Vocal ANALYSIS of Metallica's first Power Ballad "Fade To Black". You cannot miss this one!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

We just released merchandise! Check out the full line-up here: thecharismaticmerch.com

[@paulcasabona9217]

What are the pins in the map behind you?

[@Babowpbowp]

SUGGESTION/REQUEST: Recovering the Truth by Sunless Rise! You won't be disappointed in the vocal slides!

[@Rendclaw]

@@paulcasabona9217 I think they are represenative of the places she's been or gone to in her life. If so, Elizabeth is well-traveled for sure.

[@joergojschaefer3521]

@@Rendclaw At the 100K party, the map was unveiled...each pin is a subscriber's country...and because everyone at the party was a bit drunk, pins were also set for Narnia, Middle Earth and Atlantis... Any questions? *grin*

[@rooster4906]

👍👍👍

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

James' lyrics are often about the fear of helplessness. Of being trapped and powerless to change one's situation. This is particularly true on Metallica's earliest albums, including this one. Whether it's war, drug/alcohol addiction, aging, or terminal depression, James Hetfield clearly fears loss of control over his life and freewill... and he articulates it rather poetically for a "dumb metal guy". Papa Het is severely underrated as a lyricist, IMHO.

[@wheelz8240]

That was nicely put

[@PedroBenolielBonito]

Whenever people say metal lyrics are dumb (which they often are, make no mistake) I always point them to the words for Creeping Death, which are literally based in History (or at least Biblical lore.) Also, this entire album is a concept album about death in various forms. Fade is about suicidal thoughts (and, arguably, so is Escape), Creeping is about the pharaoh's cull of newborn boys in the time of Moses, For Whom The Bell Tolls is about dying to protect your land (and may also be based on the Hemingway book, now I think about it) the title track is about the electric chair, Trapped Under Ice is about...well, guess...and so on. The only track that doesn't really fit the concept is Fight Fire With Fire.

[@nickgjenkins]

Ya Kirk talks about the song also coming from them being away from home for the first time at such length that they were all homesick and sad.

[@RoyJenkins777]

No doubt

[@whitewater456]

@@PedroBenolielBonito Fight Fire is about death via nuclear war so I would say fits into the concept rather well

[@dreadpirate3152]

You can hear Cliff Burton’s influence as he was musically educated and loved classical music like Mozart and Beethoven. Orion is another example of this

[@aprilk141]

Orion is actually my favorite song by these fellas. Takes me off world. Like many new age songs do, but in metal style.

[@davidemarzagora1740]

Cliff was really the heart of the band..RIP

[@Ares-jx4ep]

@@aprilk141 Orion and To Live is to Die... just.... I don't have the words.

[@williamkoscielniak7871]

Absolutely. The difference between Kill Em' All (where Cliff had no influence aside from bass solo) and Ride The Lightening is night and day. Cliff constructed most of the harmonies and he taught James how to write harmonies. While other thrash metal bands were trying to play heavier and faster, Metallica where playing music that was more beautiful than the rest. Kirk's leads are much more suited to the band than Mustain's were; James has a knack for beautiful melodies, and Lars likes to construct lengthy and epic arrangements. For such a famous American metal band, Metallica has always sounded very European to me. American metal is usually very rhythmically oriented, while European metal tends to be more about melody and harmony.

[@josiebo803]

Orion is one of my favourites... But no lyrics for a singing coach to react to! 😉 I would still recommend a listen, though!

[@flip97gt]

You have to realize these songs were written in the 80's when these guys were in their twenties. Their musicianship and lyrical content was phenomenal when thinking about the time they were at in their lives.

[@daniellysohirka5079]

Yeah it amazes me. I'm 30 years old now and 2 years after the fact of waking up after my 6 week coma from overdosing. I got traumatic brain injury from it and take a total of 25 pills a day, but I now have new found emotions I never knew I had before. I don't think I've watched one one movie or tv show without tearing a little or even bringing on the waterworks. I've never seen clarity in such a way, it's so reliving.

[@nakedhookandfloridaoutdoors]

I couldn't agree with you more. I was in my early teens when they hit the scene and only knew them by listening on the good ol' cassette tape. While their work ethic and effort is unlike most, they are an example that some people are just born with it. If I'm not mistaken, I believe Kirk tabbed out Creeping Death when he was like 14 or 15. At that age, I was listening to them in amazement, not actually writing one of the most notorious riffs of all time. Rock on!

[@braxus6416]

Recorded early 20s. Some written teen years...

[@Zigarius1123]

@@daniellysohirka5079 OD can do that too you with the feels. I think of it as life just giving you a reminder you're still human and the ability to forgive yourself at the same time.

[@MisterW0lfe]

it's amazing how a song like this, about giving in to the pain, the sorrow, and ending it all has kept so many people, including myself, from actually ending it. It hits so emotionally and seems to say "it's okay, you aren't alone"

[@Narmacil427]

You and me both brother. Stay strong. Love.

[@shilohstore6086]

That make three of us

[@jacob5014]

Make it 4 of us

[@lazarlazarov7857]

There is good music and bad music...

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

@@jacob5014 haha nice one

[@QAjimine1]

The classical music relationship with metal is why Cliff Burton was so important to the genre. All the other greats have their place in metal history, but 80s Metallica is just on another level, lyrically and compositionally.

[@edster612]

As a guy who first heard them on an imported album...I gotta say you're right. They changed forever the direction that metal took. For a long time the argument was "Priest vs Maiden" as to which band rocked harder. Then Metallica showed up. :)

[@redrick8900]

@@edster612 Mot of what Metallica does that supposedly changed metal came from led Zeppelin.

[@xenorias9724]

Amen.

[@revylokesh1783]

The infusion of Metal with Classical isn't due to Cliff Burton: try Deep Purple, ELP, Rainbow, Yngwie, Randy Rhoads....

[@QAjimine1]

@@revylokesh1783 I beg to differ. I grew up in the 70s and 80s and listened to pretty much every hard rock and metal band that got independent radio play or had albums in my region. I witnessed the change in metal when Metallica released Ride The Lightning, Master Of Puppets, and And Justice For All. There was a huge leap in the genre when they came out that started copying or emulating the structure of their music. As for Yngwie, he released his first album around the same time as RTL, but he’s purely a classical soloist. Let’s be real, he primarily influenced guitarists. Metallica influenced the entire genre. Look, I love Deep Purple’s stuff, I’ve collected albums and box sets released by most of the classics and greats from Anthrax to Zeppelin and a slew of punk rock bands in between (including Red Hot Chili Peppers before they went the funk/punk fusion route). Before digital downloads, I must have collected hundreds of CDs (maybe a thousand). I worked at a music shop when I was in high school, so I also got access to promo single releases for store play only. So, I got to listen to all the new releases as they were released. I would like to leave you with a concession, I think you are right on some level, as classical inspiration and influence has been around for decades and has made its way into all manner of music. However, since I witnessed firsthand how the genre changed from the release of RTL, I can only come to the conclusion that Metallica’s influence was the hallmark.

[@ResubidorSerial]

I would say that "the unforgiven" is the natural one to come after this, metallica has too many masterpieces

[@jboyz1007]

All three of them

[@mathewiamele3730]

James is a master song writer, he's very creative with his lyric writing and has an amazing voice whether he sings heavy or soft. Hetfield is the backbone of Metallica. 🤘🏻

[@xDivinityZx]

my fav song from metallica, really hope this one gets a reaction

[@SirBilliam96]

Don't forget Unforgiven III! It has, imo, similar vibes to FtB

[@jeffturner2975]

I'm a huge Unforgiven II fan

[@StevieDrawStuff]

This song saved my life in high school. I was bullied relentlessly and just wanted it to all be over. This was a song that just really helped me from that darkness and now, 32 years later I have 3 beautiful young kids and a great life. Thank you for this, I still have goosebumps when I hear this song.

[@kieronmccann5793]

I hear you. I was reading recently how James has been having some issues with confidence when playing live. I honestly wonder if he really knows how many people he has saved with his music.

[@mikesbarn1858]

Sorry to hear you went through the same thing I did. It stopped when I learned not to take it anymore. I would single out the leader and beat the tar out of him ignoring the rest of the gang. Took 3 times before word got around and it stopped.

[@NuurbEnur]

Same, my brother. Stay strong and enjoy your life!

[@ogulcanyolcu8714]

I don't understand how people find hope from songs like these. This a song to listen to right before I end my life, to me.

[@airfixx_8952]

​@@ogulcanyolcu8714 The person that experienced these feelings lived through them in order to write and record the song...... Thus inspiring others that thhey can make it through another day too. Then you have the factor of hearing that someone else is/has felt the same way as you... It can be very liberating to know, despite how it feels in your darker hours, that you're not the only one to feel that way.

[@rmgraves]

"I was me but now he's gone." In just a few words he really depicted how he really doesnt know who he is anymore by smoothly going from 1st person to 3rd person. Cleverly poetic.

[@speez71]

Sadly, crazies will relate to this, not the art, but the outcome of the art.

[@blacklotus66x]

RIP Cliff Burton. He was the classical backbone of the best Metallica ever produced.

[@mitzucelrau]

Can't believe there is no request for a live song with Cliff, but 20 request for S&M songs. Just sad.

[@jeffstrom164]

Cliff was awesome. That said, much of Metallicas greatest, and most popular, music came after he was gone. Nothing Else Matters, Fade to Black, Enter Sandman, Sad But True, The Unforgiven, the list goes on. Lots of people don't like the stylistic changes Metallica experimented with but I love it. S&M was just plain beautiful and Black expressed the raw pain and brutal fight that is life like nothing else before it. Even the lesser known songs like No Leaf Clover and King Nothing are amazing.

[@recyclebin]

Cliff 💋 His fingertips to God's ears.

[@hexskar7642]

@@mitzucelrau RIP Cliff. Some of us remember. Dude was a force.

[@Xxavric]

@@jeffstrom164 dude cliff is all over fade to black ..... to say it came after he was gone is sacrilegious!

[@badassbelt5155]

If you liked Fade to Black, you’ll LOVE their song “Welcome Home(Sanitarium)”. It’s just like this song in that It also has mellow verses, heavy choruses, guitar solos, and etc. But in my personal opinion, it’s just overall better in an indescribable way. PLEASE check it out and you’ll see what I mean.

[@darylsonnier658]

It's my favorite Metallica song ever. Just listened to Welcome Home on the drive to work.

[@dwaynemidson6437]

Yes definitely. Please do this song next!

[@hayzersolar]

sanitarium is there best song they ever wrote.

[@unbless3242]

There is something about the sheer brutal truth of Sanitarium.

[@hayzersolar]

To go further master of puppets is there best cd ever too. I'm a big old school Metallica fan before the black CD from there they got soft just my opion

[@locustkllr]

On the album version, the song just fades out with this crushing tempo and Kirk never stops shredding and changing it up, you feel like he solo's right out into eternity.

[@RhinoTown]

Beautifully said mate

[@madboydaz]

it always kills me, I just want to keep going with it :) - would have loved a 12inch version

[@blitz3643]

@@madboydazthere's a version on KZbin that doesn't fade out and it's just as amazing as you'd expect.

[@Conscious_Pilot]

Given the song's title, the perfect ending.

[@TheGeneralDisarray]

Yeah I always appreciated that too. Because the song is about suicidal feelings, but that final solo is so damn beautiful it feels like light at the end of the darkness, and it doesn't stop, it fades, which implies that it continues on, like life, even if you can't hear it anymore.

[@kylie4568]

This song saved my life. I've had many depressive periods in my life, the last one ended over 5 years ago. I still can't get through Fade to Black without crying. 'Emptiness is filling me to the point of agony' is still the closest I have heard anyone come to accurately describing what a deep depression truly feels like.

[@BatFan1]

The fact they wrote this barely into their 20s is amazing. The maturity and leap they took from their first album in '83 to this in '84 blew everyone away. This is what set them apart from the other metal bands in the genre.

[@deaconblooze1]

That was all Cliff,

[@18hot30]

@@deaconblooze1 and stolen, ahem borrowed riffs and ideas. Clif had the coherence needed and the maturity to put them in order i.e arrange them, but also the music they were inspired by was more mature than oh I dunno Sweet home Alabama in 4 horsemen breakdown for example :D

[@IwieIch123]

@Joe Smith No he had surprisingly little actual inputs on the album but he showed James the way how to compose and Lars always arranged the songs together with James

[@swordoftruth1175]

@@18hot30 the 4 horsemen breakdown is a 4 chord progression and Sweet Home Alabama is 3. There are only so many chords and both songs are in G.

[@LateCloser]

Well, after "Fade to Black" one has to hear "Welcome Home Sanitarium" off the followup album Master of Puppets. It's inescapable on any Metallica journey. Another "ballad" if you like. Epic in it's own right, but I have to admit I think "Fade to Black" is my favorite Metallica song of all time. If you forced me to pick, just one.

[@fadetoblack51]

Agreed

[@jaybird455]

Yep, absolutely agreed Fade to Black is my fav as well. It’s so hard to make a top 10 or top 20 Metallica songs list. So many of them are interchangeable in a ranking system.

[@eldiablo1467]

Helps that she picked their best performance of it, too. (imo) Now she just needs to learn to stop interrupting metal solos. Even though Kirk has a bad habit of going mega improv on this song.

[@paulriddle7818]

Unforgiven has already been filmed ( Maternity leave)and will be out in a month or 2.

[@michalsnaiberg2734]

@@eldiablo1467 not just this song, Kirk does it all the time (sometimes I love it, sometimes I wish he didn't), but in the end, it is who he is, together with WAH WAH. If you think about it, they really are a bunch of guys with very specific traits and mannerisms that make the band. James and his YEAH, Kirk with WAH WAH pedal, Lars who can't keep the rhythm and Rob with his stomping around and infectious smile.

[@darkiee69]

This is one of the best description of a depression I've ever heard. "I was me, but now he's gone" really sums up the feeling of not recognizing yourself anymore.

[@KenRobertson89]

The song is literally about a guitar amp that was stolen.

[@darkiee69]

@@KenRobertson89 No, it's about how James felt after it was stolen.

[@KenRobertson89]

@@darkiee69 oh no, really. Shame.

[@fredwin]

It's just as it never existed

[@smailedog657]

It was "Welcome home(Sanitarium)" for me. Metallica knows the dark side of our brains like few others.

[@FromDesertTown]

The studio version is definitely worth a listen. It's smoother and really sets the mood better. Kirk's solo in this song won him a spot on some magazines' "top x" lists.

[@Altprophet]

Agreed

[@fidacuca]

Man, she described Cliff Burton's influence on Metallica. Impressive.

[@uladzislauhulik8156]

I was searching for that comment

[@ledzep244]

100%

[@mikek9297]

She also gave us some idea of what Kirk's guitar is feeling... which is really funny in a way.

[@beragis3]

Yeah, especially since this song was from the Ride the Lightning album, you can hear a lot of Cliff's influence on this song.

[@redrick8900]

@@beragis3 Influence? He wrote it.

[@KicknAsphlt]

That "classical" feel comes from Cliff Burton, the bassist at the time this album was written. He was a classically-trained musician.

[@labauer5314]

KicknAsphlt, (great name!) Thank you for info! Im so glad I subbed to this channel, shes making this music NEW for me! I've learned lots from her & comments. Thnx again!

[@KicknAsphlt]

@@labauer5314 no problem, glad you're learning new things and rediscovering stuff.

[@labauer5314]

@@KicknAsphlt I saw Metallica live, concert, Pensacola FL. I really like albums before black album. I really like having angry teenage angst to throttle me, its that crazy restless "I'm immortal" misdirected energy. I bought Master if puppets cassette, I love it.

[@stevescourou8006]

Wasn't James's mother also a classical singer?

[@guccisauce57]

Was gonna say that to and he went to school for music Theory I believe

[@simonsays8208]

A wise man once said: "Just imagine that some 20 year old long-haired and beer-drinking dudes have written these masterpieces nearly 40(!!!) years ago..." nothing to add! You should take your time to watch this live in Seattle '89, totally different era, different power!

[@EddieLJ18]

it is by far their live performance that i enjoy the most. jason was such a BEAST, man. what a band it was, what an unstoppable force

[@jameskernan4848]

New York State, 1987 or 88 can't remember too much rat poison.

[@ddcraun]

The And Justice tour videos have no equal. The band is working out the pain and grief of the loss of Cliff, trying to accept Jason as a real member of the band, still in their physical "youth" and not guarding their voice or being wary of hurting themselves and the ability to play the next show. It is all about the passion and release. I really think it was their high point in a live setting before a changing era made them second guess their music.

[@kenyoung9284]

was at one of the shows....

[@Gibby34340]

1000%. They've gotten "cleaner" over time, but they just don't have that same atmosphere they did in the 80's. The original "...And Justice For All" tour is such a powerful performance, even watching it on KZbin will give you an adrenaline rush.

[@timberwolfdan5910]

Hearing the song as a live version almost forty years later without Cliff and with how much James voice had changed and with how much they are playing around with the song almost makes it a completely different song than the original studio version, which is IMO what you probably should have listened to for the first time. Completely different experience.

[@danielhenderson8316]

The best version of Fade To Black was at Tushino Airfield in Russia. The band was at full power with over a quarter million people watching.

[@45ltr]

@@danielhenderson8316 and check out the passion on playing harvester of sorrow🤘

[@kcypher1977]

I almost couldn't finish watching the video. I just can't with James's new vocal style 🤦‍♀️ as far as the band I know after so many years they're probably tired of playing these songs but my heart literally aches with every added or deleted note 😭

[@clintdickerson887]

Studio albums are great cause they fix all the little things and make them perfect but the true passion (in my humble opinion) comes from seeing bands play live. I guess I'm different

[@toddhendricks8239]

Yes totally miss clif Burton 🙏 rip cliff

[@juttaman25]

The Unforgiven is probs next. Maybe even the studio version as the video fits so well. Thank you for this Elizabeth. Fade To Black means a lot to Metallica fans. So much really. Even life itself for some.

[@thrakkanuur]

I liked the whole damn series of those songs, no matter what I thought about the albums some of em were on.

[@Metallica666Thrash]

YES

[@dawns1978]

The Unforgiven 3 on S&M 2 is almost gut wrenching to watch. James has so much emotion coming through standing alone on the stage without his guitar.

[@godslayer1415]

New garbage. Nothing past And Justice - back when James realized he could not sing for shit.

[@MrResns]

Check out st. anger and that juicy snare 🤩

[@daniellewinkelspecht8356]

This song literally saved lives. So many lives!! mental health was not something that was discussed openly in the 80's. Depression was seen as weakness and we were told to pull ourselves up by our boot straps and move on. Teenagers were told there was nothing to be depressed about and that we didnt know what real problems were or that whatever we thought was problems was just trivial and we should get over it. This song let us know we were not alone in how we felt and if James felt that way and was still here, then we could make it too. This song is sad for a lot of people, but the flip side is, it is full of hope and understanding to so many more. We were finally not alone. Someone else understood. Someone else was able to vocalize what was in our hearts and heads. This song will forever be credited with saving my life, and many others, and giving us hope for the future.

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

I think about that stuff. The 70s and 80s and even the 90s. How many people probably dealt with severe mental health issues but talking about it back then was considered a massive weakness.

[@Kat957]

Ironically the "character" in the song kills himself at the end (last vocals).

[@raulromero2948]

@@Kat957 not ironic at all it's a literal interpretation of a suicide note done very deep and personally but it feels like there's moments of hope and so much self reflection that it can make you feel like your pain is felt by someone else and your aren't alone

[@davidsmith6976]

@@youtubeconnollyfamily I see no real shift,in the way depression,is still,taboo,to so many,and how judgement is still rife ,others might ,but with services cut,and less support ,and rising rates of these conditions ,covid,highlighted this ,whats needed is perr groups,where folk have shared experiences.

[@IvoMaropo]

​​​@@Kat957That "character" had to die so that we can continue to live.

[@pustulio81]

James struggled to get through this song, recently. While they were touring in Brazil he had a breakdown backstage that carried over onto the stage. For several songs he struggled to fight back tears and Fade To Black proved to be the one that was the hardest for him to get through. To his credit, he actually told the crowd what was wrong and praised Kirk, Lars, and Robert for hugging him and telling him that if he had issues on stage they had his back and would get him through it. A link to his speech: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3ybmIl4lKadns0m48s

[@BomimoDK]

He's such a beautiful person and he in some ways opposes early Axl rose in the hick metal guy role. Both are now beautiful people, but back in the day. hoo boy.

[@RickReasonnz]

This should have been more well known, simply for the fact that a man like James, usually thought of as macho and tough, is now able to share his feelings and ask for help from his friends. That is such a great example of a role model - it's okay to say we're in pain, it's okay to ask for help.

[@modergav]

And i do really hope that they release the video of this song on Belo Horizonte. And i'll cry. Probably.

[@demoncleaner80]

@@BomimoDK I've been a Metallica fan forever but I absolutely loved the (now 6 years old) podcast that he did on the Joe Rogan Experience episode #887. I was just mesmerized listening to him talk about beekeeping for like half an hour. LOL

[@marcoslaguna2074]

Meh . He old n weak. Not a role model at all.

[@redshiftit8303]

Nothing beats "old" Metallica. The emotional connection to the instruments, the vocals, the lyrics and the music in general.

[@co_sting_gray]

You talked about a "classical element" to the opening guitar. If you want to hear a completely different riff on Metallica, you need to check out their S&M album. They performed with the San Francisco Orchestra. Brings a lot of extra elements to the music.

[@squirrellyme]

Someone point her to "No Leaf Clover"

[@markwright9975]

@@squirrellyme kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZmYhGaFrc54Y9U

[@mikek9297]

@@squirrellyme Or literally any track on S&M with vocals in it... Otlaw Torn, Bleeding Me, Memory Remains, You name it, they nail it. Fucking awesome concert - S&M 2 as well.

[@alchemist60]

So glad someone said this. I'd love to see what she thinks of that album

[@midenking9651]

S&M is more Orchestral then Classical

[@timbrown9077]

I played this song on the guitar for my mother once. She said, that's so beautiful. I started singing the lyrics. She said, that's a horrible song! Lol This is my favorite Metallica song, next to Sanitarium, and Orion. Great band!

[@AK-Kessler0907]

Orion and Fade are also my favorites. Fortunately saw Sanitarium live. That was a good day.

[@warrenjohn]

Fade to black is my all time favorite Metallica as well

[@FunBoysGaming]

How dare a man talk about his depression. Horrible!

[@michaelfontana9321]

"Nothing Else Matters" This is easily one of the most beautiful songs by the band, from a classical standpoint, in addition to being one of my personal favorites.

[@tre-moon-dous6122]

you ever heard brent smith's cover on that song? it was amazing

[@deedubs602]

I’d have to go with the unforgiven.

[@williamyardley4556]

yes I like Nothing Else matters also, Truth is I havent heard Fade To Black much....

[@joodlebug]

Ehh. That's highly debatable

[@redneckshaman3099]

@@joodlebug once you go black, it's like smoking crack ❤️

[@sixthcrow]

I used to play teh into on guitar all the time. Got bored at my Grandma's one day, she's always had a piano...I transcribed the tabs to notes and played it on piano. It really does fit the piano beautifully.

[@capp00]

Glad you took my suggestion. Love this song. The opening riff/solo just soothes my soul. This is the one song I have declared to have played at my funeral one day. The stage setup, lighting and camera work for the Cunning Stunts tour of this song is just amazing too.

[@patmctallica3522]

..you should have recommended the Moskow 91 version! So it`s a missed chance so far! 😒

[@braxus6416]

1984 Megaforce, "Ride The Lightning" Studio version! ALWAYS STUDIO ORIGINALS FIRST!

[@Evil-Never-Dies]

‘85 Metal Hammer Festival is the best version.

[@DMXIII]

Thanks for make that suggestions. I like it a lot.

[@capp00]

@G&M Gaming and Music Hey bud! Hope you are doing well :)

[@draheim90]

If you haven’t listened to it yet, the studio recording of this song is incredible.

[@Zakster]

Way better than live

[@Salvatore-xs]

I prefer the studio recording

[@ShaunHensley]

Which one? There are 2 different endings?

[@wgnd1614]

live is way better

[@anakinlowground5515]

@@wgnd1614 nah dude, the solo at the end is the best part, and Kirk fucking butchers it live every single time. He just can’t play the solo properly

[@sethgibster6623]

You start by saying it's almost a classical opening and that you can imagine playing it on the piano. Cliff Burton, Metallica's bassist when this song was written, was trained on classical piano from age six upwards. The remaining band members have been often quoted as saying Cliff put together many of the early melody lines, so this kind of makes a lot of sense!

[@exklusivegrowz7493]

The day that never comes for me is just a great song the guitar play and the voice is just great

[@lovefuct]

Omfg, your reactions made me cry like a baby.. FINALLY, somebody that can interpret music has explained what I've been seeing and feeling this whole time. I've been alone up until now. I Thank you, endlessly. Your journey has a purpose. -Please, Please, Please, Do Christina Grimmie, Do I Wanna Know or Titanium

[@jilly235]

I agree. You help put into words, WHY I like/love something !

[@pedroxvilt]

Same here

[@jimmyjobob7217]

1000% couldn't have said it better

[@frodo8481]

I wish I could listen Fade to Black for the first time again

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

Reaction videos like this is as close as we can get!

[@wickedsickfunkyfreshroller2037]

Metallica’s best live performance has to be Creeping Death in the Soviet Union. James’ and Jason’s vocals were super strong, the crowd participation was epic, and the instrumentation was on point.

[@senditkevin]

Seeing the live video of Creeping Death at Moscow 91 about 2 years ago made me start growing my hair long.

[@FrankZeDuck]

That the extension during creeping death with just the bass and the drums... Nothing but shivers and oh my god does it sound good.

[@Not_A_Cat]

@@pyrogian They played Moscow in 91. Legit.

[@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine]

Jason could seriously bark into that mic in a way that gave James a run for his money.

[@joshuawood3635]

It blows me away the crowd size. 1.6 million people. It was Monsters of Rock, not just Metallica, but they stole the show.

[@alkinkt]

Metallica is so ingrained into society and music that I think we take for granted how talented they are.

[@thecore477]

I have been listening to metallica for more than 30 years, and I love their music, but I adore this woman, her face, her expressive eyes, her emotion when speaking, which was noticeable in her breathing, her velvety voice, she is a poem made woman

[@JesseA29]

31 years here and im 35 lol

[@tester3x]

@@JesseA29 You had great parents. My kids who are around your age were also raised with Metallica.

[@tester3x]

She is the same with every video of hers I've seen. I just recently found her and I'm glad I did. I have yet to find a song she analyzed that she didn't appreciate. She is gorgeous. Her reaction to every song is like a little kid in a candy store while she brings her expertise in vocals and music overall.

[@thecore477]

@@tester3x I couldn't have defined her better

[@evkirby1]

Well said.

[@ookookook]

Album version of this song will always be my favorite, not that this is bad. The original just hits the feels and the acoustic guitar rattles the soul.

[@Ali-yh8dl]

Im guessing for copyright reasons the live version was selected. I agree with you the studio version is so much better and hits differently on many levels

[@HeavyRaiden]

That intro always makes you feel things, it's amazing. And when the heavy riff near the end kicks in, with the "No one but me can save myself but it's too late" always hypes me up. And let's not forget about the solo, Kirk never recreated it like it is on the studio version, it's a great solo.

[@InfamousB9]

True Sean,somehow album version of some songs are better

[@TheCiddan]

Kirk's opening solo here is kinda sloppy, right? Losing out on both nuance and timing.

[@TheCiddan]

That ending solo was *on point* though.

[@wrexneck5434]

I'm glad you mentioned something about classical. One of the writers Cliff Burton, their bassist at the time before he passed, had a big interest in classical music and it influenced his writing. Probably my favorite metallica song and one of kirk hammett's best solos. (the album version)

[@pwincessiris]

I would love to see her reaction to Pulling Teeth, the first half is incredibly classically inspired

[@godslayer1415]

@@pwincessiris Anesthesia Pulling Teeth, kiddie.

[@stine_one]

@@godslayer1415 🤓

[@pwincessiris]

@@godslayer1415 Yeah I know bud, I can play the first 20 bars or so

[@patrickbredberg9428]

I am now over 50 years old. I can't listen to this song without tearing up. Thank you Metallica for being there for me when I needed it most. This text has so much that I recognize from life.

[@stevenhodgen9338]

No leaf Clover from S&M is one of the best classical/metal mash ups I've ever heard. James hits some unusual high notes as well. Definitely worth checking out.

[@madrazz8888]

Agreed. The only time he ever uses a falsetto voice.

[@suemiller2522]

What a great album. The symphony went so perfectly with the metal, I couldn't believe it hadn't been done previously.

[@hypetreyn1646]

This comment deserves so many more up votes. Can't get more classical than S& M and no leaf clover

[@MashaT22]

I know. I’m really surprised she’s not analyzing the entire S&M concert (the first!) - I’d love to hear her take on that! She should compare the first and second versions of the S&M concert, actually!

[@davideo7286]

I love No Leaf Clover from that album. I'd love to hear her reaction and analysis given that I believe that song was written with the SFO or atleast hadn't been played before the S&M performance.

[@Magnumbean]

A suggestion: their songs "The Outlaw Torn" or "Bleeding me" for the next Metallica analysis. Make sure it's the S&M 1999 version (Symphony and Metallica) I absolutely love those versions!! Especially Newstead's backing vocals!! They worked together with Michael Kamen and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Very emotional songs

[@johnwindle6877]

Bleeding me is so badass

[@webbeddreams]

The outlaw torn is my favorite metallica song, but the S&m version was junk musically. The entire album was a money grab with no effort put into it, and it shows.

[@Joes_Morgue]

If she's going to listen to S&M, she also needs to listen to "One" from the same album.

[@ecthelion1735]

100% this. James's best vocal performance easily.

[@BroKV]

S&M 1999 is an absolute must watch

[@bbflyman]

I am in tears.....this song has always hit me hard. I've probably heard this song thousands of times but its never meant as much as now. Hearing you break it down and my current situation really hits home. The words mean more to me than ever. I will NOT fade to black but continue to overcome!

[@tsriftsal3581]

Strength and honor.

[@psychoaiko666]

Dude I feel you, I always break down and cry on this one. Life is hard, life is pain and I don't know how I can carry on, but I somehow do

[@bbflyman]

@@psychoaiko666 thanks for that

[@psychoaiko666]

@@bbflyman thank you too😘

[@martijnvangammeren1868]

Stand togheter, you are not alone in this. reach out, let people know you are struggling and get well.

[@kurtiserikson7334]

Metallica is cathartic. It uncages the spirit from whatever grudge or grievance that’s holding it down. Those hard driving rhythms bludgeon my mind into sweet oblivion and carry me aloft on a primal and visceral journey of emotion leaving behind the mundane concerns of day to day reality.

[@theyetirulrs]

I know this got buried in a wave of comments, but well said!

[@hankkolesar4088]

Very eloquent by giving voice to that which I've been trying to explain for decades!!!! Godspeed to you!

[@kurtiserikson7334]

@@hankkolesar4088 Thanks. Very kind of you to say! Godspeed to you as well!

[@metalmamasue3680]

Yes, it truly is and I've been saying it for years. Metal is the best form of therapy and gives a safe outlet for so many subjects & feelings you don't just bring up in every day conversation. I believe it saves lives, many of them. ❤

[@pucknorris3473]

This song saved my life listening to it on repeat for a few months kept the gun outa my mouth these guys got me and when u want to reroll your character sometimes the thing u need is understanding and relation.

[@aprilk141]

Glad this helped you out! Hope you are doing well too. For future bad times, which may come again, can I recommend having a plan for trusted folks to take a firing pin or other crucial component upon request, should it ever come to that again. Best to you!

[@pucknorris3473]

@@aprilk141 i appreciate your concern... my wife and kids keep me chuggin along also quit drinkin that was a big step toward the center of the room for me trust me my old self destructive tendencies are met with stiff resistance these days.

[@andyc750]

know where you are coming from, similar here

[@kevinwilson455]

@@pucknorris3473 I second what April said my brother... If you have kids and a wife... just try and be positive all the time, and that will make everyone around you reciprocate. The worst thing you can do is shut yourself away, which is what depression ALWAYS does. Think of this feeling as a thing to fight against, and realise if you lose the battle, it will effect everyone in your sphere. Fight against it every day... open up to any one you can and share this burden... most people will help you (I would). Money, burdens etc do not matter to your children... love and attantion, and just being there as a positive influence does. Take that from someone who grew up with a tyrant and alcoholic.

[@daniellewinkelspecht8356]

Right there with you. I dont think people of the younger generations know how many people this song saved. When this song came out discussing mental health was taboo and not something that was done. So many people felt alone and trapped in their own downward spirals. This song changed that for a lot of people. We finally knew we were not alone.

[@bim41337]

I really feel like "Unforgiven II" is one of the most amazing vocal performances James has ever done for Metallica. I just love that song. It's beautiful on it's own, but also it's an amazing continuation of "The Unforgiven" in tone and composition. Please consider doing that one :)

[@webcrawler2007]

Unforgiven II is criminally underrated. Even more so when you put it in sequence with one and three

[@paulriddle7818]

Unforgiven 1 is already filmed ad will be out in a few months while she is currently on maternity leave.

[@bim41337]

@@paulriddle7818 really? 🤩 Can't wait for that!

[@nicholasarkis6116]

I think you'd enjoy No Leaf Clover. It was recorded live and played with a full symphony orchestra. There are some great versions where James sounds great in the mix.

[@Jdwdogg]

Personally the original recording is my favorite version, although they performed it again not too long ago with a different composer.

[@nicholasarkis6116]

@@Jdwdogg totally agree. The newer performance may have better shots of James singing, for analysis. But, the mix and his vocals are superb in the original.

[@benvavro]

Original S&M version

[@efenzl]

Not a fan of No Leaf Clover or the symphony collab. Definitely preferred their older stuff.

[@magdalenahernandez6840]

Best Song off that album.

[@kathrync8632]

It is so fun to watch people outside the metal community discover the intricacy and musicality of the music. There is sooooo much more to it than people realize. \m/

[@MatthewGClarke]

Fun fact: Kirk Hammett is playing "Greeny" in this video - It's the guitar that he got from Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac. I love that it's still used to this day and has such an amazing musical history!

[@garmisra7841]

ANd bless him for not keeping it in hermetic storage somewhere but actually playing it. He used it during the Peter Green tribute night and held his own like a champ, his lead playing on The Green Manalishi was on fire!

[@GrampsD63]

Such an iconic axe from an incredible guitarist

[@synthrich1]

And Gary Moore too

[@GrampsD63]

@@synthrich1 He had it for a long time

[@ddimmo]

Gary Moore made it famous, it might have been Greens guitar originally but Gary made it what it is today!

[@Micky_D_B]

I really like "The Day That Never Comes" by Metallica. It is really good and has my favorite guitar riffs ever in it.

[@sulistyorini2335]

yeah this song my fave too.. it's like riff party.. it's combine fade, one and unforgiven 2. i hope she take reaction to the official music video or from S&M2 for live version. This song is epic

[@Pannemat]

Big fan. Underrated song!

[@Brainjargaming]

This song was the song the got me into Metallica. I actually read the lyrics before hearing the song. And I remember think that there is no way lyrics this good could be in a metal song. I was young, and this song sent me on a musical path that has changed my life. This song resonated with me deeply as a young person, and some days it still does. It's a very special and very important song to me and literally changed my life and has saved my life more than once.

[@jasonengland2357]

Nick Turner, me too.

[@Krendall2]

Too many people are quick to pass off metal as "noise." If they took the time to actually analyze the lyrics and the music they might at least appreciate just how complex it can be.

[@michaelcovel1720]

I play the baroque flute. That trill in the opening solo starts on a suspension of the top note. Was always impressed by that. Period correct for a piece composed 300 years earlier and definitely an intentional choice. Always feels like chamber music to me. Instead of a piano, think harpsichord and solo violin. Metallica also impresses me with brilliant use of counterpoint and internal voice leading... lots of other cool late baroque/early classical elements throughout their whole discography really.

[@hectorserna7950]

Baroque Violist/Violinist here….yes 100% I agree. That opening solo is almost like an improvisation over figured bass. ❤

[@galliussbattlefield3621]

When I was in high school and I was starting to listen to Metal music, there was something that caught me about the whole "Ride the Lightning" album, which "Fade to Black" belongs to. I used to hang out with other metalhead classmates and one of them described the album as eight ways to die, one for each song. But none of them is as touching as "Fade to Black". As someone else said in another comment, it's amazing how people in their early 20s are capable of writing such mature songs

[@derekrobinson377]

this song is all about how pi$$ed of and depressed James was after all their gear was stolen after a gig.

[@7861blackthorn]

Trapped under ice is hands down my favorite off of ride the lightning

[@patrickg301]

Ride the lighting did the same for me and all my friends. It was awesomeness in soumd. Its what lead me to play guitar. At the time i could play fade to black over and over and no matter how many times i heard it it still gave me chills. Excellent album. I actually got to see them on their Ride the Lighting tour. It was DRI ... Metallica and Metal Church. In that order. Lol

[@franticbass]

Something else people rarely comment on, especially in the Metal genre: These guys are close to 60 (!) years old. Youngest being Robert Trujillo with "just" 57. And yet... they can still fill a stadium and rock with so much power and dedication.

[@camerong.6144]

You speak the truth. Respect

[@WexMajor82]

Manowar are close to 70 and still do that.

[@dragonrising4014]

Legends never die

[@sober667]

Its about music - rock/metal does somethink to peoples it preserves thou sadly there are exeptions wich go out way to soon

[@Jameswilliams-ty4cf]

That's why they are the greatest of all time!

[@UncleRiotous]

The tune was written back when Cliff Burton was in the band. Cliff was a huge fan of classical music and actively trying to bring that into metal.

[@robertratto533]

dont forget dave mustaine's influence on the first two albums.

[@seanj3667]

He was the only one who really understood music theory at all.

[@jefferydavis3332]

Really takes me back 30+ years ago when I was like 12 and going through Metallica’s first 4 albums after discovering them thanks to the explosion in popularity of the black album. Something changed in me then. Music became something I enjoyed to something that became a part of me. A few years later, I picked up a guitar and haven’t put in down much since then. What I wouldn’t give to go back and relive hearing all those songs again for the first time.

[@spekz7070]

Living with depression for many years i wrote the lyrics to this song on a piece of paper and carried it in my wallet for around 30 years, its literally a suicide note. Im all good nowdays but yeah, Metallica and, especially this song, got me thru it and kept me alive thru so much over the years i could never thank them enough.

[@mariuszwiszowaty2979]

Mate... do not give up...life is beautiful regardless of the shit we have to go through...

[@spekz7070]

@@mariuszwiszowaty2979 thanks mate, that was a long time ago i have kids and grandkids now and i have plenty ti live and be appreciative for :)

[@didakeepa]

@@spekz7070 keep rocking out my guy and Metallica forever

[@spekz7070]

@@didakeepa hell yeah brother!

[@wachox]

Thank you for staying

[@efenzl]

"Sanitarium" is another good, emotional option. "Nothing Else Matters" of course. It's probably their most covered song.

[@lord6617]

Battery is amazing imho and feels like a great mix of the different styles of sound they were playing with. That accoustic sounding intro and them whammo.

[@RevJimmy69]

Love how nothing else matters is used in Disney's jungle cruise. Only metalheads notice it.

[@pthibault630]

Idk man... I feel like Enter Sandman and For Whom the Bell Tolls get covered more often than Nothing Else Matters, but that's just my opinion. Every band I've ever been in has covered those two songs. To the point where I can barely even listen to them anymore. Lol. But they are still fun to play.

[@kenth9454]

This song saved my life as a young man. Someone understood when no one else seemed to. As powerful now as it was then.

[@HUFVUDSTAUN]

Metallica´s ”Fade To Black” is the best song ever made, text and music its a masterpiece.

[@1311lilbra]

I was at the concert where James first picked up a guitar after the accident at a live show. It was one song and it was "Fade to Black". The crowd response was insane!

[@timjackson9983]

I have NEVER heard Kirk rip a solo so amazing... and he's my favorite guitarist, and always has been... holy shit!! that 3rd solo got INSANE!

[@ssirrah1]

I think too that he’s using the Greeny Les Paul, such an amazing warm sound

[@anakinlowground5515]

Listen to the solo on the studio version of the song, it’s way better

[@matthewdennis5280]

@@anakinlowground5515 No I disagree.. This performance was on another level.

[@chuckratkay43]

That outro solo has always been one of my favorites from Kirk, and this version was just simply AMAZING. Through all of James's perceived "tyranny", they have become SUCH an amazing MACHINE, its unbelievable. Their live performances are simply PERFECTION. And Kirk, I am sorry if I have ever "doubted" you over the last 30 or so years. WOW. Tears in my eyes.

[@angelcarrion2042]

James's part in the intro to Fade to Black always makes me think it's a harpsichord. The piano-like composition played on guitars is mesmerizing to me.

[@gervasiocampana6217]

The classical element you talked about, that comes from Metallica's late bassist, Cliff Burton, who had a large hand in the writing of Fade to Black, he was a classically trained musician and is noted to have been a fan of Bach

[@OrpheusKrynn]

Ohh yeah man... and Orion... still instant goosebumps!

[@Zigarius1123]

I feel like Metallica always had the ability, but Cliff taught them the theory and melody.

[@jarlaxle2421]

For so many of us who suffer deeply from depression this song describes what so many of us feel everyday. If you don't understand depression really listen to the lyrics. Its a pain even we don't truly understand. I think that's the hardest part of living with it is not knowing why we feel this way

[@mperry0913]

It's funny you mentioned that James has this 'Country Twang' in his voice. There's a track off their 1996 album 'Load' where James pretty much goes full country. The track is "Mama Said". This is honestly one of my favorites. I don't think it's a popular track by any means, but I absolutely love it.

[@briancross4415]

Agreed. It’s a very underrated song. Great lyrics about James’ mom.

[@woofspider330]

He also played a cover of Waylon Jenning's "Dont You Thing This Outlaw Bit Done Got Outta Hand" for the 2006 CMT awards. He's definitely a fan of the old country

[@courtneyurman]

James Hetfield did country better than some country singers. Mama Said was flawless.

[@c.j.wilkerson9112]

Low Mans Lyric isn’t too bad either.

[@artofalmost9479]

@@woofspider330 There is also a studio recording of him doing that song.

[@joedelbalzo2509]

That outro solo in the album version is the greatest metal guitar solo of all time. Absolutely love this song -- great video!!

[@tonylirette8988]

Agree. The guitar sings to you. It is so emotional. Kirk is the best.

[@stephenlewis6653]

As someone who has lost a sibling to suicide, I've always found this song to be therapeutic. I'll probably never understand why, but I guess that is the beauty of music. If you'd like a great Metallica recommendation and probably my favorite lyrics, you can't go wrong with "Sad But True" the music video, not live. it's a heavy hitter IMO. Also going to throw out Mastadon "Oblivion" for a future reaction. Have a great one!

[@aesbj9228]

Same, this has always reminded me of a friend that decided to leave.

[@InfamousB9]

I also had a friend who introduce me into Metallica,15 yers ago he also decide to leave this earth,this song and his favorite For Whom The Bell Tolls reminds me on him always I heard them,stay strong🙌

[@OnlyKaerius]

Have a listen to Evergrey - Wrong. It's about the singer dealing with the death of his brother. Another song on a similar subject is Disturbed - Inside the fire. (Girlfriend's suicide).

[@chrislowe3915]

It's because that is exactly what this song is about, you a hearing the message, but just not picking up on it. The song is about depression and where it can lead. Once again, the "Angry Rock" or its just "Sex, drugs and rock", prejudice given by those that fail to hear the story within. Rock was one of the first to touch on Mental Health issue and Metallica is one of the best at it.

[@OnlyKaerius]

@@chrislowe3915 Hate to break this to you, but you're not the only person in the world who gets the song, hence our conversation, which you apparently did not understand.

[@Broccoli_Highkicks]

James has suffered quite a bit of trauma in his early life, from his father leaving, to his mother dying of cancer, to later losing Cliff Burton. And then having to spend a lot of Metallica's career pretending to be someone he wasn't: the big, tough, macho heavy metal frontman. This song was inspired by the band having a bunch of their equipment stolen, but there's a lot of emotional subtext there. As to his vocal development, his early style, by his own admission, was mostly just "yelling in key"; it wasn't really until the black album that he started actually "singing". But the gruelling 2-year tour schedule for that album basically destroyed his voice. I don't think he even started doing vocal exercizes until that happened. But ironically, he did his best "singing" after he wrecked his voice, on the Load/Reload albums. Of course, for many metalheads, the aggressiveness of his "yelling in key" was where it was at, but objectively, he did his best "singing" on some of the band's least loved material. Side note: of course, the true master of "yelling in key" is Slayer's Tom Araya.

[@Intercaust]

Fuck yes!

[@fanatic26]

While he may have done his cleanest singing, I think a number of people would disagree it was his best singing when you are referencing the music that fractured their fanbase and ruined their reputation. The Load era is a MASSIVE embarrassment and black eye on the bands legacy, Hetfield himself has said as much. They went from being aggressive thrash monsters to these totally fake characters that everyone saw through. Bob Rock convincing him to take singing lessons completely removed the edge from his voice, even now their old stuff ends up sounding pretty bad compared the 80s - 90s live versions of the songs. I remember when Until It Sleeps dropped and my local radio station played it at the top of the hour every hour, my god was that painful as a fan.

[@mikeman2862]

As memory serves, i think James initially blew his voice when recording the vocals for So What (the Anti-Nowhere League cover) , but as you mentioned, the tour for the black album certainly did him no favours in terms of keeping it healthy

[@Broccoli_Highkicks]

@@fanatic26 Like I said, I acknowledge that a lot of metalheads prefer his old style. Nonetheless, his technique now is objectively better than it was then, even if you prefer his old sound. There's a difference between liking a vocal style and appreciating that the vocals are produced in a healthy and sustainable way. Mine was not a value judgement, but simply an acknowledgment of the fact that he takes better care of his vocals now and has learned to actually know what he's doing. vocally. I like his old snarl and bark as much as anyone, but the fact remains that if you want to hear him actually sing, as the word is conventionally understood, then Load/ Reload, and some tracks on the black album, are your best bet. As for the quality of those records overall, I don't go along with the "everything that isn't metal sucks!!!" kiddies. Those albums are great for what they are: grunge-inspired hard rock. And even if the objectively worst-produced Metallica albums are the ones I still listen most to, I have no qualms acknowledging that Load/Reload is the best Metallica have ever sounded on record from a production standpoint.

[@lord6617]

"least loved material" is very much the loud, obnoxious minority. I've been listening to them since kill em all and Load is one of my favorite albums.

[@fakerfake1]

“The day that never comes”, “The unforgiven”, “four horsemen”, “seek and destroy”, “Orion” (Orion is an instrumental though), “creeping death”, “sad but true”, “blackened”, “wherever I may roam”… just to name a few. I really hope that you do all of these at some point

[@SarcasmForDummies]

Orion is one of my favorite instrumentals ever. Great song.

[@eirik3938]

The day that never comes is a beautiful song melodically

[@Titan1930S]

Creeping death is a must listen

[@unlustigerTyp]

The Day That Never Comes would already be a classic if it was on one of the first three albums.

[@lordofangmarspionmcbeatle7634]

Especially the rythm guitar on Creeping Death is so good and Sad But True is so wondefully heavy.

[@ultraspeed7625]

That song is so beautiful and heartbreaking and relieving all at once! Glad you enjoyed it as much as all of us!

[@jdy5556]

"The chapters!" You nailed it. There are so many twists and turns to the story both lyrically and musically. A true example of the parallels between classical and metal.

[@jaklumpp]

I often (not always) find live Metallica performances on KZbin a bit underwhelming because of audio quality. A big except is the S&M concert (Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony), where the band is on point and the audio recording is excellent. I'd highly recommend you to check that out. No Leaf Clover would be a good place to start, because that composition was produced specifically for the collaboration.

[@Tiny_420]

Yes!

[@tomsmith184]

Jason’s vocals are the best thing about that song, brilliant

[@samcourt6228]

For me S&M was Hetfield at his peak; he’s never sounded better in my opinion.

[@seanaardema9811]

With your background in classical music, I cannot believe that no one has seemed to direct you to their live performance of “No Leaf Clover” with the San Fransisco Symphony and Orchestra.

[@PhilipBonev]

Fade to black and Welcome Home (Sanitarium) for me sound like that. In my Metallica days when I was learning to play guitar it was a challenge and really fun to play.

[@deejayturtle]

@The Charismatic Voice. So nice to see you tackle this song. Especially in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Month. Ironically back in the late 1980's and early 90's while the PMRC was trying to ban songs like this saying they "promote" suicide, the truth is this song was helping many ppl including my teenage self turn "away" from suicide opting to continue to endure the pain life held for us at the time. Music has this amazing power of "empathy". I used to listen to this n scream the lyrics while playing the broom like a guitar. It was away of getting out the anger I was feeling at the time. Who knows how many this song has helped over the yrs. MISICANS LIKE COMEDIANS AND POETS ARE SO VALUABLE TO US AS A SPECIES. WE MUST PROTECT THEM AT ALL COST! Again great request. Now... what song do you have in mind for World Turtle Day on May 23? Peace, love, and empathy to you and all who read this. (If "Peace, love, and empathy" is ringing a bell as a closing salutation, it's because I borrowed it years ago from Kurt Cobain's suicide note)

[@lemonfridge69]

I think one of James' best vocal performances is in the 'The Unforgiven' - specifically the studio recording rather than a live version. Doesn't hurt that it also has what is IMO one of Kirk's best guitar solos.

[@ismailb87]

The Unforgiven (Live - San Diego '92) is a strong favorite of mine because its so close to album version.

[@lemonfridge69]

@@ismailb87 I haven't seen that version, I'll have to check that out.

[@fordwheeler]

The story behind that solo is pretty epic. That is a one take solo. However, it came out of days of pushing frustration from Bob Rock.

[@lemonfridge69]

@@fordwheeler Guess it was worth all that effort though, absolutely in my personal top 3 guitar solos of all time, not just in Metallica.

[@Suzz78]

Unforgiven 3 is my personal favourite, but the whole trilogy is ace

[@TeslaFamilyTravels]

I've been a Metallica fan for over 30 years and I've heard these songs literally thousands of times. It's so enjoyable to watch you experience these songs for the first time, and then break them down from a vocal and musical perspective. I get so much joy watching you listen to my favorite band.

[@lauravincent8266]

The emotion that pours out of this song like a raging river is all the more intense when you yourself are experiencing difficult emotions.

[@tonymills818]

James was writing and singing lyrics about mental health long before it was "cool" to talk about. This man and his lyrics have likely saved countless lives and given people a home to go to when they had nowhere else. Thanks for everything you've done for me and many others!

[@ferox965]

Just like Black Sabbath did years before.

[@sadwhatsittoyou1009]

The Outlaw Torn from their 1999 S&M release is INCREDIBLE!!! Combine the musicianship already found in the sound with the San Francisco symphony orchestra and it is a hell of a 10 minute journey....

[@iTracking]

Totally agree! The original is kind of meh, but the S&M version is the best song on that album imo.

[@addept1979]

Completely agreed

[@jeneraljax29]

This.

[@marceldiaz4865]

yep

[@jsonjsoff]

Best outro solo imo

[@grunge2379]

A lot of people don't understand that Metal or rock music has way more to it than just screaming and heavy guitar riffs and a lot of drums. It's way more than that and Metallica was one of my first loves. Metal and rock have their own passion that some just don't get or can't. And I teach my kids to listen to appreciate it for more than just how it sounds. And I love how you appreciate it just as much as us MetalHeads! And your excitement about it is just so Awesome!

[@hashbrix2991]

exactly. since i've grown up a little more i'm picking apart every old musical experience and its just thrilling how much is to be discoreved. its awesome

[@heidecosta7834]

Definitely, this live version has been changed so much, listen to the album 🙏🏻

[@picklefish74]

I love how the guitars have always sounded like they're weeping in this song.

[@delgadotransport]

I feel that! Also in Halo

[@vaultboy1419]

Definitely listen to Welcome Home (Sanitarium). It's hard to pick a favorite Metallica song, but that one does it for me. It's so good I can't even describe it. Listen to the live version too, the one from Berlin is one of the most well performed and I love it with all my heart.

[@beerme8949]

Their quality of longevity is unmatched in my opinion. I know James is currently going through some self doubt right now. But the Metallica family has his back!

[@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623]

Dunno. Creatively the band died after the Black Album. Commercially they do well and the tours kick ass. But its mostly the classic stuff. You could throw away every album after the Black Album and lose nothing of significance. Personally I think they're too successful. As in how can you make angry music when you live a life that is so....., happy? The best metal, and especially this style, comes from a genuine anger within. Anger at the world, your life, your family. When you have nothing to be angry at, can you still make extreme metal?

[@beerme8949]

@@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 I dont agree. They've done some great things in my opinion since black album. And thats why I think they've stayed relevant throughout even edgy phase of people claiming black album was it for them. But to each their own

[@homevalueglass3809]

@@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 Agree, Load was a huge disappointment in my opinion and I couldn't get into anything after except for Wisky in the Jar and that's because I like Thin Lizzy. Was a MASSIVE fan of first 4 albums and even black. But there's no denying they're still popular. Think it's like 2 different types of fans, the pre and post black.

[@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623]

@@beerme8949 No problem, mate. You like what you like. I just find it very telling that with every new album comes the question, will this be the next Master of Puppets? It would seem therefore that that album is the benchmark.

[@pekrhed2473]

@@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 Name another band whos first 4 albums are considered heavy metal royalty (arguably 5) that then goes on to release another "masterpiece" this late in their careers. NONE. That kind of musical writing is only created by people at that kind of lightning in a bottle moment. They created some of the greatest music in metal history. And have still managed to squeek out a few good songs here and there. Anyone that doesn't respect what they did musically doesn't respect metal.

[@danstan2736]

Hallow by pantera. It is Really Impactful reminds me of when my mom was in the hospital before she passed.

[@timspencer7800]

I think the best songs would be some of James favourites. The outlaw torn, blessing me, the unforgiven. Lyrically James is brilliant...he speaks what we all see and feel, yet he weaves into metaphorical bliss...open to interpretation and speaking to a piece of all of us.

[@risingoneagleswings1776]

This is a sad suicide song that strangely helped me not feel so alone when I was suicidal and depressed 31 years ago. It's amazing hearing it now when I don't feel the same.

[@MunkeeFWRrng]

While it was about suicide it in no way told people to go out and do it. Rather, it showed them they weren’t alone with such thoughts and it gave them comfort and an outlet for their sorrow and despair.

[@kingpim8]

same here

[@PaulDamonThomas]

Another wonderful video - thank you! It's wild. As a 13 year old, I grew up falling in love with the music of Metallica. Mainly for their fantastic compositions, melodies, and the emotional poeticism in the lyrics. It really developed a lot of what made me the musician that I became - even though I didn't stay in the metal genre (it's ALL just music to me anyway - and Metallica are very much classical compositions to me). Back then, everyone but my metalhead friends would dismiss Metallica and belittle our love of the music. I know that has shifted over the years, but it is truly special to get to witness a classical musician (especially one with so much heart and appreciation of emotional expression) discover this music and enjoy it so much. Not that I am surprised at all. It just makes me so happy. As for more Metallica song recommendations - I feel like you should hear something more from their older catalog. And something heavy, to continue getting to know them and understand their music. I'd suggest the title song of their 2nd album - Ride The Lightning. I think this would be a great one for you to experience for a few reasons. 1) Hetfield sang in a bit of a higher range in their first two to three albums, plus, for this song his vocals are fueled by a frantic (almost PANICED) emotional quality to express the context of the lyrics (being put to death by electrical chair). 2) The song is on the heavier side, but also another great example of their compositional skills with intense rhythmic melodies that lead to amazing changes and progressions. The bridges of their songs tended to be true classical developments that took many exciting turns, often exploding in climactic moments, and cleverly rounding back around to the original song. Kirk's guitar solo, and the musical progression backing it, in Ride The Lightning may be their VERY BEST of this. And I'd love for you to experience it in your journey of exploring their music. The only negative about choosing this song (and, perhaps all of their earlier work) is there may not be any live videos, or videos at all, of good quality. The album recording would be excellent for you to use, but I do not know if any video accompaniment, so I don't know if you'd choose that. Sadly, this may be true of all of their most classically inspired work in their first 4 albums Kill "em All, Ride The Lightning, Master of Puppets, and ...And Just For All. Perhaps there are some good performances in their later years of Ride The Lightning, but I'm unsure. I'll have to look - now that you've inspired me to.

[@EnricoMarangonJunior]

No matter how many times I see "The Charismatic Voice" react to this, it's always new !

[@rickrock1023]

I love the way you express yourself and go into deep detail on every song. I'm a huge Metallica fan, and to see somebody breaking it down to the bare bone like you, is insane. And you do a great job at it.

[@p0kkitr0kkit34]

I've loved Metallica's music since I first heard it. The constant internal battle in most of their tracks really spoke to me. The sorrow we feel with self pity and then polar opposite of the lyrics and musical change ups to rage for even feeling that way. They've helped me get through soom pretty dark times, along with other artists and their music. They're truly one of my all time favorites. Thank you Metallica!!

[@brandonmiller2450]

I've been listening to Metallica since they first started in the early 80s, been to at least 10 of their concerts, and to this day, I STILL get "chicken skin" whenever I hear them. Their stages are always amazing as well. RIP Cliff

[@kevxster]

And now you know why we love Metallica. Thank you for doing this - i love how you break down and explain the music!

[@MetalHeadReacts]

If you'd like to further explore the "Country" aspect of his voice, along with another emotional track, take a look at "Mama Said" It was a pretty controversial track when it came out, not only because the album on which it was contained was a big shift for them, but also for it's country music style. Another emotional track I would suggest my them is "Low Man's Lyric" a powerful and emotional ballad track that never fails to raise the hairs on my arms... but then, I do have a somewhat emotional attachment to that track.

[@fanatic26]

It wasnt controversial, it was pretty much universally derided by their O G fans. They should have released songs like that as a side project, all that album did was damage their reputation and legacy for decades

[@Not_Quite_My_Tempo]

Man, I do love Low Man's Lyric, it's part of my childhood really, like one of those core memories. I was never a thrash guy, so the shift they took didn't sit particularly wrong with me, I rather enjoy a lot of these songs.

[@Jf26111]

@@fanatic26 Load was my introduction to Metallica, I had a friend throw some songs i had never heard before onto a mixtape (yes an actual cassette) there was a handful from Load as well as my first introduction to White Zombie and Warren Zevon's Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner. Anyway, I was never turned off or disappointed by anything they did, because of starting where I did. Load and ReLoad were great, then I learned about their amazing ability to cover songs better than the originals, then finally found out about the old shit. It all kicked ass. Even St. Anger has its place.

[@okayman81]

As a teenager metalhead in the 90s, I hated the song when it came out and was on the radio non-stop. I'm now 40, 2 kids, my parents are old, and Mama Said hits harder every time I listen to it. It's one of my favorite Metallica songs and I definitely consider it the peak of James' lyrics writing.

[@fanatic26]

@@Jf26111 nobody can take a person serious that tries to justify St. Anger. Its pure dogshit thats why they don't bother playing any of it live lol

[@cbdawg4242]

Next up for Metallica should be “No Leaf Clover” or “For Whom the Bell Tolls” both from the S&M album

[@fanatic26]

No.

[@antoniomoraes3163]

Funny story: I remember upon discovering Metallica over ten years ago and falling in love with this song, I decided to look up what had inspired its theme and lyrics. What I read was that the band was on tour and from one airport to another, they lost instruments (don't remember if they got robbed or something of the sort). That included an amp that his mother had given to James. That was kind of what kickstarted the vibes behind the lyrics, a feeling of deep sorrow and helplessness that transformed into a bigger existencial crisis that was reflect on the poetry of the song. One of my all time favorites, thanks Elizabeth. P.S.: You should do the song Dyers' Eve. The lyrics are incredible and reflect his relationship with his parents in a very heartbreaking way. It's the heaviest song they've ever written both in meaning and musically.

[@garethmccomb814]

Dyers eve to me is the best song on ...and justice for all

[@tomsmith184]

@@garethmccomb814 definitely, and that’s no easy challenge

[@joshyaash]

yeah she says this in the video

[@Rambo_IIII]

Yes someone stole their equipment and they wrote this song as a result. It was noted as a band fact on Guitar Hero Metallica