I came into my love of music via AM radio in the 70s. Lots of "pop"ular music, but in the central valley of California the AM stations I listened to mixed it up--throwing on AC/DC after Barry Manilow, or some Johnny Cash to follow Donna Summer. So I have always had an eclectic taste. In the early 80s, though, I became one of Quiet Riot's Metal Health patients. A tattooed member of a Motley Crue. I aspired to operatic vocal heights with Queensryche and pummelled eardrums (my own, and those around me) riding the lightning with Metallica.

But none of this experience prepared me for the education, literally, I received at the altar built by the knowledge and imagination of Steve Harris and his merry band of Englishmen, Iron Maiden. Here are just 7 of my many favorites, taken chronologically from the extensive Maiden catalog.

1) 22 Acacia Avenue: While the first two Maiden albums are worthy of note, Maiden shows their metal on the 1982 album "Number of the Beast." The hits therein are well known, but it's the band's second career ode to Charlotte the Harlot that gets this place on this best list. If the musical break between 3:46 and 4:51 doesn't move you (especially Harris's bass line at 4:39), you haven't really listened to metal yet.

2) The Trooper: At one time the only song I'd bother to listen to from 1983's "Piece of Mind" (I can admit I made a few mistakes in my youth), this incredible galloping barnburner was to my surprise and joy recently referenced in the novel "World War Z." Listening to the haunting audiobook as I trekked across the wide unpeopled plains of America and suddenly hearing Mark Hamill mention Iron Maiden? That's priceless. Sorry MasterCard.

3) The Rime of the Ancient Mariner: From the first Maiden album I owned ("Powerslave," circa 1984), this 13+ minute epic is an education in intricate, lengthy song styling Led Zeppelin could have learned from. Translating the most well-known poem of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the song tells you the poem's story with rocking musical accompaniment and includes one of the three best screams Bruce Dickinson's ever laid on tape. My dad once walked into my bedroom unannounced as I was emulating it. I stopped listening to Maiden for 21 years after that.

4) Dream of Mirrors: From their 2000 release "Brave New World," the minute I heard this nine-minute epic I was in terror. This didn't sound like classic Maiden. This sounded progressive. How dare they change their music? I'll tell you how--and why--because they hands down make the most balls-to-the-wall fantastic metal there is, kids. Korn is a vegetable, and Maiden is still relevant and revolutionary. Put this song on and keep the neck brace handy. Your head's in for some banging.

5) Rainmaker: Maiden return 3 years after their incredible year 2000 reunion for the cohesive and blistering "Dance of Death." This second track from that album shows the world the Irons can still rock harder than every band that's dared to call themselves metal in the last 30 years. Like hard-hitting songs "The Trooper," "Aces High," and "Bring Your Daughter (To The Slaughter)," this tight set of riffs hits it and quits it like James Brown. The intensity of the tune prepares you for the majesty of the rest of the album, but also gives a glimpse of a little-noticed side of Maiden: dreaming, seeking, even spiritual in a way that's never been quite as obvious to the casual listener. A welcome change wrapped in an intense package that doesn't disappoint the hardcore fans.

6) Paschendale: Another from the seminal "Dance of Death," this World War II bracer clocks in at 8:28, continuing Maiden's penchant for long, strong metal epics. How the band continues to tell amazing stories and make emotional statements about the world amazes me again with each new album. It's this song that started me believing I might not have to listen to their older songs (great as they are) ever again.

7) The Legacy: Written by Steve Harris and Janick Gers, from 2006's "A Matter of Life and Death," this meditation on the effects of war encompasses all that Maiden is: the progressive sound their last three albums have embraced and mastered, coupled with a mysterious, moody flavor and the driving, majestic metal they have always and should still be known for (I'm looking at you, America! Buy these albums!). It's like nothing out there, kids, and that's a very good thing. Phe-Jeffing-nomenal.