True music of the 80s, not just those few hits that are played over and over again, is now often unknown among younger generations. With classic heavy bands like Iron Maiden under-recognized, the same ecstatic feeling that this older generation of music gave its original listeners can still be felt, if just given the chance. 

Iron Maiden is now celebrating its 50-year anniversary, and there is no stopping the current five band members—Bruce Dickenson (lead vocalist), Steve Harris (bass guitarist), Dave Murray (guitarist), Adrian Smith (guitarist) and Nicko McBrain (drum kit)—from putting on the same shows they did all those years ago. With 41 albums and 197 songs to their name, getting started in the world of Iron Maiden can be considerably tricky for those trying to listen to some of their best songs and albums to date. 

Iron Maiden’s most popular album is “The Number of the Beast,” released in 1982, with some of their best songs yet being “Run to the Hills,” “Prisoner” and the titular song “The Number of the Beast.” The mix of incredible vocals from Dickenson and the electrifying guitar riffs from Murray make the song “Run to the Hills” a star within the band and, in my opinion, severely underrated given its pure beauty.

Another one of their best-hit albums is “Piece of Mind,” released in 1983. This thrilling album is a riveting experience to hear, and all the songs have their own special part and feeling to them. The best and most popular songs on this album are “Where Eagles Dare,” “Flight of Icarus” and the all-time fan favorite song, “The Trooper.” As a person who has seen this song live, I can say from experience that it’s a sensational experience and something that can only be fully felt within the cramped tight seats of a stadium, under blazing lights and surrounded by deafening noise. The beat, the vocals and the drums mix together in a way that can be felt throughout your body and is fully understandable for its given title as Iron Maiden’s most popular song. 

Although many of the thrilling songs from Iron Maiden are packed together from the albums, some other riveting songs from the band to get started on are “Wasted Years,” “Fear of the Dark,” “Hallowed be thy Name” and “Powerslave.” All of these songs have their own feeling to them that bring together their own emotions and riffs. “Wasted Years,” especially, has one of the best song openings, with Iron Maiden’s iconic opening riff. When the song breaks out with the vocals from Dickenson, the song goes from great to essentially perfect. 

For this band, the feeling of excitement and enthusiasm is no longer what it used to be. Because much of Iron Maiden’s fan base is made up of 50-year-old men. The younger generation calls this type of music “divorced dad rock,” but many never try to understand the captivating feeling of the tunes. So, for Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary, try to change up your usual favorite music and put on one of the songs by this thrilling band. Who knows, you might enjoy it a lot more than you think you will, and just maybe the divorced dads understand the hype of this music.