Iron Maiden - Somewhere in Time
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Free Music Notes for Somewhere in Time
Free Music Review: How I Was Introduced To Maiden As A Child
Hit: 5 Stars
I remember hearing this album for the first time on a record. Man did that record sound like crud, but I still loved the songs anyway. This Iron Maiden album is more mellow than earlier releases, but surpasses Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, and Powerslave in overall consistent song quality.Caught Somewhere In Time: Not that good and certainly not that bad. I think it deserves a B and eases you into the better songs that are to come later.
Wasted Years: This song has a positive message and in general is a very good song. The vocal hook is something you can sing along with. Musically it may not be one of the most impressive but still it deserve a solid B+. "Stand up and face your fears. Realize you're living in the golden years." (Quote may not be entirely accurate)
Sea of Madness: Well, it sure has a memorable guitar riff but damn I can't remember the lyrics without cheating and looking. That has to say something about a song. That doesn't make it awful or anything, but much like Caught Somewhere In Time this is one of the weaker songs on the album and that is not that weak at all. B.
Heaven Can Wait: I really love the sound of this song and it really kicks but many the whole band gets involved with background vocal and "Heaven Can Wait. Heaven Wait For Another Day" kicks in. This is a very strong song, but not quite blowing up my "skirt". B+.
Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner: Man, what a weird song. It has one of the best Maiden guitar riff beginnings and then kicks in a very fast-paced vocal flavor from Bruce. I guess they were trying to create the running/speed feel to the song. The tune really captures you and almost makes you feel like you could be the one pushing for the finish. Another not quite A song, but a B+. Very good song, but nothing amazing.
Stranger In A Strange Land: What a song this one is. It really reminds me of somebody who has just become completely jaded and sick of the way the world works. Perhaps not an inspiring song but a great one. A.
De Ja Vu: This is probably the weakest song on the album, but is not horrible at all. It doesn't even come close to being as bad as Acacia Avenue or Gangland on Number of the Beast. You guessed it. It is about De Ja Vu. B-.
Alexander The Great: This is another awe inspiring Maiden epic. Again, like Hallowed Be Thy Name from Number of the Beast and Rime of the Ancient Mariner from Powerslave, this song is one explosively long and "lovely" piece of metal. Hey, and according to my history teacher brother, it is historically accurate. So if you are a history student or history buff, don't watch the History Channel or read a book. Listen to Iron Maiden's synopsis of the life of Alexander the Great. A++
Free Music Review: An ornate, classic journey through the concept of time.
Hit: 5 Stars
Somewhere in Time is not a "concept" album like its follow-up, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, but its comes close at times (ha, get it). Anyway, this is an album that originally (upon release) caused some casternation among some longtime fans. In were keyboards (well in this case guitar synths, same difference), and out was the statement in the linear notes of Piece of Mind; "no synths or ulterior motives". However, unlike bands such as Judas Priest, etc, their journey through the realm of technology wasn't motivated by some "streamlining" of their sound at all, and even if it were, it certainly didn't turn out that way. One of the greatest things about this album was Adrian Smith's maturing as a player and songwriter. Some of his greatest songs (Stranger in a Strange Land) and solos (practically every song) are found on the album.
In regards to the music itself, Prog Rock influences permeate much of the album. They're subtle, but they are definitely there (making Iron Maiden a "precursor" to prog metal, as controversial as the statement may be). For example, the rhythmic structure of the beginning of Heaven Can Wait is somewhat similar to Genesis's Watcher in the Skies (I wonder if anyone else has noticed the similarity, and being as Steve Harris practically worships at the 70's Genesis altar, I can see how the influence can come into play). Also, Stranger in a Strange Land has some similarity with latter day Pink Floyd, especially come solo time with its solos complete with a wash of delay and reverb (Adrian Smith's MASTERPIECE in my opinion)- it reminds me of the rhythm of Floyd's Young Lust, with much more atmosphere. Speaking of atmosphere, I don't think there are many 80's metal albums with such a dreamy, futuristic feel as this album. The synths serve the album well and take one to a faraway place. "Time" definitely permeates the lyrics, from the title track to Heaven Can Wait, to Wasted Years. "Deja Vu" fits the "time" concept as well, and Alexander The Great covers History like only Iron Maiden can do. Alexander the Great features, among other things, some great progressive time changes, odd timings, clean guitars with a "bolero" style buildup, and some great modal interplay. In other words, I take back any statement that Iron Maiden aren't progressive metal. They helped create the genre with this release and having already conquered the world of metal, they conquered the world of Progressive "thinking person's" metal with this album.
Songwriting: I have to say this album's songwriting demolishes most of the other albums. Its hard to say which Maidens are my favorite, but this is definitely in the top 3 or 4.
My fave album cover of theirs as well.
Free Music Review: Absolutely amazing.
Hit: 5 Stars
Following 4 absolutely beautiful albums put up by Iron Maiden from 1982 to 1985, how could they possibly follow it up (and also Powerslave) with their next album? Well Iron Maiden decided to experiment a little, and with synths as well. The first single, Wasted Years was definitely quite a commercial 80s song, so is this a commercial sell out? Definitely not at all.1. Caught Somewhere In Time: Best song on the album, and absolutely amazing with the brilliant instrumental intro, one of the best ever. Bruce Dickinson's singing is great, controlled at times, and the air-raid siren we all know of at times. Great solos done by Adrian Smith and Dave Murray as well, and some thunderous bass by Steve Harris.
Rating: A+
2. Wasted Years: By far the most commercial song on the album, but isn't a bad one with the awesome intro and great solo by Adrian Smith. The rest of the song is somewhat standard.
Rating: B
3. Sea of Madness: Another awesome song, and probably the heaviest song on the album as well. Has a great intro riff and verse riff, and Bruce's singing is absolutely superb on this song, going from normal (verse), to mysterious (pre-chorus), to melodic (chorus). Great song, not to be missed.
Rating: A
4. Heaven Can Wait: Another classic off the album, with an awesome intro, but the best part of the song has got to be the somewhat instrumental middle part, with all the (ooh's). A great riff behind it, and later some great lead guitar work. So awesome...
Rating: B+
5. Loneliness of the Long Distance: Sadly, Iron Maiden once again could not keep a filler out of their album. But don't go skipping this song already, its a good. Good riffs and a fast paced song mark this one, but the lyrics (not the singing) are downright terrible. I'd reccomend for a first listen, listen to it without the lyrics.
Rating: B
6. Stranger In A Strange Land: A melodic Maiden classic. Absolutely brilliance on the verse. Pure "awesomeness".
Rating: A-
7. Deja Vu: Another filler, but a great song! The lyrics aren't too deep, but the singing (the effect at least) is awesome, and makes the song sound kinda eerie. Good riffs, but my one complaint is the main riff seems kinda, simple. Good chorus, as well.
Rating: A-
8. Alexander the Great: Obviously another attempt at a "Rime of the Ancient Mariner", but it definitely fails. One reviewer said that it sounded like Bruce was reading out of a history book, and he's right. Try going without knowing the lyrics for the first listen. Good chorus and some nice riffs as well.
Rating: B
Yea, just go get this album, its worth it.
Free Music Review: My Personal Favorite!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first bought this album, I only knew Wasted Years... little did I know it would become my favorite Maiden album and one of my all-time favorites!Caught Somewhere in Time: The best album opener ever! This song just hypnotises you with it's epic-like intro, speedy pace, pre-chorus riffs, etc.... I also want to point out that the production ( on the whole album, but especually this song) is just spectacular! You get so caught up in the song you neglect to realize is tracks at over 7 minutes... in fact you wish it were longer! A++
Wasted Years: The song that made me pick up the album in the first place. This would also be the last of their " seven consecutive gold records" One of my favorite songs to sing along with. A
Sea of Madness: IMO, the weakest track on the album ( but still a great song) I suppose I olny say that because the riffs on this one aren't memorable as the other song's... still has great lyrics to sing along with! B
Heaven Can Wait: Oh Yeah!! It's safe to say a lot of people who own this album loves this song the most. I love the riffs but the big sing-along part before the guitar solos is a great way to get the adrenaline going... " Whooo-oooh-oooh..." A+
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner: Long enough song title already! Yeah... anyway, I've read some reviews on this song before saying it's not the great... I disagree... It's my favorite song on the album! The guitar playing is top notch and while the lyrics aren't as great as other Maiden songs, it works for me... give this one a listen! A++
Stranger in a Strange Land: Another song that was released as a single... I actually like this one more than Wasted Years. One thing that I've always loved about Maiden is their rhythm... this song is a great example of that... oh yeah, Adrians solo is quite sweet, too! A+
Deja Vu: Perhaps their shortest song title? I find this song a little clever because, besides Dave's guitar intro, most of this song incorporates little bits and pieces from the other songs on this album... besides the title track and Sea of Madness, this would be my fave song to sing along with. A
Alexander the Great: The album closes with the epic song about... well, Alexander the Great! The lyrics are biographical and basically tells you of his rise and fall. Another memorable riff and a powerful chorus! A+
... If you've never bought a Maiden album before this may not be the best choice for you... hold off until you own Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind and Powerslave. For those of you who own lots of Maiden, but not this one... go find it now!!
Free Music Review: My personal favorite!
Hit: 5 Stars
Iron Maiden has been a band that I can listen to more than just one CD over and over and over and over again. Anything from "Iron Maiden" to "Seventh Son" and "Brave New World" and onward. "Somewhere In Time" is my personal favorite of them all!
"Somewhere In Time" marks a shift in Iron Maiden's music from "Powerslave" taking their signature metal style full of dual lead guitar, melodic riffs and vocals, and lead style bass play and pounding drums and adding some keyboard (or guitar-synths) to the melodies creating some sort of atmosphere that just fits the album cover perfectly! It sounds so...futuristic as far as production goes. Musically, it's no different from previous Maiden releases. Songs get a bit longer though, showcasing some progressive elements creeping in, I think that shows some maturing in songwriting but that's just my opinion. Real keyboards would be further included in the band's follow up "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" which is stylistically the same as "Somewhere In Time" but not as futuristic, or atmospheric.
The album kicks off with what has been added - futuristic dual lead guitar-synths before kicking into full speed in what Iron Maiden has been known for in the song "Caught Somewhere In Time" - what else...IT GALLOPS - another signature of Maiden. Bruce's chorus is a great example of why Bruce is the voice of Maiden with his high wails of "caaaaaaaaught sooooooomewwwwwwhhhhere in taaaayyyiiiayyyyiiaaayyyym!!!" "Wasted Years" has yet another futuristic lead guitar intro, a catchy chorus. "Sea Of Madness" and "Heaven Can Wait" have a very atmospheric intro before jumping into Full Maiden mode. Most of the songs follow that particular thing. All the songs have something to do with "time" and they have this digital, futuristic feel to them that just capture the concept perfectly! "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" just has me imagining an entire time travel especially in the lead guitar during the chorus.
I like the typical Iron Maiden formula a lot, but the inclusion of this specific production, atmosphere, spirit and the synths make the album very unique while still sounding somewhat classic.
If you're a hardcore Maiden fan, you probably already have this album. If you're starting, I'd like to say start with this album, but you might wanna be familiar with something like "Number of the Beast" or "Powerslave."
Whatever, I love this album a lot, not only is it my favorite Maiden album, but it's also one of my favorite metal albums of all time!
UP THE IRONS!!!