In 1986, Iron Maiden's lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, was on MTV describing what the next album sounded like and he said, "it's cosmic jazz." Well, 'Somewhere In Time' is no jazz record but it may be more cosmic heavy metal as Maiden evolved their style yet again. Like their previous studio effort, 'Time' has only 8 tracks but clocks in at over 51 minutes. Not nearly as stellar as 'Powerslave' (see my epinion entitled 'Forever Enslaved' about that one), 'Time' is still a decent offering by this legendary heavy metal band.

The dual guitar harmonies and galloping bass are still present, as is Dickinson's masterful singing as Iron Maiden continues their tradition of transforming literature and history into music. Only Maiden could re-tell the literary masterpiece by Allan Sillitoe, "The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner", so exquisitely. "Wasted Years" was the first single and biggest hit off 'Time'. That song has a stirring message about living in the present instead wasting more time searching for those wasted years of your past. The accompanying video added a touching element as it included many clips of the band really enjoying themselves on and off tour.

"Heaven Can Wait" is my favorite track which is a seven minute thought provoking exploration of what it may be like in the moments after death. Iron Maiden makes this one memorable during the bridge chorus, which was destined for the obligatory crowd sing-a-long. "Stranger In A Strange Land" is another highlight that for me epitomized that time in my life. I had just graduated high school and my family had re-located to another city. I really felt like a stranger in a strange land as everything was new to me and I had no friends. That song really captured the essence of what I was experiencing and only made me enjoy it that much more.

Despite the futuristic theme of 'Time', Maiden tackles a historical icon in "Alexander The Great." Overall, 'Somewhere In Time' is not as well rounded as 'Powerslave' but is still packed with Iron Maiden's classic sound and style albeit influenced by their affection for synths at the time. I haven't picked up the recently released enhanced CD of this record, but I know it contains some bonus goodies. Besides Maiden fans, I recommend this one for heavy metal completists looking for solid metal albums from the 80's.

Track Listing:
1. Caught Somewhere In Time
2. Wasted Years
3. Sea Of Madness
4. Heaven Can Wait
5. The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner
6. Stranger In A Strange Land
7. Deja-Vu
8. Alexander The Great



Recommended: Yes