Bruce Dickinson, best known for being the lead singer of the legendary Iron Maiden, has managed to have an artistically, commercially, and critically successful solo career both in and out of his better-known role. From 1990 to 2005, he released 6 studio albums, 3 live albums, and 1 compilation. 4 of the studio albums (and several new songs from the compilation) were written in partnership with Roy Z, the guitarist and producer from the Latin rock band The Tribe of Gypsies, 2 featured fellow ex-Maiden counterpart Adrian Smith, and 1 with pre-Maiden guitarist Janick Gers. The diverse writing talent resulted in a diverse array of styles over the 6 albums, moving from innuendo-charged hard rock to alternative, to his traditional stomping ground of heavy metal. However, he possesses an undeniably original and unique discography, and is highly recommended to any fan of heavy metal/hard rock.
The following 25 songs are what I consider to be the best from his discography, ranging from fan favourites to more obscure cuts. Whether or not it would serve as a good introduction depends on what one's tastes are; Dickinson's work covers enough of the heavy/progessive end of the spectrum that there's probably something for everyone here.
25. King in Crimson (from The Chemical Wedding)
The loud, heavy, opener to one beast of an album, “King in Crimson” is one hell of an introduction, to the heavier, fatter approach to the guitar-work present on The Chemical Wedding. Starting with a pair of crushing power chords, the change in production from Accident of Birth is immediately evident. Adrian Smith and Roy Z rethreaded their guitars with bass strings in order to give rhythm work suitable punch, and it works well here. Going down below D without using a 7 string is typically a one-way ticket to an awful, tinny low-end; the heavier strings allow the lower tunings to retain a strong edge amidst the distortion. The song itself is excellent; the guitar-work, and particularly the solos, is top-notch, and the use of slide guitar amidst the down-tuned riffing is (surprisingly) as fitting as it is original. A solid opener, both to the album and this list.
24. No Way Out Continued (from The Best of Bruce Dickinson)
Originally from the “lost album” sessions with Keith Olsen, this song is the “sequel” to its predecessor from Balls to Picasso. With the absence of Roy Z, “No Way Out Continued” is a very different breed from the original, with a sound much closer to Peter Gabriel than to Iron Maiden. The keyboard work is unlike any other in a Bruce Dickinson song, and overall the song represents a dramatic removal from any of the extremes Dickinson pursued during the rest of his solo career. Vocally, it’s different from what he was doing at the time as well; it’s got an inkling of the raspier style he used in his early ‘90s work, but at the same time it’s darker, and mostly avoids his trademark vibrato. This song earns its spot on this list for a number of reasons. First of all, it’s different; both from what one would expect from him knowing him to be the singer from Iron Maiden, or what one would expect from him based on his solo work. It’s also got a terrific vibe, and some fantastic guitar work. I suspect not a lot of people have heard it, so I would suggest getting the 2-CD version of The Best of Bruce Dickinson, which contains a number of rare gems on its second disc.
23. Welcome to the Pit (from Accident of Birth)
Recently in the Iron Maiden thread, Nick mentioned Psycho Motel, Adrian Smith’s other post-Maiden project. A person listening to “Welcome to the Pit” might be surprised (pleasantly or otherwise) that Adrian Smith, typically known for fast, melodic work, would write a song so plodding, so sludgy, almost grungy... Of course, the people who had listened to any of the two albums put out by Psycho Motel would instantly make the connection between the Alice in Chains and Soundgarden influenced riffs. Like with Psycho Motel, the guitar work here is down and dirty, wallowing in sludgy, dissonant riffs like a pig in some mud. Depending on your tastes, this sound could make or break your interest in the song. For me, I’m a fan; it’s refreshingly different, and the contrast between the deep, dirty riffs and the clean, soaring vocals is pretty cool. The S&M themed lyrics provided by Bruce give it an additional layer of filth, and H yields another great solo. Cool song.
22. Silver Wings (from The Best of Bruce Dickinson)
One of two tracks written by Roy Z and Bruce to be included on his ‘best of’ compilation, “Silver Wings” is more or less the result of what would happen if you described to someone “Aces High,” and then told them to write a song based on those details without actually letting them hear it. Up-tempo guitar and drums? Check. Harmonies galore? Check. Lyrics about bombing campaigns? Check. Not to knock the song, but it’s hardly the most original thing Bruce has done, especially in light of some of the other songs in this bunch. However, it is nevertheless excellent, with some solid guitar and drum work, and your typical soaring performance from Dickinson. If it didn’t excel in its recycled state, it’d be out of the list, but as it stands, it’s at #22.
21. Gods of War (from Balls to Picasso)
Balls to Picasso is a definitely a mixed bag of an album, seeing Dickinson trade in hard rock for more avant-garde stylings. His first collaboration with Roy Z and his bandmates from the Tribe of Gypsies, lyrically, musically, and atmospherically the album jumps around a bit, from heavy metal to rock to reggae to the latin funk of the Tribe. “Gods of War” is indicative of this diversity; it features a number of different sounds on it, from hard rock verses to metal choruses, and a little Latin influence creeps in towards the end. This mish-mash of genres works surprisingly well, and the song feels very cohesive in its five minute runtime. The song features a number of great performances, specifically from Roy Z, who steals the show with some excellent riffs and a mind-blowing solo. Dave Ingraham also puts in a solid showing, backing the processions with some great percussion, eschewing a more traditional beat for a more Latin feel which works great with the heavy riffs. Awesome song.
Topic: Bruce Dickinson Top 30 (Now Sharing: Wolfking) (Read 23804 times)
