Iron Maiden was formed on Christmas day, 1975. The bassist, Steve Harris formed the band after he left his band, Smiler. They recruited many vocalists, from Paul Day and Dennis Wilcock, to Bob Sawyer. Until they finally found a vocalist who had a successful audition. In 1979, Iron Maiden released their first EP, The Soundhouse Tapes. The EP was very successful, with all 5000 copies sold. In 1980, Iron Maiden released their eponymous debut album, Iron Maiden. The album did extremely well for debut album, reaching No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart in the first week of release, and has been certified platinum in both Canada and the UK.
Iron Maiden is different in terms of quality and production compared to others. The quality is raw and punk-like. The quality and production was criticized by the band, but fans enjoyed it a lot.
The vocalist is Paul Di'anno, which comes with a very different singing style and singing voice when compared to the Bruce Dickinson we've all come to know and love. Di'anno's range is short, compared to Dickinson's, although he is able to hit high notes. Di'anno usually sings with a rough, raspy, and punk-like voice, which certainly fits the songs and the album.
The album opens up with "Prowler", which is one of the songs on "The Soundhouse Tapes", and on the band's demo "Spaceward". It starts with an excellent guitar intro by Dave Murray, and the lyrics start up with the raw voice of Paul Di'anno. Great lyrics, great guitar work, great rhythm, and overall a great song, though the middle section solo can be a bit random. It deserves a 9/10
Next song is "Remember Tomorrow", one of the best songs on the album. The singing this time is slower, and Di'anno's voice is purer than usual. Definitely one of the more underrated songs in Maiden's career. Great lyrics, great rhythm, great singing, and great solos give it a 9/10.
Next song is "Running Free" which is Iron Maiden's first single. It starts with a drum solo by Clive Burr, and along with that comes a bass intro by Steve Harris. Di'anno returns to his usual rough, punky singing voice, which fits the song great. The middle section, played by Dave Murray and backed up by Dennis Stratton, which are both backed up by Clive Burr's kick a** drumming, is one of the best on the album. The song doesn't have the usual guitar solos played in the other songs, but is still a must-hear from this album. 9/10
Now we come to "Phantom of the Opera", which is (very) widely considered the best song on the album, and one of the best Maiden songs of the Di'anno era, and one of the best in general. The beginning is fast paced, with guitars, drums, and vocals. The middle section is part that sticks out the most, and is the highlight of the song, a long instrumental solo with not one, not two, but three solos. Classic song for any metal-fan to hear. An absolute 10/10.
After the pure awesomeness of "Phantom of the Opera", we come to "Transylvania", the only instrumental song in the album. Steve Harris wrote the song way back when he was in Smiler, but the band found it to be "too complicated". A very fast paced instrumental, it is a thrill to listen to. Though it suffers from being the slightest bit repetetive. This is probably the weakest song on the album, though that's not really saying much, cause all the songs are A+ material. It could've been far better, with some vocals and minor tweaking.
It roughly gets a 9/10.
After the thrill ride which is "Transylvania" we come to the best song on the album (if "Phantom of the Opera didn't exist"), "Strange World". "Strange World" was first featured in the band's demo "Spaceward" . An excellent sample of music in general, "Strange World" has much to offer; fantastic lyrics that truly represent a "Strange World", vocals with so much depth it makes you cry, a truly spectacular intro (and ending), and not one, but two solos. 10/10.
After the genius that is "Strange World", we come to the only song on the album which is written by lead guitarist Dave Murruay, "Charlotte the Harlot". The first song in the "Charlotte the Harlot Saga", which tells the story of a prostitute named Charlotte. The saga contains three songs, "Charlotte the Harlot", "22 Acacia Avenue", and "From Here to Eternity". It is also believed that Charlotte also appears in "Twilight Zone", since she is featured in the cover art. The intro is fun to listen to, the lyrics in the beginning are fast paced, but the middle section is the true highlight, with slow paced lyrics, which are again very deep, then it picks up the fast paced sound at the end. A song worthy of a 10/10.
The ending track is the self-titled track, "Iron Maiden"."Iron Maiden" is one of the three tracks that are featured on this album, but appeared in the bands demo, "Spaceward", and "The Soundhouse Tapes" . The song is widely considered to be the band's signature song, which makes sence because it is played at literally every concert. The intro is part most people remember. The lyrics don't make much sence. The middle section is, again, the best part. Not really the best Maiden song out there, but a truly great none the less. 9/10
And that is the debut album of Iron Maiden. To make things short, every song is memorable, and very well played. It is easily the best out of all the Di'anno Era records (which are featured in the reccomendations).
Pros:
-The singing is different but fits the album perfectly.
-Features "improved" versions of some of the earliest Maiden songs available.
Cons:
-Some fans might not enjoy the raw production sound so much.
Songs that stick out:
-"Phantom of the Opera"
-"Strange World"
-"Charlotte the Harlot"
-"Running Free" (to some)
