The Official Maidenfans.com Rankings results (2004-2016)

[Whooten]

And hey, remember all the babies conceived during Children of the damned! Some of us wouldn't be here without it!

I am willing to bet that exactly zero babies were conceived during Children of the Damned.

 

[LooseCannon]

I'm not willing to go that far. But the amount is probably quite small.

 

[LooseCannon]

T13: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Harris)
Average score: 9.27/10 Deviation: 1.42
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 7/8
Top 10: 2006, 2012
Top 25: 2004, 2005, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2016
Top 50: 2011

Almost the model of consistency, except for 2011, the eponymous song from Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (and the second-to-last from that album in our rankings) has pretty much been in the Top 25 or better every year save that one. Still, despite that one drop, it comes in at 13th overall, an exceptional result. Nobody hates this song - a handful of people find it to be perhaps a bit much. The instrumental, especially, gets positive comments. Interesting how nobody complains about the repetition on this track.

Choice comments:

The drum-work in seventh son is simply amazing. Especially nearing the end of the song. Nicko's just giving it everything. He really did well on that song. Probably one of his best drumming tracks.

I like the part where you can hear a guitar playing one string, then it echoing, and then it comes again with more strings, and again, etc. That part really makes me picture Adrian playing out in the enviroment on the Cover Design. Him on the ice, while the land of Ice and snow echos his notes. I love it.

Very awesome track, but it's not quite perfect.

In my opinion, I find this to be the weakest track on the album. Not that it isn't a good track, it's not bad at all - and the instrumental bit is the best part of it.

it is a good song, but it feels a bit forced, like there needed to be an epic song on this album at any cost. Don't get me wrong, it's got some nice moments, but it's also a bit over-synthed, and the quiet mid-section is basically a copy (atmosphere-wise) of ROTAM's mid-section.

Of course there is the sublime midpiece, which is one of the most atmospherical parts of the whole Maiden catalogue. During this lengthy part Nicko's hi-hat work should not be underestimated. The lyrics (and the way they are sung by sorcerer Bruce) are intruiging. And when Bruce stops, he is not missed at all. The music takes over and enlarges our vision into second sight.

Last but not least: This keyboards have a very important role, and the song would not be the same without them.

This is another one that suffers when taken out of the album context. It contributes a lot to the general atmosphere of the record, but on its own, it is simply... well, cheesy. It has great instrumentals, and all in all it is a very good song, but when listened to on its own, the spoken midpiece for example just seems a bit over-the-top and Spinal Tap-ish. In other words, Maiden go eighties.

The heaviness of the drowning riffs over the verses can only be heard in full extent on live performances. Apart from that, we all know that instrumental section of this song is one of the most epic ever, and possibly the hardest to play. Basically, this is the pinnacle of their 80's prog excursions they did, which are vastly different than prog stuff they do today.

Bruce sings on the top of his lungs, and even delivers the tongue - twisting chorus with bombast. The spoken verse that follows leads us into the second part of the song. The quiet break slowly builds and unleashes maybe the best Maiden solos of the decade. The last minute pumps out epic harmonies and we're done.

My only real qualm with the song is where it is placed in the album as it confuses the hell out of me. I personally listen to this between Moonchild and Infinite Dreams and it just seems to make more sense to me in terms of storyline.

This song takes cheesy prog grandeur to its highest degree and what a glorious way to do it.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 9.26; 14/123
2005: 9.70 +0.44; 11/124 +3
2006: 9.90 +0.20; 8/124 +3
2008: 9.66 -0.24; 13/134 -5
2011: 8.48 -1.18; 49/144 -36
2012: 9/144 +40
2014: 9.20 +0.72; 16/144 -7
2015: 9.26 +0.06; 13/144 +3
2016: 9.22 -0.04; 15/155 -2

Overall

Spoiler

13 - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
13 - Children of the Damned (The Number of the Beast)
15 - The Clansman (Virtual XI)
16 - If Eternity Should Fail (The Book of Souls)
17 - Killers (Killers)
18 - To Tame a Land (Piece of Mind)
19 - Dance of Death (Dance of Death)
19 - Blood Brothers (Brave New World)
19 - Ghost of the Navigator (Brave New World)
22 - Fear of the Dark (Fear of the Dark)
23 - The Number of the Beast (The Number of the Beast)
23 - Empire of the Clouds (The Book of Souls)
23 - For the Greater Good of God (A Matter of Life and Death)
26 - Moonchild (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
27 - Starblind (The Final Frontier)
28 - Murders in the Rue Morgue (Killers)
28 - Still Life (Piece of Mind)
30 - Alexander the Great (Somewhere in Time)
31 - Rainmaker (Dance of Death)
31 - Where Eagles Dare (Piece of Mind)
33 - Dream of Mirrors (Brave New World)
34 - The Wicker Man (Brave New World)
34 - Wasted Years (Afraid to Shoot Strangers)
36 - Afraid to Shoot Strangers (Fear of the Dark)
37 - The Nomad (Brave New World)
38 - The Evil That Men Do (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
39 - Caught Somewhere in Time (Somewhere in Time)
39 - 22, Acacia Avenue (The Number of the Beast)
41 - Brave New World (Brave New World)
41 - When the Wild Wind Blows (The Final Frontier)
43 - The Prisoner (The Number of the Beast)
44 - These Colours Don't Run (A Matter of Life and Death)
45 - Stranger in a Strange Land (Somewhere in Time)
46 - The Legacy (A Matter of Life and Death)
47 - Remember Tomorrow (Iron Maiden)
48 - 2 Minutes to Midnight (Powerslave)
49 - Sea of Madness (Somewhere in Time)
50 - The Longest Day (A Matter of Life and Death)
51 - The Edge of Darkness (The X Factor)
52 - Transylvania (Iron Maiden)
52 - The Talisman (The Final Frontier)
54 - The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg (A Matter of Life and Death)
55 - Isle of Avalon (The Final Frontier)
55 - Lord of Light (A Matter of Life and Death)
57 - The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (Somewhere in Time)
58 - Genghis Khan (Killers)
59 - Coming Home (The Final Frontier)
60 - The Clairvoyant (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
61 - Flight of Icarus (Piece of Mind)
62 - The Aftermath (The X Factor)
63 - The Thin Line Between Love and Hate (Brave New World)
64 - Run Silent, Run Deep (No Prayer For the Dying)
65 - Strange World (Iron Maiden)
66 - Only the Good Die Young (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
67 - The Duelists (Powerslave)
68 - Judas Be My Guide (Fear of the Dark)
69 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
69 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
71 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
71 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
73 - Wrathchild (Killers)
74 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
74 - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
76 - The Ides of March (Killers)
77 - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
78 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
79 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
80 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
80 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
82 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
82 - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
84 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
85 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
86 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
87 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
87 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
89 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
89 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
91 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
92 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
93 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
94 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
95 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
96 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
97 - Purgatory (Killers)
98 - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
99 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
99 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
101 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
102 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
102 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
102 - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
105 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
106 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
107 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
108 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
109 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
110 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
111 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
112 - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
113 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
114 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
115 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
116 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
116 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
118 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
119 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
120 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
121 - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)
122 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
123 - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
124 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
125 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
126 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
126 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
128 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
129 - Drifter (Killers)
130 - Another Life (Killers)
131 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
132 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
132 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
134 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
135 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
136 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
137 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
138 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
139 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
140 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
141 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
142 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
143 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
143 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
145 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
146 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
147 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
148 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
149 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
150 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
151 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
152 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
153 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
153 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
155 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)

Song deviance (least to greatest)

Spoiler

0.25 - The Number of the Beast (The Number of the Beast)
0.26 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.26 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
0.27 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
0.34 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
0.38 - Flight of Icarus (Piece of Mind)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.46 - Rainmaker (Dance of Death)
0.46 - These Colours Don't Run (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.48 - Ghost of the Navigator (Brave New World)
0.50 - Alexander the Great (Somewhere in Time)
0.53 - Lord of Light (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.56 - Starblind (The Final Frontier)
0.58 - Afraid to Shoot Strangers (Fear of the Dark)
0.58 - Fear of the Dark (Fear of the Dark)
0.58 - The Talisman (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
0.62 - Remember Tomorrow (Iron Maiden)
0.66 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
0.68 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
0.70 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
0.70 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.74 - The Legacy (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
0.80 - 2 Minutes to Midnight (Powerslave)
0.80 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.81 - Another Life (Killers)
0.85 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.86 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
0.91 - For the Greater Good of God (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.92 - The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (Somewhere in Time)
0.92 - The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
1.00 - Coming Home (The Final Frontier)
1.02 - Isle of Avalon (The Final Frontier)
1.02 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
1.03 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.04 - Purgatory (Killers)
1.06 - Brave New World (Brave New World)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.10 - Killers (Killers)
1.10 - Moonchild (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.10 - Sea of Madness (Somewhere in Time)
1.13 - Caught Somewhere in Time (Somewhere in Time)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.18 - The Wicker Man (Brave New World)
1.20 - Wasted Years (Afraid to Shoot Strangers)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.22 - When the Wild Wind Blows (The Final Frontier)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Children of the Damned (The Number of the Beast)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.24 - Where Eagles Dare (Piece of Mind)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.33 - Still Life (Piece of Mind)
1.34 - The Clansman (Virtual XI)
1.36 - To Tame a Land (Piece of Mind)
1.39 - Murders in the Rue Morgue (Killers)
1.41 - Dance of Death (Dance of Death)
1.42 - The Longest Day (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.42 - Blood Brothers (Brave New World)
1.42 - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.43 - Dream of Mirrors (Brave New World)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
1.48 - The Prisoner (The Number of the Beast)
1.51 - Only the Good Die Young (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.52 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
1.52 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
1.52 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
1.54 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
1.54 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
1.56 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
1.58 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
1.62 - Judas Be My Guide (Fear of the Dark)
1.62 - The Clairvoyant (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.64 - 22, Acacia Avenue (The Number of the Beast)
1.64 - Stranger in a Strange Land (Somewhere in Time)
1.67 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.68 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
1.68 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)
1.69 - Strange World (Iron Maiden)
1.79 - The Nomad (Brave New World)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
1.83 - The Thin Line Between Love and Hate (Brave New World)
1.83 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.84 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
1.86 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
1.86 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
1.87 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
1.88 - The Edge of Darkness (The X Factor)
1.94 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.94 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
1.95 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
2.04 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
2.08 - Transylvania (Iron Maiden)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
2.19 - Genghis Khan (Killers)
2.20 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
2.20 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
2.22 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.26 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
2.27 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
2.31 - The Evil That Men Do (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
2.36 - Run Silent, Run Deep (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.50 - The Duelists (Powerslave)
2.72 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
2.82 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
2.87 - The Ides of March (Killers)
2.89 - The Aftermath (The X Factor)
2.93 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.94 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.04 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
3.26 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
3.32 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
3.34 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
3.40 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
3.76 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
3.81 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
3.90 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.95 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
n/a - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Empire of the Clouds (The Book of Souls)
n/a - If Eternity Should Fail (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
n/a - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)

Albums

Spoiler

Iron Maiden 8/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 15 Top 100: 33
Killers 11/11 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 10 Top 50: 20 Top 100: 41
Average Rating: 7.84 Average Deviation: 1.61 Trophy Points: 141 TPPSY: 1.42
The Number of the Beast 8/9 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 14 Top 50: 13 Top 100: 23
Piece of Mind 7/9 Top 10: 3 Top 25: 7 Top 50: 17 Top 100: 19
Powerslave 5/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 12 Top 100: 21
Somewhere in Time 8/8 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 6 Top 50: 24 Top 100: 35
Average Rating: 8.44 Average Deviation: 1.01 Trophy Points: 127 TPPSY: 1.76
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 7/8 Top 10: 4 Top 25: 14 Top 50: 13 Top 100: 27
No Prayer For the Dying 10/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 7 Top 100: 23
Average Rating: 6.67 Average Deviation: 2.11 Trophy Points: 41 TPPSY: 0.45
Fear of the Dark 12/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 7 Top 50: 12 Top 100: 28
Average Rating: 6.53 Average Deviation: 1.95 Trophy Points: 80 TPPSY: 0.74
The X Factor 10/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 8 Top 50: 7 Top 100: 49
Virtual XI 8/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 9 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 14
Average Rating: 7.48 Average Deviation: 2.07 Trophy Points: 68 TPPSY: 0.76
Brave New World 10/10 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 19 Top 50: 28 Top 100: 25
Average Rating: 8.29 Average Deviation: 1.12 Trophy Points: 177 TPPSY: 1.97
Dance of Death 10/11 Top 10: 4 Top 25: 6 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 40
A Matter of Life and Death 9/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 5 Top 50: 22 Top 100: 24
The Final Frontier 10/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 5 Top 50: 14 Top 100: 31
Average Rating: 8.20 Average Deviation: 0.64 Trophy Points: 79 TPPSY: 0.88
The Book of Souls 10/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[bornless1]

7th son is one that has skyrocketed for me since seeing it live a few years back. It was one of those great concert moments! Adrian doing those echoes on top of Steves masterful base.. holy crap it was a spellbinding experience. The entire bands coordinated attack on the long instrumental part.... breathtaking, tear inducing headbangerry!!!!
I like the spot here in the list....

 

[MrKnickerbocker]

T13: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Harris)

Interesting how nobody complains about the repetition on this track.

That's because repetition only bugs people when it comes from a reunion/"not classic" song.

 

[LooseCannon]

12: The Trooper - Piece of Mind (Harris)
Average score: 9.37/10 Deviation: 0.76
Piece of Mind 8/9
Top 10: 2008, 2011
Top 25: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2014, 2015, 2016
Top 50: 2012

Whooooaaaaaoooooaaaoooaooaoaaoooaooohhhhhh! The Trooper comes in at #12, a high rank, but to some, surprisingly out of the Top 10. Ratings-wise it's a little lower in recent years, but it still has a fairly low deviation - not the lowest, but low enough to give it the consistency needed for a very high finish. The biggest complaint about this track is "overplayed" but it is one of the greatest Iron Maiden short rockers - with only one other track like it left to come in the countdown. With this track, Piece of Mind only has one song left. In fact, at this point, there's only one album with more than one song left.

Choice comments:

I don't like The Trooper at all anymore. I'm frankly sick of it, it's overrated and very overplayed. I just can't see what's so great with it.

I guess it does get boring over the years. But man, back then, it blew me out of the water. Isn't it annoying when somebody remembers Maiden because of a certain song that you just get tired of? I guess it happens with a lot of bands. With Emperor it's always "I Am the Black Wizrads"

I too think that this song is great, despite its overplaying.

Out of any Maiden song, I think the solos in The Trooper are the best, maybe not technically (I'm no guitar expert, so I wouldn't know), but I find, listening to the song, the solos fit perfectly.

It's got good, sing-along verses, a fantastic riff and an overall good vibe feeling about it.

Together with Aces High the ultimate short, fast Maiden song. Compared to these two, all other songs in the same category are bleak.

In many ways, it is the signature Maiden song — the gallop, the energy, the atmosphere, the performances and the amazing way the lyrics bring it all together. My respect for it is enormous. The passion however has faded a touch and that shouldn’t happen with a classic.

This song has more energy than almost any other Maiden song, and it is in a way a showcase of the 80s sound. It was once my favourite song. But, it's still nowhere near Maiden's best song, and it's also not as good live as you'd think.

If a song is this good and gets me pumped every time I hear it, no matter how often, it is certainly not overplayed in my book. It's exciting from start to finish, and there's no way it could get any better. This is the essential heavy metal song full stop.

A timeless classic, most headbangable Iron Maiden song, with amazing guitars. Probably the catchiest Iron Maiden song. My second favorite Iron Maiden song, only surpassed by Hallowed Be Thy Name.

I'm alone, I know, but the song bores me. All the more when it's preceeded by the amazing Boots which are, IMHO, much better short, fast Maiden song. The oooohs are easy to get fed up with and the fact it's played and mentioned so often doesn't help. Used to like it much more, though.

Easily the best 80s rocker. The guitar harmonies, the signature gallop, the chorus. It's all there. For me this is still the definitive song to introduce people to Maiden. Also two classic guitar solos. Not much more needs to be said really. I never tire of hearing this one live.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 9.28; 13/123
2005: 9.64 +0.36; 14/124 -1
2006: 9.88 +0.24; 12/124 +2
2008: 9.72 -0.16; 8/134 +4
2011: 9.24 -0.48; 10/144 -2
2012: 33/144 -23
2014: 9.25 +0.01; 12/144 +21
2015: 9.26 +0.01; 12/144 NC
2016: 9.12 -0.14; 21/155 -2

Overall

Spoiler

12 - The Trooper (Piece of Mind)
13 - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
13 - Children of the Damned (The Number of the Beast)
15 - The Clansman (Virtual XI)
16 - If Eternity Should Fail (The Book of Souls)
17 - Killers (Killers)
18 - To Tame a Land (Piece of Mind)
19 - Dance of Death (Dance of Death)
19 - Blood Brothers (Brave New World)
19 - Ghost of the Navigator (Brave New World)
22 - Fear of the Dark (Fear of the Dark)
23 - The Number of the Beast (The Number of the Beast)
23 - Empire of the Clouds (The Book of Souls)
23 - For the Greater Good of God (A Matter of Life and Death)
26 - Moonchild (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
27 - Starblind (The Final Frontier)
28 - Murders in the Rue Morgue (Killers)
28 - Still Life (Piece of Mind)
30 - Alexander the Great (Somewhere in Time)
31 - Rainmaker (Dance of Death)
31 - Where Eagles Dare (Piece of Mind)
33 - Dream of Mirrors (Brave New World)
34 - The Wicker Man (Brave New World)
34 - Wasted Years (Afraid to Shoot Strangers)
36 - Afraid to Shoot Strangers (Fear of the Dark)
37 - The Nomad (Brave New World)
38 - The Evil That Men Do (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
39 - Caught Somewhere in Time (Somewhere in Time)
39 - 22, Acacia Avenue (The Number of the Beast)
41 - Brave New World (Brave New World)
41 - When the Wild Wind Blows (The Final Frontier)
43 - The Prisoner (The Number of the Beast)
44 - These Colours Don't Run (A Matter of Life and Death)
45 - Stranger in a Strange Land (Somewhere in Time)
46 - The Legacy (A Matter of Life and Death)
47 - Remember Tomorrow (Iron Maiden)
48 - 2 Minutes to Midnight (Powerslave)
49 - Sea of Madness (Somewhere in Time)
50 - The Longest Day (A Matter of Life and Death)
51 - The Edge of Darkness (The X Factor)
52 - Transylvania (Iron Maiden)
52 - The Talisman (The Final Frontier)
54 - The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg (A Matter of Life and Death)
55 - Isle of Avalon (The Final Frontier)
55 - Lord of Light (A Matter of Life and Death)
57 - The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (Somewhere in Time)
58 - Genghis Khan (Killers)
59 - Coming Home (The Final Frontier)
60 - The Clairvoyant (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
61 - Flight of Icarus (Piece of Mind)
62 - The Aftermath (The X Factor)
63 - The Thin Line Between Love and Hate (Brave New World)
64 - Run Silent, Run Deep (No Prayer For the Dying)
65 - Strange World (Iron Maiden)
66 - Only the Good Die Young (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
67 - The Duelists (Powerslave)
68 - Judas Be My Guide (Fear of the Dark)
69 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
69 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
71 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
71 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
73 - Wrathchild (Killers)
74 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
74 - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
76 - The Ides of March (Killers)
77 - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
78 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
79 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
80 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
80 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
82 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
82 - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
84 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
85 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
86 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
87 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
87 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
89 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
89 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
91 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
92 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
93 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
94 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
95 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
96 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
97 - Purgatory (Killers)
98 - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
99 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
99 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
101 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
102 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
102 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
102 - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
105 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
106 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
107 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
108 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
109 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
110 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
111 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
112 - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
113 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
114 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
115 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
116 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
116 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
118 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
119 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
120 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
121 - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)
122 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
123 - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
124 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
125 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
126 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
126 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
128 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
129 - Drifter (Killers)
130 - Another Life (Killers)
131 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
132 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
132 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
134 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
135 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
136 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
137 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
138 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
139 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
140 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
141 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
142 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
143 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
143 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
145 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
146 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
147 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
148 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
149 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
150 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
151 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
152 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
153 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
153 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
155 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)

Song deviance (least to greatest)

Spoiler

0.25 - The Number of the Beast (The Number of the Beast)
0.26 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.26 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
0.27 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
0.34 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
0.38 - Flight of Icarus (Piece of Mind)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.46 - Rainmaker (Dance of Death)
0.46 - These Colours Don't Run (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.48 - Ghost of the Navigator (Brave New World)
0.50 - Alexander the Great (Somewhere in Time)
0.53 - Lord of Light (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.56 - Starblind (The Final Frontier)
0.58 - Afraid to Shoot Strangers (Fear of the Dark)
0.58 - Fear of the Dark (Fear of the Dark)
0.58 - The Talisman (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
0.62 - Remember Tomorrow (Iron Maiden)
0.66 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
0.68 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
0.70 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
0.70 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.74 - The Legacy (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.76 - The Trooper (Piece of Mind)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
0.80 - 2 Minutes to Midnight (Powerslave)
0.80 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.81 - Another Life (Killers)
0.85 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.86 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
0.91 - For the Greater Good of God (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.92 - The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (Somewhere in Time)
0.92 - The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
1.00 - Coming Home (The Final Frontier)
1.02 - Isle of Avalon (The Final Frontier)
1.02 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
1.03 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.04 - Purgatory (Killers)
1.06 - Brave New World (Brave New World)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.10 - Killers (Killers)
1.10 - Moonchild (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.10 - Sea of Madness (Somewhere in Time)
1.13 - Caught Somewhere in Time (Somewhere in Time)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.18 - The Wicker Man (Brave New World)
1.20 - Wasted Years (Afraid to Shoot Strangers)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.22 - When the Wild Wind Blows (The Final Frontier)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Children of the Damned (The Number of the Beast)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.24 - Where Eagles Dare (Piece of Mind)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.33 - Still Life (Piece of Mind)
1.34 - The Clansman (Virtual XI)
1.36 - To Tame a Land (Piece of Mind)
1.39 - Murders in the Rue Morgue (Killers)
1.41 - Dance of Death (Dance of Death)
1.42 - The Longest Day (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.42 - Blood Brothers (Brave New World)
1.42 - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.43 - Dream of Mirrors (Brave New World)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
1.48 - The Prisoner (The Number of the Beast)
1.51 - Only the Good Die Young (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.52 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
1.52 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
1.52 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
1.54 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
1.54 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
1.56 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
1.58 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
1.62 - Judas Be My Guide (Fear of the Dark)
1.62 - The Clairvoyant (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.64 - 22, Acacia Avenue (The Number of the Beast)
1.64 - Stranger in a Strange Land (Somewhere in Time)
1.67 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.68 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
1.68 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)
1.69 - Strange World (Iron Maiden)
1.79 - The Nomad (Brave New World)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
1.83 - The Thin Line Between Love and Hate (Brave New World)
1.83 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.84 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
1.86 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
1.86 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
1.87 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
1.88 - The Edge of Darkness (The X Factor)
1.94 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.94 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
1.95 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
2.04 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
2.08 - Transylvania (Iron Maiden)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
2.19 - Genghis Khan (Killers)
2.20 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
2.20 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
2.22 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.26 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
2.27 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
2.31 - The Evil That Men Do (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
2.36 - Run Silent, Run Deep (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.50 - The Duelists (Powerslave)
2.72 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
2.82 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
2.87 - The Ides of March (Killers)
2.89 - The Aftermath (The X Factor)
2.93 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.94 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.04 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
3.26 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
3.32 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
3.34 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
3.40 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
3.76 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
3.81 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
3.90 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.95 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
n/a - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Empire of the Clouds (The Book of Souls)
n/a - If Eternity Should Fail (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
n/a - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)

Albums

Spoiler

Iron Maiden 8/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 15 Top 100: 33
Killers 11/11 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 10 Top 50: 20 Top 100: 41
Average Rating: 7.84 Average Deviation: 1.61 Trophy Points: 141 TPPSY: 1.42
The Number of the Beast 8/9 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 14 Top 50: 13 Top 100: 23
Piece of Mind 8/9 Top 10: 5 Top 25: 13 Top 50: 18 Top 100: 19
Powerslave 5/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 12 Top 100: 21
Somewhere in Time 8/8 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 6 Top 50: 24 Top 100: 35
Average Rating: 8.44 Average Deviation: 1.01 Trophy Points: 127 TPPSY: 1.76
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 7/8 Top 10: 4 Top 25: 14 Top 50: 13 Top 100: 27
No Prayer For the Dying 10/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 7 Top 100: 23
Average Rating: 6.67 Average Deviation: 2.11 Trophy Points: 41 TPPSY: 0.45
Fear of the Dark 12/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 7 Top 50: 12 Top 100: 28
Average Rating: 6.53 Average Deviation: 1.95 Trophy Points: 80 TPPSY: 0.74
The X Factor 10/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 8 Top 50: 7 Top 100: 49
Virtual XI 8/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 9 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 14
Average Rating: 7.48 Average Deviation: 2.07 Trophy Points: 68 TPPSY: 0.76
Brave New World 10/10 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 19 Top 50: 28 Top 100: 25
Average Rating: 8.29 Average Deviation: 1.12 Trophy Points: 177 TPPSY: 1.97
Dance of Death 10/11 Top 10: 4 Top 25: 6 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 40
A Matter of Life and Death 9/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 5 Top 50: 22 Top 100: 24
The Final Frontier 10/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 5 Top 50: 14 Top 100: 31
Average Rating: 8.20 Average Deviation: 0.64 Trophy Points: 79 TPPSY: 0.88
The Book of Souls 10/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[Deleted member 7164]

Rime or Aces High next, please. The second best Powerslave track landed at #48, the title track could win, for all I care, but 3 Powerslave songs in top 10... 0 Somewhere In Time songs in top 10, and max one POM, SSOASS and TNOTB track there, if Revelations, Infinite Dreams or Hallowed doesn't come up next. Powerspam

 

[Srogyy]

I'm glad Seventh Son got this far. I don't know why, but I was under impression that it's slightly underappreciated.

 

[LooseCannon]

11: Brighter Than a Thousand Suns - A Matter of Life and Death (Smith, Harris, Dickinson)
Average score: 9.41/10 Deviation: 0.16
A Matter of Life and Death 10/10
Top 10: 2011, 2014, 2015
Top 25: 2012, 2016
Top 50: 2008

Since this came out, it has hovered in the same general zone, receiving a lot of praise. It has a very small deviation and very good average - as well as three Top 10 finishes. Clearly a modern masterpiece from the Iron Maiden catalog. One of the heaviest songs in the catalog, this track has wowed listeners since it debuted, an absolute monster of storytelling and musical arrangement. Some handful of people find it to be a little tedious, but most consider it to be among the greatest songs the band has ever produced.

Of course, it is also the last song from A Matter of Life and Death, which becomes the third reunion-era album to come out. Brave New World was a clarion call that metal had returned, and Dance of Death proved that the old could be better than the new, but A Matter of Life and Death was an attempt to create a thematic masterpiece - in this, hearkening back to Seventh Son of a Seventh Son in terms of uniting ten songs along a common theme, if not a concept album. And it worked. Critically one of the best albums the band has produced, almost universally lauded on this site, this album remains proof that Iron Maiden, thirty years after Steve Harris put the band together, still has the right stuff.

A Matter of Life and Death 10/10 Top 10: 3 Top 25: 7 Top 50: 23 Top 100: 24
Average Rating: 8.15 Average Deviation: 0.79 Trophy Points: 79 TPPSY: 2.13

Choice comments:

This track is seriously becoming the best, in my opinion, track on this album (sorry Mav). The whole structure of the song is incredible. The ethereal type voice we hear in lead of each verse - brilliant. The solos seem to fit - and not just thrown in for the sake of it. The length of the song is just not enough - this could go on for 13 minutes and I will not tire of it. Brilliant song.

This is one of my favourite songs of the post 80's. I'd say that this song is Nicko's finest drum performance ever. To me it seems as if he sometimes in the song doesn't play along with the others, but plays towards them. A fine piece of art indeed.

The galloping riff in the middle of the song is refreshing, and makes me jump up in the air every time I hear it even though it's not very original. Yes, galloping was quite common in the earlier days, but now they don't use it so often in the newer material as you surely have noticed and when they do it just drives me crazy with happiness.

In the epic factor, it's in the class of Rime, Hallowed, and Paschendale, and in some ways far beyond that. Same goes lyrically, and Bruce is at his very best here in the soaring choruses. I before thought that Paschendale, Rime, and Hallowed were the absolute unchallengeable top 3 Maiden songs, but now I have to include Brighter than a Thousand Suns in that.

Heaviest Maiden song. It's a monster of originality, genius lyricism and tempo/mood changes that some bands can only dream to emulate. "Out of the universe, a strange love is born. Unholy union, trinity reformed... Out of the darkness, brighter than a thousand suns." Anthologic!

I guess it's up to me to be the blasphemer here. This is a very good song, that for me is a notch below the band’s great epics. Love the heaviness and the complexities, but the melodies could be a little hookier and I find Bruce is straining at times to rise above the din and not quite being successful.

Heavy. Melodic. Acoustic. Epic. Monster riffs. And still contains the Maiden gallop. A very large song. Very large. My fave part is actually the post chorus verses. The whole band is in perfect sync in a riff that changes from gallop to an almost black sabbath vol.4 sound. This song proves to me that old bands are legitimate and can reach perfection.

I vividly recall the first time I heard Brighter Than A Thousand Suns- Maiden streamed 3 new songs on their site back in 2006. Breeg, Different World and this one. I just remember expecting a good Maiden song and I got a great one. I must have listened to that tune a good 10 times that first day it was on the site. I actually had to force myself to stop listening to it. Great memories.

Brighter Than A Thousand Suns is always going to be brought up as a highlight of the album, if only for the lyrical subject at first glance. That does however mean that the music go absolutely hand in hand with the lyrical subject and project a dark and powerful tale which offers little comfort on the development and use of the first atomic bomb.

I'm very confused by the high ratings for this song. The music behind it is actually very good. It's so beautiful when the guitars come in at 0:29, and the solos are amazing. The vocals are the main problem with the song. There is really no vocal melody in the first verses, Bruce is just kind of singing off time to the music.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2008: 9.44; 28/134
2011: 9.48 +0.04; 6/144 +22
2012: 18/144 +12
2014: 9.44 -0.04; 7/144 +11
2015: 9.41 -0.03; 8/144 -1
2016: 9.32 -0.09; 11/155 -3

Overall

Spoiler

11 - Brighter Than a Thousand Suns (A Matter of Life and Death)
12 - The Trooper (Piece of Mind)
13 - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
13 - Children of the Damned (The Number of the Beast)
15 - The Clansman (Virtual XI)
16 - If Eternity Should Fail (The Book of Souls)
17 - Killers (Killers)
18 - To Tame a Land (Piece of Mind)
19 - Dance of Death (Dance of Death)
19 - Blood Brothers (Brave New World)
19 - Ghost of the Navigator (Brave New World)
22 - Fear of the Dark (Fear of the Dark)
23 - The Number of the Beast (The Number of the Beast)
23 - Empire of the Clouds (The Book of Souls)
23 - For the Greater Good of God (A Matter of Life and Death)
26 - Moonchild (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
27 - Starblind (The Final Frontier)
28 - Murders in the Rue Morgue (Killers)
28 - Still Life (Piece of Mind)
30 - Alexander the Great (Somewhere in Time)
31 - Rainmaker (Dance of Death)
31 - Where Eagles Dare (Piece of Mind)
33 - Dream of Mirrors (Brave New World)
34 - The Wicker Man (Brave New World)
34 - Wasted Years (Afraid to Shoot Strangers)
36 - Afraid to Shoot Strangers (Fear of the Dark)
37 - The Nomad (Brave New World)
38 - The Evil That Men Do (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
39 - Caught Somewhere in Time (Somewhere in Time)
39 - 22, Acacia Avenue (The Number of the Beast)
41 - Brave New World (Brave New World)
41 - When the Wild Wind Blows (The Final Frontier)
43 - The Prisoner (The Number of the Beast)
44 - These Colours Don't Run (A Matter of Life and Death)
45 - Stranger in a Strange Land (Somewhere in Time)
46 - The Legacy (A Matter of Life and Death)
47 - Remember Tomorrow (Iron Maiden)
48 - 2 Minutes to Midnight (Powerslave)
49 - Sea of Madness (Somewhere in Time)
50 - The Longest Day (A Matter of Life and Death)
51 - The Edge of Darkness (The X Factor)
52 - Transylvania (Iron Maiden)
52 - The Talisman (The Final Frontier)
54 - The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg (A Matter of Life and Death)
55 - Isle of Avalon (The Final Frontier)
55 - Lord of Light (A Matter of Life and Death)
57 - The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (Somewhere in Time)
58 - Genghis Khan (Killers)
59 - Coming Home (The Final Frontier)
60 - The Clairvoyant (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
61 - Flight of Icarus (Piece of Mind)
62 - The Aftermath (The X Factor)
63 - The Thin Line Between Love and Hate (Brave New World)
64 - Run Silent, Run Deep (No Prayer For the Dying)
65 - Strange World (Iron Maiden)
66 - Only the Good Die Young (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
67 - The Duelists (Powerslave)
68 - Judas Be My Guide (Fear of the Dark)
69 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
69 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
71 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
71 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
73 - Wrathchild (Killers)
74 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
74 - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
76 - The Ides of March (Killers)
77 - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
78 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
79 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
80 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
80 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
82 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
82 - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
84 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
85 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
86 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
87 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
87 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
89 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
89 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
91 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
92 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
93 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
94 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
95 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
96 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
97 - Purgatory (Killers)
98 - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
99 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
99 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
101 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
102 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
102 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
102 - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
105 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
106 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
107 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
108 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
109 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
110 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
111 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
112 - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
113 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
114 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
115 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
116 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
116 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
118 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
119 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
120 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
121 - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)
122 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
123 - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
124 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
125 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
126 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
126 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
128 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
129 - Drifter (Killers)
130 - Another Life (Killers)
131 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
132 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
132 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
134 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
135 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
136 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
137 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
138 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
139 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
140 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
141 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
142 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
143 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
143 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
145 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
146 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
147 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
148 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
149 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
150 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
151 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
152 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
153 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
153 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
155 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)

Song deviance (least to greatest)

Spoiler

0.16 - Brighter Than a Thousand Suns (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.25 - The Number of the Beast (The Number of the Beast)
0.26 - Different World (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.26 - Mother of Mercy (The Final Frontier)
0.27 - The Alchemist (The Final Frontier)
0.34 - The Fallen Angel (Brave New World)
0.38 - Flight of Icarus (Piece of Mind)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.46 - Rainmaker (Dance of Death)
0.46 - These Colours Don't Run (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.48 - Ghost of the Navigator (Brave New World)
0.50 - Alexander the Great (Somewhere in Time)
0.53 - Lord of Light (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.56 - Starblind (The Final Frontier)
0.58 - Afraid to Shoot Strangers (Fear of the Dark)
0.58 - Fear of the Dark (Fear of the Dark)
0.58 - The Talisman (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
0.62 - Remember Tomorrow (Iron Maiden)
0.66 - Deja Vu (Somewhere in Time)
0.68 - Invaders (The Number of the Beast)
0.70 - Montsegur (Dance of Death)
0.70 - The Prophecy (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.74 - The Legacy (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.76 - The Trooper (Piece of Mind)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
0.80 - 2 Minutes to Midnight (Powerslave)
0.80 - Can I Play With Madness? (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
0.81 - Another Life (Killers)
0.85 - The Pilgrim (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.86 - Total Eclipse (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast)
0.90 - Heaven Can Wait (Somewhere in Time)
0.91 - For the Greater Good of God (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.92 - The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (Somewhere in Time)
0.92 - The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg (A Matter of Life and Death)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
1.00 - Coming Home (The Final Frontier)
1.02 - Isle of Avalon (The Final Frontier)
1.02 - Lord of the Flies (The X Factor)
1.03 - No Prayer For the Dying (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.04 - Purgatory (Killers)
1.06 - Brave New World (Brave New World)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.10 - Killers (Killers)
1.10 - Moonchild (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.10 - Sea of Madness (Somewhere in Time)
1.13 - Caught Somewhere in Time (Somewhere in Time)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.18 - The Wicker Man (Brave New World)
1.20 - Wasted Years (Afraid to Shoot Strangers)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.22 - When the Wild Wind Blows (The Final Frontier)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Children of the Damned (The Number of the Beast)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.24 - Where Eagles Dare (Piece of Mind)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.33 - Still Life (Piece of Mind)
1.34 - The Clansman (Virtual XI)
1.36 - To Tame a Land (Piece of Mind)
1.39 - Murders in the Rue Morgue (Killers)
1.41 - Dance of Death (Dance of Death)
1.42 - The Longest Day (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.42 - Blood Brothers (Brave New World)
1.42 - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.43 - Dream of Mirrors (Brave New World)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
1.48 - The Prisoner (The Number of the Beast)
1.51 - Only the Good Die Young (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.52 - Journeyman (Dance of Death)
1.52 - The Fugitive (Fear of the Dark)
1.52 - Wasting Love (Fear of the Dark)
1.54 - Out of the Silent Planet (Brave New World)
1.54 - Prodigal Son (Killers)
1.56 - Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden)
1.58 - The Unbeliever (The X Factor)
1.62 - Judas Be My Guide (Fear of the Dark)
1.62 - The Clairvoyant (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
1.64 - 22, Acacia Avenue (The Number of the Beast)
1.64 - Stranger in a Strange Land (Somewhere in Time)
1.67 - Out of the Shadows (A Matter of Life and Death)
1.68 - Man on the Edge (The X Factor)
1.68 - The Apparition (Fear of the Dark)
1.69 - Strange World (Iron Maiden)
1.79 - The Nomad (Brave New World)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
1.83 - The Thin Line Between Love and Hate (Brave New World)
1.83 - Tailgunner (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.84 - Age of Innocence (Dance of Death)
1.86 - Back in the Village (Powerslave)
1.86 - Sanctuary (Iron Maiden)
1.87 - Judgement of Heaven (The X Factor)
1.88 - The Edge of Darkness (The X Factor)
1.94 - Public Enema Number One (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.94 - Quest For Fire (Piece of Mind)
1.95 - The Angel and the Gambler (Virtual XI)
2.04 - Wildest Dreams (Dance of Death)
2.08 - Transylvania (Iron Maiden)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
2.19 - Genghis Khan (Killers)
2.20 - Lightning Strikes Twice (Virtual XI)
2.20 - New Frontier (Dance of Death)
2.22 - Hooks in You (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.26 - Losfer Words (Big 'Orra) (Powerslave)
2.27 - Look For the Truth (The X Factor)
2.31 - The Evil That Men Do (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
2.36 - Run Silent, Run Deep (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.50 - The Duelists (Powerslave)
2.72 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
2.82 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
2.87 - The Ides of March (Killers)
2.89 - The Aftermath (The X Factor)
2.93 - Bring Your Daughter... ...To the Slaughter (No Prayer For the Dying)
2.94 - Holy Smoke (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.04 - Be Quick or Be Dead (Fear of the Dark)
3.26 - The Educated Fool (Virtual XI)
3.32 - Charlotte the Harlot (Iron Maiden)
3.34 - Chains of Misery (Fear of the Dark)
3.40 - Weekend Warrior (Fear of the Dark)
3.76 - From Here to Eternity (Fear of the Dark)
3.81 - 2 A.M. (The X Factor)
3.90 - The Assassin (No Prayer For the Dying)
3.95 - Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Virtual XI)
n/a - Death or Glory (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Empire of the Clouds (The Book of Souls)
n/a - If Eternity Should Fail (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Shadows of the Valley (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Speed of Light (The Book of Souls)
n/a - Tears of a Clown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Great Unknown (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Man of Sorrows (The Book of Souls)
n/a - The Red and the Black (The Book of Souls)
n/a - When the River Runs Deep (The Book of Souls)

Albums

Spoiler

Iron Maiden 8/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 15 Top 100: 33
Killers 11/11 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 10 Top 50: 20 Top 100: 41
Average Rating: 7.84 Average Deviation: 1.61 Trophy Points: 141 TPPSY: 1.42
The Number of the Beast 8/9 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 14 Top 50: 13 Top 100: 23
Piece of Mind 8/9 Top 10: 5 Top 25: 13 Top 50: 18 Top 100: 19
Powerslave 5/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 12 Top 100: 21
Somewhere in Time 8/8 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 6 Top 50: 24 Top 100: 35
Average Rating: 8.44 Average Deviation: 1.01 Trophy Points: 127 TPPSY: 1.76
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 7/8 Top 10: 4 Top 25: 14 Top 50: 13 Top 100: 27
No Prayer For the Dying 10/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 7 Top 100: 23
Average Rating: 6.67 Average Deviation: 2.11 Trophy Points: 41 TPPSY: 0.45
Fear of the Dark 12/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 7 Top 50: 12 Top 100: 28
Average Rating: 6.53 Average Deviation: 1.95 Trophy Points: 80 TPPSY: 0.74
The X Factor 10/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 8 Top 50: 7 Top 100: 49
Virtual XI 8/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 9 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 14
Average Rating: 7.48 Average Deviation: 2.07 Trophy Points: 68 TPPSY: 0.76
Brave New World 10/10 Top 10: 2 Top 25: 19 Top 50: 28 Top 100: 25
Average Rating: 8.29 Average Deviation: 1.12 Trophy Points: 177 TPPSY: 1.97
Dance of Death 10/11 Top 10: 4 Top 25: 6 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 40
A Matter of Life and Death 10/10 Top 10: 3 Top 25: 7 Top 50: 23 Top 100: 24
The Final Frontier 10/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 5 Top 50: 14 Top 100: 31
Average Rating: 8.20 Average Deviation: 0.64 Trophy Points: 79 TPPSY: 0.88
The Book of Souls 10/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[Stardust]

Noooooo! Even though this IS an very high placement, I consider Brighter my second favourite Iron Maiden song so I'm a bit saddened that it's "only" at #11. Still, if it had to end somewhere other than the top 3, I'm glad it ended up so high.

 

[Black Wizard]

'The Trooper' is my second favourite Iron Maiden song. 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' is dull.

 

[Stardust]

Heh, it's funny that you say that considering The Trooper is my favourite Iron Maiden song.

 

[Cat Milk Supreme]

tear inducing headbangerry!!!!

Top, top punditry. I'll be stealing this phrase

 

[bornless1]

It's all yours blood Brother!!

 

[Lampwick 43]

I'm not nearly as high on Thousand Suns as everyone else, it seems. It's a good song, but in terms of AMOLAD, I have it firmly behind The Legacy, Breeg, The Longest Day, and Lord of Light.

 

[LooseCannon]

For those not keeping track, the following songs are left (in alphabetical order):

Aces High (Powerslave)
Hallowed Be Thy Name (The Number of the Beast)
Infinite Dreams (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
Paschendale (Dance of Death)
Phantom of the Opera (Iron Maiden)
Powerslave (Powerslave)
Revelations (Piece of Mind)
Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Powerslave)
Sign of the Cross (The X Factor)
The Book of Souls (The Book of Souls)

 

[Brigantium]

All mighty except maybe Revelations....not a fan.

 

[Lampwick 43]

For those not keeping track, the following songs are left (in alphabetical order):

Aces High (Powerslave)
Hallowed Be Thy Name (The Number of the Beast)
Infinite Dreams (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)
Paschendale (Dance of Death)
Phantom of the Opera (Iron Maiden)
Powerslave (Powerslave)
Revelations (Piece of Mind)
Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Powerslave)
Sign of the Cross (The X Factor)
The Book of Souls (The Book of Souls)

Well it's not perfect, but I'm quite satisfied with these as the top 10. I'm thrilled Book of Souls made it so far!

This isn't a prediction, but here's how I would personally rank these ten songs:

1. Powerslave
2. Phantom of the Opera
3. Hallowed Be Thy Name
4. The Book of Souls
5. Rime of the Ancient Mariner
6. Paschendale
7. Infinite Dreams
8. Aces High
9. Revelations
10. Sign of the Cross

EDIT: The top 6 songs would be in my personal top 10. The other 4 songs would be replaced by 7th Son, Dance of Death, The Legacy, and Starblind. (Not in that order)

 

[Srogyy]

IMO it's a bit too high for Sign of the Cross and Revelations. Both brilliant, but not quite there. I'm very happy TBoS got here - well deserved. Hoping for top 5.

 

[Whooten]

'The Trooper' is my second favourite Iron Maiden song. 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' is dull.

My thoughts exactly.