What makes Flight of Icarus by Iron Maiden notable?

'Flight of Icarus' reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing Iron Maiden's growing commercial appeal. The song is notable for its thematic exploration of hubris, based on the Greek myth of Icarus, and has since become a staple in metal music culture, influencing countless artists and being featured prominently in live performances. Released on April 11, 1983, 'Flight of Icarus' was Iron Maiden's first single from the album 'Piece of Mind,' marking a significant moment as their fourth studio album. The band was rapidly rising in prominence within the heavy metal scene, following the success of previous albums like 'The Number of the Beast.' This release solidified their status as leaders in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.

How many songs are on Flight of Icarus?

Flight of Icarus has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Flight of Icarus

Iron Maiden · 1983

6 min · 2 tracks · heavy metal

A soaring anthem of ambition and caution wrapped in galloping rhythms and piercing guitar harmonies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Flight of Icarus — This title track captures the essence of the album with its powerful narrative about ambition and its consequences, driven by soaring melodies and intricate guitar work.
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I've Got the Fire — This energetic track showcases Iron Maiden's ability to blend aggressive instrumentation with catchy hooks, highlighting their signature style during this era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Strong composition and craft showcase Iron Maiden's rising prominence in heavy metal, though the B-side lacks the same impact.

What we noticed

The title track features a galloping rhythm with dual guitar harmonies that create a soaring sound, reflecting the song's themes of ambition.
The second track, 'I've Got the Fire,' shifts to a more straightforward rock structure, contrasting with the complexity of the lead track.
The single is structured with an immediate hook in the first track, followed by a less impactful but still energetic B-side.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — First single showcasing Iron Maiden's rising commercial appeal and wider recognition.
Themes: mythical hubris· melodic storytelling· heavy metal evolution
Career context: Released on April 11, 1983, 'Flight of Icarus' was Iron Maiden's first single from the album 'Piece of Mind,' marking a significant moment as their fourth studio album. The band was rapidly rising in prominence within the heavy metal scene, following the success of previous albums like 'The Number of the Beast.' This release solidified their status as leaders in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.
Stylistic neighbors: Judas Priest· Helloween· Megadeth