What a step up from Killers (which I don't particularly like) to this album, number 31 in my all-time greatest list.

Worth owning for the two classics, Run to the Hills and the title track. Just got this on a vinyl re-issue and it is excellent. I think that I would agree that this is the best Maiden album. I have five or six on CD but not this one so glad to pick it up on vinyl.

One of the most iconic metal albums out there. I agree with people on here as it's a great album for someone wanting to get into this genre.

El disco que cambió la historia del Heavy Metal. Iron Maiden comenzaban a hacerse un nombre en el circuito internacional con dos acertados álbumes, pero con la llegada de Bruce Dickinson para hacerse con el control de las voces saltaron a otro nivel. El rango del nuevo vocalista era mucho más dinámico que el de su predecesor Paul Di'Anno, lo que permitió a Harris elaborar canciones mucho más ligeras que en anteriores álbumes gracias a los elevados tonos que podía alcanzar Bruce Dickinson. El plástico posee lo que un buen álbum de Heavy Metal debe poseer; canciones directas llenas de pasión y unos riffs que se graban a fuego en el cerebro con unas maravillosas melodías por parte de la pareja formada por Adrian Smith y Dave Murray. No es de extrañar que muchos consideren a 'The number of the beast' como el quinta esencia del género.

This is the moment my brother got into Heavy Metal and I came along for the ride. Iron Maiden's first five albums got plenty of playing time. This album just pips Killers and Peace of Mind mainly because it had the two tracks that first got us to listen to Iron Maiden - title track and Run To The Hills.

Anyone else notice that the album currently has 666 ratings?

By a nose I will pick this as Maiden's best album. The competition is tough though. They were on a roll throughout the eighties. I loved D'ianno on the previous record but Dickinson made Maiden epic.

I had this album since the 1980s. The Prisoner, Number of the Beast, Hallowed Be Thy Name, Run to the Hills are all recognisable classics. Gangland and Total Eclipse are weak filler songs. 22 Acacia Avenue I never liked, but that's a personal taste issue. For the same reason, I did really personally like Children of the Damned.

great musicianship combined with bursting energy. each song stands on its own. superb from start to finish

79 overall are you kidding me? This album got me into the Metal genre. It is very good. You should listen to it.