There's been a lot of comparisons with TXF. I didn't hear it at first but Celts is a definite Clansman sequel and LIALW has strong X Factor vibes.
I still kind of think the Celts/Clansman comparison is a bit overblown by some, but I do think Celts and Parchment in particular are playing out certain elements of the Blaze-era-style. And now that you name the comparison, of course LIALW is X Factory—can't believe I didn't think of it before. Also nice to see that Steve acknowledged Blaze in the liner notes.
Funny, because I will admit that I looked at the Maiden survivor polls here from like 5-6 years ago as useful guides (as knowing what are supposedly the better songs helps me a little when going in blind to a new album), and I saw that Dream of Mirrors finished 2nd for BNW and The Nomad finished 6th, but when I listened, I was like, "What?? The Nomad is way better!!!"
I think 5-6 years ago I would have put Dream of Mirrors ahead of The Nomad, but I'm not sure I would anymore. When I did my top 50 a year or two ago, I think I had them in adjacent spots, with The Nomad ahead.
I always thought Out Of The Silent Planet was a really good one from BNW that doesn't get a lot of mention. Dream Of Mirrors would be fantastic too if the middle didn't go on endlessly.
I love Out of the Silent Planet. I definitely think it deserves more love.
It would be interesting in light of all the recent conversation to rank
Brave New World. I think I'd go:
1. Ghost of the Navigator
2. Out of the Silent Planet
3. The Wicker Man
4. The Nomad
5. Dream of Mirrors
6. The Thin Line Between Love and Hate
7. Brave New World
8. Blood Brothers
9. The Fallen Angel
10. The Mercenary
The top five are all top 50 songs for me, and 2-5 are extremely close. 6-8 are also pretty close, and certainly strong songs in their own right. 9 and 10 are just meh songs to me.