little, but it remains an excellent track, among the best on the album.

Lost in a lost world: The negative point of the song, which is absolutely obvious, is its chorus, which is repetitive to the point of exhaustion. But apart from that, the intro and outro are full of emotion, with superb vocals and beautiful arrangements. The X Factor aspect is very welcome, and the instrumental part, as is almost always the case with Maiden, hits the mark. Perhaps with a more creative chorus, this song would have been better received by fans in general? And one or two fewer repetitions of the electric riff? Or maybe we focused too much on the last three epic songs and put this one aside? In any case, in my opinion, it deserves to be rediscovered.
 
Transylvania - Love an Instrumental
Killers - this is a highlight on the album for me
Gangland - I dunno, I've always liked this one. Clive Burr at his finest what a drumer
To Tame A Land - I quite like Dune so this is a good fit
Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) - I love an Instrumental - this is oneof my faves that Maiden ever did
Sea Of Madness - another highlight and chunky and heavy as hell
The Clairvoyant - Steves bass is tasty as hell here
Tailgunner - one of their best album openers and sounds a bit deep purpleish and I'm all for that
Afraid to shoot strangers - Great little number in a style that suits them
Blood On The Worlds Hands - A great Highlight for Blaze from his time and my fave on the album I think. Everyone is on full form here
Como Estais Amigos - A great closer and a good fan song
Out Of The Silent Planet - Great return of the Bruce Bruce and a killer back half to this record
Dance Of Death - A brilliant title track and a highlight of said album

I might come back and do more but those are the main thoughts off the top of my head
 
Interesting to think about it, let's see:

Transylvania: from the debut every song is popular more or less, but this is pure Maiden, one of their best instrumental ideas.

Purgatory: as a 2nd single and being basically a catchy speed metal song, I don't think it gets the attention it deserves. Plus it shows the ferocity of the lineup.

Gangland: I wouldn't say love, but it's certainly over-hated and not that bad, for being a solid and standard NWOBHM banger.

Quest For Fire: for its length, it presents the musical ideas perfectly, underrated instrumental section and the overall vibe.

The Duellists: the glorious instrumental section and playing are definitely overshadowed by the big songs. Essential Maiden!

Deja-Vu: pure melodic and energetic Maiden rocker, what's not to like. It's almost perfect, a very underrated composition.

Can I Play With Madness: by default. It's not the best song, but it's a proper hit single.

The Assassin: again I wouldn't say love, and the chorus should have been better, but it's effective and a great collection of riffs and solos.

Childhood's End: I just love every part of this slightly different song, it combines their 80s and 90s sound in a good way. And it has anthemic parts.

Judgement Of Heaven: the instrumental section is one of Maiden's all time best for me, and the melancholic chorus is very impactful.

When Two Worlds Collide: I can understand the dislike of repetition in Eyes Of A Stranger, but this song is pure 80s Maiden. Every part deliver, the chorus is memorable enough.

Dream Of Mirrors/The Mercenary: the length/repetition hurts them for some, but they are so anthemic, the former with a memorable instrumental section. Like The Nomad.

New Frontier/Gates Of Tomorrow (Face In The Sand is more liked, right): the former is basically an early 2000s rocker with a 90's feel that is strong enough (tempo, chorus, solo), while the latter is quite underrated, the vocals too. Effective songs, how to call them fillers...

Different World: I could easily say Colours or Shadows too, but Different World is one of their best rockers. It's faster, anthemic and melodic. Perfect.

The Alchemist/The Final Frontier (without Satellite 15): the former is a pure 80's rocker with not that high vocals which deliver, again strong and memorable enough, while the latter is simple and repetitive for a title track, but it is anthemic and effective with cool riffs and top solos. Not a typical Maiden song.

Shadows Of The Valley: I could easily say River or the other 2 fast rockers, but Valley is a typical strong and anthemic Reunion song. It's great the way it is.

The Time Machine/Darkest Hour: I wanted to say the title track or Days, but maybe they are more liked (like Steve's epics). Time Machine is interesting with great and catchy musical ideas, while Darkest Hour is a perfect ballad imo. For me, SJ has no weak songs.

I listed a few Janick songs, I'm not surprised.
 
Not favourites from each, but songs I love and are not too popular:

1. Transylvania
2. Genghis Khan
3. Invaders
4. Quest for fire
5. Losfer words (Big 'orra)
6. Deja Vu
7. The prophecy
8. Mother Russia
9. Judas be my guide
10. Judgement of Heaven
11. Lightning strikes twice
12. The nomad
13. Age of innocence
14. The longest day
15. Isle of Avalon
16. Shadows of the valley
17. Death of the Celts
 
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Not favourites from each, but songs I love and are not too popular:

1. Transylvania
2. Genghis Khan
3. Invaders
4. Quest for fire
5. Losfor words (Big 'orra)
6. Deja Vu
7. The prophecy
8. Mother Russia
9. Judas be my guide
10. Judgement of Heaven
11. Lightning strikes twice
12. The nomad
13. Age of innocence
14. The longest day
15. Isle of Avalon
16. Shadows of the valley
17. Death of the Celts
INVADERS!

Edit: Great list
 
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