Song Review
This review discusses the studio version in the context of live versions.
Lyrics - Listen to the Song
After their magnum opus "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" in 1988, Iron Maiden released a couple of mediocre albums in the 90s culminating in lead singer Bruce Dickinson's departure from the band. His return in 2000 saves the song "Fear of the Dark" from the dubious honour of being the last Iron Maiden song to feature his vocals.
It opens with a grand and memorable riff, followed by the first verse consisting of a clean guitar figure playing the melody over arpeggios. The more upbeat second verse introduces their signature distorted guitar sound, and a change in vocal technique. While the earlier quiet verse has Bruce singing in a raspily in lower pitch, the following verses and chorus feature his famous high-pitched "air-raid siren" wail. Although I prefer the music of the first verse, the vocal change is welcome, as his lower range singing doesn't really work [1].
An engaging guitar solo, the highlight of the song, leads to the dramatic final chorus and a reprise of the clean guitar arpeggios. Renowned bassist Steve Harris' parts are noteworthy, although not surprising given he wrote the song.
The lyrics predictably deal with nyctophobia, a fear of the dark, or more accurately "fear arising [from] what might be out there in the dark"[2]. While the topic seems at first rather childish, the lyrics are quite encompassing and convey the subject matter well. And, as discussed elsewhere, lyrics matter less than the music (and the vocal itself, which for the most part is great).
Interestingly, while I enjoy the song, I find it much better performed live, an opinion shared by others[3]. Although preference for live music can be ascribed to a greater connection between audience and performer, or the allowance for spontaneity, or even simply better sound (hearing instruments amplified at high volume with greater dynamic range, as opposed to hearing a simulation) I cannot use these as justification for my preference, as I have never actually been to an Iron Maiden show (only witnessing their performance through live albums and DVDs).
No, one of the reasons I enjoy the live versions because "improvement found one night can inform every performance thereafter", having "a cumulative effect". [4]
Apart from general improvements over the original recording, which may have less-than-perfect production, it also allows for changes and even audience participation. The unfortunate raspy vocals are better, because Bruce's vocal range and delivery has improved over the years, and are in general less raspy. The crowd even sings along during the main riff, an effect which greatly adds to the song.
"Fear of the Dark" is one of the few 90s songs that Iron Maiden continue to perform live. Whether it's because the song is a highlight on an otherwise forgettable album, or because the live setting is its true home is the interesting question. I enjoy it in both forms, but it seems no coincidence that this song was only released as a live single.
[2] William Lyons (1985) "Emotion", ISBN 0521316391
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