1 Overlooked Gem Song From Every Iron Maiden Album
9. Wasting Love - Fear Of The Dark
After 'No Prayer for the Dying', things did get better for Iron Maiden, but only slightly. 'Fear of the Dark' was bookended by a stunning, full-throttle opening in 'Be Quick Or Be Dead', and the album's iconic title track, but there was still a lot of forgettable filler to get through in between.
In the middle of the pack lie the likes of 'From Here To Eternity' and 'Afraid to Shoot Strangers', which have gained popularity over the years, but 'Wasting Love' is far too often overlooked as just another in the wasteland that is the middle of the album.
Outside the norms of Iron Maiden's typical lyrical subjects, this track addressed the emptiness of loveless sex, and they tackled it surprisingly well. On Janick Gers' second album with the band, this was one of his writing credits and it's no wonder he's been a fixture ever since.
The ballad was originally released as a single, but only in the Netherlands, begging the question why would they keep it from a further release? Despite the slower tempo and the shift in style, there is still a thunderous guitar solo to satiate those fans more opposed to this kind of song, however though it was originally a feature of the setlist when touring the album, it never has been in the same way since.