“Iron Maiden” by Iron Maiden - album review

features in: Album Chart of 1980 ● Album Chart of the Decade: 1980s ● 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

The debut long-player from the 5-year-old London five-piece was a critical and commercial success, peaking at #4 in the UK charts, testament to the hard-work in building a following independently, the old-fashioned way. EMI had recognized the commercial potential in them largely due to the underground phenomenon that was the “new wave of British heavy metal”. On their April, 1980, debut they line-up: Paul Di'Anno (21, lead vocals), Steve Harris (24, bass, backing vocals), Dave Murray (23, guitars), Dennis Stratton (27, guitars, backing vocals) and Clive Burr (23, drums). They had finally settled on a vocalist in the last couple of years, group leader Steve Harris commenting: “There's sort of a quality in Paul's voice, a raspiness in his voice, or whatever you want to call it, that just gave it this great edge.” Fans favourites “Running Free”, “Transylvania”, “Phantom Of The Opera” and “Sanctuary” were included in the set, the first of which was released as the album's lead (and sole) single in February, 1980, giving them a #34 hit in the pop chart. There are no punk concessions a la Motorhead here, in fact Harris despises Punk. I'm staring him down.

The Jukebox Rebel
17–Nov–2016

Tracklist

A1	[03:55] Iron Maiden - Prowler (Steve Harris) Rock
A2	[05:27] Iron Maiden - Remember Tomorrow (Steve Harris, Paul Di'Anno) Rock
A3	[03:16] Iron Maiden - Running Free (Steve Harris, Paul Di'Anno) Rock
A4	[07:20] Iron Maiden - Phantom Of The Opera (Steve Harris) Rock
B1	[04:05] Iron Maiden - Transylvania (Steve Harris) Rock
B2	[05:45] Iron Maiden - Strange World (Steve Harris) Rock
B3	[04:12] Iron Maiden - Charlotte The Harlot (Dave Murray) Rock
B4	[03:35] Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden (Steve Harris) Rock

ratings by TJR