Iron Maiden: EVERY Album Ranked Worst To Best

16. Virtual XI

As far as Iron Maiden albums go, Virtual XI is at something of an automatic disadvantage as it doesn't feature Bruce Dickinson on the vocals. Instead, this album was the second to feature Blaze Bayley in the role instead and was, thankfully, also the last.

There are many ways to describe Iron Maiden, and forgettable isn't usually one of them, however this is exactly what this album is. With just eight tracks, there are none that particularly stand out. Futureal and The Clansman are without question the most popular, but going back to the studio version after listening to it live with Dickinson, there is just no comparison.

Not only do Iron Maiden miss their true lead vocalist, this album highlights the band's need for a third guitarist. Adrian Smith wouldn't rejoin the band for another two years, and there just seems to be some depth missing from what could have been decent Maiden songs.

It's not that this album is inherently bad, it's just not memorable, and nowhere near the level we've come to expect from the boys.