Moving onward, to probably the most popular song from the album!

Song #2: Wasted Years

From the coast of gold across the seven seas

And realize you're living in the golden years

The song start fairly quickly with Bruce vocals dominating the first part of the song. Obviously its not that hard to tell what its about. In fact its somewhat similar at least lyrically to Rush's "Limelight", being that uncomfortable with the sudden fame and fortune a rising band will suddenly feel. Even to the point that they feel that they might have been wasting their years with the band (Hence the title "Wasting Years") but instead, they are living in their golden years!

A little bit of background, on the tour of their previous album Powerslave, was so huge (The tour lasted over a year and spanned somewhere around 130 dates or something like that), that the band thought of breaking up because of how exhausting it was. But they kept at it and brought out this release 2 years later!

Anyway, the chorus repeats again until the song ends. Its a good song, if not a bit overplayed in my mind. That's what kills it for me, plus the hooks it tries to use get a bit old after a while. Its not a bad song, it just doesn't age well with me.

7/10

Song #3: Sea of Madness

Really quickly a powerful pounding riff starts us out on this track, right before the opening vocals kick in:

Out in the street somebody's crying

Out on the sea of madness

Somewhere I hear a voice that's calling

Out on the sea of madness

Apparently the song seems to be about pain and destruction through the world? I would guess so, the lyrics aren't very good here but that isn't the main point of the song! Or metal in general lol. After a short guitar solo the vocals pop back in very shortly.

It's madness

...of madness

And then the song ends. This song is fairly flat to me, way too repetitive unfortunately. Could have been a lot better but unfortunately not.

6/10

Song #4: Heaven Can Wait

A very heavy synth opening starts us off on this one, another rather popular song from the album!

The bass synth then accompanies it for a bit until a really cool drum fill comes in and then the song proceeds to the main riff leads into the lead vocals!

Can't understand what is happening to me,

Heaven can wait til another day

Quickly right after that a pretty sweet guitar solo comes in! About the lyrics, they seem to be about someone who simply wishes to keep living instead of moving on to another world (Whether or not that exists is for theological debate though )

Take my hand I'll lead you to the promised land

To see the truth the path for you is decided

After the chanting by Bruce throughout the verse yet another guitar solo comes right at us and it is fairly solid but nothing spectacular if I do say so myself. A quick riff passes by until the next verse comes up:

My body tingles and I feel so strange,

Heaven can wait til another day

Pretty good, but like Wasted Years, doesn't really age well with me.

7/10

Song #5: The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

Quite possibly one of Iron Maiden's most under appreciated songs. Its also one of their better ones, if I do say so myself.

To start out, it begins with a bit of a guitar synth-ish opening like many songs off of SiT does. But this one has a bit more fire under its belt that the other songs seem to. Then Bruce sings with a bit of a nasty tone (But it works very well!)

The tough of the track

The loneliness of the long distance runner

How can you not love the way the chorus is sung? "THE LOOOOOONELIIIIIINEEEEEEESSSSS OOOOOOF THEEEEEEEE LOOOOOOOOONG DIIIIIIISTAAAAAAANCE RUUUUUUUNNNEEEEEER!" <3

After that comes another very solid riff that has a bit of a synth-ishness to it like before. The instrumental section is very solid if I do say so myself. Interesting to note that this particular song is based off a short story of the same name! A troubled juvenile who gets involved in running but figures out that his key to freedom (Not exactly physical freedom but you get the point!) lies in defiance of his captors so he willingly throws the race at the end

I've got to keep running the course

The loneliness of the long distance runner

Very nice song, and I love the vocals on the track. And the fact that its based on a cool short story is added bonus points!

8/10

Def bumping this old topic, if no one minds. I'll be continuing it hopefully tonight or tomorrow.

Song #6 Stranger in a Strange Land

Yes I said I was going to get it yesterday, you try working 2 shifts in the same day and see f it doesn't kick your ass......

Now, we're arriving closer and closer to the end of the first part of Iron Maiden's "Experimental era," of sorts you could say. It ends after the next album (No slouch of one if I do say so myself). But that doesn't mean that the later albums are bad, its just there aren't really all that much in terms of keys and synths, which really define these two albums by Maiden. Anyway, onto the song itself.

It starts off with a really cool bassline, almost funky I'd call it. Then the main riff kicks in, with it being backed up by some keys and synths as you can tell by the softer sound of the song (And a majority of the songs on the record). Not in the same fashion that defined say... Rush's synth era (But usage of Synths in Prog Rock and Heavy Metal are two different matters entirely, because well, metal's charm is its rawness and synths do tend to take that away so one must be careful when using them) but still, they are there. Anyway, Bruce begins to sing the opening verses:

Was many years ago that I left home and came this way

Lost and far from home

What's going on here? Well, a bit of a story actually. You see, this is one of the few songs written entirely by guitarist Adrian Smith. And one of his own trips took him into the artic where he found a man stuck in ice. Apparently this man had been stuck for over a 100 years and was long dead. Quite a thing to see, wouldn't you say? 😛

And now his spirit wonders around the world endlessly, hence the title "Stranger in a Strange Land". The song continues after that:

One hundred years have gone and men again

Lost and far from home

Again, its only reiterating what I said before, the story that Adrian is telling of his trip to the arctic. But that's not the best part! No! Actually, this is the part where you can really tell it was written by Adrian Smith. It was meant to be very guitar orientated. After the verse is spoken, the main riff gets played a few more times but then the song dramatically slows down, with an absolutely beautiful solo with Steve's bass ringing back and forth all the while. It only makes all the more pleasant to listen to. Then the solo speeds up afterwards and this is where you really tell Adrian wrote it. Then it ends and the ending chorus goes on until the end.

What became of the man that started

Lost and far from home

So there you have it. There's the sixth song on this record, honestly one of the better songs on here, if only for the really sweet guitar solo that Adrian does.

9/10

If anyone is still keeping up with this, apologies with delay's, work and all.

Song #7: Deja Vu

And here comes yet another song from this album that deals with time. As the title mentions, the song is about, well, Deja Vu. Things you think you've seen before but you're not sure if you truly have. A bit of an interesting concept if you ask me. Anyway, I really enjoy this piece, and it really makes me think that the 2nd half of Somewhere in Time is VASTLY superior to its first half. The first half is meh for the most part but the second half is really amazing and proves that the synths could be used very well by Maiden, its just the first half didn't use them all that well (Although my opinion of Sea of Madness has kind of changed lately, it would be an 8/10 to me now instead of the 6/10 I gave it before) >.>

And well, there's another album by Iron Maiden that uses synths, and I'll not lie when I say its a masterpiece

But that's for then, not now. And onto the song!

It starts off with a slow, guitar-synth infused opening that is strangely peaceful. It moves along for a bit before leading into a faster and more aggressive riff, although the synths are still very much noticable. Also Nicko's powerful drumming can be heard in the background and that's always a plus for me! After a couple of drum fills in between the measures, Bruce's vocals kick in:

When you see familiar faces

And you know when you feel deja-vu

As mentioned before, the song is quite simply about one thing: Deja Vu. All songs on this album are related to time in someway, hence the album title "Somewhere in Time". The chorus riff passes on through while Bruce sings those lyrics interspersed with some guitar solo's. Then the main riff comes back in after a sweet drum fill only to lead up to the song's chorus.

Feel like I've been here before

Feel like I've been here before

Obviously referring to Deja-vu itself, anyone can figure that out really. But then the song's instrumental section comes in for a bit with the synth guitars playing and Nicko hammering it away in the background. The main riff plays for several more measures before going to the final set of verses:

Ever had a conversation

'Cause you know when you feel deja-vu

After that, the chorus chimes in one more time while Nicko just keeps slamming away at his drum kit in the background. I mean, I know he's never really recognized as an amazing drummer but I love his powerful drumming and the sheer stamina he has. Anyway, the song comes to a close a few measures later, ending the song.

Its definitely a very good song although not the best on the record, still something cool to listen to while playing this record.

8/10

Yes I know I'm taking my sweet ass time with this. 40 hours a week really takes a lot out of you @_@

Song #8: Alexander the Great

Considering how hard I've been on the Somewhere in Time album, this shouldn't come as much of a shock. But hell, that doesn't change the fact that this is a *ing awesome song, and as expected, an epic closer to finish out this album. There's just something about a lot of the closers that Iron Maiden have. Whether its the pure badass adrenaline in their own Self-titled song Iron Maiden, the absolutely gorgeous yet hauntingly dark atmosphere of Hallowed Be Thy Name, the wicked and insane buildup of To Tame a Land, the ridiculous buildup and explosion in the 13 minute epic of Rime of the Ancient Mariner, the finale of Only the Good Die Young, the stunning darkness of Fear of the Dark, or the sheer beauty of the acoustic ballad Journeyman, or the power of The Legacy. They all have something amazing to offer and just finish off an album right. You know the album's over when these songs are done, it just feels complete. They are without a doubt some of the best songs they've ever done. Typically the closer is the best, or second to third best song on the album, so its always cool when the best is saved for last, you know?

This song is no exception. It has its own character and personality, and even though it has the characteristics that make up a lot of the songs on this album, it still is far and away better than any other on this record. Synths and keyboards are used on this song too, but unlike the others its very tastefully done and adds to the sound, instead of taking away from it. Which is my MAJOR issue with this album. So it has that. Plus, given that every song on this album deals with time in some way, this song must too right? Well, just look at the title of the song and take a guess what this might be about. That's right **es, Alexander the MOTHER *ING Great. Probably one of the most effective leaders ever, and if there ever were a type of music to describe his feats, it would have to be metal. There's just no denying it, Alexander the Great is *ing metal. Plus, take a look at all his feats, transforming the small kingdom he inherited into the MASSIVE empire he eventually held until he died. So yeah, pretty brutal dude, very fitting for this song to pay tribute to him.

Now, I consider this song to be fairly epic in its own right, given who its about and that it has a somewhat progressive structure to it as well. Not super progressive, just light touches of it here and there. But now, how does one open up a song about such an important historical figure?

"My son ask for thyself another

(King Philip of Macedonia - 339 B.C.)

By opening it up with a direct quote from the dude's old man. That's how. Its a recorded clip, sure, but it definitely starts off the song right. Then, Nicko starts playing his drums with an awesome marching rhythm while the Murray/Smith duo play some clean guitar melodies alongside it. Not long after, an awesome guitar riff comes in, even though it has some synth-ish sounds to it, it fits perfectly here and is totally epic. Then, a more aggressive and metallic riff comes in on top of that with Nicko changing his drumming style to fit it. Then Bruce comes in on vocals.

Near to the east

He utterly beat the armies of Persia

By just looking at those, it doesn't seem like much other than some history notes written down. But Bruce's vocal line somehow carries you right through that segment so perfectly. And yes, they are historically accurate which makes the song even more awesome, to be able to make it sound so good and at the same time it accurately reflects true history. Part of the reason why I love Iron Maiden so much. The chorus comes in shortly after and disappears about just as quickly as well.

The main riff comes back in again before Bruce returns on vocals.

King Darius the third

Took Persepolis the capital of Persia

So far, as far as I know, those lyrics are still historically accurate, which is definitely a plus. As I said before, I love Bruce's vocal lines through these verses, it just flows through so effortlessly and carries you along through it. The chorus comes in again, and as I said I don't really like it so that costs it some spots.

Then Nicko changes up his drumming back to more of a marching beat while some clean guitar playing is going on. The tension from the drumming and the guitars slowly builds and builds up for a bit before the guitars become distorted again and slow down for a bit. They pick back up though with some kickass noodling going on around the five minute mark. Now It goes on for a while before heading into an awesome guitar solo that is a brief but there is a small fill after that and leads into another guitar solo. It doesn't last long either and ends but another quick fill before the third guitar solo comes along and this one is just absolutely gorgeous. I love it and it really just carries you along. Then, around the seven minute mark Bruce's vocals come back in.

A Phrygian King had bound a chariot yoke

Tired of the combat, pain and the glory

Now this part irks me. I can still enjoy a song with bad lyrics, but this is a different case. Because this is a asong based on history, historical errors aren't exactly something I'd smile upon, and there's one little ditty here that stands out. His army did follow him to India from what I know (I've heard some people dispute that), so that's a bit saddening and even costs this song some points too. Its still great and all, I just feel a tad bit disappointed from it, that's all. Anyway, another riff comes in after that section and slows down slowly to end the song.

Overall, an amazing epic, but the little inaccuracy really irks me badly. But a great way to send off this album, no doubt, and easily the best song on here. Not their best overall, but still, really damn good and with that we are finished with their sixth album.....

9/10

Okay, time for a recap folks.

Album: Somewhere in Time

Year: 1986

Caught Somewhere in Time: 9/10

Wasted Years: 7/10

Sea of Madness: 6/10

Heaven Can Wait: 7/10

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner: 8/10

Stranger in a Strange Land: 9/10

Deja Vu: 8/10

Alexander the Great: 9/10

Overall, this album has some great songs, but terrible production (I don't mind keys and synths when used tastefully, but a lot of the time they're just randomly thrown around the place and really kills a lot of the riffs that the album has). Good, but there's better by Iron Maiden. I will say that the second half of this album is SIGNIFICANTLY better than the first half though.

7/10

Album Recap:

1. Powerslave: 10/10

2. Piece of Mind: 9/10

3. The Number of the Beast: 8/10

4. Iron Maiden: 8/10

5. Somewhere in Time 7/10

6. Killers: 6/10

And next up will be the legendary album, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. Which happens to be the second and last album of their experimental phase. Oh, and something else I'll say, right off the bat, I consider SSoaSS to be their Magnum Opus, and one of my favorite albums of all ****ing time. But we'll get to that when I'm not being lazy ~_^

And at last, I have finally returned to this topic. To be fair, the MoFo runs very slowly for me lately, so forgive the fact that I haven't updated this that much at all. as of late. But anyway, I intend on finishing this all the way through, and possibly doing a second band as well. But anyway, let's get on with this! Onto, what is my favorite Iron Maiden album, so you know I love this thing!

Song #1: Moonchild

Seven deadly sins

Seven your desires...

Wow. Just Bruce's opening vocals right on top of that acoustic guitar are just... wow. If the sound of the acoustic guitar playing alongside with Bruce's singing doesn't stir you, I don't know what would. Just an incredible way to kick off this album (a concept album to boot! Although what the concept actually is will come up later on...). It just gets you into the right mood.... Anyway, after that bit, all of a sudden something that isn't very prevelant in a lot of Iron Maiden songs comes up, a keyboard! It isn't very long, but you get a cool keyboard section playing on, while Nicko sets up a powerful, marching rhythm while Dave Murray and Adrian Smith layer it with another sick riff to go along with it as well. Soon, everything is in a very tight rhythm until Bruce returns once more back to vocals. And he does so in such a furious fashion if I do say so myself.

I AM HE!

LUCIFER'S MY NAAAAAAAAME!

Wow. That is one freaking epic intro. Talk about intense. But that's part of this album I can say, its extremely intense all the way throughout. Yet at the same time, a powerful story is weaved and told. Now, what might that story be? Well, its split into several sections obviously. But still, it goes something like this. Supposedly, the Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (Say that five times fast ) is born with all kinds of magical powers. Now, obviously, certain powers want something like that for themselves. And this story is about that kind of struggle, though I don't think it really falls into cliche territory. But anyway. So yeah, someone's obviously gonna want whatever powers this kid is gonna have. And one of those folks is of course, Satan! So he comes along and visits the mother to-be in the middle of the night. So we've got Mr. Big Bad coming to see what's going on here, eh? Well, let's continue. Bruce starts singing the chorus.

Moonchild - hear the mandrake scream

You'll be so alone your soul will bleed to death

So here we go. You've got Big Bad Satan throwing out threats to the mother of this kid who is gonna have all these magic powers after all. As the lyrical moment gets more intense with Satan shouting off threats, the music as well continues to get more and more intense, obviously being representative of that. And well, its not exactly looking pretty, as you can tell. But one thing that intrigues me about this album is the Crowley references that are made. One being the title of the song (Crowley wrote a book called "Moonchild"). And not to mention the chorus:

Moonchild - hear the mandrake scream

Moonchild - take my hand tonight

Now, if you're well versed in Crowley (Not that I claim to be, just did a little bit of research) you'll find that he was apart of a publishing firm called "Mandrake Press". If that's not enough to make things very eerie, its a common legend that from a mandrake grows from the semen of men who were hung from the gallows (Apparently snapping a male's neck will cause him to ejaculate.... the more you know! I suppose...). So, with all that kind of stuff, you've got some interesting things going on here. There's definitely a mysterious and magical vibe going on here. Plus its cool that its got some Crowley influence.

Anyway, after that verse, things keep building up until Bruce gets to the next verse:

The twins they are exhausted, seven is this night

When Gabriel lies sleeping, this child was born to die

Then after that, Adrian Smith pulls out of his ass one sick guitar solo that sounds a bit synth sounding to me but I don't mind at all. It unleashes all the tension that the song had built up all the way through and is definitely a face-melter. Bruce comes back in again to sing:

One more dies and one more lives

Bruce's insane laughing scream at the end of the song is incredibly awesome, and definitely a fitting way to finish off a song as intense as this one is. Well, I can call this whole album intense, it tells an epic story after all. And this is probably the furthest Iron Maiden ever fell into "Progressive" territory (The use of keyboards and the fact that its a concept album do kind of lean to this suggestion). But anyway, awesome song, ends on a real high note with Bruce's cackling at the end. But what about the mother-to-be and her future child? Well... that's what the other songs are for =P

10/10

This song never bores me, not even for a second, and a great way to open up the album.