Admittedly, it’s not all that often that Iron Maiden has offered up a true ballad that lasts from a song’s beginning to its conclusion. But that said, there are quite a few instances where the lads opted to forgo volume and distortion (and Steve Harris’ trademark galloping rhythm) for noticeable spells of a song.
Here, we take a look at ten such instances, which feature tunes from eras of three Maiden singers: paul Di’anno, Bruce Dickinson, and Blaze Bayley.
2 AM
The shortlived “Blaze Bayley” era of Maiden is undoubtedly the most polarizing era of the band: some rejected it, while some accepted it. But despite only issuing a pair of studio albums with Bayley, several tunes contained quite delicate sections. Namely, the opening of this tune from 1995’s ” the X factor.”
Journeyman
I agree, the guitar bit at the beginning of this track from 2003’s ” Dance of Death” contains a similarity to kansas ‘ ” Dust in the wind.” But the symphonic touches work incredibly well with Bruce Dickinson’s vocals so all is forgiven in the end.
Como Estais Amigos
There were a few instances during Maiden’s recording career in which a song title was in a language other than English. And such was the case on this mostly serene tune, with decidedly easygoing minute and 50 seconds at the beginning, from the final LP with Blaze Bayley behind the mic, 1998’s ” Virtual XI.” And in case you were wondering, when translated from Spanish to English, the title means “How are you, friends?”
Prodigal Son
Does anyone agree that this tune sounds a tad similar to Ozzy Osbourne’s ” You can’t kill rock and roll,” both of which were issued in 1981, on ” Killers” and ” Dairy of a madman,” respectively? Either way, both songs are jolly good fun and quite melodious.
Darkest Hours
Let’s not beat around the bush: quite a few selections on what will probably be drummer Nicko McBrain’s final studio album with Maiden, 2021’s “Senjutsu,” were far too bloody long. But this Bruce Dickinson-Adrian Smith semi-ballad collaboration was a standout.
Afraid to Shoot Strangers
Iron Maiden’s last studio effort with Bruce Dickinson in the ’90s, 1992’s ” fear of the dark,” certainly had quieter moments, such as this entirely composed by Steve Harris number. But like quite a few entries on this list, just when you think Maiden is committed to leaving the foot off the gas for an entire song, they hit the turbo drive (at the 3:44 mark, to be precise).
Blood Brothers
Iron Maiden’s reunion album with Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith, 2000’s ” Brave New world,” certainly contained its share of delights, including this mid-paced ditty.
Wasting Love
The ’80s were seemingly loaded with power ballads, and a few even snuck through in the early ’90s in the face of grunge. And this track from ” fear of the dark” supports this theory…right?
Strange World
This oft-overlooked track from Maiden’s 1980 self-titled debute was perhaps the only time in their career that the band fully committed to the mellower side of metal from start to finish in a song. And by golly, they hit the jackpot!
Remember Tomorrow
How could this classic off Maiden’s debut not be crowned the champion of this list?
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