Iron Maiden’s 15 Greatest Songs

Iron Maiden is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most influential heavy metal bands in history. With a career spanning over four decades, they have produced some of the most celebrated hard rock songs ever written. Here are 15 of their best.

1. “Run to the Hills”

This was the first single off of Iron Maiden’s third studio album, The Number of the Beast. The song is about the Native American experience, and the lyrics were written by Steve Harris. It is one of Iron Maiden’s most popular songs, and it is also one of their few songs that are in a minor key.

2. “Fear of the Dark”

This is the title track off of Iron Maiden’s ninth studio album. The lyrics were written by Bruce Dickinson, and the song is about our fear of the dark and what might be lurking there. It is one of Maiden’s most popular songs, and it has been played live at almost every single one of their concerts since its release.

3. “The Trooper”

This is another one of Maiden’s singles, and it is off of their fourth studio album, Piece of Mind. The song is about the Battle of Waterloo, and the lyrics were once again written by Steve Harris. It is one of Maiden’s fastest songs, and it features some amazing guitar work by Adrian Smith.

4. “2 Minutes to Midnight”

This was the first single off of Iron Maiden’s fifth studio album, Powerslave. The song is about the Cold War and the impending doom that everyone felt at the time. The lyrics were written by Bruce Dickinson, and the song features some of his best vocal work with Maiden.

5. “Aces High”

This is the first single off of Iron Maiden’s seventh studio album, Somewhere in Time. The song is about the Battle of Britain, and the lyrics were once again written by Steve Harris. It features some amazing guitar work by Adrian Smith and Dave Murray, and it is one of Maiden’s most popular songs.

6. “The Wicker Man”

This was the first single off of Iron Maiden’s eighth studio album, Brave New World. The song is about the Wicker Man festival that takes place on the Isle of Man, and the lyrics were written by Bruce Dickinson. It is one of Maiden’s most atmospheric songs, and it features some great drum work by Nicko McBrain.

7. “Flight of Icarus”

This is another one of Maiden’s singles, and it is off of their fourth studio album, Piece of Mind. The song is about the Greek myth of Icarus, and the lyrics were once again written by Steve Harris. It is one of Maiden’s fastest songs, and it features some amazing guitar work by Adrian Smith.

8. “The Clairvoyant”

This is the second single off of Iron Maiden’s seventh studio album, Somewhere in Time. The song is about a man who has psychic powers and can see into the future. The lyrics were written by Bruce Dickinson, and the song features some great guitar work by Dave Murray.

9. “Can I Play with Madness”

This was the third single off of Iron Maiden’s seventh studio album, Somewhere in Time. The song is about a man who is losing his mind, and the lyrics were once again written by Bruce Dickinson. It is one of Maiden’s most popular songs, and it features some great guitar work by Adrian Smith.

10. “The Evil That Men Do”

This was the fourth and final single off of Iron Maiden’s seventh studio album, Somewhere in Time. The song is about the evil that men do, and the lyrics were written by Bruce Dickinson. It is one of Maiden’s most popular songs, and it features some great guitar work by Dave Murray.

11. “Powerslave”

This is the title track off of Iron Maiden’s fifth studio album. The song is about the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs, and the lyrics were once again written by Steve Harris. It is one of Maiden’s most epic songs, and it features some amazing guitar work by Adrian Smith and Dave Murray.

12. “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”

This is the second single off of Iron Maiden’s eighth studio album, Brave New World. The song is based on the poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and the lyrics were once again written by Bruce Dickinson. It is one of Maiden’s most atmospheric songs, and it features some great drum work by Nicko McBrain.

13. “Hallowed Be Thy Name”

This is the third single off of Iron Maiden’s third studio album, The Number of the Beast. The song is about a man who is on death row, and the lyrics were once again written by Steve Harris. It is one of Maiden’s most popular songs, and it features some amazing guitar work by Adrian Smith.

14. “Fear of the Dark”

This is the title track off of Iron Maiden’s ninth studio album. The song is about people’s fear of the dark, and the lyrics were written by Bruce Dickinson. It is one of Maiden’s most popular songs, and it features some great drum work by Nicko McBrain.

15. “Iron Maiden”

This is the self-titled track off of Iron Maiden’s debut album. The song is about the medieval torture device, and the lyrics were written by Steve Harris. It is one of Maiden’s most popular songs, and it features some great guitar work by Dave Murray.

Conclusion

While there are many great Iron Maiden songs, these 15 tracks represent the band at their best. From hard-hitting anthems to melodic ballads, these songs showcase the range and talent of one of the greatest metal bands in history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into this iconic group, be sure to check out these 15 essential Iron Maiden tracks. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite song among them!