SOMEWHERE IN TIME

I only had a chance to know better about Iron Maiden quite late in year 2000, actually. But I then collected their albums and found out their first five albums were very good. When I got this Somewhere In Time, I did find anything new coming out from their musical creativity - it's just usal stuffs - nothing new and challenging. It's still a good album even though not as powerful as its predecessor Powerslaves. The band seemed like in a stagnant period - or may be they got bored with the music?

Caught Somewhere In Time is actually quite unique which demonstrates excellent Dickinson vocals with catchy chorus. Deja-Vu proves the roots of Maiden's sound with excellent guitar work from Murray and Smith. Alexander The Great, at over eight minutes, enjoys some moments, but unfortunately it lacks cohesion. The other remaining tracks, by Maiden standards, quite boring and not quite good, actually. Wasted Years is maybe only good to be performed live. Heaven Can Wait is also similar even though it has quite good lyrics. The Loneliness Of The Distance Runner best sounds mundane and it shows how actually the band started lacking of creativity.

Overall, it's still good album even though it's not as excellent as the previous five albums. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW