“Killers” hooked me in when I was 15 in 1980 and they’ve been a mainstay ever since then.
I’m around your age and had never really given them a listen. Went to a record store over the weekend and found their first four albums on remastered CDs at a reasonable price, so I picked them up. Totally hooked now.
It sounds like you and I are roughly the same age.
My first was the "Maiden Japan" live concert EP (with Paul on vocals) which I had on vinyl.
I quickly bought Killers right after that.
I know that Bruce is considered to be the better vocalist, and I don't disagree, but there is something magical about that Killers album with Paul on vocals.
Iron Maiden hadn't locked in to their formula yet, and the songs are a bit more varied in lyrical content (which I like). Also, the band's dual guitar attack was great on the Killers album.
Rest In Peace, Paul.