Somewhere Back In Time - Iron Maiden 3 Tracks Album Promo Review

Iron Maiden

3 Tracks Album Promo Review

The promo edition of their release of ‘Somewhere Back in Time’ sees the inclusion of three of the band's finest tracks from the 1980’s. They have been together for a whopping 28 years, and the release of this CD is to target the younger generation who wouldn’t have heard their older work.

‘Can I Play with Madness’ is arguably still one of the band's biggest hits. Released from 1988’s 'Seventh Son of the Seventh Son', the song is based around a growing boy’s insanity. The song features repetitive vocals from Bruce Dickinson and is also the last song up until the year 200 with Adrian Smith [guitarist] contributed on.

Track two is the slightly lesser known ‘Wasted Years’ written by guitarist Adrian Smith in 1986. The song is soaked in guitar solos from start to end, with the second half of the song being crammed full of instrumentals and fast guitar work. It features Bruce Dickinson’s unique vocal style throughout as well as backing vocals from Adrian Smith.

Finally, 'Number of the Beast' makes up the three track copy of their 1980’s greatest hits album. The controversial track drew comments that the band were satanic due to the “666” lyrics frequently appearing in the song. Again, one of Maiden’s biggest hits still, it comes with a long and slow introduction and powerful drums merged with electric guitar work. The combination works perfectly with Dickinson’s loud vocals and makes a good song.

Looks a promising CD to bring out, and could attract Iron Maiden more fans. However, the need to make a three track promotional copy seems rather needless as all the songs on the album are already available through their back catalogue. Worth a look for new Maiden fans, otherwise it won’t be anything you wouldn’t have heard before.

Tom Crowther