Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind
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Free Music Notes for Piece of Mind
Free Music Review: Piece of Magnificence
Hit: 5 Stars
After Bruce Dickinson's vocalist debut on The Number of The Beast, Iron Maiden rose into further prominence and into their most glorious period of the band's history. Piece Of Mind had risen the bar in the heavy metal scene amidst a budding thrash scene (Anthrax, Metallica, and Slayer made its "baby steps", so to speak at the time this album was originally released). This album and Powerslave were influential in its musicianship, songwriting, and vocals as a measuring stick for serious heavy metal before (heyday) Metallica had arguably taken that designation later on. Here's a track-by-track rundown:1. Where Eagles Dare: Right off the bat, the opener is a long, fast, rip-roaring track. There's not a whole lot of singing (only for the first minute and a half and the last minute or so), but the middle of the song being an awesome instrumental with all kinds of fancy riffs and rapid drumming. The song is based off the book and movie, "Where Eagles Dare". 5/5.
2. Revelations: A stark contrast from the opener in that the tempo and mood changes in this solo-laden song. Bruce's vocals are just simply outstanding, especially the first verse. 5/5.
3. Flight Of Icarus: If you're new to Maiden and are making the transition from 90's or contemporary metal, this song isn't the most ideal starting point. A rather steady rocker which some have said is overrated since the chorus is too hauntingly catchy and Bruce's vocals are most over the top in this one. Hands down, Bruce's vocals are the highlight of this, especially when he holds onto the last note. 5/5.
4. Die With Your Boots On: A flat-out fast, anthemic rocker, which starts off with awesome opening riffs and chorus riffs. Bruce's vocals are quite underrated here; you just have to love how this voice soars in the chorus. 5/5.
5. The Trooper: It doesn't take very long for this song to blow you away. The opening riff is absolutely divine and added with the drums, the tempo is a galloping one as if you're riding on horseback, as one reviewer put it. The visceral lyrics really do put you on the battlefield. 5/5.
The next three tracks demand a few listens to get a good reaction:
6. Still Life: Starts off awkwardly with a voice speaking backwards and a peaceful, low-line bass riff for the first minute or so, with Bruce's vocals at its most low-key. About after a minute and a half, you have a melodic rocker, which gives a majestic, airy feel especially at the chorus part. 5/5.
7. Quest of Fire: This track and the next one, Sun Of Steel, usually get the most injustice as being labeled "filler". It maintains that gallop of The Trooper, but it seems a bit bouncier. The chorus, although quite over the top, makes for a rather good sing-along. 4/5.
8. Sun of Steel: Melodic, has a faster gallop than Quest of Fire does. Bruce's vocals shine very well here and much like the previous track, the chorus is a fun sing-along. 4.5/5.
9. To Tame a Land: A surprisingly brooding, moody epic track, which just goes to show you the range of how heavy Maiden can play. I still think Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a tad superior over this, but the amazing solos are worth the listen. 5/5.
Piece Of Mind is nothing short of classic Maiden. If you're new to the band, I recommend you don't buy any of their CD's...yet. Try listening to individual tracks because Maiden is the type of band that you have to digest slowly in chunks, especially if you're raised in today's school of hard rock. I would start off by listening to tracks off Number of the Beast like "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "22 Acacia Avenue", "The Number of the Beast" and *sigh* "Run to the Hills". If you like that, you could buy Number of the Beast, or better yet, purchase Powerslave first, which is a lot like this album. Happy listening.
Free Music Review: More Classic Maiden
Hit: 5 Stars
Piece of Mind is probably the most controversial of the classic Maiden albums, with seemingly equal parts claiming it's overrated or underrated. It's not with out its flaws, but I suppose I belong in the `underrated' faction, and it's probably my second favorite Maiden album, behind Number of the Beast.(though Seventh Son and Dance of Death come very close)This is the album where the classic line-up solidified, with the addition of Nicko on the drums. Clive was good, but I think this is a noticeable step up, as Nicko is bit more varied and grooves better, imo. Although he's good, Nicko is relative weak point when compared to the rest of the band. Dickinson's vocals pretty much define classic metal, and not with out good reason. A bit over the top on sometimes, but I, for one, like a little bit of cheese with my Iron Maiden, every once in a while. Smith and Murray are legends as well, and prove why they are just about the best guitar duo in metal. They have some of their most tasty leads of all here, particularly the solos on Flight of Icarus and the little licks they use in To Tame a Land. When it comes to melodic guitar in metal, no one else comes close. Harris is the backbone, as always, and gives the songs the surging energy they need.
This album is a bit unusual, in that it contains both some their very best material, but isn't as consistent as most of their other albums from the Golden Age. (though this is partially because the better material is so very good.) The best material dominates, however, and it's got the mix of moods and styles which the next couple albums can't quite match. The song everyone talks about as being utter filler is Quest for Fire, and I agree. The middle break is decent, but the verse riffs are real boring, and the vocals are grating all throughout. It's pretty much worthless, but I like everything else. Lots of people dump on Sun and Steel as well, but I've grown to really like it. It's certainly not the best thing on here, and it's a bit underwritten, but the chorus is really catchy and I like the whole mood of the song. The solo is totally worthless, and the whole middle break is of no note, but it has a very solid core. Those things aside, this album has some utter classics. The Flight of Icarus is definitely one of my top 3 Maiden songs. Their best chorus ever, along with probably my favorite lead break of theirs. It's very well constructed as well, with a nice buildup through the verses. The Trooper is probably the definitive IM song, in my book. It's got that classic galloping bass with some more stellar lead work and an absolutely first-rate performance from Dickinson. To Tame a Land is a bit underrated, and another classic. Tons of atmosphere and great groove combined with some of their best guitar licks ever.
The rest of the album isn't as good as that stuff, but it's all worth listening to, and has got good variety. Where Eagles Dare is a good opener, albeit not their best one, and is a bit more deliberate than a lot of their opening tracks. Die With Your Boots on is another solid and varied rocker which is somewhat marred but the obnoxious overuse of the titular line and a weak pre-chorus. Revelations is one of their best ballad type songs. Very nicely paced and constructed, with another instantly memorable chorus. Still Life is one of their more unique songs which gives this album its distinctive feel. It's quite quiet and moody throughout much of it, and is pretty creepy. Another underrated track.
All in all, this album has a few weak points, but the classics carry the day. Check it out, unless you don't have any Iron Maiden, in which case you ought to get Number of the Beast first.
Free Music Review: One of the BEST albums ever made.
Hit: 5 Stars
Piece of mind blew me away the first time I listened to it, and it still does to this day. Truly one of the best albums ever made by any band. I still think that Powerslave has a slight edge over this one, but not by much. This is a must have for anybody who knows what good music is. 1) Where Eagles Dare
They seriously couldn't have started this album off in a better way. "Where Eagles Dare" is a fast, riff ladened song with great lyrics and haunting melodies. One of the best songs on the album, which says alot considering there are so many classics here. A+
2) Revelations
One of the many things I've admired about Iron Maiden all these years is that they continue to surprise me with their songs. This one is no exception. It starts off very slow and melodic, and then out of nowhere comes a riff that shifts the gears of the song, and it becomes a very fast paced, heavy rocker. Great lyrics too. A+
3)Flight of Icarus
A big hit for the band. As good as this song is, I like some of the other songs on this album alot more. Still, this is classic stuff right here. A
4)Die With Your Boots On
Yet another big hit for the band. This song just flat out rocks. It's not the most complex song they've written and performed, but this is so classic, it's impossible not to love. The music throughout the song is excellent as always, and Bruce's singing style really fits the sound perfectly. The chorus is so catchy, it'll stay with you always. A+
5) The Trooper
I don't even really need to rate this one. My favorite on the album, and one of my favorites of all time. It's impossible to describe how amazing this song is. The riff still gives me chills everytime I listen to it. The lyrics are very dark and visual. You can almost see the battlefield described in the song. A++
6) Still Life
Another pleasant surprise. I love how the mood changed with this song. Extremely melodic and beautiful to listen to. Chorus is very catchy. This song sounds like it would fit very well on Somewhere in Time, but I'm glad it's on this one. Not as heavy as the song that came before it, but no less enjoyable. I don't understand how some people think this is a weak song. A+
7) Quest for Fire
Well, here's the big argumentative question about this album. Is this filler or is it not filler? I wouldn't necessarily call it filler, but it's definitely the weakest song on the album. I read a review here that said this one was better than the Trooper....get real. This is by no means a bad song, there are no bad Iron Maiden songs (on this album at least), this one just doesn't stand up with all the other incredible songs here. I like the solo however, so I'll give this song a B+.
8) Sun and Steel
Don't put this in the same category as Quest for Fire. This happens to be a great song. For some reason, in some parts of the song I'm reminded a little of Black Sabbath's sound during the Dio years. It's very well paced with one of the best choruses on the album. A
9) To Tame A Land
They had the perfect beginning to the album, and they had the perfect end to the album! This extremely well made song is the longest of all the tracks on Piece of Mind, and has a very epic feel to it. With tempo changes that always surprise you, amazing guitar work, and hauntingly dark melodies, this ends up being one of the best songs on the album. A+
I rank Piece of Mind above Number of the Beast, and slightly below Powerslave. I still recommend anyone new to Iron Maiden to start off with Number of the Beast and work forward. Make Piece of Mind your second purchase, and enjoy.
Free Music Review: The album that made Iron Maiden legends
Hit: 5 Stars
Piece Of Mind was the album that fans believed turned Iron Maiden from breakthrough artists into legends of the rock business. I still can't believe how quickly this album was sold-out here in Kuwait. Man, glad I found one. The songs on this album are just too amazing that once again, I think it's time I gave you my report on this all-time classic:
Where Eagles Dare: 5/5 - The song that introduced Nicko McBrain's rage on the drums at the beginning. Few lyrics and too much music can turn this song bad right? WRONG! The instrumental part is the best section of this song, in my opinion of course.
Revelations: 5/5 - Bruce Dickinson's first solo-written song proves that he's capable of writing as well as singing. This classic song is one of the best on the album and also has awesome lyrics.
Flight Of Icarus: 5/5 - Any one heard of the story of Icarus from Greek Mythology? This probably includes the whole story if you haven't read it. Awesome chorus, great music and a perfect song to play at live shows.
Die With Your Boots On: 5/5 - At first I didn't like this song but then I heard it on the radio and smacked myself real hard!(honestly) I told myself why did I skip this track? It's an amazing song and the music is way, way better than the vocals...or maybe not.
The Trooper: 5+/5 - This here is the best song on the album, and the first of the two greatest songs before the World Slavery Tour. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith's guitars both work perfectly together than ever before! Both guitarists shine on this song. One more thing, the intro's really cool an well as the singing.
Still Life: 5/5 - Still Life is actually this album's
title-track...minus the title. Great song, with a nice slow part ant the beginning. I really laugh at the part "will give me piece of mind", I just want to know who's awesome voice was that?
Quest For Fire: 5/5 - Saved by the music!!! I can't understand why most fans don't like this song? It's not bad. Well, yes the lyrics where crappy a little but the music earned this song full-marks. Haters of this song, give it another shot, it's worth. "In a time when dinosaurs walked the earth..."
Sun And Steel: 5/5 - Another extremely underrated song. Why? I don't think I want to know. It's a pretty good song and was saved this time by the vocal rythems and music, even though I couldn't understand most of the lyrics.
To Tame A Land: 5/5 - Another try at Hallowed By The Name only using the movie 'Dune' for reference. Nice song, haven't seen the movie..yet but it seems to be good. The lyrics shine here the most, or maybe tied with The Trooper(i'm not sure). Also the solos are good, like from fast speed to average speed.
Rare tracks from this era:
Cross-Eyed Mary: 5/5 - I just can't understand why so many good tracks weren't included in this album! Great lyrics, talks about a school girl, also this song has a great bass near the end. Download if you haven't heard it.
I've Got The Fire: 5/5 - Oh my! A song that really deserves to be on the album. It has a great sound to it and speaking of sound, the solo here kicks ass! I love the way Bruce yells "I've Got The Fire".
Lineup:
Bruce Dickinson - Vocals
Dave Murray - Guitar
Adrian Smith - Guitar
Steve Harris - Bass Guitar (I'm gonna call it Bass Guitar from now on)
Nicko McBrain - Drums
Overall: Well, judging from the marks I've given each song I'd have to say that this is perhaps Iron Maiden's proudest moment (I don't know what I'm saying) but not my favourite album before the World Slavery Tour. Still, I recommend this album for what it's worth, check it out if you ain't got it yet.
Free Music Review: Excellent!
Hit: 5 Stars
When my friend recommended Iron Maiden to me, I was a little skeptical. For some reason I had viewed Iron Maiden, before actually listening to it, as some sort of death metal band. Maybe I envisioned that because they like to put zombies/demons/whatever on the front of their albums. This was a case where I definitely made a mistake in judging the CD by its cover.When I first listened to it, I wasn't that impressed. Sure, I liked the beginning of "Still Life", but after the first 2:44 it went downhill...or so I thought at the time. In truth, I just didn't listen to it enough to really appreciate the amazing guitar work. However, I can honestly say that I am not a big fan of Bruce Dickinson's vocals...it's not that they don't sound well with the music, it's just that I don't like that high pitched type voice (you see, I'm used to listening to James Hetfield of Metallica). Nevertheless, I didn't feel that not liking the vocals affected my enjoyment of this CD too much. There were several songs where I DID enjoy the lyrics as well as the guitar work.
I'd have to say that my favorite song on this CD is "To Tame A Land". It really demonstrates the right way to have a song over seven minutes that is interesting the entire time. The guitar work in that song is so varied that you often times forget you're still on the same song. I made that mistake the first few times I was listening to the song...I started falling asleep and then woke and thought that the CD started over again, but then I realized my CD player doesn't do that, and I was like, "What the...?", and then it dawned on me that I was still listening to the same song. It really is that varied.
Another of my favorites was "Flight of the Icarus". This was one of the few songs on this CD where I thought the vocals were absolutely astounding. I love midway through the song, when the lyrics start, "Just a babe in a black abyss/No reason for a place like this". That may be the best part of any song on the entire CD.
There were, however, a few songs I didn't care for. Number one on that list was "Quest for Fire". How can you take any song seriously that starts off with "In a time when dinosaurs walked the Earth"? I like songs that actually mean something to me, or can express in song what I feel emotionally. I don't think there is an emotion that would correspond with that.
The other song I didn't care for was "Sun and Steel". There really wasn't any one reason that I would pinpoint for not liking that song, it just didn't appeal to me. Maybe it's because, again, I couldn't really relate with things like "You killed your first man at 13", etc. It might also have been because I don't like hearing two or three voices singing at once, to me that sounds like I'm at my sisters middle school chorus concert, espcially when they are as high pitched as those in this band.
Overall though, I really liked this CD. It was definitely worth my money, and it also gave me something new to listen to now that I've heard every Metallica album. The friend that recommended this to me said he thought it was their best album. I can't be the judge of that since this is the only one that I've heard, but I can honestly say that this is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time, and I'm definitely going to be purchasing more Iron Maiden in the near future!