The Number of the Beast Songs Ranked
The Number of the Beast is the third studio album by English heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It was released on 22 March 1982 in the United Kingdom by EMI Records and in the United States by Harvest and Capitol Records. The album was their first to feature vocalist Bruce Dickinson and their last with drummer Clive Burr. The Number of the Beast was met with critical and commercial success, and became the band’s first album to top the UK Albums Chart and reach the top 40 of the US Billboard 200. The album produced the singles “Run to the Hills” and “The Number of the Beast”, the former of which became the band’s first top-ten UK single. The album was also controversial, particularly in the United States, due to the religious references in its artwork and the title track’s lyrics. Since the release of The Number of the Beast and its subsequent tour The Beast on the Road, “The Beast” has become an alternate name for Iron Maiden and was later used in the titles of some of their compilations and live releases, including Best of the Beast and Visions of the Beast. Here are all of The Number of the Beast songs ranked.
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8. Gangland
“Almost always picked as the worst from the album, and for good reason. It practically sounds like filler in every single second of its runtime. That being said, it’s not bad, although the chorus is iffy, but Total Eclipse really should’ve been on the album instead of this.”
7. Invaders
“Promising intro, and it actually keeps on being good… then the chorus hits and it’s ehhhhhhh. Quite a decision to start off what’s considered one of the best heavy metal albums ever, with a song that’s usually regarded as one of the weakest.”
6. 22 Acacia Avenue
“An underrated pick from the album, it’s a very promising song that succeeds in delivering. Awesome riffs, singing and solo. Consistently great all around.”
See more: Iron Maiden Albums Ranked
5. The Prisoner
“Another classic, I like how it starts. Good riffs, great solo. It’s a great song, but it’s not as great as the next 3 string of songs, as I find the singing here just alright. “
4. Children of the Damned
“I like how atmospheric the intro is, (later practically reused in Metallica’s The Unforgiven II, which I am also a very big fan of) and when it moves to the main riff + chorus, man does it hit hard. Awesome bridge and solo too. Easily makes up for the weird intro Invaders gave us.”
See more: Iron Maiden Songs Ranked
3. Run to the Hills
“The drum intro, soon followed by a very awesome riff, sets the course for the rest of the song. The galloping beat makes you feel like you’re living the song. Easily the most catchy Maiden has ever been, and also easily one of their best songs”
2. The Number of the Beast
“One of the three main classics. The intro is iconic and pretty much sums up everything about what makes Iron Maiden so great. Plus, that scream. The chorus. The solos. Everything about it. I don’t think anything else needs to be said.”
1. Hallowed Be Thy Name
“First Iron Maiden song I ever heard. Which immediately got me hooked on them, and heavy metal as a whole. It felt like something unique, I never thought heavy metal could’ve been so artistic and soulful. I still wish I could relive the first time I heard it. Usually considered Maiden’s best, and for good reason. The first of their many epics, it does everything so well. The intro is mesmerising, and it quickly goes into overdrive when the guitars kick in. It’s iconic, but the song really hits a peak during its mostly instrumental second half. I love this song, and it’s one of my all-time favourites.”