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

[Lampwick 43]

I fucking love The Duelists. Definitely in my top 25.

 

[TAC]

Great instrumental part.

 

[Diesel 11]

Judas Be My Guide should be higher.

 

[bornless1]

Face in the sand and the duelists are similar to me in that they are both 2nd tier songs on outstanding albums. Face in the sand is so underrated and is one of the reasons DOD has rocketed to my 2nd favorite Maiden album: Face' is around 25 all time to me. Way too low here...

 

[MrKnickerbocker]

I'm very surprised to see Face in the Sand and Duellists so high on this list.

 

[srfc]

Has that perfect Dance of Death feel. Great intro and powerful lyrics, beautiful guitar melodies . Could the chorus have a bit more variety and a tad less repetition? Perhaps. But the song is so strong it's not an issue. 9/10.

Think it's the best of these type of steve tracks. Love the three back to back solos, the subtle variations in the mood to the rhythm underneath the solos just add to the drama every time another guitar player takes over.

 

[srfc]

I'm very surprised to see Face in the Sand and Duellists so high on this list.

there's a few more other ones I'm surprised by too. (wrathchild!, I know people are sick of it, but it's an all time classic, definite top 25 for me)

I'm wondering whether you're going to get some bizarre bang average song placed really high up, or is it just a case of maiden having so much strong material that these songs are accurately placed.

 

[CriedWhenBrucieLeft]

No More Lies is the epitome of bang average.

 

[Operations666]

No More Lies is the epitome of bang average.

You're drinking wine and talking tall!

 

[LooseCannon]

66: Only the Good Die Young - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Harris, Dickinson)
Average score: 8.19/10 Deviation: 1.51
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 3/8
Top 50: 2011, 2016
Top 100: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015

This one's bounced around a bit, becoming much more of a favourite in the 2010s as compared to the previous decade, where it slid to the lower regions of the Top 100. In the most recent rankings, however, it cracked the Top 50, for its second such award. A higher deviation, but nothing insane. Lots of people love this track, and are really complimentary about the lyrics. Some aren't a huge fan of the way the track closes out Maiden's only concept album, though.

Choice comments:

I have a theory that they made this one short to compliment the lyrics. The song literally dies young. Sometimes the medium is the message.

Really good song.

This one is one that carries me away more than most songs. The chorus is great, the little bass solo in the middle is really nice and overall the song kicks more ass than any other song on this album.

This is quite a typical Maiden song with many typical elements: catchy chorus, galloping, H and Davey's guitar harmonies, and mysterious lyrics.

I'd say this is one of Maiden's best sounding choruses. Listen to the two Bruces, excellent really. What makes it even better is that in the second half of the chorus, the line "All the evil seems to live forever" is replaced by that great guitar melody

Captivating and intense, the band deliver a top notch performance that closes one of their very best albums perfectly. Considering the lyrics, it's painful to me to think about these being among their very best, and have such a steep drop on the next album. This hint of tragedy makes me appreciate this song even more.

This is an odd song to end an album on. It just doesn't feel like the typical IM album closer thus far. It feels like it belongs in the middle of the album. Nonetheless, it is a good song overall. Middle of the pack on this album

A terrific song and could have been best song on the album except for the solos. Both solos are underwhelming for me, adding zero to the song and a little too bluesy for Maiden. fantastic song otherwise

I find it a slightly disappointing finale. I don't expect the same format on every Maiden album. But this is an incredible album and it deserves an epic ending, especially as this is supposed to be a full on concept. Something with greater scope was needed to develop and finish the story I think.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 8.22; 67/123
2005: 7.62 -0.60; 89/124 -22
2006: 7.04 -0.58; 91/124 -2
2008: 7.76 +0.72; 99/134 -7
2011: 8.46 +0.70; 50/144 +49
2012: 52/144 -2
2014: 8.50 +0.04; 54/144 -2
2015: 8.55 +0.5; 53/144 +1
2016: 8.45 -0.10; 43/155 +10

Overall

Spoiler

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

0.26 - 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)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
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)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
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)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
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)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
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)
1.67 - 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)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
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)
1.94 - 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)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
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)
2.50 - The Duelists (Powerslave)
2.72 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
2.82 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
2.87 - The Ides of March (Killers)
2.93 - 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 - 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 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 12
Killers 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 36
The Number of the Beast 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 16
Piece of Mind 3/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 10
Powerslave 4/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 6 Top 100: 18
Somewhere in Time 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 3/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 20
No Prayer For the Dying 9/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 4 Top 100: 18
Fear of the Dark 10/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 27
The X Factor 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 5 Top 100: 40
Virtual XI 7/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 13
Brave New World 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 1 Top 100: 11
Dance of Death 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 37
A Matter of Life and Death 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
The Final Frontier 5/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 24
The Book of Souls 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[Magnus]

One of their best I'd say

 

[LooseCannon]

65: Strange World - Iron Maiden (Harris)
Average score: 8.21/10 Deviation: 1.69
Iron Maiden 6/9
Top 50: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008
Top 100: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016

As you can see by the comments below, opinions about this track from the debut album are all over the place. Some people really love it, like absolutely adore the track. Others are not a huge fan at all, and the swing in the ratings, for a song ranked this high, should give us an indication of that. The most recent year pulled this one down, otherwise it could easily have finished in the alltime Top 50. Still, it has four Top 50 awards to its name.

Choice comments:

My least favourite on the album. It's not a bad song, but I like the others much better. The very bluesy guitars make it different and quite interesting.

I think it's a great, song but it's not one of the best on the album. I don't really like the vocals on this track, though...sounds too 70s, and not very Maiden-like.

I'm one of those people who love this song. The atmosphere is great, it's got beautiful guitar solos and great lyrics. It's unlike any other song in the Maiden discography, yet it still has an undefinable Maiden touch to it.

Yeah, it has atmosphere.
But I have tried for years to like this song and failed.
It has consistently ranked at or near the bottom of my list and is one of the few Maiden songs I just don't like.

I don't see how anyone can call this the weakest song of the debut when songs like Charlotte the Harlot, Iron Maiden, and their absolute worst song ever Sanctuary are on it. Unless your not counting the reissue.

Definitely one of my favourites of the album.Great way to start a song with one of the best solos ever.Moody as well and melancholic.

a song i regularly skip. Ive never been a fan of the melancholy feel, it doesnt captivate me enough in its instumental or presentation to get past how sad it sounds and how i feel it lacks content.

For some reason, this reminds me of a Pink Floyd song and that's not a bad thing. The dreamworld is still going for me and i'm being lead by Eddie and his guitar. Excellent singing by Di'Anno as we complete these three excellent songs. I love when albums keep the greatness going for so many consecutive songs.

How did this song come to be? Much like Prodigal Son, of the next album, it's so very different to the rest of the content. Dave makes some gorgeous guitar work here, and whereas I never much loved the song before, I can at least enjoy that.

It's a little off kilter, though, especially the lyrical parts. Part of that is the weird way Paul sounds - muted and like he is trying too hard to sing to the music. It's just not a song I love.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 8.86; 33/123
2005: 8.86 NC; 41/124 -8
2006: 9.02 +0.16; 36/124 +5
2008: 8.98 -0.04; 43/134 -7
2011: 7.86 -1.12; 71/144 -28
2012: 63/144 +8
2014: 8.00 +0.14; 68/144 -5
2015: 8.12 +0.12; 63/144 +5
2016: 7.33 -0.79; 96/155 -33

Overall

Spoiler

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

0.26 - 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)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
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)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
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)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
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)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
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)
1.67 - 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)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
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)
1.94 - 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)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
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)
2.50 - The Duelists (Powerslave)
2.72 - Twilight Zone (Killers)
2.82 - Gates of Tomorrow (Dance of Death)
2.87 - The Ides of March (Killers)
2.93 - 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 - 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 6/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 6 Top 100: 26
Killers 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 36
The Number of the Beast 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 16
Piece of Mind 3/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 10
Powerslave 4/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 6 Top 100: 18
Somewhere in Time 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 3/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 20
No Prayer For the Dying 9/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 4 Top 100: 18
Fear of the Dark 10/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 27
The X Factor 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 5 Top 100: 40
Virtual XI 7/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 13
Brave New World 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 1 Top 100: 11
Dance of Death 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 37
A Matter of Life and Death 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
The Final Frontier 5/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 24
The Book of Souls 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[LooseCannon]

64: Run Silent, Run Deep - No Prayer For the Dying (Harris, Dickinson)
Average score: 8.23/10 Deviation: 2.36
No Prayer For the Dying 10/10
Top 25: 2005
Top 50: 2004, 2006, 2008
Top 100: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016

A really large deviation on this one shows its plummet from a Top 25 song to barely staying in the Top 100, a track that peaked in the mid 00s and has since declined steadily lower. If we averaged cleanly, this track might have broken the Top 50, but as it is, it comes in at 64. Clearly the consensus favourite from the album, many people have commented that this one could have been longer, and others have argued over Bruce's voice & lyrics.

This brings us to the end of No Prayer For the Dying in our rankings. The 1990 release was well received, economically, but in the twenty-seven years has been controversial for the introduction of a new, "stripped-down" sound, as well as the change of Bruce's voice to a raspy, darker sound. The loss of Adrian Smith was also a big turning point for the band. This album did offer a #1 hit for Iron Maiden, but its final legacy will be that it is the one new Maidenfans listen to last.

No Prayer For the Dying Average rating: 6.67
No Prayer For the Dying Average deviation: 2.11

Choice comments:

This is a quality track, with killer lyrics (if a bit goofy) and a good sound. I wish it had been drawn out into a proper epic, TFF-style, with a long introduction and a better instrumental section, but I do like it how it is.

This song is amazing. The galopping rhythm kicks major obese ass and the chorus actually displays some marvelous variation of the vocals. Bruce sings high and does it pretty good too.

The midpart is the highlight of the song. First Janick's menacing attack (one of his better aggressive solos while the rhyhtm guitars are almost as slaying) and than Dave follows with his impression of Lawrence of Arabia. When you think you've reached the summum pleasure in the ears, the following harmony is even better.

Solidly good song, one of the highlights of the album for me. I also think it could have benefited from an extended instrumental section; that part before the third verse (is it still Dave's solo?) is particularly good.

Another filler from NPFTD. What a surprise.

I like this tune, although nothing about it really grabs me and shakes me. If I was pressed, I'd say Bruce's vocal and the lyrics are the high point of the song.

Amazing guitar work, but the chorus is jumbled. The verses are great, though I find the need for a quiet ending to be an odd choice.

Some great work from Steve in the verses and there's some nice melodies.

I don't share the view that the Bruce rasp is more suited here. Sounds awful in places.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 8.40; 56/123
2005: 9.48 +1.08; 24/124 +32
2006: 9.82 +0.34; 26/124 -2
2008: 9.36 -0.46; 32/134 -6
2011: 7.76 -1.60; 77/144 -45
2012: 72/144 +5
2014: 7.73 -0.03; 86/144 -14
2015: 7.65 -0.08; 91/144 -5
2016: 7.46 -0.19; 92/155 -1

Overall

Spoiler

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

0.26 - 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)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
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)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
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)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
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)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
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)
1.67 - 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)
1.82 - Drifter (Killers)
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)
1.94 - 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)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
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)
2.36 - 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)
2.93 - 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 - 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 6/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 6 Top 100: 26
Killers 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 36
The Number of the Beast 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 16
Piece of Mind 3/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 10
Powerslave 4/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 6 Top 100: 18
Somewhere in Time 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 3/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 20
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
Fear of the Dark 10/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 27
The X Factor 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 5 Top 100: 40
Virtual XI 7/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 13
Brave New World 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 1 Top 100: 11
Dance of Death 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 37
A Matter of Life and Death 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
The Final Frontier 5/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 24
The Book of Souls 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[TAC]

Great chorus and has Maiden's one and only MOSH PART from 2:19-2:34.

 

[CriedWhenBrucieLeft]

@Mosh is this correct?

 

[LooseCannon]

63: The Thin Line Between Love and Hate - Brave New World (Murray, Harris)
Average score: 8.24/10 Deviation: 1.83
Brave New World 4/10
Top 50: 2011, 2014, 2015
Top 100: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2016

This is another one where opinions have gone back and forth, being a fairly high song to actually have some time not spent in the Top 100. Three Top 50 mentions as well, which is pretty impressive. This track hit its stride in the early 2010s, putting out three high-eights in a row, before sinking back to the mid-eights in the most recent poll. Pretty high deviation on this one. Some people say the second half is long and boring, and others think Bruce is amazing here.

Last time out we closed out No Prayer For the Dying. Fun fact, we won't close out another album until position 31. Which album do you think closes next?

Choice comments:

The verses seem to discuss the age old argument in psychology of Nature vs. Nurture. Nature theorist claim you are born good or evil. Nurture people claim a loving family will curve the most evil of desires or a disfunctianal, abusive family would currupt the best of people. Though now most shrinks agree that we are a little bit of both. Only in rare cases does a person from the projects with a crackwhore mother and acoholic father break the cycle and end up being good doctors or counselors and someone from a "good" family end up a homless drug addict. They also discuss the pressures of society such as peer pressure to do drugs or drink alcohol before the legal age. "When a person turns to wrong is it a want to be, belong?". There seems to be a pondering on the mystery of the self "what makes a man decide between the wrong or rightous road?" What does motivate us? only we know. There is a respect for choice and individuality as they claim that we all have the right to choose the path that we want. And hence we can't blame society for we are responsible for our own actions. "we all like to put the blame/ on society these things"

Simply an amazing song. Propably one of the greatest songs ever. It just has unbelieveble feeling! Great guitar melodies and good lyrics. Great guitar solos that (as i belive) are all Dave's. Just correct if im wrong. Great album closer, great song to listen when im going to sleep, great song to listen when waching the sky and heck; great song in every possible way. I just love it.

The instrumental part is one of the greatest moments in heavy metal history. I never get tired of it, and it is simply beautiful. The lyrics are great as well. I'm not sure I am overly fond of the verses being completely done with harmonics, but once Bruce sings the chorus for the first time, this song has won.

I have never absolutely loved this song. I like it enough; it served as the introduction for a video I made back in high school. But I don't love it, either. It never grasped me very hard.

I particularly do not like the slow parts. And there are too many Dave solos, there could be more variation if all the guys had a chance to show their stuff. But the main problem for me is that a big part of the song feels like it's in the same vein. I miss some changes in atmosphere, and I miss surprises, which are necessary to make a long song epic. Instead it's rather a predictable sounding effort.

I like the high vocals that Bruce does in this song, but not a huge fan of the lower vocals (up to the 2min mark and in some other points). The slower section from about halfway mark really is great though. A great instrumental section and I quite like the latter half of the song. I can see why people says it drags on too long, and there is a lot of repetition (riffs) in the 2nd half of the song.

Bruce's vocals are the highlight of this song for me. Everything else is sort of secondary. I never liked how it just chilled out, I wish it had a more normal ending. Still, great melodies just not quite there for this to be an amazing song.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 8.28; 63/123
2005: 7.40 -0.88; 91/124 -28
2006: 7.02 -0.38; 94/124 -3
2008: 7.44 +0.42; 104/134 -10
2011: 8.60 +1.16; 41/144 +63
2012: 81/144 -40
2014: 8.76 +0.16; 40/144 +41
2015: 8.85 +0.09; 33/144 +7
2016: 8.36 -0.49; 51/155 -18

Overall

Spoiler

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

0.26 - 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)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
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)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
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)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
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)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
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)
1.67 - 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)
1.82 - 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)
1.94 - 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)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
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)
2.36 - 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)
2.93 - 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 - 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 6/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 6 Top 100: 26
Killers 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 36
The Number of the Beast 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 16
Piece of Mind 3/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 10
Powerslave 4/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 6 Top 100: 18
Somewhere in Time 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 3/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 20
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
Fear of the Dark 10/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 27
The X Factor 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 2 Top 50: 5 Top 100: 40
Virtual XI 7/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 13
Brave New World 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 1 Top 100: 11
Dance of Death 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 37
A Matter of Life and Death 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
The Final Frontier 5/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 24
The Book of Souls 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[Mosh]

@Mosh is this correct?

They were stuck on where to go with that part and asked for my advice, was happy to help out.

 

[LooseCannon]

62: The Aftermath - The X Factor (Harris, Bayley, Gers)
Average score: 8.27/10 Deviation: 2.89
The X Factor 9/11
Top 25: 2006, 2008
Top 50: 2004, 2005
Top 100: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015

Another song that suffers from a massive deviation, especially in recent years, this track has gone from being 19th ranked to 113rd, a huge drop over the 10 year differences between those positions. One thing is for sure - Janick's solo is the absolute highlight of this track, followed by the dark and brooding lyrics. Still, you can see negative comments growing over the years for this one. It will surely fall further.

Choice comments:

Very dark and heavy, Blaze's voice fits in very well with the lyrical theme. The questions asked in this song are quite interesting actually, especially if one thinks about the aftermath of WW1, when a lot of things changed in Europe.

Anyone who thinks steve harris is over rated as a lyricist needs to listen to this album. This songs lyrics are just as strong as paschendales in my opinion and you really get a sense of what it would be like to be a soldier after the battle has finished. Love the part "im just a soldier..."

This song is one of the best ones on the album. Sure, some people will say the music is slow and maybe a little less interesting; but I think it is powerful and brooding. Though it's no Sign of the Cross, it is still full of the powerful, dark regret that filled a losing soldier after the First World War; as I've said previously, Paschendale is all-but the prequel to this track.

This has grown to become my second favourite from this album. The lyrics are great, the mood of the song matches them well, and Blaze's delivery is powerful. The breakdown after the chorus, with the following buildup to the solo, is great, and the solo rocks the house down.

Janick's smokin' solo elevates this one from a lower rating. For me, Blaze's uninspiring vocal again brings down what is otherwise a good song.

Damn it this album has fantastic intros. Another amazing intro. I don't like the vocal melodies of the song (except the chorus which is great). The highlight of the song is of course the breathtaking solo.

Janick's solo on this one, is amazing, and certainly one of his (and arguably, one of Maiden's) finest. A brilliant song that might just be the best of the Blaze era.

The Aftermath’s obvious quiet intro has more structure and movement than the rest, and it is rather brief, but the song is a plodding mess. For an album leaning far into prog territory, there sure are plenty of moments where the music simply sounds empty, and The Aftermath is the worst offender. The drums, bass, and guitar play the exact same notes at the exact same rhythm during all of the verses and choruses. It sounds clunky and sonically dead, with none of the background textures that Adrian Smith is so good at injecting into songs. The section meant to be dramatic sounds very similar to the verses and does nothing to enhance the mood. Right before the song picks up Blaze sings along with the guitar melody and he’s got more than a few bum notes in there.

Statistics

Spoiler

Yearly ratings & rankings
2004: 8.66; 39/123
2005: 9.38 +0.72; 31/124 +8
2006: 9.84 +0.46; 19/124 +12
2008: 9.48 -0.36; 25/134 +6
2011: 7.98 -1.50; 64/144 -39
2012: 93/144 -29
2014: 7.98 NC; 71/144 +22
2015: 7.85 -0.13; 78/144 -7
2016: 6.95 -0.90; 113/155 -35

Overall

Spoiler

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

0.26 - 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)
0.39 - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier (The Final Frontier)
0.44 - Die With Your Boots On (Piece of Mind)
0.54 - El Dorado (The Final Frontier)
0.55 - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
0.55 - The Man Who Would Be King (The Final Frontier)
0.60 - Flash of the Blade (Powerslave)
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)
0.76 - Fates Warning (No Prayer For the Dying)
0.78 - The Mercenary (Brave New World)
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)
0.92 - Fear is the Key (Fear of the Dark)
0.93 - Sun and Steel (Piece of Mind)
0.96 - Innocent Exile (Killers)
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)
1.08 - Como Estais Amigos (Virtual XI)
1.15 - Mother Russia (No Prayer For the Dying)
1.22 - Wrathchild (Killers)
1.23 - Fortunes of War (The X Factor)
1.24 - Face in the Sand (Dance of Death)
1.26 - No More Lies (Dance of Death)
1.29 - Gangland (The Number of the Beast)
1.31 - Futureal (Virtual XI)
1.45 - When Two Worlds Collide (Virtual XI)
1.46 - Childhood's End (Fear of the Dark)
1.46 - Running Free (Iron Maiden)
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)
1.67 - 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)
1.82 - 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)
1.94 - 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)
2.10 - Blood on the World's Hands (The X Factor)
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)
2.36 - 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 - 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 6/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 6 Top 100: 26
Killers 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 36
The Number of the Beast 4/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 16
Piece of Mind 3/9 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 10
Powerslave 4/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 6 Top 100: 18
Somewhere in Time 2/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son 3/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 20
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
Fear of the Dark 10/12 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 27
The X Factor 9/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 4 Top 50: 7 Top 100: 44
Virtual XI 7/8 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 1 Top 50: 9 Top 100: 13
Brave New World 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 1 Top 100: 11
Dance of Death 8/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 2 Top 100: 37
A Matter of Life and Death 3/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 15
The Final Frontier 5/10 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 24
The Book of Souls 7/11 Top 10: 0 Top 25: 0 Top 50: 0 Top 100: 6

 

[Dagonal]

I can't believe that RSRD was the last to go on NPFTD. Also, how is The Thin Line so low? And how is The Aftermath so high?

 

[LooseCannon]

Also, how is The Thin Line so low? And how is The Aftermath so high?

Look at the yearly rankings and remember it's a weighted average. The Aftermath was a song that was loved in the 00s and now is disdained, whereas Thin Line was all over the place.