Preparing for today's Retro Spin, and through crossed my mind. That being that I really want to be done with Iron Maiden and move on to other things. The music's been okay, good even, but seven albums from the decade is a bit excessive to play through back-to-back.
Returning to the studio after their demanded time off, Maiden brought with them a renewed focus, and a change in sound that would incorporate synthesized bass and guitars. Where in previous albums focus was on guitars, bass, and drums, delivering straight up thrash metal, this inclusion would add textures and layers to the sound.
Somewhere In Time would be their first album since his joining that Bruce Dickenson would receive no writing credits. This was simply because all the ideas he brought to the table were rejected by the band.
It would go on to become their highest charting to date on the Billboard 200, peaking at number eleven, as well as charting across several other countries. Once again, it would fair the best in the UK, where it mirrored the success of the previously released Powerslave, peaking at number two. To support its release, Iron Maiden once again hit the road, performing one hundred fifty-seven shows across the world.
If there was a change in sound for the band, I didn't hear it. For me, it was relatively more of the same that I'd already gone through multiple times leading up to this point. Frankly, writing this post twenty-four hours after that listening session has actually hurt it more than helped because at this point, I don't even really remember any of it.
I did note that opening track, Caught Somewhere In Time had a solid intro that grabbed my attention immediately. I even went as far as to jot down tune, Sea Of Madness, and Stranger In A Strange Land as standout tracks. However, and truthfully, at this point, I couldn't tell you how any of them went.
With that in mind, I suppose the best way to sum up Somewhere In Time would be to state it's nothing better or worse than what they did before, but ultimately, unless you're a diehard fan, it's also forgettable. Frankly, it's a bit disappointing. Iron Maiden is a legacy act, and I was really expecting better than this.
As I head into tomorrow, I close out their decade with 1988's Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son. Am I expecting it to be the silver lining and standout that's going to change my mind? No. Do I hope it will? Absolutely. If nothing else, to make it worthwhile to have spent so much money on all of their 80's albums.
Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below.
Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.
No comments:
Post a Comment