It’s Maiden’s most overlooked album. Not by the fans, but by the band. Hardly ever playing tracks off of it. But it’s often regarded as Iron Maiden’s finest hour by many many fans. Produced by hard rock and Maiden veteran Martin Birch, ‘Somewhere In Time’ saw Iron Maiden take a slightly different approach to their sound. Resulting in their highest charting album of the 80’s. It would be twenty-four years before Maiden would top the charting.
‘Somewhere In Time’ is really an album of duality. It sees Maiden taking some risks. With guitar tones out of the comfort zone and some keyboards to texturize songs. But it also contains some of the MOST ‘Maiden’ sounding tracks in their entire catalog. And even when not, it’s still the most righteous shit they’ve ever done. ‘Caught Somewhere In Time’ opens the album with the band digging into a progressive tone. It’s one of Maiden’s all time great songs and it’s just a shame they don’t open sets with it more often. The pre-chorus guitar melodies are just pure gold. Literal heavy metal gold out of the speakers. And the traditional Iron Maiden gallop is ever present. Making it a song that fits in with the rest of their albums. ‘Wasted Years’ has seen a bit of a revival lately. The band did close with it on the American leg of their massive ‘Book of Souls’ tour. It’s a perfect audience sing along chorus. The song does contain a bit of a more ’80’s’ sound than other Maiden tracks. But that doesn’t detract from its strength. ‘Sea of Madness’ is simply one of the baddest riffs in all of Iron Maiden world. High energy, high velocity. Fits right in with other Maiden tracks. And the solos are just smoking.
‘Heaven Can Wait’ is yet another classic. The intro builds into a killer track that was a concert staple for many years. But has gone the way in favor of other tracks post Dickinson reunion. It’s a great audience participation chorus. As displayed on Maiden’s Donnington set from 1992. ‘The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner’ is without question one of the all time overlooked Iron Maiden songs. Pure gallop, pure BNWHM. And it possesses some of Bruce Dickinson’s best vocals. ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ is a band favorite, by their own admission. And have talked about how they’d like to play the song, but don’t think the energy of it fits in with the rest of their material. Which I respectfully disagree with. It’d be a great concert staple. The groove is rich and churning. Complete with catchy blues oriented chords and interesting textures. The melodic bridge adds a nice touch as well. Before going into one hell of a killer guitar solo. ‘Deja Vu’ is kind of the overlooked track on the album. But it shouldn’t be. The melodic introduction is pure. Before going into a cut time, thrash like rhythm. Reminiscent of the band’s title track. ‘Alexander the Great’ closes the album in sublime fashion. This was another concert staple for many years. Before going the way side in favor of other material. Much like the rest of the album.
It’s a shame that this album doesn’t get played more often. And the band, managers and colleagues of the 80’s era have stated that not documenting the tour is one of the biggest regrets in the entire Iron Maiden story. They should have done it. Even though they just released a live album from the previous tour. I think what they should do now is a thirty-five year anniversary tour celebrating the album next year. If Maiden feels like the songs don’t fit in with their current set lists, then maybe they should revolve a set list around the album itself. I’m sure there are certainly, plenty of fans who would welcome the idea.
Iron maiden somewhere in time, I was always a hardcore powerslave fan. I think the band sound great plus Bruce’s singing is top notch on somewhere I time. It’s not played enough by people!