The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden
Way back in high school, I purchased my first album (I am referring to both cassette and vinyl) at Sam the Record Man in St. Catharines, Ontario. What album did I choose? It was The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden.
I need to make a confession, I had never heard Iron Maiden before. I purchased this album because I liked the rock shirts that many of my fellow students were wearing. Did I make a good choice? Absolutely!
The first song on the first side was Invaders, a rocking tune about vikings. Soon as I heard that song, I knew that Iron Maiden was for me. It is still one of my favourite songs.
How strong is this album?
Iron Maiden already had two albums under their belt, their self-titled debut and Killers. But The Number of the Beast was their first album with singer Bruce Dickinson. Paul D’Anno was very good but Dickinson’s style was what they needed to reach a new level.
All of The Number of the Beast is very listenable. There are no real bombs but there are some stronger than others. I have already mentioned Invaders but there some other greats.
The Prisoner is a great song based on the classic television series of the same name. This one always gets cranked up. The song that the album is named after is also a very strong offering. But if you are going to hear any Iron Maiden songs that you are going to hear on the radio, it is Run to the Hills. I also have a soft spot for Hallowed Be Thy Name.
The reason this is an epic album is the trifecta of brilliant song writing, gifted metal musicians, and Dickinson’s incredible singing.
One of the reasons I love Iron Maiden is the intelligent lyrics, mostly written by bassist Steve Harris. Unlike many rock groups (not limited to heavy metal) that just sing about having sex with that next girl. The lyrics often are about some historical event, an ancient myth, or some classic literature.
The music is heavy but is also melodic. They go for far more than just volume. These are gifted musicians can that can really rock it but with some complexity and rhythm as well.
When I recently received a turntable as a gift, I knew what the first vinyl record that I wanted to buy was. It was my old favourite, The Number of the Beast.
Now, if you know me and have read other posts on this website, you might know I am a Baptist pastor, and you might be surprised that I have purchased and still listen to Iron Maiden’s The Number of the Beast. Isn’t that satanic?
While I have attended churches that looked down on rock in general and Iron Maiden in particular, my music is based on what I see for myself. I find Iron Maiden to be one of the intelligent bands out there. And if you read the lyrics for the The Number of Beast song, it is far from promoting Satan worship. I can definitely both enjoy Iron Maiden and live out my faith.
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