1 Overlooked Gem Song From Every Iron Maiden Album

17. Strange World - Iron Maiden

If you're going to scour through the vast Iron Maiden back catalogue for ballads from the heavy metal giants, you'll be searching for a long time with little reward. It's not something that the band has ever done consistently, however they have dabbled very occasionally.

The first of these came on their debut, self-titled album way back in 1980. Coming off the back of the heart-thumping 'Transylvania', 'Strange World' not only showed a side to Iron Maiden that was rarely ever shown, but actually how well the band could write this kind of song.

Outside of a heavy bass guitar presence otherwise unheard of in a song like this, there is very little in 'Strange World' to indicate that it is an Iron Maiden song. No galloping choruses, dualling guitars, air siren vocals, or particularly deep, thought-provoking lyrics, and in the mix with the likes of 'Running Free', 'Phantom of the Opera', 'Transylvania', and 'Iron Maiden', it's easy to see why this song doesn't get the same recognition.

And yet, it is a genuinely impressive, unique outing that too often gets lost among the more famous of the Paul Di'Anno era.