Iron Maiden Songs Ranked
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal, Iron Maiden achieved initial success during the early 1980s. After several line-up changes, the band went on to release a series of UK and US platinum and gold albums, including 1982’s The Number of the Beast, 1983’s Piece of Mind, 1984’s Powerslave, 1985’s live release Live After Death, 1986’s Somewhere in Time and 1988’s Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. Since the return of lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith in 1999, the band has undergone a resurgence in popularity, with their 2010 studio offering, The Final Frontier, peaking at No. 1 in 28 countries and receiving widespread critical acclaim. Their sixteenth studio album, The Book of Souls, was released on 4 September 2015 to similar success. Here are all of Iron Maiden’s songs ranked.
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20. Infinite Dreams (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, 1988)
“Not only the greatest Iron Maiden songs, but also one of the best song in music in general. How couldn’t it? It’s an epic multi-part suite, of six minutes; and it’s incredibly beautiful, epic, deep… And it has a moment that should be a landmark in rock music: that “HELP ME! Help me to find my true self without seeing the future!”
19. Afraid to Shoot Strangers (Fear of the Dark, 1992)
“t’s a slightly unusual Maiden song, certainly in the first Bruce-era, and highly underrated. But just listen to the majestic melody starting at around the 2:40 mark, can’t think of any other single melody or riff in the Maiden pantheon of great songs that makes my hair stand on end as much as this one. Simply marvelous and only made better by the fact that it’s revisited later on in slightly different form after the all guns blazing mid-section. Basically has all you’d ever need and want and more in a Maiden song.”
18. Blood Brothers (Brave New World, 2000)
“Bruce Dickinson’s vocals are amazing and everyone is absolutely at the top with their instrument! You can tell that a lot of composition and thought went into this song because it says almost exactly how I feel about the world today. Very expressive and excellently laid out. Great work Iron Maiden, this song I can really relate to because of the lyrics and how Bruce Dickinson states himself. This song is underrated when it really has an excellent sound to it and the lyrics are so excellently composed!”
17. Flight of Icarus (Piece of Mind, 1983)
“This song shows that Bruce is the best metal singer there ever was, it’s my favorite Iron Maiden song after Hallowed be thy name, and since Hallowed is first, this songs deserves the vote. The guitar solo is amazing, the lyrics are a reference to the Greek story of Icarus, and as I mentioned, the vocals are Dickinson’s best.”
See more: Iron Maiden Albums Ranked
16. The Evil that Men Do (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, 1988)
“This song is just so Maiden. I wouldn’t say it’s quite as good as songs like Aces High, Powerslave or Hallowed Be Thy Name. However this song should definitely be up there high. Lowest 30”
15. Paschendale (Dance of Death, 2003)
“Listening to this song you can help being agitated, exhilarated, awakened and moved to emotion all in one. It’s a masterpiece (or perhaps master-peace? ). I have so many favourite Maiden songs (like all of us must have) and so chasing one is like chasing between your own kids (assuming you had as many kids as great Maiden songs). I say this because like any vote on a Maiden song there is an element of guilt felt to the other songs! “
14. Alexander the Great (Somewhere in Time, 1986)
“This is a totally awesome song. I’ve listened to it 1000 times and I never get tired of it. I use the opening quote “My son, ask for thyself your own kingdom, for that which I leave is too small for the” with my kids to help motivate them to aspire to great things. The story, lyrics, and arrangement is spectacular!”
13. Powerslave (Powerslave, 1984)
“Hard to pick one maiden son as their best. But this song is so amazing every bit of it is tantalizing and endlessly mesmerising. I sing every word with undying passion every time. A song it is impossible to get sick of no matter how many times I listen to it. Love the composition and that breakdown and solo in the middle just kick unmerciful ass. This song is like sustenance I feel so riled up and energetic after listening to it. The word epic is thrown around to often but it is a perfect descriptor of this amazing track off my favorite Maiden album the one that made me fall in love with this band.”
12. Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, 1988)
“An underrated masterpiece of the brilliant concept album of the same name. A criminally underrated song by plenty of Maiden fans, which utilizes synthesizer in a brilliant way to create an atmospheric piece of musical brilliance. This is a song that proves Iron Maiden is the greatest/most talented band ever.”
11. Dance of Death (Dance of Death, 2003)
“This song defines the word “epic”. The first 2:50, you hear Bruce tell a story and you know what he’s talking about. Then comes the brilliant level of musicianship from Janick Gers and Steve Harris, a classic Maiden all way through with mind-boggling lyrics. All 3 guitarists play a guitar solo and then comes some melody. The song ends with Bruce ending the story. If you like metal and a epic fantasy stories, this will be your favourite song ever. Maiden at their absolute best.”
10. Wasted Years (Wasted Years, 1986)
“This song is total gold! I mean, the intro is totally mind-blowing, one of maidens best, along with run to the hills and trooper, but the rhythm in this one; as a whole song, is something unique! Ecstasy! And the lyrics speak to me, deeply… Still, I am surprised some legendary classics are so low on this list. To mention a few… Also check out infinite dreams, the intro sets my mind into a calm state… anyway, this is just proof that iron maiden is the best band in the world!”
9. 2 Minutes to Midnight (Powerslave, 1984)
“This song is by far the most energetic and memorable for me out of the entirety of Iron Maiden’s collections. I mean the entire Powerslave album is legendary as it is. This song is my favorite though out of them all.”
8. Phantom of the Opera (Iron Maiden, 1980)
“I really love nearly every Song of Iron Maiden, but I have to say that this one always blows my mind. I especially love the guitar part in the middle, it just fits in so perfectly. Steve Harris at his best and that’s on their first officially released Album, other Bands like Metallica or else needed at least, one Album before finding their amazing unique sound, but Maiden got it from start. Up the Irons!”
7. Run to the Hills (The Number of the Beast, 1982)
“Bruce Dickinson is, in my opinion, the second best singer ever, and although the drums, bass, and guitar are good in this song, the vocals will stick with you forever. The simple “Run to the hills, run for your life” is amazing, let alone the rest of the song. Also, one of my favorite songs of all time.”
See more: Wishbone Ash Albums Ranked
6. Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Powerslave, 1984)
“Doesn’t seem like it’s over 13 minutes when listening to this masterpiece of a song. The instrumentals make it sound like you’re on a quest. Without a doubt their best song from their best album.”
5. The Number of the Beast (The Number of the Beast, 1982)
“This song has done in four minutes and fifty-one seconds what countless other songs have failed to do. From the dark and unnerving passage from Revelations, to the heart-racing guitar riff, to the evil and awe-inspiring lyrics, the rapid head-banging drumbeat and the mind-numbing, spine-chilling, lightning fast electrifying guitar solo, this song is an anthem of Iron Maiden and of all Heavy Metal. It is the epitome of Metal, the icon of everything it stands for, and it will never be conquered. Listen to this song as I am now, see that all I’ve said is true, and hear with it all of the triumph and glory of Heavy Metal”
4. Aces High (Powerslave, 1984)
“The song that made me discover them in 1984… good lyrics, video was just like a good old war movie. Nicko’s drumming is not random for a change (after somewhere in time…). Too bad Dickinson can’t sign it live. In studio, the vocals were at his best with this song. Do not listen to the Live after death version please…”
3. Fear of the Dark (Fear of the Dark, 1992)
“I’d recommend this for beginners who want to get into heavy metal. The melancholy sound, the awesome guitar riffs and Bruce’s amazing vocals make this song take the cake. I sometimes can’t help but sing along to this as well.”
2. The Trooper (Piece of Mind, 1983)
“I absolutely love this song. The lyrics tell a story about war, the guitar riffs are awesome and Bruce’s voice sounds really cool.”
1. Hallowed Be Thy Name (Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey, 1982)
“I can definitely understand why this is considered one of their best work; the melancholy opening, the awesome buildup, the story telling lyrics and the catchy instruments. This song is definitely one of the greatest metal songs of all time.”
