Virtual Xi

Iron Maiden | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 24, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Cmc International
• ASIN: B0000061R9
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (74 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,638 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Futureal

2. The Angel and the Gambler

3. Lightning Strikes Twice

4. The Clansman

5. When Two Worlds Collide

6. The Educated Fool

7. Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger

8. Como Estais Amigos

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars For Completists Only!!, October 27, 2004

By 

Graboidz (Westminster, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Virtual Xi (Audio CD)

I could live with X Factor, you could tell that it was an Iron Maiden album with a different lead singer. Musically, X Factor followed the Iron Maiden formula, and though not every song worked there was some enjoyable music found on the disk. But on Virtual XI you would have a hard time identifying what band it is playing this music! None of the songs have the familiar Maiden sound, and Maiden trademarks, like Steve Harris' standout bass lines, and the great back and forth between guitarists found on all other Maiden albums, the bands signature is absent. Blaze Bayley, while a competant lead singer, does not have the power or passion that Dickinson or Di'Anno had, vocals that a band like Iron Maiden requires. The songs are repetitive and Blaze's weaknesses shine on songs like "Lightning Strikes Twice" and "Angel and the Gambler". Repetitive choruses, 3 minute songs stretched to 6 minutes plus, make Virtual XI a bore to listen to. I am sure I will get slammed by a handful of Maiden loyalists who think simply because the name of the band is on the disk it rates higher than 1 star...but...as a true fan of the band, and being honest with myself, I would never recommend this disk to anyone, unless you feel you have to own every album the band produced.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just give this album a fair go!, May 10, 2007

By 

marc milton-talbot (new zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Virtual Xi (Audio CD)

I have all Iron Maiden's/Dickinson's albums,and I think that Virtual XI aint half bad:a very enjoyable listen in fact.Lets face it:nobody is going to measure up to Bruce,so quit comparing.Anyway,if Blaze is so bad,why are the prices for new and used here holding up so well.It's all about supply and demand after all.I see Bruce's albums aren't holding up so well in some cases as regards price.Blaze's voice here is an improvement on The X Factor which wasn't as bad as it was painted either.In my humble opinion,Maiden's worst album was Killers:Paul Di Anno[Originally Andrews.What's in a name huh?]had an atrocious voice.I'd rather listen to Blaze Bayley anytime thanks.Obviously,if you listen to Blaze straight after a Bruce album you will need to adjust;but if you play one when you haven't listened to Bruce for a time,it sounds great.I think that The X Factor got such a bad press that hardly anybody bothered to hear it or Virtual XI for themselves before damning them.You have to make up your own mind up and not take the "experts" word for it.You're missing out on an underated Maiden album whose musicianship and music are still first class Maiden.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars "A" for effort..., January 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Virtual Xi (Audio CD)

This album is a momumental improvement over the utterly negligable X-Factor ('94), but is still subpar coming from the genius of Steve Harris, Dave Murray and Nicko McBrain. The two tracks worthy of the Iron Maiden name are "The Clansman" and "Futureal"; the other six songs are so-so, which places them well ahead of The X-Factor album, but nowhere near the level of Somewhere in Time, Number of the Beast, Killers...well, you get the idea. Get it if you rever Harris, Murray, and McBrain as demigods as I do, otherwise wait until they get rid of Gers and Bailey (rhythm guitar; vocals) before buying another Maiden ablum.