Iron Maiden must go down as one of the greatest bands in the history of music. This album, Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, in my opinion is tied with Number of The Beast for the band’s Best Album spot.
This album featured the great Iron Maiden lineup for the last time for over a decade with Bruce and Adrian playing truant for awhile.
For those who don’t know, the band members are...
Steve Harris - Bass
Bruce Dickinson - Vocals
Dave Murray - Guitar
Adrian Smith - Guitar
Nicko McBrain - Drums
SSOASS is typically Maiden material. In other words, I would call it vintage Iron Maiden. But if you buy this album expecting the raw, angry sound of the early 80s, you might be a bit dissappointed. This album is a bit more progressive in nature. Some fans look at this as a commercial album. I don’t quite agree... the guitar synthesizers all add up to the distinct Iron Maiden sound, though a bit different from the likes of Powerslave/Killers etc...
These guys did a fantastic job of making 6 great songs and 2 average songs of the concept of a seventh son of a seventh son being the ’’chosen one’’. Many forces, some good and some evil try to bring him on their side to benefit from his powers. Very few albums have been able to follow a theme as well as this.
The quality of the songs are quite good. Martin Birch as producer has done some wonders for the band. And this is one of them. The songwriting has also improved a bit from their previous stuff.
Before I continue, I must say that this album will not be recommended for most people who are new to the band. Go get Number of The Beast first... or Brave New World.
- Moonchild
The background Keyboards have been used well. And its blend with the acoustic intro and aggressive vocals is quite good. A nice beginning to the album.
Ratings - 9/10
- Infinite Dreams
Needs a bit of getting used to. Slow beginning but marvellous stuff.
Ratings - 9/10
- Can I Play With Madness
The most commercialized song of the album... Don’t know why but I never liked it as much as some other songs of the album. Overrated, in my opinion.
Ratings - 8/10
- Evil That Men Do
One of the best songs of the album.
Ratings - 10/10
- Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
10 minutes long but never gets boring. Another precious gem.
Ratings - 10/10
- Prophecy
Not one of their better songs, definitely. But even then I will call it a bit underrated. Bruce shines during the chorus especially.
Ratings - 7.5/10
- Clairvoyant
One of the greatest Maiden songs ever. And anyone who denies is deaf.
Ratings - 10/10
- Only the Good Die Young
Not one of their better songs either.
Ratings - 7/10
Although with this album, these guys took a bit of a risk by experimenting new stuff, it paid off quite well, in my opinion. I mean, nobody can dispute the fact that they are one of the best bands of the NWOBHM but who would have known they could be the kings of progressive as well.