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Essential?

Bob | 09/09/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This isn't a bad collection. But I'm not sure how they can consider it essential since 95% of the time it sticks to a rigid 2 song representation from each album. Many times this just doesn't work. The Number of the Beast has the title track and Run to the Hills, both here, but Hallowed Be Thy Name is just as essential, and it's missing. Only their first album gets more than 2 tracks, but Sanctuary is still missing. Space has to be considered, I know, but Powerslave and Rime of the Ancient Mariner should be here. Why not include Mariner instead of Sign of the Cross? It's a much better song. Can I Play With Madness is definitely essential but missing. Wildest Dreams should be here too. Get Best of the Beast (2 cd version). It's getting a bit older now, so it doesn't include any of their last 3 studio albums, but it's still much better. Ed Hunter's better than this too. Edward the Great is pure garbage. Better yet, get all of their albums, these guys couldn't make a bad album if they tried."

The real "Best Of"

Rigoberto Cabezas | Montréal, Canada | 07/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For sure, this is the best "BEST OF" of Iron Maiden.
It's not an official Best from the band. But I think these kind of compilations are not made for fans, it's actually for new listeners to introduce them to the band. Also for those who want to have the "ESSENTIALS" songs. In that point, it gives a "neutral" image of the band (no artcover with Eddie). The tracklist is the best ever. You can't get a better double album with these songs in one package. Hardcore fans must have the entire album collection, but for casual listeners is a must have."

If your a Maiden Freak You Don't Need This, If your a newbie

mario | Palmdale, CA | 07/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well,here we have another Maiden "Best of" collection. So what makes this one superior to the others? Best of the Beast was a good collection, but Maiden has come out with some new material ever since and there are no longer any copies of Best of the Beast in stores. Edward the Great was a descent collection that was missing out on a lot and had a poor tracklist.



So know we have "The Essential Maiden" released. This is a very good "Best of" collection that has all the best hits from every album.



I have only one complain about the tracklist, where the heck is Hallowed be thy Name? In my opinion (and many other maiden fans), Hallowed be they Name is the best Maiden track. Maybe the song is too long to be in a Greates Hits CD because it runs a little over 7 minutes, but yet, they put in Paschendale which is way over 7 minutes (8:28 to be exact).



To conclude, this is without a doubt the best "Best of" collection from Maiden. If your already an established Maiden fan, your only real reason to buy "The Essential Maiden" is for collection purposes. However, if you have only heard a little bit of Maiden, or nothing at all, you need to switch your computer off and go buy this right now! Oh, and one other note, this release has made me believe that Maiden will be calling it quits soon. I just hope Maiden can release one more killer album (or at least a single) to go out in style."