This is why I appreciate you, Barry. You give me glimpses into music that I didn’t know as well. Iron Maiden for me was a mixed bag. Number of the Beast and Piece of Mind were the only albums I knew. I very much accept their place in hard rock/heavy metal and truly appreciate their place in it. They obviously have talent. For some reason though, I could just never really get into them. Your list has inspired me to check out the other ones I don’t know in your top 5. I find that music can sound different to you at different times in your life. Thank you for your time and efforts into these lists. I look forward to the next.

Rob Halford ranking Iron Maiden albums.

Totally overlooked : When Two Worlds Collide, Rainmaker, The Nomad, Lightning Strikes Twice

First 2 albums, still the best in my opinion.

Dance of Death never gets enough love! Second only to 7th Son of a 7th Son for me. The sheer diversity of the tracks on Dance of Death make it a standout album for me; each and every track on that album is identifiable and distinct, simultaneously nostalgic and fresh.

My Favorite Song is “Caught Somewhere In Time”. It’s powerful and the guitar work is awesome. But it seems overlooked.

Top five for me: 1. Somewhere in Time ( PERFECT ❤) 2. Number of the Beast 3. Powerslave 4. Piece of Mind 5. Iron Maiden debut

Unpopular opinion: Somewhere In Time is my favorite album.

Somewhere in Time is my fave. It doesn't have a bad song in it.

Am I the ONLY person to really love A Matter Of Life And Death? It’s in my #2 spot! And The Final Frontier? my #6! Also, Brave New World is my #3, mostly because of Out Of The Silent Planet, which is my #3 favourite song!

As a Maiden fan from the Dianno days , I love Killers and is my personal favorite. I'm not saying it's their best but I love the agression on that album . Maiden have gone a little too progressive for me since.

Seventh son is forever my favourite 🤘🏻

I appreciate that people have different tastes, but rating the first two albums this low is something I cant wrap my mind around. They are what put maiden on the map and for good reason

You truly know how great a band is when everyone's list of favorites is different and you can understand their reasoning for making their lists that way.

Best: Seventh Son Worst: Final Frontier, just bores me to tears honestly.

My ranking: 1) the number of the beast 2) powerslave 3) somewhere in time 4) iron maiden 5) seventh son of a seventh son 6) killers 7) piece of mind 8) brave new world 9) fear of the dark 10) the book of souls 11) dance of death 12) no prayer for the dying 13) a matter of life and death 14) the x-factor 15) the final frontier 16) virtual XI UP THE IRONS!!!

My ranking: 1 - Powerslave 2 - Seventh Son... 3 - Somewhere In Time 4 - Piece Of Mind 5 - The Number ofThe Beast 6 - The Final Frontier 7 - Dance Of Death 8 - Iron Maiden 9 - Killers 10 - Brave New World 11 - A Matter... 12 - The Book Of Souls 13 - The ‘X’ Factor 14 - No Prayer For The Dying 15 - Fear Of The Dark 16 - Virtual XI And top 10 Maiden songs: 1 - Rime... 2 - Powerslave 3 - Phantom OfThe Opera 4 - Hallowed Be Thy Name 5 - Number Of The Beast 6 - Moonchild 7 - Revelations 8 - 22 Acacia Avenue 9 - Stranger In A... 10 - Only The Good Die Young

Another really really great review and ranking from you. Very well explained with a lot of detailed facts, thank you! My Top 5 are: #5 A Matter of Live and Death #4 Piece of Mind #3 Powerslave #2 Seventh son of a seventh Son #1 The Book of Souls Have a great day : )

Great work! Stumbled on this because of algorithms, stayed because you speak with passion and sincerity! Loved that this was "your" list and that it contained a few surprises. Excellent stuff!

I always had Killers down as my favourite album! It’s musicality and drive hit me between the eyes when I first heard it!

Book of Souls isn’t better than Number of the Beast. Edit: I shall explain, Yes the Book if Souls is a strong album with strong tracks being If Eternity Should Fall, Speed of Light, The Red and the Black, The Great unknown, tears of a clown, and the title track. But the excellence of the Number of the Beast is faster and has stronger tracks such as The title track, The Prisoner, Children of the Damned, Run to the Hills, Hallowed By Thy Name, and 22 Acacia Avenue. The pure speed of Gangland and Run to Hills can over power almost all the speed on The Book of Souls Albums

You really do a great job on your videos. Very informative. Your way makes your videos very accessible. Keep up the great work.

Very brave putting Final Frontier so high up the list, Barry! I'm a sucker for that 80's Cyberpunk synth, Blade Runner esque styling so Somewhere in Time is, no surprises, my favourite complete work of theirs, but you can't go wrong with anything from their catalogue honestly, except perhaps the Blayze era. ;) Absolutely love your work with all the other ranking vids etc mate, I look forward to more!

glad i found this page, love this stuff i.e. all the background info. well done and i agree with your #1 pick - that album was my introduction to Maiden when i was a kid 🤘🏼

An incredible list! While my list would be a wee bit different, I can't argue with any of the reasons you state here for your rankings.

Nice list you are the only dude that makes these ranked videos that has good Iron Maiden opinions

Good video. Honestly I enjoyed how varied and different your list was, rather than shoving all the post-reunion albums at the bottom you gave every album an honest and well thought out opinion

This channel is really great!

I have very different opinions (the blaze and Di’anno albums are super high for me lol) but it’s really cool to see another way and you did a great job explaining your choices. Def gonna relisten to Final Frontier and Book of Souls thanks to this. Glad you gave even the albums at the bottom some credit too, sick vid.🤘

Very Good presentation...enjoyed and informative..thank you

It's so strange, we have completely different lists, but I can absolutely see how you came to your conclusions. Great video

Just want to say I love your ranking videos You know your stuff keep up the great work

"Alexander the Great" taught me more than any history class at school ever did. It has become my favourite Maiden track, proggy as f-.

Hey, what do you use to float graphics above your video?

Hi Barry, Another very enjoyable video. My top 10 maiden albums would be similiar to yours but i would have Somewhere in Time higher and The Seventh Son a bit lower. Somewhere has been a grower for me which i wasnt that into to begin with but i think its an absolute classic now. I would have Powerslave at 1 and Piece of Mind at 2, but thats not an easy decision to make, what albums. The Red and the Black has to be close to my fav Maiden song. Everytime i listen to that gallop at the end i think my head is going to come off. 😉 Andy H

Thank you so much for this well thought out list. I definitely have much more listening ahead of me, because I’ve only heard: Iron Maiden, Killers, The Number Of The Beast, Powerslave and The Book Of Souls. I’m excited though, because I love what I’ve heard so far. Especially the progressive influence I can definitely hear

Sun and Steel from the Piece of Mind album was always a personal fave - even more so after I met the band during a slow day at an Irish bar in Frankfurt, Germany circa 1987. Very personable guys! I had asked the drummer about the inspiration of Sun and Steel, and suddenly Bruce slid over & enthusiastically related it’s origin. I’ll always appreciate that epic moment!

First time watching your reviews. I liked it. I liked a lot, differs from my choices quite much but number still having Piece of mind cassette bought somewhere in 80, number 1 and two I agree wholeheartedly. Awesome review bro, got meself listening old and newer numbers again having different point of view to it like Final Frontier. Thanks for this! Respect.

Cool to see Book of Souls ranked highly. It's one of my favourites, probably 2nd after Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.

Great list Barry. A great choice for number 1. The 80’s is their most fruitful period for me, although most of their albums are excellent. Very enjoyable video.

What, no mention of Flash of the Blade :) i've been revisiting Maiden as of lately and i think you nailed it on the albums and even have made me now listen again to the newer albums (newer being 2000 and on). I remember loving the strong comeback in '92, then bought the '95 album and instantly returning it to the store 2 days later. No Bruce, No Sale. hahah - I Vaguely recall Balls to Picasso from Bruce's solo year(s?). There was a couple stellar tracks from that if i remember correctly. Otherwise GJ and you got a new sub from me.

Piece of Mind is the album that sums up what Maiden is all about. If you had to take one album and try to present it to any random person who didn't know the band, this is the one.

Another great video thanks for sharing and I like your rankings, not how I would rank but you had a very solid list. My go to Maiden album is Live After Death, I have trouble listening to any of those songs in their studio version haha so that would be my number 1, also wanted to add that I listen to their first album quite often, I love the rawness of it and I love Paul Di'anno on that first album, not as much on Killers tho.

I love Dance of Death and feel it is higher up on the list

Very good commentary, appreciate your point of view. Going to go back and give the catalog run through. For my Killers, S/T, POM...

I love your videos, Barry. All your rankings are really well thought out, and there are ideas you put in that always make me think twice. It's interesting that every Maiden fan's list is probably different - mine is very different to yours - but there are always a few records most put in the same place. I was actually pleasantly surprised as to where you put Number of the Beast, because most would put that at the top; I agree with you, because it's not as perfect as everyone remembers. Something I've always thought about the X Factor - though I don't like it - is that it's the birthplace of 'modern Maiden'. The long intros, Steve's non-mastered production, and the dark atmospheres.

Will agree totally to Piece of Mind... absolutely astonishing...

# 1 Somewhere in Time (a big grower) # 2 Piece of Mind (bought the album at the age of 14, now I'm 43) # 2' Seventh Son... # 4 Powerslave # 5 A Matter of Life and Death # 6 Number of the Beast # 7 Killers # 8 Brave New World # 9 First One # 10 Dance of Death # 11 Fear of the Dark/No Prayer for the Dying (I think the best of both could have been a fantastic album) # 12 The Final Frontier # 13 X Factor # 14 Virtual XI "Book of Souls" not dug it enough yet

Great rankings! I think the Final Frontier and Caught Somewhere in Time are extremely underrated, and they're in my top 5 for sure.

Thank you, I love your videos, professionally cool, M

Hi. Good job on the video but cant agree less. My top: 1) 7th son; 2) somewhere in time; 3) iron maiden. That low rate on iron maiden and no prayer just killed me. Still, good video.

DiAnno lives in my heart. Met him by accident in East London a while back. So the first two albuns are what I consider Iron Maiden to be but they were over. So into the New Iron Maiden with Bruce Dickinson who I also met by accident in the streets of Fulham, we have Piece of Mind, The Number of the Beast, Fear of the Dark, and all the others I bunch together at the bottom, saving a few songs here and there. But too progressive for my liking.

I'd love for you to review Maiden's live albums someday, considering a very few bands come close to matching the band's prowess when it comes to playing in front of an audience.

Glad to see Book of Souls rated so high. It is an excellent album, especially at this point in their career. Definitely my favorite album to come out in the last 20 years from anyone!!!

No Prayer is easily my favourite of their post 80s stuff. never really understood the harsh criticism. Fear Of The Dark I find pretty boring mostly...

top 5: 1- Powerslave 2- Iron Maiden 3- Number of the beast 4- Piece of mind 5- Somewhere in Time honorable mentions: Fear of the dark, Killers and 7th son of a 7th son

Hi, I enjoyed your review and rankings of these albums. You speak very eloquently and clearly know your topic. Just my opinion of course, but I rank Killers much, much higher than yourself. In fact, it’s my favourite Maiden album. Also, I rank NOTB much higher than its follow up, Piece of Mind. I like Clive Burr’s drumming technique and sound on the first three Maiden albums much more than the guy who replaced him, Nicko McBrain. Again, well done on your video 👍

My ranking (super hard to rank the middle part of 8-13 on my list): 16. Virtual XI (the only really bad Maiden album imo) 15. Killers 14. Iron Maiden 13. No prayer for the dying 12. The X-factor 11. The final frontier 10. Dance of death 9. The number of the beast 8. The book of souls 7. Fear of the dark 6. A matter of life and death 5. Brave new world 4. Piece of mind 3. Powerslave 2. Seventh son of a seventh son 1. Somewhere in time

A matter of life and death, Powerslave and Somewhere in time are my favorites right now. Greetings from Portugal. up the Irons!

I was going to list mine, but aside from a few small disagreements at the lower end, spot-on!

This is a great list - I don't agree with some of the finer details, but I do appreciate your reasoning and insights! I'd somehow trade 7th Son down the list a little to boost the debut and possibly Killers a little more - but that's nitpicky. I entirely agree that Brave New World was a better album than the couple that followed it (The Final Frontier being where they redeemed themselves for me) and Book Of Souls is most definitely their modern classic. And the top 2 - well, some people might swap the order around but I don't think anyone could argue about which 2 albums they would be. I have very high hopes for Senjutsu (glancing at the date) - it should be arriving in the post in the next few days, I think. Really appreciate these videos, thanks for making them!

Great list. I mostly agree with you and I like the fact you got the balls to put Iron Maiden and Killers so far back in it.

This is the first time watching your videos. I promised myself if you were to pick Peace of Mind number one I was going to subscribe. Well you got a new subscriber.😃

Excellent job. Respect.

The metal god himself, Rob Halford, ranking Maidens albums I know it's a while since it was released now but what where would you rank senjutsu on this list?

Still a great ranking video second time round 👏 Where would you place their latest one, if you could do an update?

Great number 1 ,I agree it better than number of the beast

You sound extremely well-educated and always delightful to listen to.

Hello from Puerto Rico.My favorites Iron Maiden albums are Powerslave and Brave New World.

I think Gangland is the one from that has never been played live. Second hand info, but Invaders I believe was played at the CliveAid gig. I’m no Maiden bootleg expert, so correct me if I’m wrong!

Would you redo this ranking once ‘Senjutsu’ comes out in a few weeks time?

Other than placing "Somewhere a little higher the list seems quite in line with my views. I think Queensryche should be considered as a future video. I'd be anxious to see where you rank their rather smallish catalog. Well done mate, Cheers.

Rush sounded as vital and inspired on Clockwork Angels as any band has late in their career.

Great review brother 👍

Derek Riggs is my favorite illustrator (his Nightflight cover played a part in getting me into Budgie) and growing up his Iron Maiden covers helped influence me to become a graphic artist. When I first saw Somewhere In Time's cover, I just about lost it, and it remains my favorite album cover of all time. Because it wraps around the sleeve, I later bought two complete albums and framed them spine to spine to create a piece of artwork that hangs on my wall just above and behind my computer monitor. Still an inspiration to this day. That the album is good is just an added bonus. As an artist, I have some rather odd views on certain things, and Maiden is no different. I think that Blaze Bailey inadvertently saved Iron Maiden! If he hadn't been such a mediocre fit, Steve Harris et. al. wouldn't have been as receptive to bringing Bruce back into the fold (and getting Adrian Smith as a bonus). Had Blaze stayed, I think Maiden would have fizzled out entirely after one or two more albums. But Blaze was such a mismatched fit with the band that he served as the impetus for the band's renaissance that began with Brave New World.

Incidentally have you got the soundhouse tapes ep from 1979?

The Duelists is an absolute sublime piece of musical craft.All player elements come to the fore, including the vocals, more so with the interplay of the guitars in the instrumental. That said, yes Powerslave is my no.1 album, followed by Piece of Mind.

My all time favourite Iron Maiden album ranks 1. The Number Of The Beast 2 Killers 3 Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son 4 Powerslave 5 Piece Of Mind 6 Iron Maiden 7 Somewhere In Time 8 Fear Of The Dark 9 Brave New World 10 A Matter Of Life And Death

I ranked all of maidens albums and put seventh son at number 12 haha - still though amazing video and very informative!

Nice to see some love for POM. Dianno albums would be near the top for me, they had an edge not seen since.

Awesome list , it coincides with mine , I 'm gonna check Black Sabbath reviews , what another one ?

You nailed it, Piece of Mind, is hands down their best.

For me top 5 1. Killers 2. Powerslave 3. Number of the Beast 4. Somewhere in Time 5. Iron Maiden Di'Anno Maiden just has a particular vibe about it that I just adore so both those albums are the bread of my top 5 sandwich which may or may not be a popular opinion.

My top 5 maiden albums: 5.Iron Maiden 4. Somewhere in Time 3. Killers 2. Number of the Beast 1. Seventh son of a Seventh son

Your list is pretty spot on. I almost agree with you exactly except I put Book of Souls #1 because I bought not expecting much and instead was treated to a heavy metal masterpiece. Very comex yet compelling metal and the first album IMO to take full advantage of having 3 guitar players in the band. I love every song. It's all killer, no filler. I also have Somewhere in Time ranked a few notches higher. When I first listened to it I remember remarking to a friend that it sounded like Bruce was just going through the motions and it took me out of it for several years. But over the decades it's ended up being the cd I stick in my player in my car the most. I really love the record now. My top 5, maybe 1. Book of Souls 2. Somewhere in Time 3. Number of the Beast And then i agree with your descending order. To be fair Maiden is only maybe in my top 50 favorite bands, where Judas Priest is a top 5 band for me.

Great list. Different to mine (first 7 albums are my fave 7, with A Matter Of Life And Death the best of the rest), but always interesting to see what others think.

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY! A "MAIDEN" SHIRT! A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE! (I hope you know I'm only having fun with you, mate......seriously......LOVE the rankings.)

Wow Iron maiden and killers that far down ? They would be in my top 5.

Seventh Son and Somewhere In Time are tied for my favourite album, barely a mediocre song between them, both very atmospheric, epic and full of a lot of great lead work, the best lead work in metal imo

Overall, I think this is a good analysis of Iron Maiden’s discography, but I feel that Adrian Smith isn’t given enough credit for his contributions, given that he’s one of the best songwriters in the band. There’s no mention of Adrian during the segment on “Somewhere in Time” in spite of the fact he wrote “Wasted Years,” “Stranger in a Strange Land” and “Sea of Madness” all by himself. Most fans consider that album Adrian’s finest hour, because he’s the one who carries it. Also, “Brave New World” marked the return of not only Bruce but Adrian as well. In fact, Adrian co-wrote the lead single, “The Wicker Man,” which they still play live to this day. It’s also important to note that one of Bruce’s conditions for returning to the band was that Adrian came with him. If you look at their entire discography, Adrian has songwriting credits on a LOT of songs, and none of them are filler material. “The Prisoner” … “22 Acacia Avenue” … “Flight of Icarus” … “Die With Your Boots On” … “2 Minutes to Midnight” … “Moonchild” … “Can I Play With Madness” … “The Evil That Men Do” … “Paschendale” … “Coming Home” … “Mother of Mercy” … “Starblind” … “The Final Frontier” … “Brighter Than a Thousand Suns” … “Lord of Light” … “The Longest Day” … and that’s just a handful. The list literally goes on and on. I don’t think this is an intentional snub on the reviewer’s part though, as he seems to have a genuine love for the band. I’m just surprised that Adrian is overlooked for the most part.

Up The Irons. Subbed. You're like a British Pete Pardo, and that is definitely not a bad thing. 🤘🏻

Tha is for this video, really enjoyed it and what you had to say Shocked though that Somewheee in Time is so low! Number 3 for me all day long. And also Piece of Mind at one... :/ gotta be Powerslave 🤘 (Seventh Son at 2 in case you were wondering)

This is my ranking: 16. Virtual XI (Best Song: The Clansman) 15. No Prayer for the Dying (BS: No Prayer for the Dying) 14. Killers (BS: Wrathchild) 13. The X Factor (BS: Sign of the Cross) 12. The Final Frontier (BS: When the Wild Wind Blows) 11. Brave New World (BS: Brave New World) 10. Piece of Mind (BS: The Trooper) 9. Fear of the Dark (BS: Fear of the Dark) 8. A Matter of Life and Death (BS: Brighter Than a Thousand Suns) 7. Iron Maiden (BS: Phantom of the Opera) 6. Somewhere in Time (BS: Wasted Years) 5. Dance of Death (BS: Dance of Death) 4. Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (BS: The Evil that Men Do) 3. The Book of Souls (BS: Empire of the Clouds) 2. Powerslave (BS: Rime of the Ancient Mariner) 1. The Number of the Beast (BS: Hallowed be thy Name)

Great job on these videos.... two comments: would move AMOLAD into the Final Frontier spot... truly think this is the best album of the reunion era. And thumbs up to the high ranking of Fear of the Dark, very underrated album. Finally. completely agree that Piece is the greatest Maiden album of all!

Fairly agreeable, though I'd rate the Debut above Killers and I'd rate X Factor a bit higher. It mostly works. The producer could have worked with Blaze a bit more on pitch, but it's rarely an issue on the record, which I think is fairly cohesive and a fresh approach for the band. Nice review, as usual.

If you zoom into Number of the Beast then you can see that Eddie is pulling the strings of the Devil who is pulling the strings of Eddie who is pulling the strings on Master of Puppets ;)

My top three Iron Maiden album covers are: "Live After Death", "Somewhere In Time" and "Powerslave".

Great stuff

Nice to hear The Book of Souls get so much respect, as I believe it's completely deserved. Great recording !

I don't agree with your ranking. But its an excellently made video, which was a pleasure to watch. Thank you