11 Underrated Iron Maiden Songs: Secret Songs

Hey there, fellow music aficionados! It’s TBone here, the heart and soul behind Level Tunes. As a DJ who lives and breathes music, I’ve always had a soft spot for Iron Maiden.

Their tracks have energized crowds and defined a genre, but some of their gems have undeservedly flown under the radar. So, I decided to dive deep and bring you a list of 11 underrated Iron Maiden songs.

Why 11, you ask?

Because ten just isn’t enough to capture the depth of their overlooked masterpieces. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just dipping your toes into the world of heavy metal, this list is going to surprise and delight you.

Let’s embark on this musical journey and uncover the hidden treasures of Iron Maiden’s discography

Here are the Underrated Iron Maiden songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Iron Maiden Songs

Underrated Iron Maiden songs in a list format:

1. “Stranger in a Strange Land”

Album: “Somewhere in Time” (1986) Label: EMI Author: Adrian Smith

“Stranger in a Strange Land” is a hidden gem penned by guitarist Adrian Smith. Released under EMI in 1986 as part of the “Somewhere in Time” album, this track is a sonic journey. It’s a poignant narrative of a frozen explorer, combining melodic guitar work with Bruce Dickinson’s emotive vocals. The synthesizer-infused sound, a departure from their earlier style, and Nicko McBrain’s rhythmic precision on drums make this song stand out. I chose it for its storytelling prowess and the way it showcases Maiden’s willingness to experiment.

2. “Infinite Dreams”

Album: “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” (1988) Label: EMI Author: Steve Harris

“Infinite Dreams” from the 1988 album “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” is a Steve Harris masterpiece. It’s a reflective and complex song, delving into the realms of dreams and existential musings. The progressive structure of the song, with its shifts from mellow to heavy, demonstrates the band’s musical agility. The emotive guitar solos by Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, combined with Harris’s intricate bass lines, create a captivating soundscape. It’s a song that resonates on a deeper, introspective level, which is why it’s on my list.

3. “Paschendale”

Album: “Dance of Death” (2003) Label: EMI Authors: Adrian Smith, Steve Harris

“Paschendale,” from the 2003 album “Dance of Death,” is a historical epic. Written by Adrian Smith and Steve Harris, it’s a vivid portrayal of the Battle of Passchendaele during World War I. The song combines haunting melodies with aggressive riffs, illustrating the horrors of war. The orchestration and Bruce Dickinson’s powerful narration-like singing bring the story to life. It’s a sonic and lyrical masterpiece, showcasing Iron Maiden’s ability to weave historical narratives into compelling music.

4. “The Nomad”

Album: “Brave New World” (2000) Label: EMI Author: Steve Harris, Dave Murray

“The Nomad” from “Brave New World” (2000) is an odyssey. Co-written by Steve Harris and Dave Murray, it’s a song that immerses you in a Middle Eastern-inspired soundscape. The intricate guitar work, coupled with progressive elements and Bruce Dickinson’s dynamic vocal range, creates a vivid auditory journey. It’s a track that stands out for its unique composition and the way it showcases Maiden’s ability to blend different musical influences.

5. “The Clansman”

Album: “Virtual XI” (1998) Label: EMI Author: Steve Harris

“The Clansman,” part of the 1998 album “Virtual XI,” is a song that demands attention. Authored by Steve Harris, it’s a powerful narrative about freedom and rebellion, inspired by the Scottish clans’ battles. The song, featuring Blaze Bayley on vocals, stands out for its anthemic chorus and evocative storytelling. The energy and the thematic depth of “The Clansman” make it a song that resonates strongly with listeners who appreciate Maiden’s narrative-driven approach.

6. “Deja Vu”

Album: “Somewhere in Time” (1986) Label: EMI Authors: Dave Murray, Steve Harris

“Deja Vu” from “Somewhere in Time” (1986) is a song that delves into the concept of experiencing something you feel has happened before. Co-written by Dave Murray and Steve Harris, it’s a track that combines thought-provoking lyrics with Maiden’s signature sound. The fast-paced guitar work and Nicko McBrain’s precise drumming create a sense of urgency that matches the song’s theme. It’s a track I chose for its intriguing subject matter and the way it captures the band’s ability to blend deep themes with compelling music.

7. “Alexander the Great”

Album: “Somewhere in Time” (1986) Label: EMI Author: Steve Harris

“Alexander the Great,” another standout track from “Somewhere in Time,” is a historical epic. Written by Steve Harris, it chronicles the life and conquests of the legendary Macedonian king. The song’s progressive structure, combined with intricate guitar harmonies and Dickinson’s commanding vocals, brings the story to life. It’s a testament to Iron Maiden’s talent for crafting songs that are both educational and musically rich.

8. “Montsegur”

Album: “Dance of Death” (2003) Label: EMI Author: Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers, Steve Harris

“Montsegur” from “Dance of Death” (2003) is a fierce track that takes on the historical siege of Montségur. Co-written by Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers, and Steve Harris, it’s a song that combines powerful guitar riffs with vivid storytelling. The song’s relentless pace and Dickinson’s passionate vocals capture the intensity of the historical event it describes. This track is a favorite for its ability to transport listeners to a different time and place through music.

9. “Judas Be My Guide”

Album: “Fear of the Dark” (1992) Label: EMI Authors: Dave Murray, Bruce Dickinson

“Judas Be My Guide” from the 1992 album “Fear of the Dark” is a hidden gem. Written by Dave Murray and Bruce Dickinson, this song is an energetic and melodic track that showcases the band’s lighter side. The combination of catchy riffs and Dickinson’s soaring vocals makes it a standout song. It’s included in this list for its upbeat tempo and the way it contrasts with some of the band’s heavier material.

10. “No More Lies”

Album: “Dance of Death” (2003) Label: EMI Author: Steve Harris

“No More Lies” from “Dance of Death” is a track that stands out for its rhythmic intensity and thematic depth. Authored by Steve Harris, it’s a song that combines a haunting melody with a powerful chorus. The band’s performance, particularly McBrain’s drumming and the dual guitar solos, adds to the song’s appeal. I chose it for its emotional depth and the way it showcases Maiden’s skill in creating songs that are both catchy and meaningful.

11. “For the Greater Good of God”

Album: “A Matter of Life and Death” (2006) Label: EMI Author: Steve Harris

“For the Greater Good of God,” from the 2006 album “A Matter of Life and Death,” is a thought-provoking track. Written by Steve Harris, it delves into the complexities of war and morality. The song’s progressive structure, coupled with its powerful lyrics and the band’s dynamic performance, makes it a compelling listen. It’s a song that not only entertains but also invites reflection, which is why it concludes this list of underrated Iron Maiden songs.

Fun Facts: Underrated Iron Maiden Songs

3. “Paschendale”

• Inspiration from History: “Paschendale” is named after one of the most brutal battles of World War I, the Battle of Passchendaele. This battle is infamous for its terrible conditions and high casualties.
• Musical Complexity: The song is known for its complexity, featuring multiple tempo changes and intricate guitar work. It’s a testament to Iron Maiden’s ability to weave historical narratives into their music.

4. “The Nomad”

• Middle Eastern Influence: The song is heavily influenced by Middle Eastern music, evident in its unique melody and rhythm. This showcases Iron Maiden’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
• Extended Instrumental Sections: “The Nomad” features extended instrumental sections, highlighting the skill of the band members, especially the guitar work of Dave Murray and Janick Gers.

5. “The Clansman”

• Live Favorite with Different Vocalists: While originally sung by Blaze Bayley on the album, “The Clansman” became a fan favorite during live performances, especially when Bruce Dickinson rejoined the band and performed it.
• Freedom Theme: The song’s chorus, “Freedom!” is a powerful and recurring theme, often leading to audience participation during live shows.

7. “Alexander the Great”

• Historical Accuracy: Steve Harris, the band’s bassist and primary songwriter, did extensive research on Alexander the Great to ensure historical accuracy in the lyrics.
• Rarely Played Live: Despite being a fan favorite, “Alexander the Great” is rarely played live, adding to its mystique among Iron Maiden’s discography.

9. “Judas Be My Guide”

• Distinctive for its Brevity: Unlike many of Iron Maiden’s longer, more complex pieces, “Judas Be My Guide” is relatively short and straightforward, making it unique in their catalog.
• Rare Dickinson and Murray Collaboration: This song is one of the few where guitarist Dave Murray collaborates with Bruce Dickinson on the songwriting, offering a different creative perspective.

11. “For the Greater Good of God”

• Reflecting on War and Morality: The song delves into the ethical complexities of war, a theme that resonates with many of Iron Maiden’s works. It’s a reflection on how religion is often used to justify conflict.
• A Matter of Life and Death: This track is from the album “A Matter of Life and Death,” which is known for its thematic coherence and depth, with many songs exploring issues of war, life, and death.

That’s a wrap on our journey through Iron Maiden’s treasure trove of underrated songs. Each track tells a story, resonates with emotion, and showcases the band’s immense talent. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, these songs are sure to add depth to your Iron Maiden experience. Rock on!

Thanks for reading.

TBone