(1998)
Steve, Dave, Blaze, Janick and Nicko
2. The Angel and the Gambler (Harris)
3. Lightning Strikes Twice (Murray/Harris)
4. The Clansman (Harris)
5. When Two World's Collide (Harris/Bayley/Murray)
6. The Educated Fool (Harris)
7. Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger (Harris)
8. Como Estais Amigos (Gers/Bayley))
There are some songs where Blaze really doesn't do a tremendous job, some songs where the solos are just bland and some songs with fucking awful keyboard (I think we all know what I'm talking about0. Add to that, the production is probably worse than it was on The X Factor, except here the band seme to have gone for a much more traditional Maiden sound. On The X Factor, it worked, because the so-so production worked well with the dark lyrics and moody song structure; it helped give the album even more a a brooding atmosphere (in the same way the shit production isn't neccessarily a problem in black metal). But since this album wasnt dark, the dire production just makes the album seem worse. Which is a real shame.
Still... Virtual XI must be commended for having the worst Maiden song of all time (at least, that Maiden actually wrote, because otherwise it's be the terrible cover of Women In Uniform they were forced into doing). I can imagine you have a fair idea of what song I mean.
But don't let me extreme negativity fool you. Virtual XI may be Maiden's worst album, but more than half of it is very good. Let's elaborate:
Okay. Futureal. We're off to a good start; great, in fact. It's a short little bastard; about as long as Wrathchild, but it packs a punch. The lyrics are fun, pretty imaginitive and generally it's a nice short little rocker, and a great way to kick of an album.
Of course, any sense of "yeah this album's gonna rock!" is completely, utterly, horribly and gastronomically destroyed by the next song. Ladies and Gentlemen... I give you the worst Iron Maiden song of all time... The Angel and the Gambler! Right... so why is this song so terribly and utterly abysmal? Firstly, the lyrics are rubbish. I'm not talking about that chorus, but just in general; they are boring, stupid and don't spark the imagination like most other Maiden songs. Secondly, the music is not particually inspiring in any way. I mean it's alright, I suppose, but not excatly good. The solos are terribly bland and don't have you 'feeling the power' like Powerslave or Killers. Why oh why there are cheesy (in a bad way) 70's keyboard present I will never know. And hwat was Steve trying to achieve when he decided that the chorus shoudl be repeated 21 times? I mean, it's not even a good chorus. It's a rubbish chorus, and the fact that the first time it's sang it has a little 'x12' by it, and the last time, a 'x9' by it is just mind-boggling. I completely fail to understand the logic. I mean, I'm all for repatition in chorus'... most bands do it, especially Maiden. But when teh chorus is something as bland and boring as "Don't you think I''m a savior? Don't you think I could save you? Don't you think I could save your life?" one really does begin to contemplate suicide. I mean... in all seriousness, maiden have had some dodgy chorus' before: The Assassin, Chains of Misery... but this just takes the cake. This song is almost ten minutes of complete fucking bullshit. I hate it, just like I hate Ben Affleck. The video's quite funny tho. But that said, even the shortened single version is still rubbish. *sigh*
Next is a good song. Kinda. Musically, it's classic Dave, and that's alwasya a great thing. Lyrics are a little dodgy, and Blaze doesn't do a very good job with the chorus. In fact, hearing him shout "Maybe!" is actually quite painful sometimes. But thus isn't his fault; just bad songwriting o nSteve or Dave's part (in regards to Blaze, anyway).
Then there's the real epic of the album, The Clansman. It's a wonderful song, but I do feel that Bruce made it his own when he sang it live. And of course Brandy made it her own when she smapled it in that song of hers. Nah, just joking. Fair play if she liked it I suppose. I heard that song, and it was fucking awful, but I'm not going to argue. She credited Steve so it's all good.
When Two World's Collide is an awesome song. Pretty typical when you think about it; slow start, pace picks up, nice chorus. But it's got Blaze's lyrics which are for the most part better than Steve's on this album.Great solos as well. Next up, The Educated Fool. The quality of the album takes a dive again, although not too much. The song is alright, with decent lyrics, melodies and solos. It's just not really anything special. The same can be said of Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger, which fortunately is not nearly as bad as it could have been., and sports particually nice solos from both Jan and Dave.
Rounding off the album than, is the third and final Blaze-penned track, the beautiful Como Estais Amigos. Blaze gives perhaps his best performance with Maiden, which is a shame because it's the last thing he did with them. Went out with a bang, I suppose. Anyway, it's a very emotional song, with a raw and powerful chorus and a stunning solo from Jan. A great way to end an album, and easily teh best song from Virtual XI (The Clansman is better when Bruce sings it, but the album version is a little lacking).
All in all then, a pretty good album, but definitely sub-par. Nicko's drumming especially stands out as pretty dull, although I beleive I read somewhere that he experimented with some different techniques, and his drumming was triggered as well. But itt is well worth saying that, whatever you think of Blaze and the two albums he did with Maiden, he saved the band. If not for him, I doubt Iron Maiden would still be going. It's a shame he doesn't get the respect he deserves, both as a singer, and for the incredible task he undertook when stepping into Bruce's shoes. Blaze really is a great guy, and I encourage you do try his solo albums, if you haven't already.