Iron Maiden Piece Of Mind Ranked
3rd lineup change for Maiden finds them striking gold in a formation. Interesting album, very unique vibe and tone but also weirdly crazy variations in quality IMO (including the worst Maiden track ever). Much like Rush' Caress of Steel, its obvious what the band wants to do to get bigger and better but stumble a bit on the way.
Getting it out here first because you will see me calling this out from now on: I believe most, if not all, Maiden albums have that one track that I feel people want to have a chip on their shoulder and try to boost as some masterpiece that isnt given its fair shake. Regardless on how much I dislike or like that track I think its worth pointing them out (Like you see in Strange World, Drifter, and Gangland from prior albums). |
| 9 | Iron Maiden
Quest For Fire
This is it, my hands-down least fav Maiden track ever made. Only parts I actually can enjoy are the intro and outro lol. As stupid as it is IDGAF about the "dinosaurs walked the earth" lyric, I just find all the parts offensively pointless or boring. Just so many "swung for the fences" strikeouts here and the epitome of this awkward transition phase for Maiden. Just so so so awkward and very poorly made song. |
| 8 | Sun And Steel
If it weren't for the weaker verses and the lackluster solo section i'd have this higher. I love the chorus and the guitar harmonies are fucking cool. pains me to see people call this the worst of album because I have no idea how anything from Maiden could be below QFF. |
| 7 | Die With Your Boots On
I love the guitar work on these near trademarked Adrian rockers. Overall a fine song but kinda doesnt have the drive to take it any higher. As is the theme in some of these lower tracks the lyrics and vocal parts hit some awkward strides and you can tell how badly band wants to get above the standard "Rock/metal" they have done before. |
| 6 | To Tame A Land
For the classic era this is probably my least fav of the "epics" Not that there is anything wrong with the song so much as it doesn't have the kick you in the ass highs of Phantom, Rime, Alexander, or Seventh Son. The commitment to the scales and keys they chose to use def makes it stand out though. I do feel Bruce's parts here are a bit uncomfortable here as seen in Quest for Fire and the next track on list. |
| 5 | Where Eagles Dare
To address the elephant in the room, yes this is the track that I think people try way too hard to push as some underrecognized masterpiece. I personally find it carries some clunkiness to it, such as being a bit stagnant in how much it has to repeat the bridge sections with not much satisfying variation and the solo, while cool doesnt fully pay off the bridge for me. Plus the song is a bit tricky without lyric sheet to sing along to so that hurts the vocals factor a hair.
That being said I still love this track. The drums intro is an all timer showing that Nicko is the right man for the job. Melodically Bruces parts are badass and the bass is a highlight here as well. This is where I feel this ranking transitions to the top tier stuff. |
| 4 | Flight Of Icarus
LOVE the drum groove on this one and really shows that the fast and compound times aren't Nicko's only tricks. Songs structure does a great job capturing the "rising action" of Icarus and song comes to a quick and satisfying come down just like the lyrical matter. |
| 3 | The Trooper
As stated on prior album, it is a bit annoying when this is the only track people know or wanna hear but shit its a really good track. Fast pacing keeps it intriguing and great performances all around. Of course there's a reason its so widely known. |
| 2 | Still Life
To acknowledge my hypocrisy, yes this is my track to go to bat for and my pick for one of the most underrated Maiden tracks. One of my fav Dave compositions, it does a great job with the establishing leads heading towards many moving verses and choruses that keep track moving. Mysterious lyrics make the song a joy and the excellent solo/interludes make this one a badass track. |
| 1 | Revelations
The best on the album by a mile and one of the best they ever did. The occult imagery conjured in the lyrics paint a compelling picture with a masterful composition of parts, including the awesome solos, one of my fav harmony sections after and the wonderful clean arpeggiated part with leads. The bass and drums support track perfectly and Bruce is at top of classic era game here. |
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