Classical Composer Reaction/Analysis to METALLICA: And Justice For All | The Daily Doug Ep. 713

#metallica #andjusticeforall
In our first episode of 2024, I'm starting things off with And Justice For All by Metallica. I was quite taken with the songwriting here...especially the descending whole tone motive. The music really does reflect the lyrical content well, and it's no surprise to me why this song is still a fan favorite all these years later. I hope you enjoy!
Reference Video: • ... And Justice for Al...
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Thanks to our friend TIM WAURICK for providing the vocals on the Daily Doug Intro and extended Outro: / @timwaurickmusic
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[@belvedue7892]

And Justice For Y’all

[@alexandremaireno-ni4ec]

😂😂😂

[@paddymac72]

😂

[@109acepilot]

😅

[@KeithMcCoyMusic]

Yessss 😊

[@jordanbottom9921]

Thanks for the Justice.

[@arthurbatistasv]

"James at guitar and vocals; Kirk at guitar, Lars at drums and Jason at the credits"

[@JoelBass68]

This is so sad. Would sound much better if Jason were actually present in the mix.

[@kylehoulihan3875]

@@JoelBass68it wouldn’t though this is the best produced Metallica album up to this point

[@srbaran]

​@@kylehoulihan3875how wouldn't it sound better with bass? Lars, is that you?

[@jasonbodden8816]

It actually would. You have no idea how it sound so how can you concretely say that? @@kylehoulihan3875

[@jasonbodden8816]

@@srbaran Exactly. There's a guy who recorded bass for the album and put it together. The album sounds incredible with actual audible bass tracks!

[@dmr87]

Masterpiece I love that Doug’s hair gets crazier the longer the song goes on 🤘

[@zeller3228]

LOL yes! he's turning into a meme before our eyes.

[@phriendlyAlien]

Do you remember Alf making a Rock video? 😃

[@kurtperner4665]

Notice the unavoidable haed banging that metallica does all so well..

[@jjorissen]

this 👆🏻😄

[@MrPsaunders]

He has to fend off surfers wanting to ride that wave! Lol

[@sandenson]

Despite the bad mixing and the lack of bass, this is easily my favourite Metallica album. The borderline prog metal compositions and the lyrics are excellent.

[@bobsurface908]

"Borderline" prog metal? I remember after Justice came out, a new band called Meshuggah released their first album "Contradictions Collapse", and everyone thought who heard it "Wow! If Metallica releases their new album and it's anywhere as good as this, it's going to destroy!" Then Priest released "Painkiller" and everyone was like, "HOOLLLY CRAP! Priest SLAYED this!" and... The Black Album came out. Justice is prog metal - probably the largest single influence on Djent and Prog metal of any album. It's probably the first proper full prog metal album. Even Sabbat couldn't have released their meisterwork "Dreamweaver" without Justice. Definitely the first real prog metal album.

[@pepper684]

@@bobsurface908 I'd love you to go more in depth in this, I want to say I agree, I just don't know why.

[@frankhassle9366]

The mix is absolutely perfect. Quit complaining.

[@undinism69]

I got to see the Justice tour in 89... Definitely a good time for them live! (Missed Cliff unfortunately being an Aussie)

[@ryanjacobson2508]

​@@frankhassle9366 Yep, nobody complained until many years later..... Complaining about the "bad production" has attained contrived meme/mind virus status.

[@drewbacca1981]

This is my favorite Metallica song. So much going on, and all of it is rad.

[@HittokiriBattousai17]

This album is extremely underrated.

[@sulistyorini2335]

@@HittokiriBattousai17 because it was a little imperfect in the production, many people were unable to see this truly great arrangement. Especially as a reason for the cliff death to degrade this album. In my opinion, AJFA's arrangement is crazier than MOP.

[@Dimchek970]

​@@sulistyorini2335nah ajfa is very flawed, it went too far in a few places but that's what makes it special. It doesn't need to be a "better" master of puppets

[@gtrpimp76]

Agreed! Best Metallica song IMHO!

[@smanzoli]

I got this album in the month it was released... and i already owned all albums prior to it... I do like Metallica (not in my Top50 Metal bands but I do like it) but this song is not in my Top20 Metallica songs. But it's nice people enjoy it so much!

[@williamscolaro1159]

Definitely their most progressive and musically interesting album. The most use of odd time signatures you will see by Metallica.

[@davidospina-dj4db]

favourite album

[@littlearsehole75]

#where'sjason

[@AdamRobertshaw]

*accidental use... lets not kid ourselves and think Lars can count :P

[@Liam94Smith]

@@AdamRobertshawLet’s stop pretending Lars is a useless child? Half of Metallica’s songs wouldn’t exist without him and he doesn’t deserve the hate.

[@girs666]

@@Liam94Smithabsolutely

[@ronaldwood5715]

eye of the beholder from this album is another classic ..lyrics just as true today as back then as well

[@HittokiriBattousai17]

Eye of the Beholder I recommend to Doug, as well, since it's a song I, for some strange reason, I have been obsessed with for the last 2 years. That song and The God That Failed.

[@almaher8909]

@@HittokiriBattousai17 Is that because of a group of people who love to tell others to "do as I say not as I do"?

[@Doug.Helvering]

On my list!

[@rubemortenson1724]

The interesting thing is that from what I understand, the band really doesn't care for that song. I think it's a criminally underrated Metallica song, thematically and lyrically. Such a phenomenal album, front to back. Pretty sure you've done To Live is to Die, right Doug? Blackened is by far my favorite Metallica song. By the way, you could listen to the versions from "And Justice for Jason". Bass has been added to the mix. I'm really not sure anyone has gotten it quite right. A lot of the mixes go TOO heavy on the bass and over compensate. But the OG "And Justice for Jason" is fairly well done.

[@jamehofmann5855]

@@almaher8909 Wrong song dude, that's dyers eve.

[@TippiGordon]

You know it's serious when Doug either A) pauses the song, or B) takes to the piano. He did both in the first few seconds. This is going to be a RIDE, y'all.

[@Broccoli_Highkicks]

Controversial opinion: I get why people criticise the sound quality of this album, but as someone who is no stranger to lo-fi metal recordings, I do think the thin, caustic sound actually suits the angsty and cynical themes of the album very well. In any case, this has proven over time to be the Metallica album I come back to the most.

[@vlfreak]

i'm much the same.. ive listened to it so much that the AJFJ versions sound wrong to me. as you said, the thinness suits the subject matter

[@zzyy666]

me too! i actually like the “thin” sound and i personally think the overall sound fit the theme of the album

[@loukola5353]

The sound of this album makes AJFA its genre. It's brilliant.

[@markbryant4641]

Me too. But I think it sounds massive. Not thin.

[@kennethalbert4653]

​@@loukola5353 What the hell is AJFA ?

[@filipefreitas1962]

you should listen to “the frayed ends of sanity” also from this album, it’s my fav one

[@yantz8281]

Probably my favorite Metallica album. This was their peak.

[@r.plante2916]

Their most complex and "prog" album; the arrangements are great.

[@sulistyorini2335]

and they're great at smoothing out key changes like nothing happened. unlike the original bands who performed prog music, they were often not good enough in terms of arrangement, especially in key changes such as drastic changes.

[@aurinrakkun8589]

This album is the closest they ever got to prog, and imo Blackened is actual progressive metal.

[@kylehoulihan3875]

This album is more prog and grove than it’s thrash

[@ClaudioSanchezCC]

Most progressive might be "Lulu" for all the wrong reasons 🤣

[@Samford_]

@@aurinrakkun8589 blackened is not progressive metal lol. it has progressive elements, but its structure is basically the same as battery

[@megatonmetal25]

Something that is not talked about that much is the drumming! This is another level of drumming! The toms right before the lyrics start are a genius composition! Love those toms and the entire drumming in AJFA! 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@goatzee69420]

You're right, it's just crazy no one has ever or will ever hear these drums live, since Lars can't play for shit.

[@nuggeth7811]

​@@goatzee69420Now he only makes simple ass fills

[@GunnerSG]

I used to swear by "MOP" being my favorite METALLICA album but as I grow older and my tastes evolve this is now my favorite album of theirs - its brutally honest, beautiful and poignant in its music and lyrics .... this subject matter is so relevant 30 yrs later !! Good stuff Doug 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@lauraelliott6909]

MOP and AJFA warred within me for years for favorite album. AJFA pulled slightly ahead and has been in the top spot ever since.

[@silentdagger1166]

I am surprised with how educated this man is about the band and the history around it. It was a very enjoyable and entertaining video with bits that were informal. I hope the best for this channel in the future.

[@kurtperner4665]

Was a awesome concert, especially getting to hear Jason on bass.. lady justice being built up song after song only to fall apart at the end was pretty cool to..

[@thoronthol1175]

Yes! I saw them three times on this tour and waited out back of the Centrum in Worcester, MA with my nephew.. eventually Jason popped out and spent a little time with us. The shows were incredible.

[@JerryM710]

By far my favorite stage set up for any song on any tour they have done. I got to see it live 3 times. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpPSnHWKeqd4hac

[@jarren32]

Oh no way I've been waiting for Doug to react to this song specifically for so long!!

[@kuplung22]

It's not long.

[@jarren32]

@@kuplung22 TF are you talking about lol

[@michaljuraszek9607]

There's something special about James' voice on this track. It adds a nice kick of energy. Lady Justice has unfortunately disappeared these days. All we are left with is brilliant music that mentions her...

[@thedarkmark8790]

💯

[@Swampster70]

"Lady Justice has unfortunately disappeared these days" Doris is chilling out back a the Metallica HQ.

[@scottpruys291]

yesAH

[@rubemortenson1724]

​@@Swampster70 I'm guessing he meant Lady Justice has disappeared figuratively. I've actually been to Metallica HQ. Not inside, but I've been to the building. From the outside, it looks like just a warehouse building. It's on a road with not much else around it. There's a little buzzer on the door and if you buzz it, a receptionist will actually answer... but they wouldn't let us take a tour. Lol. There's a fence around the side of the building but if you look closely through the cracks, you can see the graffiti on the building out back. It was just really cool to be there. I also went to "The Plant" recording studio, where I believe they recorded Load, Reload, Garage Inc, and did the final mix on S&M. It's not The Plant anymore. It's been bought by another company, but the studios are still preserved, and they actually did let us go in and see them. There was no longer any equipment inside, but the booth was there, and the sound stage. It was awesome to be that close to their history.

[@wc1994]

Lady Justice has been raped just like the rest of us... FJB!!!

[@rocon86]

I love playing this song on the guitar. It's one of those songs that is straight to the point and no nonsense that sounds amazing.

[@TrueMeHow]

it was nice to grow up in a time when metal grew up and started to be taken seriously

[@correctlyrics]

It's such a joy to see Doug as giddy as a boy who just got a new Tonka truck for Xmas. 😂

[@sam-anthonygranell7397]

Nothing better than a metal Monday and a Metallica Monday!

[@peigen7151]

I noticed after listening to this song many times the first two times it is sung "I can't believe I can't believe the price you pay Nothing can save you" But the final third time it changes to this: "I can't believe I can't believe the price we pay Nothing can save us"

[@wm-nu1yf]

For me, this is by far their best album. This is my favorite album from anyone. It's popular now to whine about the bass in the mix, but I bought this the day it came out and it was at least 10 years before I heard anyone complain about the bass. The lyrics are harsh, Hetfield's voice was harsh for the first time, and I think the harsh sound of the music fits the theme perfectly. It really makes me sad that they didn't continue in this direction. The Black Album sold incredibly well, but musically it pales in comparison to Justice. Everything after that just seems like a different band to me.

[@paulgrudowski4383]

Totally agree. None of us noticed or cared about the missing bass. But maybe that's because most fans were high school kids, and now most fans are in their 50s. It was mostly in the social media era that it became a thing.

[@wm-nu1yf]

@@paulgrudowski4383 I was 16 when it came out. I could be wrong, but I don't remember Doug mentioning the bass on the other Justice songs he's reviewed. He specifically mentioned it this time and referenced the comment sections of the other videos. To be fair, I typically don't notice the bass all that much on the albums before Justice either. When the bass is following the guitars, it's really hard to pick it out.

[@somethingbl]

At this point we've all accepted the lack of bass and it's part of the sound. It's so heavy and razor sharp, nothing sounds like it. I'd love to have a proper remix with the bass just to have it, but I don't think I'd prefer it after spending so much time with it.

[@jasonbodden8816]

I bought it a long time ago and I complained about the lack of bass even then. What's your point? The fact is the album would have kicked ass even harder had James and Lars not been such childish idiots after Cliff died.

[@paulgrudowski4383]

@jasonbodden8816 The point is what I said, most of us (OK, my small microcosm group of high school friends in 1988) didn't give a shit. It banged like almost nothing else. If you bought it in 1988 and thought the lack of bass sucked, then props to you.

[@JPablo-hh9oq]

I love how Doug approaches to the listening. Both expert and apprentice

[@rehn1kri]

I’ll never forget the first time I heard this album when I was a kid. It wasn’t a genre I was interested in, but I borrowed the cassette from a friend. I was probably 14? Laying on the floor of my dad’s apartment in the dark with his brown Realistic headphones. He had already gone to bed. I was totally sucked in.

[@JasonSmith-lp6wg]

I remember when this album came out; it was great! I, also, saw the tour - which featured Queensryche as the opening act! An amazing concert! Also, as a former hairstylist, that's a great cut. Give the stylist my compliments!

[@Rikrik1138]

And Justice For All and Operation:Mindcrime were tailor made to be toured together.

[@wm-nu1yf]

That would have been awesome. I saw them on this tour, but the Cult opened. Would have much preferred to see Queenryche. They were at their peak then as well.

[@refugeesus]

17 yr old me spent hours/days into trying to figure out what's going on here... with minimal result at almost 50. Doug within 2 miinutes has the gist. I love this channel.

[@angelomoshopoulos6276]

Hi Doug. The inspiration for And Justice For All is taken by the movie by the sane name starring Al Pacino. It's an incredible song and movie.

[@Cryptic1911]

This was Metallica's peak. Master of Puppets was amazing as well, but AJFA always did it for me since it was more raw

[@traskirata]

I highly recommend josh dubois's cover of the whole justice record on the bass channel. He doesnt mix it poorly like most "justice for jason" videos, and his tone is just monstrous. He also just does great covers all around

[@danbuter]

There's a reason why older Metallica fans don't like (or are just unimpressed by) anything after this album.

[@louisrousseau1006]

That's right

[@robertshepard2117]

I was unimpressed by Everything from anyone I heard after this album. Who cares if there is no bass? Prince took the bass out of the Purple Rain album and that's his best album,and one of the best albums by anyone ever.

[@vocecaiunocontodomalakoi7541]

@@robertshepard2117 Prince took the bass from one song, the entire ajfa has no bass, a lot of songs and sections have no punch because the low end from the bass is not there, i like the album, but god, the mixing and production is garbage

[@rsmith3522]

Yall are missing out

[@michaelstengel603]

My opinion this is a very underrated record. One of my few that I can listen to front to back without skipping any songs.

[@ronnielopez3267]

Facts

[@BFNope]

Its really interesting seeing you react to that introduction and the breakdown of the notes - can't help thinking James and co would have been oblivious to "music theory" of the riffs at the time

[@hawaii2k]

They just knew what sounded "good". I don't think they knew enough theory, or theory at all, to explain why.

[@wm-nu1yf]

I think Cliff taught them a lot, but they slip in and out of key so much that I think they more just go with "if it sounds good, it is good". Kirk also took lessons from Joe Satriani. Not sure if that was before or after this, though.

[@mikestover1101]

Cliff was the music theory guy, which is why all that stopped after this album

[@canman87]

@@mikestover1101 Yeah, it just turned into rudimentary pedal tone and pentatonic riffs as their go-to approach to writing after this album and they've never recovered from it.

[@klmrk9961]

@@mikekautz5953 I think the main thing that Cliff brought to Metallica was harmonies. Plus some riffs here and there. He's is very over hyped. James and Lars (and in the very beginning) has always been the songwriters.

[@AlRozon]

I really feel that And Justice for All is their most technical album they've ever done... Dyer's Eve is by far their most technical song they've ever written. So many time changes. it is what set them apart at the time.

[@fredlaroche6969]

Dyer's Ever isn't technical per say... it's just freakin weird and fast as all hell. The main riff's loop is just ridiculous. They've made much more complex riffs and songs but Dyer's Eve is something else. It's exactly how it was meant to be. There will never be another song like it. It's unique (yeah, ...it's one of my favourite of all time...)

[@Sklen34]

​@@fredlaroche6969It's very fun to play too, once you get the hang of it

[@jacobbradley1349]

By far their best album. Well, to me anyhow. Just banger after banger. This should've been a full album reaction. Shortest Straw and Harvester of Sorrow are amazing. Their best work.

[@wm-nu1yf]

I want to see his reaction to Dyers Eve. Not nearly as progressive as this, but I want to see his reaction to the intensity of that one.

[@KurtGAndersen]

+1 for Harvester of Sorrow and Shortest Straw…💪💪💪😎

[@jaydankoff9778]

+2 For Harvester of Sorrow

[@nicks288]

Such an incredible album.

[@Dubblebass]

Your reactions are phenomenal! As fun to watch as they are informative. Keep up the great work in the new year!!!

[@ericballi4701]

I may be in the minority, but I still love this album. Still my fave Metallica album. Even with no bass guitar! 😅

[@EyesOfFrozenMeat]

Minority? This is critically acclaimed!

[@JVR10893]

Minority? This is considered a classic Metallica album by the majority of fans.

[@TensaZangetsu1200]

​@@EyesOfFrozenMeatbro wants to feel special somehow

[@ericballi4701]

@@JVR10893 I hear you! I became a fan during Master of Puppets, so Justice was my first Metallica released album that I experienced. I know Master of Puppets is normally acclaimed as the 'best' Metallica did, and the Black album was the most popular. But for me, the rawness of the recording combined with the progressive song writing was bliss.

[@JVR10893]

@@ericballi4701 MoP will always be my favorite album of all time, but as far as Metallica is concerned, AJFA is second.

[@jeffyoung8047]

It is so interesting to hear your thoughts as you listen to this! Thank you so much!

[@madman1366]

You should do Inamorata from 72 Seasons. WOW!!! 👍👍

[@irishuwould5185]

Sounds beautiful on the keyboard when you played the intro

[@e1it3assau1t5]

And Justice For All is my favorite album from them hands down. The chunky yet crisp and clean guitar tone just sets it apart from the rest of their albums. on a side note: i think Galactic Funk (live 1985) by Casiopea would make for a great video! i think their one of the best jazz fusion bands to do it and the keyboard solo is crazy!! great video as always!!!

[@mjslayer]

So cool to watch your videos, especially when you talk about the mighty Metallica! Greetings from Brasil!

[@JasonVanderwyk-91Bravo]

I love the Blackened remaster version of this album. As a drummer i used to love putting this album on and doing a play along with it. The whole album is fun to me to play along to

[@beefcheeks9353]

My favourite metal album of all time. Even the lack of bass gives it it's own cold af feeling.

[@braca977]

Classical composer turns into a real headbanger 💪💪💪

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

The song is absolute perfection. Nothing needs to be changed, including the mix. This is their best song and album for me.

[@CarmeloJoseGonzalez]

Thanks Doug, this was a wonderful album. Now i,m 48 and remembering that time .

[@KaroKoenich]

You HAVE to do Mercyful Fate better sooner than later. I suggest "Satan's Fall" - original studio version from their 1983 album "Melissa".

[@lacosbo]

Yeajj definletly

[@fernandogalindo5370]

Yes the Black Album sent them to mainstream but One is the track the cracked the shell and showed the world that Metallica couldn't be contained underground.

[@Nichwar19]

They were too good to stay underground

[@ThrashWarlock]

Thank you Doug. Really enjoyed this one. Classic song. Classic album. Definitely their angriest album at a time when the death of Cliff was still very raw in their hearts. Sending my best wishes to all Americans from here in New Zealand. Peace and love. 🙏

[@SigTheSauceMan]

You gotta do "Eye of the Beholder" next. From the same album, but they haven't played it live since 1989. TheBassChannel also has a KILLER bass cover of it that REALLY brings out what the song should have sounded like. He plays it exactly as Jason did (though he uses fingers whereas Jason used a pick).

[@leoengel1547]

Love listening to you and how you explain meaning and context. You're well informed and obv. have great understanding for music. Also loved your "To live is to die" vid. Keep rocking ☀️

[@williamhalstead3488]

Y' know, I've heard this song a million times, but it never clicked that what they're playing coming out of the guitar solo is the same as the opening theme, just distorted, until you pointed it out. That was cool. Liked watching you break down the song.

[@lagy246]

I love your analysis, awesome reaction. Your enthusiasm when the music does something unexpected, unusual or clever is catching. Thank you!

[@richpeltier9519]

I remember when this album was released and they played a "secret" show in the parking lot outside of Tower Records in San Jose. They didn't get the permits they needed, because they weren't announcing the show and expecting the thousands of fans that showed up. Unfortunately for them, local hero and legendary bay area DJ Dennis Erectus let the news slip. That's how I found out was able to be there. It was awesome. Or was that the Black Album? Oh well. Years later I'd see the same truck trailer that they played on, set up in the parking lot of Oakland Coliseum for the AFC Championship game. I ran and got my buddies and made it back before they started playing. Got to see Bob Rock on bass for that set. 🤟🧙‍♂🤟

[@Henkibojj]

If you saw Bob Rock on bass it was likely 2002-2003 when Jason was no longer there but they hadn't yet hired Rob Trujillo. But there's a leap between Justice '88 and St Anger '03 so who can tell.

[@anonymousee716]

Dennis Erectus is a name i haven't heard for 30 years!!!

[@danielpittman889]

"There's several different little riffs in this." Understatement of the year!

[@Carascoroscovaldo]

The intro to this song is one of the coolest things I've ever heard. Whenever I listen to this song, I make a point of repeating the intro two or three times.

[@andrewwirth3228]

I like the mix. It's so thin, tinny, and antiseptic. It fits the subject matter so well. For instance, Eye of the Beholder, is probably the best example of this on the album. The mix makes me feel as though I'm in a padded room, wearing a straight jacket. You can really feel the depression and wasteland the band was in the midst of, after that bus landed on Cliff. That divebomb that Kirk does at the end of the solo sends chills down my spine.

[@johnnyg666]

One of my top 5 favorite Metallica songs off my favorite album. Thank you so much for breaking it down. So many little details in this song that make it great and you highlighted all of them. Really fun to play on guitar too. 🤘

[@danielmulhern6085]

My favourite Metallica song!!!! Cheers Doug!!

[@catmanduu66]

The title of the song comes from the Al Pacino movie of the same name. Justice was first tour I saw them on. I would see every tour after that up to Death Magnetic. That's where I kind of lost interest. The Justice tour though was incredible. Back when they were calling Jason Newkid. This was there first arena headlining tour. This is where wild stage antics started. For this one the lighting rig "snapped" and came swinging down toward the stage. Later, during this song, the statue of justice blows up and falls in pieces to the stage. We were in the very last row in Joe Louis Arena in Detroit but it didn't matter. It was so incredible.

[@mortsartstudio9403]

I have no idea what hes doing with the piano but its so sick seeing someone so invested in just the INTRO of this song. Imo one of my favourites, just behind Trapped Under Ice, Fight Fire With Fire and Fade To Black

[@helliforniamusic6399]

You explain everything so well. Thanks for your videos.

[@abyglider5130]

This the golden era of lars,, solo drum album for him 🤘

[@Miwna]

Just love your enthusiasm and undbridled joy! I feel just the same even after listening to this for decades.

[@tompatchak8706]

Look at those first couple of seconds when the crunchy stuff hits, and he is surprised by it? I want that feeling again.

[@nathanhine286]

Awesome to watch you here, listen, learn then play along, super cool.

[@GregWhipple]

I dig the thin sound on And Justice. It lends an almost newsreel kind of feel. Like this is stuff you need to know.

[@anthonyp-gx3mk]

Your amazing Doug, you can analyse these complex songs without even stoping the recording or reversing back!

[@musicminute2004]

Perfect song for you, it's amazing you finally did it!!

[@mthawk07]

Master of Puppets is undoubtedly Metallica's best overall album, but AJFA is a masterpiece in its own right with all of the insane proggy things happening. This song has always been one of their "hidden" gems. Hetfield was at his songwriting best on this album.

[@MR-vg7yn]

Definitely not "undoubtedly". I'd say among Metallica fans it's basically a split between AJFA and Master, at least for most. Some favor Ride The Lightning, too... but to say Master of Puppets is "undoubtedly" their best overall is wrong.

[@dysfunctionaldave]

@@MR-vg7yn I'd say undoubtedly is fair. If you're going for an impartial, unbiased view of the albums- MoP is an absolute masterpiece amongst any band in history. The quality of the songwriting, the musicianship, the production, the consistency of quality between songs, the variety- it ticks every single box in being a top 10 all time metal album. AJFA (and RtL) are excellent albums, but AJFA suffers from poor production and messy sound, as well as the songs being just a hair samey. RtL similarly has a lot of similar sounding songs. Those 3 are peak Metallica without question but MoP is their opus. Doesn't mean that some people might prefer another album, and they're fully entitled to (I've always loved RtL) but sometimes lightning in a bottle is what it is. Same with Megadeth, Rust in Peace is always going to be their greatest achievement- some people may prefer other albums but that's unquestionably their greatest work.

[@captainjefferies9047]

Puppets is like third or fourth.

[@dysfunctionaldave]

@captainjefferies9047 it's objectively not. It can be in your opinion, but overall its their best album.

[@captainjefferies9047]

@@dysfunctionaldave It's objectively third. I still put Lighting over it making it fourth.

[@chrissguitarshow206]

I was in the ninth grade when this came out. I started electric guitar lessons that year and this was one of the first songs i learned. Remember listening to this brings me back to 1988 and 1989

[@grantwallace1882]

I am so looking forward to seeing them live in Munich in May.

[@waldgaengertom]

Love you appreciating the - sadly - timeless lyrics 🙏

[@musashik4483]

Happy New Year Doug! Great hair today. I hope the new year brings you great things.

[@metallicoustic6733]

7:37 is peak Doug. "FLAT!!!" 😂

[@shawnbuckendahl1968]

Love the different varieties of reactions. Some are emotional reactions, some are vocal analysis' and here's Doug with his musicality analysis. One of the things that brings me back here.

[@michael_k7356]

No matter what anyone says, this whole album is Metallica's masterpiece. The first three are awesome, but this is the greatest work of art they've ever done.

[@michaeltoland1118]

Love the show. You Rock. Thank you for all you do!

[@user-ij4uv2kd2m]

Спасибо за реакцию, мистер Хелверинг! Любо-дорого посмотреть, как это делает профессионал. Лайк.

[@TheTrashmetal122]

I love when you just use your piano to explain us music theory behind the songs 👏🏻 it’s so interesting

[@Metal-Josh]

One of my faves. I like seeing reactions of songs I grew up with. Watching other people discover these is pretty cool to watch

[@ddew]

I love Doug's videos. It's almost like some validation for us musically gifted but lacking training. I've been singing and playing instruments of all kinds, mostly string and "claviture" instruments, for close to 35 years and I like how he explains things that you just "feel" when playing.

[@wildae.]

loved your analysis, thx for doing metallica

[@DMEB]

Happy new year!!! I love this album. Have a look at live in seatle 1989 for a proper live version of this.

[@Paleolithics]

Something I noticed through a bunch of listens to this song: in each of the pre-choruses, in the small pause after the word “price” - just before James starts singing again, there are differing numbers of snare hits. First there’s none, then 3, then 5

[@JonArtz]

As always thx Doug for breaking down another master piece. U R a wonderful teacher.

[@snworbatory386]

I dont know if ive heard it too many times, but i swear i can hear the bass in their song Eye of the Beholder of of this album, another fantastic song off theirs.

[@jeffreymeyer4848]

I remember when this came out. We lost our f***ing minds! God, 1988 was such a prime year for metal. Glad to watch you appreciate the very mature music as well as the great lyrics.

[@I_am-that_guy]

First metal album I ever owned, 2nd CD ever purchased! Besides the obvious mix issues, it still shines as a classic album of still listen to front to back any day.

[@bakerfrank98531]

This is my hands down favorite Metallica album ever!!!!!! 🤘👿🤘

[@scottpierson4627]

Despite the lack of bass, this by far my favorite Metallica album. I was in high school, and it just hit me.

[@TailgunnerATC]

Its been such a treat watching you become a metalhead 😊

[@blurpledragon2779]

I really enjoyed the way you react and break down the song , very cool !!!

[@troygerencer1620]

Our Doug is getting more metal by the video, the heads going harder and he doesn't even know it. Next he'll be throwing in a few metal riffs playing in church ! Love your videos mate, and your open mind into a different Style of music from what you work with, cheers from Australia 🤓🇦🇺

[@smandez2023]

Love your analysis/reactions! One of my favorite bands and, in my opinion, one of their strongest efforts (even considering the inaudible Newsted). Just listen to how almost prophetic lyrics are as well.

[@metaltildeth6783]

First, hope your back is better. This was the first Metallica album I bought. 'And Justice For All' and 'Dyers Eve' are my 2 favorite songs off this album. Looking forward for more Metal this year.

[@shibainusqueezins6424]

Never thought I would headbang to a piano but I did damnit. I did damnit. And I am not afraid to admit it. 🤘

[@PumperNickel-rz1pd]

Hey Doug! I very much recommend listening to Inamorata from Metallicas newest album, it’s a very interesting and emotional album, I’m very sure you’ll enjoy it.