This is the first album Iron Maiden released after the departure of Bruce Dickinson. His shoes were impossible to fill, and "The X Factor" is a great indicator of this. Blaze Bayley did everything he could, but couldn't follow on the footsteps of his predecessor. Listening to this album, it's apparent that many songs were written for Bruce's voice, something that proved counterproductive for their new singer. Blaze is far from a bad vocalist, yet his range doesn't come even close to ... read more

"Fear of the Dark" is underwhelming and underrated at the same time. It's undoubtedly better than "No Prayer for the Dying" (not difficult) but again, not that good by Iron Maiden standards. Yet, the more you listen, the more it grows on you. In constrast to their previous release, this one has numerous captivating moments, and many great songs that you'll revisit again and again. It starts off very strong, slackens somewhere in the middle, and finishes off great. Some fans ... read more

Yeah, this is not good. Not good at all. "No Prayer for the Dying" is easily the worst Iron Maiden album, and one of the most underwhelming, tasteless, boring ones in heavy metal. After seven great-to-magnificent works in a row, the time had come for the guys to burn out. If you think about it, it's amazing their creative urge lasted that long.
I haven't listened to this album more than 5 times in my life, simply because it never gets better. Some parts have grown on me, and I have ... read more

If you go to the dictionary and search for 'magnum opus', you'll find "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" as a synonym. Then check out this album. It will take you 2-3 tries before you realise you're listening to the most well-written, well-produced, progressive, imaginative and enjoyable album in Iron Maiden's discography. It's a concept album, based on Orson Scott Card's 'Seventh Son' which follows a young boy - an inheritor of paranormal abilities from his father, being the 'seventh son ... read more

Don't trust anyone who says this album is underwhelming or weak. I'd say the opposite, it's by far the most underappreciated Iron Maiden album. It features arguably the strongest Side one in their discography, opening with two masterpieces - "Caught Somewhere in Time" and "Wasted Years". The rest is relatively weaker, but still amazing. Full of incredible riffs, guitar work, and arrangements. Full of interesting lyrics that follow the album's main theme, which is 'time'. And ... read more

This is a difficult album to rate. "Powerslave" consists of 8 songs, four of which are near-phenomenal, and four which are great but not 'there'. The first two songs, "Aces High" and "2 Minutes to Midnight" are some Maiden classics; great heavy metal songwriting and easy to the average ear. Similarly, the last two songs are the album's masterpieces, with "Powerslave" having one of the best riffs out there, and "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" being ... read more

After the success of "The Number of the Beast", who would have expected such a great follow-up? "Piece of Mind" is as great as its predecessor in terms of music, and a significant upgrade in terms of lyrics. All songs reflect the band's literary interests, such as books, short stories, poems, essays, and films, and deal with a variety of themes like war, occultism, science-fiction, the prehistoric age, Greek mytholody and Japanese folklore. Side one is as strong as it gets, ... read more

"The Number of the Beast" is widely considered to be the best and most acclaimed Iron Maiden record. I personally disagree, but I can completely understand this take. It's the first record to feature Bruce Dickinson on lead vocals, which impacted the band in more than one ways. Bruce's operatic voice gave Steve Harris a new songwriting direction, something Harris wanted to explore for years. The second track of the album, "Children of the Damned" is a perfect example of ... read more

The second album Iron Maiden put out had more aggressiveness, energy and power than their first. The music is more advanced and complex, while the production is also better. Yet, the songs aren't as catchy as those of their debut record, making it more difficult to listen. Obviously enjoyable, with great guitar and bass work. Paul Di'Anno's last work with the band, and guitar legend Adrian Smith's first.
PS. "Wrathchild" has to be the catchiest heavy metal song ever.

Best Songs: ... read more

"Iron Maiden" is one of the greatest debut albums in heavy metal and music in general. The album is characterized by the raw, aggressive power of the new wave of British Heavy Metal, while also displaying a strong punk and progressive rock influence. Steve Harris showcases his songwriting abilities to the fullest, making an early statement of what Iron Maiden was, and alarming the listeners of what the future held. Arguably the greatest heavy metal band of all time had just began its ... read more

Paul McCartney's most recent release was recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. As he himself has stated, during this time, he was playing music for fun in his home studio, writing songs that he didn't consider would end up on an album later on. In other words, "McCartney III" is the result of pure self-enjoyment and self-satisfaction of an old musician. I must say, this feeling is evident in this album. None of the tracks seems 'forced' or 'over-thought', but rather ... read more

Paul McCartney has absolutely no business making music of this quality and catchiness at 76 years old. He just has decided to give everything he's got until his last breath, and "Egypt Station" is the proof. Fun, upbeat and interesting. Despite its length, it delivers in enjoyability and efortlessly good songwriting. Classic Paul.

Best songs: Happy With You, Fuh You, Confidante, Hand in Hand, Back in Brazil, Do It Now

He did it again. Paul McCartney's 16th solo album isn't close to be called 'great', but it's an absolute joy to listen to. Honestly, half of the songs would be considered classics, had they been released 30-40 years earlier. Energized, joyfull, romantic; lovely in every way.

The production isn't the album's strength though, and Paul's voice isn't as lively and clear as in previous works. Obviously, he's aging, but in a unique and 'colourful' way. Respect.

Best songs: Save Us, On My Way to ... read more

This is a cover album for its majority, and hence can't be held at the same standards as other McCartney studio albums. Once again, Paul chooses to pay tribute to his early influences, this time jazz and traditional pop artists. The performances are all great, and his voice at 70 years old sounds as smooth as ever. Many jazz musicians make guest appearances on this album, as well as Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton, while the production is done by legendary jazz producer, Tommy LiPuma. The two ... read more

At this point of his career, McCartney has nothing to prove to anyone. Yet, he insists on releasing quality music like his life depends on it (maybe it does). "Memory Almost Full" sounds both vintage and new at the same time. It's like McCartney takes the 60s-70s rock sound and somehow makes it relevant in the modern age. The feeling I get while listening to it, is McCartney's pure love for what he's doing. I can't think of any other musician having such a creative urge at this age. ... read more

Nothing special, just Paul McCartney putting out his fourth high-quality album in a row, at the age of 63. While others retire from recording music at this age, Paul experiments with indie rock, neo-folk and baroque pop. The result is captivating for the most part. The music is incredible, featuring a variety of different sounds, from electric and acoustic guitars, to strings (cello, violin, autoharp), to electric piano, hammond organ and harmonium, to Latin American instruments. I will ... read more

Wow. I hadn't listened to this album in years, and I had forgotten how good it is. Not a masterpiece by any means, but one of the most enjoyable and creative McCartney albums. The guy here is 60 years old, sounds like he's 30, and is more energetic than any young rock star at the time. An extremely overlooked work.

Best songs: Lonely Road, From a Lover to a Friend, Magic, Back in the Sunshine Again, Rinse the Raindrops (what a great song)

At the age of 57, McCartney rocks harder than his 20-year-old self. No really, this rock n' roll cover album is full of energy and youthfulness, with a bit of nostlagia. Just as Lennon did in 1975, McCartney pays tribute to his early influences, such as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Gene Vincent. His performance is amazing in every song.
Moreover, the album contains three original compositions: "Run Devil Run", "Try Not to Cry" and "What It Is" - ... read more

It took Paul McCartney 27 years to release his most Beatles-like album. "Flaming Pie" is arguably the best solo work of his career. The term 'vintage McCartney' is as true as it can be; most of the songs could easily form part of a Beatles album. Paul's six-year break since his last release clearly impacted him in terms of inspiration. The first half of the album has absolutely no weak songs; each has its own story; each has a different feeling to give. The album starts to slacken ... read more

Another of McCartney's works that has aged well. It's a compilation of soft rock songs and, understandably, it didn't impress the critics at the time of its release. It's lengthier than it should have been, and quite monotonous both musically and lyrically. However, it contains some of McCartney's most underrated songs, such as "I Owe it All to You" and the ending "C'mon People". I believe that, had he scrapped the filler songs and kept the best-written compositions, it ... read more