Iron Maiden's GREATEST Opening Track? 

I was around 16 or 17 and in high school when this album came out. There’s such a difference between going back after the fact as opposed to being there in the moment, in the sense of how something is perceived as part of a total life and world landscape - in this case, 1986. In may be unpopular and even inconceivable to say this to the fanbase, particularly the younger demographic therein, but my memory of Somewhere in Time’s reception in my corner of the ‘86 metal word was lukewarm-to-disappointing. EVERYTHING in the mid-80s was synths. You couldn’t escape them. In the metal world, we’d endured Turbo and - while personally, I liked it - most of my metal friends simply abandoned Judas Priest. I was always more open to different musical approaches, even very commercial ones like Turbo, but most of the metal crowd I knew had been pulled hard to the Metallica/Megadeth/Testament/Metal Church/King Diamond type of sound, that aggression and imagery. So when Somewhere in Time came out, lots of them looked at it as Iron Maiden’s Turbo. Of course, it’s not, but remember - these are 1986 teenagers I’m talking about. I do remember a lot of us liked the Wasted Years video and they seemed to buy into that song, to an extent, even though it had that huge 80s pop chorus. They still loved Adrian’s open E string Lick of the Beast that defines the song. In fact, most of us were guitar players, and figuring out how to play that became required learning. But after a listen or two, the album was mostly shelved. Admittedly, even that young version of me found the album, overall, a little cold and unmemorable relative to the five studio albums that proceeded it. At almost 54 now, I see things differently, but that’s a different story. I remember a lot of the more hardcore metal guys being in disbelief, visibly frustrated, not understanding how a band that wrote “The Number of the Beast”, “The Trooper” And “2 Minutes to Midnight” expected them to think a song about jogging was cool. Even now, old me loves the music and vocal melodies on “Loneliness”, but still can’t connect with it lyrically. And old me still isn’t much of a fan of “Heaven Can Wait”, but it’s okay. But I understand and love the album as a whole now. Removed from the peripheral 1980s noise it was released into and me being relatively evolved from that confused teenager, I see, feel and hear its artistry now. A lot of the record felt cold and impenetrable then, but that - as Nico said here - is by design. Many of the songs are designed to evoke those 80s Blade Runner atmospherics. Even the hard pivot from Powerslave’s more traditional guitar tones to the more processed, compressed, “futuristic” (for 1986) tones of SiT lend themselves to this. So yeah, I took the long way around to warming up to this album, but I fully got there by the late 90s. Age is such a double-edged sword, but it certainly helped me appreciate the cinematic atmospherics of Satellite 15 and then get stranded in space, lost without trace in 2010 - when the guys finally decided to return to an overall science fiction theme for the first time since 1986. Thanks for the video, Nico ✌🏻

Adrian and Dave: How much chorus would you like on the guitars, Steve? Steve: YES!

Best album of all time for me.

First, thank you for having the balls to actually say "ghetto blaster," the actual name for it. Second, I clearly remember myself and a few friends dying in waiting for the album release to see what they could possibly follow up Powerslave with. Then we spent ages scanned the whole cover, front and back, to pick up all the cool references. Suddenly, we hear that first big bass chord with the synth, and we all go "Whaaaat the fuuuucckk...." We were just about to be 14 at the time. It was the fastest gallop we'd ever heard Maiden play, and every part of the song just kept bringing things up another notch.

The way Dave and Adrian play together just intertwine masterfully and the way Steve and Nico fill the backbone and Bruce brings it home. There's nothing like it there in a league of their own.

My favourite album is Somewhere in time followed by A matter of life and death. And this year me and my son are gonna hear some of these great SIT songs live for the first time ever.

Loneliness of the Long distance runner is another killer Jam. The intro is just brilliant.

the complexity of this song makes it amazing... every solo in this album is a masterpiece, that's why i love this album and this song is among my top 5 from the band

I 100% agree.. it still sounds totally awesome, futuristic and impressive even now

My favorite album, and one of my favorite solos by Adrian Smith. That solo ending always gives me goosebumps

Somewhere In Time is Maidens best album. It hits on all warp drives

This, Moonchild and The Wicker Man are my absolutely fav Maiden album openers..

My favourite Maiden album, not surprising as I started listening to music in the early 80s by listening to synth music. As I progressed to rock music this album stood out immediately when my friend first played it to me. Still a regular listen for me.

Back when that came out, I bought the vinyl and wore that thing out! Until I knew every little drum fill and stray lick and each little thing Bruce sang. I loved it because it was different than the previous albums but still firmly Iron Maiden.

Love this song. Quite upbeat. I think it would be perfect for opening the shows at Future Past Tour.

Somewhere in Time is not only the best Maiden album, it's the best metal album in the history of mankind.

Thanks a lot. Has my favorite Adrian solo!

I'm just dreaming in hope that when they come to open the future past tour, we're treated to this opening harmony screaming at us. Opening a concert with this, to me, is a statement. "We are Iron Maiden, you're going to have the best 2 hours of your year". I'm sure they'll play it, but I need to hear this live before the boys call it a day.

Caught somewhere in time the song is a statement of intent no doubt. The best album opener by far, the band is clearly pushing its limits on this track. Adrian Smiths solo is a ripper, favourite solo to play next to stranger in a strange land ;)

100% best opener ever, and as you say groundbreaking with the synths. I think it set up the next album Seventh Son perfectly too. Senjutsu comes close as an opener too imo. Somewhere in time though, the guitar duels of Dave and Adrian are just phenomenal, they bounce off and with each other so masterfully from 1st song to last.

Always love these breakdowns as you can hear more clear what is going on within each part of the song and each player😃. Makes you like the songs even more and give an insights of how to play them, and maybe also how to compose similarly. I am waiting for the big announcement that you've mentioned during the live video- I hope this will be your IM guitar course or something like that🤞🏻😁🤞🏻

A topic best discussed over many, many beers I think 😂 The highlight of this for me has always been Nicko’s drumming throughout the instrumental section. It’s incredible how he drives the changes in rhythm behind the solos.

Somewhere in time, man. I agree wholeheartedly.

You can build a whole Sci-Fi IP just around this song. I love it!

Their best and most under rated album

YES! Caught somewhere is definitely my favorite on the album and one of the best openers for me. Only behind the wicker man

I remember how they wrote this album: doing nothing but going to pubs on some island in the middle of winter, for few weeks. And then remebered they have to write album, so they did it in 2-3 weeks. amazing

I remember the first time I played the somewhere in time album as a kid it was like nothing else it was so futuristic sounding. The album cover just drew me in I remember staring at it for ages before I played it. Your right Nico what an opening track Steve's bass Dave and Adrian play that riff wow its like I'm transported to another world or 'time'. I think the whole track list on somewhere in time just blends so well. How the title track fades then wasted years comes in outstanding. Cheers again for the memories Nico

This content is amazing

For some reason I overlooked this song for some time when I first discovered Maiden… but man, nowadays is one of my favorites, what a masterpiece! Adrian’s solo is one of the “funniest” ones to play

One of their bast tracks tbh

It’s a killer opening track, that said Maiden rarely have bad album openers.

I love this that C and Am pre chorus riff and ofc Adrian's solo

Totally agree! Best Maiden album and best Maiden OT ever. I also agree sentence by sentence with everything you've said about your feelings with the album...same vibes too!

Long time coming - So good to see focus on this amazing album. Nice one!

really hope they open the show this year w this track

I always think of this album as the Adrian smith album, his work on SIT is just fantastic

This is awesome, Nico, this is pretty much a COLLEGE LEVEL CLASS on one of my favorite songs ever!!!!

By far my favorite Iron Maiden album. The songwriting, the production, the performances.... it's absolute perfection! The guitar tones are unreal!

I was blown away the first time I've heard this song and the fact it wasn't on the 'best of the beast' compilation. What an epic song and album, Somewhere in time is really amongst their best stuff.

Can't wait for the Time Machine tour, I'm just hoping Adrian plays all of his solos live. I know Janick will take the Heaven Can Wait solo but really want to see Adrian playing the solos to Caught Somewhere In Time and Alexander The Great (assuming they will play them!) as this entire album was a highlight reel from Mr. Smith!

The guitar sound in Stranger in a strange land is monstrous. You have the guitar tone perfectly set to 'Maiden.'

Finally video about my favourite maiden song! This is probably the hardest maiden song to play on bass because of the tempo. Awesome video as always!

Caught Somewhere in TIme is an excellent Album/opening song. That being said, Nikko, you are wrong about this being your favorite. Your favorite opening song is actually Aces High. If you listen closely you will hear that Caught Somewhere in Time is merely an advanced version of Aces High. Therefore, this Makes Aces High your favorite. Seriously, I love the content. Youve brought fresh thoughts to a band/music that I adore.

Excellent lesson on one of the greatest songs of all time. I thought I had figured out the song but there were a few parts that I wasn't quite right on. Thanks for the in depth breakdown.

It's got to be my favourite maiden album also. I dont have your knowledge of music theory but I know what sounds good and the first time I heard this album I was blown away also for one of the best album covers ever.

For me, Somewhere in time and Seventh Son are tied for my all time favorites. It used to be that SIT was second but I changed my mind over the years..

this song has arguably the best one two punch murray/smith guitar duel/solo in the band's catalog

Great to see this monster of a track get some appreciation!

Fantastic breakdown. I know drums aren't the focus here, but it's worth noting that Nicko's masterful performance (particularly his machine-gun right foot) is an indispensable part of this composition.

It's such a great album. I bought it on the day of release in Sept 86. I really gave it a good listen a couple of weeks later whilst the cold rain fell outside the window. Made me think about the nature of Time, and why we should seize the day. The cover art is brilliant. Cheers.

Bruce vocals on the chorus gives me the goosebump. It was excellent vocal performance.

As majestic as the song. This call for a follow-up video with the solo details, including the rhythmic part, which is interesting in the choice of chords. Grazie come sempre Nico!

Totally agree with everything you said about the album and it's opener song. 👌👌👌 To be honest the whole album is a Maiden Masterpiece. Essentially every melody in this album talk to me. 🤘🤘🤘

I love these kinds of videos because I realize there is so much in the song that I’ve missed. It’s fun to go back and listen to the song after watching the video. CSiT is so dreamy and perfect from beginning to end. It takes you right back to 1986, yet is timeless at the same time. It showcases why Dave and Adrian were such a strong guitar duo. It’s that “mental thing” that Adrian has talked about. Their chemistry was just off the charts. Still mind blowing after all of these years. And Bruce’s vocals on SiT are my favorite compared to any other Maiden album that he’s done. (I know not everyone feels that way).

this song also has the best guitar solos. it's a bloody jewel!

I'm about to watch this, but even before I felt like comment one point: the bass here is the hardest to play, as far as speed and endurance. Almost 180bpm, which in the 2 finger gallops amount to 9 fingers hitting the really heavy gauge string per second, 540 fingers per minute, and full song almost 4.000 fingers hitting the rotosound's 'heavy metal'!!!!!! Insane and unreal!!!!! Everything in this track is awsome, just like Somewhere in Time whole album. Thank you for this video Nico, I got so excited that I liked It and shared it's link to my band mates even before watching It! UP THE IRONS BLOOD BROTHERS!!!

I bought the 12" picture disc of "Stranger in a Strange Land" on a whim based on a school friend's recommendation. I was 15 at the time and was blown away within seconds of playing it. All I knew of Iron Maiden in 1986 was what I remembered from listening to the charts on the radio back in 1982 and hearing "Run to the Hills" - but, although I liked it, I never owned a record player back then or had any sort of means of buying it at the time. As I got older any birthday/Christmas money in those days went on buying Queen's back catalogue on cassette. However, as soon as I could, I bought "SiT" and like most kids spent hours both listening to and looking at the cover's artwork. Then I started buying Maiden's back catalogue and discovered earlier stuff I found more to my "newly acquired" Metal taste. Stranger will always be my favourite Maiden song. But these days, in my 50's, the only Maiden album I play in it's entirety is "Seventh Son..." which is only ever played on my own in my motor.

CSIT is an absolutely colossal opening track, I remember the first time I heard CSIT from a battered old cassette tape and it really did transport me to another dimension, I'd literally never heard anything like it, ever! The other really important fact about this album is that Adrian and Bruce both had really strong songwriting contributions on it, probably more than any other album. You can really hear the difference in all the 1990's IM stuff where the songwriting and songs are nowhere near as strong.

Exactly the best opener! Feels like The Millenium Falcon is jumping into hyperspace. Love for Iron Maiden and Star Wars joined at some point in my childhood))) Pace of the track, marvellous guitar melodies and bass line, insane vocals and amazing drumming - every beat is in its place. It took some years to realise all the layers of the track. My first Maiden album. My favourite one still. 🎸👍🙏🤘✌️🔥🤪😎

From Caught Somewhere in Time all the way to Alexander the Great, it's always a treat to indulge in this album from beginning to end. Thank you for the in depth breakdown of this classic and legendary album.

This is my favorite Iron Maiden sound: deliciously melodic, fast, catchy, strong. In essence, the epitome of power metal.

Songs , album, time when it was made, for me was greatest!! 1986,'87,'88(when other gem was made - Seventh son...)!!! That was by some of us maybe best period of band's inspiration for making songs!! And this is FANTASTIC VIDEO that proof it!!! My friend you just did what someone should do long time ago... To show, to prove that this song is something unique and special!!!

Couldn't agree more, mate! Excellent analysis.

Hi Nico! To me is on top3 maiden song ever with the wicker man and seventh son, and this is the second best opener/starter ever right after the wicker man

The things that make Somewhere in Time so cool, other than the cool melodies themselves: 1) The use of unwound strings to create that futuristic, metallic sheen 2) Adrian's use of palm-muting and boxed scaled patterns to create the modern, futuristic sound (which he also continued to employ heavily on Seventh Son of a Seventh Son) 3) Chorus (and also reverb and delay) 4) Inverted harmonies 5) Tripple harmonies 6) Bruce's big voice and the big legato vocal melodies (Ruuuuuuun on and onnnnnnnnn...) 7) Guitar synth for string washes behind guitar harmonies 8) Gallien-Krueger 250ML amps

Really love your explanations both musically and thematically. You really nail it :D And not to mention, it's my favorite Maiden album. Any chance you can share that sweet JP DSP tones you're using for the rhythm and leads?

nice memories. because i was young and didn‘t have much money to buy many records, i just had somewhere in time and live after death. and played those two every day for months. i still can play every song and sing all the lyrics. fun times.

Absolutely fantastic. First I’ve said my favorite album is Somewhere in Time. Masterpiece. Your attention to detail is second to none. See the song dissected and analyzed. Yes! Wow. So cool to after playing guitar, bass, drums and piano for 35 years or so, if so great to know that what I was listening to at 8-12 years old and on , and becoming A decent musician that it was and will always be good music. That is Iron Maiden. I’ve said if there is a Heaven I hope we can listen to Iron Malden forever. What a great collaboration of genius minds. 🙏🙏🙏

Is the perfect album, my favourite also.

Caught somewhere in time blowed my mind up as a kid....i remember a friend of my brother forget this cd at home and i put it into the stereo...while i was stil looking at the artwork the cd started and i was captured instantly!! i will never forget that moment ...best opener ever! 2 place be quick or be dead 3 moonchild in my opinion!!....up the irons guys!! sorry for my english

Wow, Nico! As always just another fantastic breakdown of a classic Maiden track...Somewhere In Time is one of my favorite records to!

Life defining album and opening track. They also opened with it the concerts somewhere on tour. Which was my first live concert in the fragile age of 12. It just blew my mind.

This is one of my favorite songs ever!!!!!

My favorite Maiden album as well! Feel similar, Nico! Just love the unique sound/vibe of the album. It was actually the first Iron Maiden album I bought new as it came out.

I completely agree ! Caught Somewhere in time , I think is quite different from the other Iron Maiden albums , the sounds are ethereal , the riffs are really strong and the production is incredible considered how old is this album!!!! This is one my favored Albums ever!

This is the most exhaustive and comprehensive analysis of 'Caught Somewhere In Time' on RU-vid. BRAVO! And thank you for your hard work and for taking the time to dissect and demonstrate the layers upon layers of amazing playing and beautiful arrangements featured in this grand opening song. In my opinion, 'Somewhere In Time' is IRON MAIDEN's most accomplished and consistent studio album. Derek RIGGS' futuristic artwork, inspired by BLADE RUNNER, is also a masterpiece in its own right. Adrian SMITH is the definitive MVP on 'Somewhere In Time'. I became a huge fan of IRON MAIDEN one year after 'Seventh Son Of The Seventh Son' was released; however, the album that resonates the most with me is 'Somewhere In Time'. I appreciate how many early fans were insulted with IRON MAIDEN's use and introduction of guitar synths. The guitar synths on SIT don't distract, they supplement the amazing songwriting and beautiful arrangements.

I feel exactly the same about this album, which is my absolute favorite iron maiden album. It really makes me travel while listening to it

Perfect album! The synths didn't sit well with a lot of people back then, but I thought they filled things in nicely.

Amazing.... The band, the album, the song, Nico's playing and explanation, everything! Perfect!! 🤘

This is my favorite Maiden album too...I was floored when it came out...This tour was the 3rd of the 7 times I've seen Maiden..."Up the Irons".....Great video Brother!!!🤘👍🤘

great video! I love this song

Freakin amazing as always! The breakdown of all the different parts and components that make up this classic. I saw the Somewhere in Time tour in LA when I was 23 and it blew my mind! So freakin fast - so freakin good. Dave was my favorite player but his speed was incomprehensible as I had only been playing guitar for a couple of years. Then I saw Adrian Smith. His solos and the rest of his guitar work was on a completely different level. Stranger in a Strange Land and Wasted Years were like a drug I needed every day. Years later I had a 6 cd changer in my car and Powerslave (the Duelist and Flash of the Blade!), Somewhere and Live After Death Never left the changer for 7 years - til the car was totaled.

Remember both first listening to the album and the tour... Some where a bit sceptic about the guitar synth, but for me, the album is the best closely followed by Powerslave. The guitar work on Somewhere in time is just stellar, Dave Murray plays great but Adrians solos are just bangers.

yup. my favorite too. funeral jam for sure.

Probably my favourite too, from my fave Maiden album. I remember the endless letters to Kerrang! back in the day about there being "no place in metal for synths" haha.

Hey Nico, I saw the Somewhere in Time tour. Summer 1987. At Madison Square Garden in NYC. That concert was just as epic as the Powerslave tour 2 years prior. The only problem is that it was never officially filmed like the World Slavery tour. It's too bad because it's a great album and their concerts on that tour were epic.

I just learned Adrian's solo from this and omg I nailed it for the first time. What a burst of Energy you can get after nailing a solo. God I love that solo!!! This whole song just puts a smile on my face every time and seeing them playing it live again made me cry tears of joy!!

Great job. Nico, thanks for the detailed analysis of my favorite song! Like the album.

I also want to add, this is one of your best videos to date. Great production value, love that you've played a bit of bass too, but most of all, your passion for this is so abundant it is infectious.

This was great. You should consider doing this kind of deep analysis in other songs. Thank you a lot!

this song is one of my favorites.. Love the melody and parts, all together everything fits so perfectly. The video is awesome too Nico.

My best opener is Satellite 15, I ve never skipped that song ;) Great video, I ve never put too much attention to the modes they were using on some parts, it s really cool that you explain them !

If the song is great, your deconstruction makes it look majestic! Yes it is!

Nico, this video is an absolute excellent tutorial. You should be complimented by Adrian Smith and Dave Murry. Because you"re that knowledgeable of both of them. You have the gift that they both have!

Powerslave, Somewhere in Time and Seventh son is an incredible run of albums, not a bad song on all three records.

Maiden fanbase really needed someone to delve deeply into all of those music details. It has always been delightful for me, and to see someone equally fascinated by those mysteries is just awesome. Keep up the great work, Nico! We need that!😀👊

While Caught Somewhere in Time is the better song, as an opener, Aces High - for me - is the absolute track in this role.

Adrian' solo on this track is timeless. Also SiT its in my top3 maiden albums ever

Great Nico! I cant wait to see it live!!! 6 months to go. It will be absolute memorable!!!! Love that guitar tone. Will eventually get this Adrian Signature my self some day. Cheers 🇧🇷