I'm pretty much the same there.It would be interesting to hear what metrics the gaurdain use to say Bruce Dickinson is the "greatest" singer Maiden had. I personally prefer Di'anno although I understand why he had to go. I liked Maiden when I first got into them but looking back, they became the Coldplay of metal.
For Reasons I don't think I've heard anything after Seventh Son so its not fair I do a top 30. I reckon a top 15 might be in order though. I quickly realised after narrowing it down to 15 that I can't be arsed sorting them (except Aces High is the best one) so in no particular order, the best 15 Maiden songs that I know.
Remember Tomorrow
Running Free
Phantom of the Opera
Killers
Purgatory
The Number of the Beast
Run to the Hills
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Aces High
2 Minutes to Midnight
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Wasted Years
Revelations
Die with Your Boots On
The Trooper
(Bonus Sun and Steel)
I remember a lad at work giving me a copy of Dance of Death and then asking for my opinion of it a few days later with the added comment, 'it's obviously Maiden isn't it?' 😂
I'd changer Purgatory for Fear of the Dark though, brilliant when you hear it live.