One could argue that the only metal band in the world right now bigger than Iron Maiden is Metallica. Nearly 45 years into the recording career, Maiden still packs arenas and stadiums across the globe, and many fans eagerly devour their new music. Unlike many of their peers, Maiden don’t have mainstream hits the average person in America knows, although “Run to the Hills” comes close thanks to its early MTV exposure.
The British band have always preferred more-epic tracks over shorter songs that could be radio fodder, although they have scored a number of Top-10 hits in their homeland. One of their most accessible albums is Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988) as it is generally more melodic and features background keyboards for color—and even then it’s still pretty Maiden sounding. No pop crossover. And let’s face it – people love mascot Eddie, who appears on every album and single cover the band have ever done.
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Yet even within the iconic group’s repertoire of lofty and often lengthy tunes, they have more easily digestible tracks that, like other works in their catalog, explore diverse subject matter that often surpasses what people expect for heavy metal fodder. Beyond the music itself, that thematic diversity has helped the band stand out from most of their peers. And after all these years, the classic lineup of singer Bruce Dickinson, guitarists Adrian Smith and Dave Murray, bassist Steve Harris, drummer Nicko McBrain, along with six-stringer Janick Gers (who joined in 1990 to replace Smith for nearly a decade) continue to thrive live and in the studio.
The following seven cuts exemplify Maiden in a more “accessible” mode that could lure in rock fans curious about the heavier stuff.
“Flight of Icarus” from Piece of Mind (1983)
This was the lead single from their fourth album, and it was the first mid-tempo song used to promote the band. Frontman Bruce Dickinson championed the track and its majestic choruses, and it turned out to be their first and only Top 10 mainstream rock radio track in America. It’s the dramatic retelling of the story of Icarus, except in this alternate version his father actually allows his son to fly towards the sun, which leads to disaster.
“Wasted Years” from Somewhere in Time (1986)
One of the few Maiden tunes written solely by guitarist Adrian Smith, this one features a powerful guitar hook and rousing vocal harmonies. As it’s a song dealing with making the most of the time that you have—moving forward and not lamenting regrets—it’s universal in theme. That lyrical theme combined with the power of the music makes it something that plenty of Maiden newbies could get into.
“Reach Out” from Somewhere in Time (B-side, 1986)
OK, I lied. The B-side to “Wasted Years” features Adrian Smith singing over a very upbeat anthem with bright guitar tones that sounds very un-Maiden. And that’s a good thing. It’s nice to throw people a curveball like “Reach Out” once in a while, and it’s a hidden gem in the band’s oeuvre. (Some of Maiden’s other covers offer surprises too.) Dickinson does show up, providing powerful background vocals and harmonies. This song by former Bad Company and Samson guitarist Dave Colwell delivers a simple and relatable message for many people.
Don’t get me wrong
You always apologize
It’s just your way
Of making a scene
You need to be loved
It’s not such a crime
Come on, reach out
And let someone into your life
“Can I Play with Madness” from Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
If you know any Monty Python fans, point out that Graham Chapman showed up in the video for this upbeat anthem. It has a vibrant melodic sound to it, not to mention a healthy undercurrent of cowbell that is unusual for a Maiden track. (But not “more cowbell” excessive.) The song went to No. 3 in the UK and Top 10 in four other countries. The tempo and groove changes in the middle are a nice touch.
“The Clairvoyant” from Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
One of two songs from the first Maiden album to feature keyboards (gasp!), “The Clairvoyant” is rich with buoyant guitar harmonies and ethereal synths that are pleasing to the ear. Then the chorus shifts the groove and gets a little more aggressive. This was one of their biggest UK hits, hitting the Top 10 over there. It’s not American radio material, but Maiden and metal fans have never cared about that. They also sing along to the epics.
“Rainmaker” from Dance of Death (2003)
“Rainmaker” finds Dickinson in a very melodic vocal mode throughout this energetic tune that makes Maiden sound a little more accessible. The song has a hopeful, life-affirming vibe as he sings about change and rebirth in the face of difficult times or the shadow of past problems. Although many fans love a lot of epic Maiden tracks, some of their best cuts are still the “shorter” ones (i.e. normal length).
“A Different World” from A Matter of Life and Death (2006)
The opening track to the band’s 14th studio album starts off like a classic Maiden rocker with Dickinson delivering his classic “air raid siren”-style singing, but in the chorus he dials back and sings in a lower register. It’s the opposite of what one might expect. The most intense track on this list, “A Different World” also offers restrained guitar harmonies during the break, and it has a meaningful message.
Tell me what you can hear and then tell me what you see
Everybody has a different way to view the world
I would like you to know, when you see the simple things
To appreciate this life it’s not too late to learn
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