10 Even More Perfect 1980s Rock Albums With No Bad Songs

The fifth album from London rockers Iron Maiden, 1984's Powerslave is notable for the fact that it was the first time the band had recorded an album with the exact same line-up as the previous record. It's also notable for leading to a lengthy, gruelling tour that nearly finished off the Maiden for good.

In terms of the album itself, Powerslave is arguably Maiden's most lively, energetic album. Key to the success of this release, it's bassist and songwriter Steve Harris who steals the show.

Across Powerslave, Harris penned songs about ancient Egypt, Westerns, World War II and adapted Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner poem into a 14-minute masterpiece of '80s rock. While Harris and the rest of Iron Maiden do, well, Iron Maiden things, there also has to be special praise for drummer Nicko McBrain, who hammers away at a frantic pace throughout Powerslave as if his life depended on it.

Powerslave is brash, vibrant rock in all its glory, forever drenched in elaborate guitar solos, perfect harmonies, and Bruce Dickinson hitting the highest of ridiculous high notes across this eight-song behemoth.