Many people have a fear of using public restrooms. It’s called Paruresis, and it’s quite common. Ever had a problem using a urinal while a long line of people waits impatiently behind you? Ever had to give a urine sample? Those are examples of a shy bladder, or Paruresis. That’s why our own private thrones in our own private homes are a sancutary of sorts, a place where we can go to relax, catch up on social media and answer emails, without the pressure of people we don’t know waiting and sighing loudly as we try to get our bidnezz done. A Florida woman encountered a downright terrifying bathroom scenario over the weekend, when she decided to make a quick stop to her bathroom while nuking a snack. As soon as she walked nto the room, she knew something wasn’t right. Something was in the toilet bowl…and it was moving. she quickly turned and close the door behind her. The woman contacted Iguana Lifestyles, who sent a representative to handle the situation. Once someone arrived, the iguana, which was jammed head-first into the drain portion of the bowl, was safely removed from the toilet. The reptile wrangler said several iguanas have been removed from homes already this year. The animal was identified as a Mexican spiny-tailed iguana, which can grow up to about 18 inches long. The tail can grow to another 18 inches. Iguanas are not native to Florida. Researchers think they were brought here in the 1950s or 1960s as pets and released over the years. The lizards are not dangerous to people, but they have been known to carry salmonella. Source: WCTVtv.com
Bowie Milestones
David Bowie: His 40 Greatest Songs
40 “It Ain’t Easy” – ‘The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’ (1972)
ShareA cover of a song by a guy named Ron Davies (Three Dog Night covered it, too), it feels a bit out of place on ‘Ziggy,’ but what a rocking jam. Guitarist Mick Ronson really shines here.
39. “The Heart’s Filthy Lesson (Trent Reznor Alternative Mix)” – ‘1.Outside’ (1995)
ShareAfter two albums with edgy rock band Tin Machine, Bowie made the R&B/jazz album ‘Black Tie White Noise’ in 1993, which reunited him with ‘Let’s Dance’ producer Nile Rodgers. But for the follow-up, he got weirder and more electronic when he reunited with “Berlin trilogy” collaborator Brian Eno. As it happened, Nine Inch Nails were a big influence on Bowie at the time, and NIN’s leader Trent Reznor was a huge Bowie disciple. This remix brought Bowie to a much younger audience (as did the tour, which saw Bowie and NIN co-headlining).
38 “Modern Love” – ‘Let’s Dance’ (1983)
ShareThe opening track from Bowie’s hugely successful comeback album. Producer Nile Rodgers thought that Bowie wanted to make an album like his 1980 record ‘Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” and was surprised that Bowie wanted something a bit more commercial. It turned out to be Bowie’s biggest album ever.
37 “Young Americans” – ‘Young Americans’ (1975)
ShareBowie took a hard right turn from rock to soul music on the ‘Young Americans’ album, and the title track gave him his first top 40 hit in the U.S.
36 “Rebel Rebel” – ‘Diamond Dogs’ (1974)
ShareBowie’s last straight-ahead glam-rock hit before moving into a soul direction on the subsequent tour (captured on 1974’s ‘David Live’) and album, 1975’s ‘Young Americans,’ it features one of the best riffs on a Bowie jam. Mick Ronson had left Bowie by this time; Bowie played the riff himself.
35. Tin Machine – “Under The God” – ‘Tin Machine’ (1989)
ShareAfter two albums that tried unsuccessfully to replicate the success of ‘Let’s Dance’ -- 1984’s ‘Tonight’ and 1987’s ‘Never Let Me Down’ -- Bowie was fed up with shooting for the pop charts. He announced that his solo career was over and his new band, Tin Machine, was his future. Nobody (probably not even his bandmates) believed that, but he definitely got his mojo back on Tin Machine’s self-titled debut. “Under The God” was the first song that most people heard from the album and it moved him out of the adult contemporary lane and into a lane with heavier -- and younger -- acts like Soundgarden, Living Colour and Faith No More.
34. “Cactus” – ‘Heathen’ (2002)
ShareFor years, Bowie had been singing the praises of the Pixies, and on ‘Heathen,’ he finally sang one of their songs. It was the clear highlight from the album.
33 “The Jean Genie” – ‘Aladdin Sane’ (1973)
ShareOne of Bowie’s most straight-ahead blues rockers features a character inspired by Stooges frontman Iggy Pop, a huge influence on Bowie (and a future collaborator). Like much of the ‘Aladdin Sane’ album, there’s a huge Stones influence.
32 Iggy Pop – “Funtime” – ‘The Idiot’ (1977)
ShareFrom Iggy Pop’s second solo album, which was produced by Bowie. Bowie co-wrote this song, sang very distinctive backing vocals and played guitar and keyboards. Iggy and Bowie’s fascination with eastern European dance music is all over this song.
31 Queen + David Bowie – “Under Pressure” – single (1981, later included on Queen’s ‘Hot Space’ in 1982)
ShareIt’s surely one of the greatest collaborations/duets in rock history, and the lyrics “Can't we give ourselves one more chance? Why can't we give love that one more chance?” is as resonant today as it ever was.
30. “Sound And Vision” – ‘Low’ (1977)
ShareOne of the most accessible songs from the “Berlin trilogy” of albums that he made with producer (and former Roxy Music member) Brian Eno. it’s one of the best, and funkiest, songs about having nothing to do. “Nothing to do, nothing to say/Blue, blue/I will sit right down/Waiting for the gift of sound and vision.”
29. “The Width Of A Circle” – ‘The Man Who Sold The World’ (1970
ShareA proto-metal song with lyrics that seem inspired by Dylan’s early era. “I ran across a monster who was sleeping by a tree./And I looked and frowned and the monster was me/Well, I said ‘hello’ and I said ‘hello’/And I asked ‘Why not?’ and I replied ‘I don't know’/So we asked a simple black bird, who was happy as can be/And he laughed insane and quipped ‘KAHLIL GIBRAN,’” a reference to a Lebanese poet.
28 “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” – ‘Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)’ (1980
ShareLike “ “Heroes,”” it’s assisted by the amazing guitar of King Crimson’s Robert Fripp, and like many of Bowie’s songs, it’s about madness: “When I looked in her eyes they were blue but nobody home ... Now she's stupid in the street and she can't socialize.”
27 “Cracked Actor” – ‘Aladdin Sane’ (1973)
ShareA hard rock jam featuring Bowie on the harmonica about an aging star having sex with a prostitute. Hey, it’s only rock and roll.
26 “I’m Afraid Of Americans (Nine Inch Nails V1 Mix)” – ‘Earthling’ (1997)
ShareThis remix was Bowie’s second collaboration with Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor (who was one of the most popular and prestigious rock artists of the era). Renzor has gone on to perform the song on Nine Inch Nails’ tours.
25 “Hang On To Yourself” – ‘The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’ (1972)
ShareOriginally recorded by Bowie with a band called Arnold Corns in 1971, the better version was clearly the one with the Spiders From Mars, who he name drops in the later version (“Well, the bitter comes out better on a stolen guitar/You're the blessed, we're the Spiders From Mars”).
24 “Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide (live)” – ‘Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (The Motion Picture Soundtrack)’ (1983)
ShareThe final song on the final show of the 1973 “Ziggy Stardust” tour, Bowie prefaced the song by saying “Not only is it the last show on the tour, but it’s the last show we’ll ever do.” The crowd screamed “Noooo!” It wouldn’t be the last time Bowie “retired,” though. Still, it was a great performance to end that phase of his career on.
23 “Starman” – ‘The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’ (1972)
ShareA croony ballad that became Bowie’s second hit, a few years after his first (“Space Oddity”). Bowie’s legendary performance of this on the U.K. show ‘Top of the Pops’ apparently made a huge impact on future rock and pop stars including Bono, Robert Smith of the Cure and Boy George.
22 “Panic In Detroit” – ‘Aladdin Sane’ (1973)
ShareA song allegedly based on stories about Detroit that Iggy Pop told Bowie, over a very Bo Diddley-esque beat, played by Mike “Woody” Woodmansey on drums and future Journey and Whitesnake member Aynsley Dunbar on percussion.
21 “White Light/White Heat (live)” – ‘Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (The Motion Picture Soundtrack)’ (recorded in 1973, released in 1983)
ShareBowie’s cover of the Velvet Underground’s classic. It’s been said that the Velvets didn’t sell many records, but everyone who did buy one started a band, and Bowie is certainly one of the most famous Velvet disciples. He’d later produce VU frontman Lou Reed’s classic ‘Transformer’ album.
20 “Drive-In Saturday” – ‘Aladdin Sane’ (1973)
ShareA doo-wop song about a future where people somehow forgot how to have sex, so they listen to the Rolling Stones and watch old porn videos to figure it out. Not a bad plan! “And try to get it on like once before/When people starred in Jagger's eyes and scored/Like the video films we saw!”
19 “Blackstar” – ‘Blackstar’ (2016)
ShareOriginally lasting more than eleven minutes, Bowie cut it down to 9:58 when he learned that the iTunes store wouldn’t sell singles if they were more than ten minutes. One of Bowie’s weirdest and least commercial songs, which makes sense. He seemed to know that he didn’t have much time left while he was working on the album, so he probably wanted his final work to be something he was happy with, as his final bow.
18 “Life On Mars” – ‘Hunky Dory’ (1971)
ShareFeaturing one of the greatest performances by piano player Rick Wakeman (later of Yes), according to the BBC, “In 1968, Bowie had written English lyrics for a French song called ‘Comme, D’Habitude,’ calling his version ‘Even A Fool Learns To Love.’ It was never released, but soon afterwards Paul Anka heard the original version, bought the rights and rewrote it as ‘My Way.’ Bowie recorded ‘Life On Mars?’ as a Sinatra parody in anger at having missed out on a fortune, although the ‘Hunky Dory’ liner notes state that the song was merely ‘inspired by Frankie.’” It’s tough to imagine Ol’ Blue Eyes singing “Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow,” though.
17 “Five Years” – ‘The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’ (1972)
ShareTalk about setting the scene: the opening track from ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’ kicks things off by notifying earth that it only has five years left before being destroyed by some kind of disaster.
16 “Let’s Dance” – ‘Let’s Dance’ (1983)
ShareThe lead single from his comeback album, “Let’s Dance” topped the pop charts, but also had some great guitar playing, courtesy of a young up-and-coming guy named Stevie Ray Vaughan.
15 “Thursday’s Child” – ‘Hours…’ (1999)
ShareAs Bowie’s guitarist and collaborator Reeves Gabrels once revealed in an interview that Bowie decided that for his 1999 album, “I want to make music for my generation,” and that he wanted the R&B group TLC to sing backing vocals on this criminally-overlooked ballad. “I was David's friend, and his guitar player, musical director, co-producer, but I was also a fan,” Gabrels said. “I felt like I was protecting his 'thing.' I wanted to make sure he stayed cool and stayed connected. He was a voracious chaser of new things. But not every new thing [should be chased].” Holly Palmer ended up doing the backing vocals on the song.
14 “Lazarus” – ‘Blackstar’ (2016)
ShareThe final single released during Bowie’s life was one of his best; the video, like the ‘Blackstar’ album, came out just days before his passing and the song seems written with his impending death in mind. It was haunting when we first heard it, and it’s even more chilling now.
13 Iggy Pop – “Lust For Life” – ‘Lust For Life’ (1977)
Share1977 was an incredibly prolific year for Bowie; besides releasing his classic ‘Low’ album, he also produced former Stooges singer Iggy Pop’s first two solo albums, ‘Lust For Life’ and ‘The Idiot.’ The former kicked off with the title track, which is probably Iggy’s most popular solo jam. Bowie co-wrote the song (on a ukulele, according to some stories) and played piano on it; the distinctive Motown-like beat was played by Hunt Sales, Bowie’s future Tin Machine bandmate. Nearly two decades after its release, it got a second life when it was used to great effect in ‘Trainspotting.’ And then it made it to an even wider crowd when it was used in Royal Carribean’s commercials.
12 “Station To Station” – ‘Station To Station’ (1976)
ShareThe ‘Station To Station’ album marked one of Bowie’s stylistic turns: coming off of the soul/R&B sounds of ‘Young Americans,’ here he was more influenced by electronic music like German acts Kraftwerk and Can. “Station To Station” is one of his most experimental songs and his longest, clocking in at over 10 minutes.
11 “Watch That Man” – ‘Aladdin Sane’ (1973)
ShareIn the early ‘70s, Bowie was obsessed with the Rolling Stones. That’s apparent on ‘Aladdin Sane,’ which features a cover of “Let’s Spend The Night Together.” But even that doesn’t sound as Stonesy as “Watch That Man.”
10 “Moonage Daydream” – ‘The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’ (1972)
ShareOne of Bowie’s best hard-rock jams, it should have been a radio hit on par with “Suffragette City” and “Ziggy Stardust.” But even if it didn’t get on the airwaves in the ‘70s, it did make it to the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ soundtrack (when our heroes are approaching the “Knowhere” mining colony).
9 “Suffragette City” – ‘The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’ (1972)
ShareInspired by ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (the term “droogie” and the line “wham, bam, thank you, ma’am” both came from ‘Clockwork’), it combined the hard rock sounds that were dominating the ‘70s with throwback Little Richard-esque piano and futuristic sounding ARP keyboards.
8 Mott The Hoople – “All The Young Dudes” – ‘All The Young Dudes’ (1972)
ShareIt’s hard to imagine that a band would turn down “Suffragette City” if David Bowie offered it to them, but that’s what Mott The Hoople did. As crazy as that might seem, they got a better song (or at least one that suited them better) when Bowie came back with “All The Young Dudes,” which was, by far, their biggest hit. While Bowie performed the song at his concerts over the years, the song fits Mott’s frontman Ian Hunter better than it did Bowie.
7 “Changes” – ‘Hunky Dory’ (1971)
ShareWas it about Bowie or was it about us? Both, really. On one of his first singles, he was letting us know that he wouldn’t stay in a groove for long and indeed, over the years, he would change his visual and musical style every few albums, challenging us up until the very end. But “And these children that you spit on/As they try to change their worlds/Are immune to your consultations/They're quite aware of what they're goin' through” applied to every new generation, as did “Look out, you rock and rollers.”
6 “Fame” – ‘Young Americans’ (1975)
ShareThe man who made ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’ just a few years earlier was clearly a guy who was pursuing stardom, even if it was under the Ziggy alias. But by 1975, Bowie was tired of the tribulations of fame, not the least of which was a legal battle with an ex-manager. That was something that John Lennon -- who Bowie and guitarist Carlos Almoar co-wrote the song -- knew something about. One of the funkiest jams recorded by either Bowie or (especially) Lennon, it was Bowie’s first U.S. #1 hit.
5 “The Man Who Sold The World” – ‘The Man Who Sold The World’ (1970)
ShareOne of a handful of Bowie songs that didn’t make a huge chart impact, but took on greater weight in the years after its release. In this case, it was Nirvana’s cover from their episode of “MTV Unplugged” that finally put the song in front of millions; at the time, it could have been referred to as obscure. Now, it’s iconic.
4 “Space Oddity” – ‘Space Oddity’ (1969)
ShareStarring Major Tom, a character who he revisited in 1980’s “Ashes To Ashes,” 1995’s “Hallo Spaceboy” and possibly in Bowie’s final bow, the 2015 video for “Blackstar.” Inspired by the film 2001: A Space Oddity, the song was as much about isolation and madness as it was about science fiction. The song’s eerie vibe was enhanced by the mellotron, played by future Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman.
3 “Ziggy Stardust” – ‘The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’ (1972)
ShareBowie was the quintessential rock star, but on this song he -- and his character, Ziggy Stardust -- shares the spotlight with Mick Ronson’s iconic guitar riff. Indeed, that riff may have distracted some programmers from the “well-hung” bisexual alien rock star with the “snow-white tan” and “screwed-up eyes and screwed-down hairdo,” who “could lick 'em by smiling.”
2 “Ashes To Ashes” – ‘Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)’ (1980)
ShareBowie was never a nostalgic guy, leaving musical and visual styles (and band members) in the dust as he progressed throughout his career. So it was a bit of a surprise when he revisited “Major Tom” from his first big hit, “Space Oddity” on “Ashes To Ashes,” noting that his story didn’t end well.
1 “ “Heroes” ” – ‘Heroes’ (1977)
ShareIt was never a hit, and yet it’s regarded as an anthem and that’s fitting: Bowie never seemed to care to pander to the pop charts of the moment, even as he always seemed to strive for iconic status. And even if you don’t agree that it’s his finest moment, it’s surely one of Bowie’s greatest songs. Co-written with producer Brian Eno and powered by King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp’s distinctive guitar line, the song is something of a rorschach: the lyrics are vague enough to mean whatever you want them to. As such, it’s been hailed as a gay anthem, but the National Review named it one of the greatest conservative rock songs of all time. By the way, the quotes are part of the spelling of the song’s title; they were, apparently, to point out irony. But whatever Bowie’s punctuation motivation, fans all over the world take the song seriously.
Metallica’s Best Of All Time
Metallica: All Songs Ranked Worst to Best
115. “Suicide & Redemption” – ‘Death Magnetic’ (2008)
ShareWhen Metallica recorded “Suicide & Redemption,” they probably felt that the track harkened back to the iconic instrumentals from early in their catalog. In reality, it’s an extremely bloated exercise that is 9:58 too long. (Note: The track clocks in at 9:58.) (EB)
114. “Purify” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
Share“Purify” sounds like someone threw a soup can into a dryer with a microphone, and then tossed in some spare change halfway through. It makes Hetfield’s desperate pleas feel all too real: “Can’t you help me? Won’t you help me?” We wish we could, James. (SP)
113. “Shoot Me Again” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
ShareEnough has already been said about the snare drum sound on ‘St. Anger,’ so we won’t beat that dead horse anymore. However, it’s especially distracting on “Shoot Me Again.” (EB)
112. “My World” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
ShareOnce again, the snare drum is awful. On the plus side, Metallica’s “My World” isn’t nearly as bad as the Guns N’ Roses song also titled “My World.” (Yes, this is a stretch and a complete grasping of straws, but this song just isn’t good.) (EB)
111. “Attitude” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
ShareHow ironic that one thing “Attitude” thoroughly lacks is attitude. “Reload” has some bite, but you won’t find it here. This is just half-baked, flavorless filler. (SP)
110. “Sweet Amber” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
Share“Sweet Amber” is the closest we get to a recognizable Metallica track from ‘St. Anger.’ Clocking in at just under five and a half minutes (making it one of the shortest songs on the album -- mercifully), it opens with a somewhat catchy riff that unfortunately doesn’t really go anywhere interesting. Although the lyrics have been speculated to be about James Hetfield’s alcoholism, the book ‘The Monster Lives: The Inside Story of Some Kind of Monster’ reveals that “Sweet Amber” was actually written about tensions with their label. (ST)
109. “The Unnamed Feeling” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
ShareWe all know Metallica was going through a lot during the making of ‘St. Anger,’ but this track just lacks that oomph and energy fans love about the band. When you revisit it, the unnamed feeling you feel while listening to “The Unnamed Feeling” is just sadness. (EB)
108. “Hell And Back” – ‘Beyond Magnetic’ (2011)
ShareMetallica’s 2011 EP ‘Beyond Magnetic’ consists of four roughly mixed tracks that never made it onto 2008’s ‘Death Magnetic.’ “Hell And Back,” like the rest of the songs written for ‘Death Magnetic,’ is strong and features the heavy and bombastic style that we’ve come to know from Metallica. The song seems to deal with James Hetfield’s struggle with addiction. “And when the night has fallen / It falls hard and then it all begins / When she starts her calling / I feel my darkness grow within.” (ST)
107. “Bad Seed” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
ShareThe chugging riff is rather catchy, but the lyrics to “Bad Seed” are feel less than inspired. (“Swing the noose again/Pierce the apple skin/You bit more than you need/Now you're choking on the bad seed”) (EB)
106. “Lords of Summer” – Single (2014)
ShareAn ode to the summer tour circuit, “Lords of Summer” was given an appropriate debut: live, in concert. It’s a bold move to play a rollicking 8-minute epic for an entire stadium that’s never heard it, but Metallica does what Metallica wants. The track was recut for the deluxe edition of ‘Hardwired’ a couple years later. (SP)
105. “Murder One” – ‘Hardwired…To Self-Destruct’ (2016)
ShareThere are plenty of bright spots on 2016’s 'Hardwired...To Self-Destruct,' but “Murder One” just isn’t one of them. It lands with a big ol’ “meh.” The fact that the song is a tribute to the late Lemmy Kilmister just makes it a total bummer, because the track just doesn’t measure up to Lemmy’s legend. Then again, what does? (EB)
104. “Don’t Tread On Me” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
ShareMetallica’s 1991 self-titled record, commonly referred to as ‘The Black Album,’ has gotten a lot of flak over the years due to the band leaning towards a more commercial sound. The sixth track on the record, “Don’t Tread On Me” is one of the heaviest songs on the album and, surprisingly, James Hetfield’s least favorite. The most interesting and unexpected aspect of this song is the homage to Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s “America” from ‘West Side Story.’ (ST)
103. “Just a Bullet Away” – ‘Beyond Magnetic’ (2011)
ShareSure, lyrics like “Suck on the barrel/Suck on the barrel/Suck it 'til it's gone dry” are both jarring and distracting. And sure, “Just a Bullet Away” is far from a great Metallica song. But why were this track and the three others on the ‘Beyond Magnetic’ EP cut from ‘Death Magnetic,’ while “Suicide & Redemption” made the cut? What a head-scratcher! (EB)
102. “Better Than You” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
ShareHere’s a wild (not-so) fun fact: “Better Than You” won the 1999 Grammy for Best Metal Performance and managed to beat out Rammstein's "Du hast." Even the biggest Metallica fan in the world would admit that “Du hast” is *way* better than “Better Than You.” (EB)
101. “Am I Savage?” – ‘Hardwired… To Self Destruct’ (2016)
ShareThe fifth track on ‘Hardwired… To Self Destruct’ kicks in with a Black Sabbath-inspired riff that fades into the grunge feel of 1996’s ‘Load’ (which as we know, most Metallica fans can live without). Although not a bad track, “Am I Savage?” is not particularly memorable. (ST)
100. “The Unforgiven III” – ‘Death Magnetic’ (2008)
ShareYou’d think Metallica wouldn’t even attempt “The Unforgiven III” considering how subpar “The Unforgiven II” was, but alas, they decided to give it a go anyway. Should’ve just left well enough alone. (EB)
99. “Slither” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
ShareThe riff and the lyrics are uninspired and, frankly, rather boring. “Slither” could’ve just slid onto the cutting room floor, and no one would miss it. (EB)
98. “Broken, Beat & Scarred” – ‘Death Magnetic’ (2008)
ShareIt really feels like Metallica tried to make “What don't kill ya make ya more strong” happen like it was “Fetch!” or something. Nonetheless, now that this list is in the double digits, there’s far more meat to these songs, especially here, on the extended guitar solo following the second chorus. (EB)
97. “Invisible Kid” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
ShareWhile it's certainly not one of the band's best songs of all time, “Invisible Kid” does capture the lo-fi aura of what Metallica were trying to create with ‘St. Anger.’ That said, the track drags on for eight minutes, overstaying its welcome a bit. (AE)
96. “The Judas Kiss” – ‘Death Magnetic’ (2008)
ShareSure, "The Judas Kiss" off 2008's ‘Death Magnetic’ is a cool song title, but it's certainly not a stand-out in the band's repertoire. Musically, the song is a bit like a mix between "Whiskey in the Jar" and "Enter Sandman," which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not nearly as good as either of those songs. (AE)
95. “Devil’s Dance” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
ShareIs the song about the devil or maybe something hornier? Perhaps that’s up to the listener to decide, but the riffs in “Devil’s Dance” sound super sleazy and really wouldn’t be out of place at your local jiggle joint. (EB)
94. “Dirty Window” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
ShareJames Hetfield takes a cold hard look at his issues with alcoholism on “Dirty Window.” While it’s one of the shorter tracks on ‘St. Anger,’ clocking in at 5:24, it could’ve easily been more effective with at least a minute trimmed off. (EB)
93. “Here Comes Revenge” – ‘Hardwired… To Self Destruct’ (2016)
Share“Here Comes Revenge” is the flame that keeps the fire burning on the second half of 2016’s ‘Hardwired… To Self Destruct.’ The song is powered by a massive riff and covers a rather heartbreaking topic. In an interview with Marky Ramone, Hetfield said that the song was written for a couple that became fans of Metallica through their daughter whom they tragically lost in a car accident involving a drunk driver. “I was just trying to put myself in their shoes,” Hetfield said about writing the song, “It just hit me: ‘How can you guys find something positive in the world to connect you to your daughter again’ — which was Metallica, the music she loved.” (ST)
92. “The Unforgiven II” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
ShareYou can kind of see what Metallica was trying to do, but “The Unforgiven II” just could never measure up to the grandiose epic that was “The Unforgiven.” Let it serve as yet another reminder that not everything needs a reboot/sequel. (EB)
91. “ManUNkind” – Hardwired…To Self-Destruct (2016)
ShareA doomy song, written by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich with Robert Trujillo. Hetfield’s lyrics show a lack of faith in humanity (and can you really blame him?). (AE)
90. “Cyanide” – ‘Death Magnetic’ (2008)
ShareA song about death on an album titled ‘Death Magnetic.’ Crazy, right? Speaking of crazy, there are a lot of different elements and tempo changes to this track... almost as if the band took a variety of song ideas and just threw them together. It’s a very chaotic listen but not in a fun way. (EB)
89. “Hate Train” – ‘Beyond Magnetic’ (2011)
ShareKnock knock. Who’s there? It’s the “Hate Train” and James Hetfield’s the conductor and he’s furious! What Papa Het’s angry about isn’t quite known, however, his vocals on the chorus are rather haunting. (EB)
88. “The Shortest Straw” – ‘…And Justice for All’ (1988)
ShareMetallica explored many political themes on ‘...And Justice for All,’ and in the decades since its release, many of those themes are still just as relevant today. In the case of “The Shortest Straw,” ideas around blacklisting are broached. (“Suspicion is your name/Your honesty to blame/Put dignity to shame/Dishonor/Witch-hunt, modern day/Determining decay/The blatant disarray/Disfigure”) How funny that if released today, somehow both sides of the political aisle would think the song is about their opponents. (EB)
87. “Some Kind of Monster” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
ShareIt's hard not to immediately think of the infamous Metallica documentary of the same title when revisiting “Some Kind of Monster.” And that might frustrate some fans. However, one of the most frustrating things about this track is its lost potential. Like many ‘St. Anger’ tracks, it’s just too damn long when there was no real need for the length. (EB)
86. “Wasting My Hate” – ‘Load’ (1996)
Share“Good day, how do?” We’re now in the thick of the ranking where the songs aren’t great, but they aren’t bad, per se. They’re just...fine. An above average hard rock band would probably kill for a riff like this, but Metallica is well above average, so “Wasting My Hate” is just...well...fine. (EB)
85. “Prince Charming” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
SharePerhaps Metallica’s way of trying to be dark and cheeky, “Prince Charming” paints a bleak picture of an unfortunate reality for the song’s protagonist despite the seemingly warm and inviting title. (“I'm the forty-five that's in your mouth, I'm a dirty, dirty whore.”) At least the solid riff and groove can distract the listener from the self-sabotage. (EB)
84. “Thorn Within” – ‘Load’ (1996)
Share“Thorn Within” is a song that seemingly grapples with being your own worst enemy. There is loads (pun intended) of potential here, but a monotonous riff throughout drags the whole track down. (EB)
83. “Carpe Diem Baby” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
Share“Carpe Diem Baby” packs some big swagger that always delivers regardless of how many times you revisit the track. No need to search for a hidden meaning here. Just seize the day, motherf---ers! (EB)
82. “The House Jack Built” – ‘Load’ (1996)
Share“The House Jack Built” isn’t the first song about alcoholism/sobriety on this list and it won’t be the last. Even novice drinkers know which “Jack” James Hetfield is referring to, and if it wasn’t already obvious, lyrics like, “Is that you there or just another demon that I meet?" make it a bit clearer. (EB)
81. “Where the Wild Things Are” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
ShareWe’re certainly a far cry away from the magical world Maurice Sendak created in the classic children’s book of the same name. Something far more sinister lies within the realm of this Metallica tune, and it’s seemingly about how often young people are sent off to fight battles their elders started. (“So wake up, sleepy one/It’s time to save your world/You’re where the wild things are/Toy soldiers off to war”). (EB)
80. “Poor Twisted Me” – ‘Load’ (1996)
ShareIt’s understandable why 'Load’ pissed off so many of the Metallica faithful with its very jarring departure from metal, but for those that dig bluesy, twangy hard rock, the album had some unique standouts, like “Poor Twisted Me.” The track delivers a straight-from-the-groin groove that is hard to deny, even for the biggest haters. (EB)
79. “The Outlaw Torn” – ‘Load’ (1996)
ShareDespite Metallica embracing a very different sound on ‘Load,’ one thing about the band that didn’t change was their penchant for epics. “The Outlaw Torn” is a wild jam that clocks in at 9:48, the longest track on ‘Load,’ but it was originally nearly 11 minutes long. A chunk of the jam was cut so the album could easily fit on a CD without potentially impacting playback. However you feel about ‘Load,’ “The Outlaw Torn” brings the LP to a very mighty close. (EB)
78. “Rebel Of Babylon” – ‘Beyond Magnetic’ (2011
Share“Rebel Of Babylon” is another solid, aggressive track with a monster riff on the ‘Beyond Magnetic’ EP that makes us wonder how it didn’t make the cut on ‘Death Magnetic.’ It only leaves more questions for the band and the album’s producer Rick Rubin. (EB)
77. “Ronnie” – ‘Load’ (1996)
ShareCall it Metallica’s “Jeremy”: our titular character is bullied to the point of committing a mass shooting. Though never confirmed, it’s presumably based on actual events that occurred in Washington about a year before ‘Load’ was released. (SP)
76. “Holier Than Thou” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
ShareOriginally picked as the lead single for the Black Album before being beat out by “Enter Sandman,” “Holier Than Thou” brings the defiant attitude you’d expect from the band, but with an air of maturity. Rumor has it that Hetfield wrote the song about his agitation with producer Bob Rock, but he later clarified that it was a jab at the music industry at large. (SP)
75. “Of Wolf and Man” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
Share"Of Wolf and Man” might just be one of the most bizarre songs in Metallica’s catalog. The track’s narrative follows a man that turns into a wolf during a full moon. Once again, it’s very bizarre, but its tight groove is a pleasant distraction from the lyrical content. Oh, and how is it that Ted Nugent hasn’t covered this song by now? That seems like a lost opportunity for the Motor City Madman. (EB)
74. “Cure” – ‘Load’ (1996)
ShareThe topic of James Hetfield’s late mother is broached a number of times on ‘Load’; “Cure” addresses both his mother and his upbringing as a Christian Scientist, which is strongly against medical treatment. (“Betting on the cure/It must get better than this/Betting on the cure/Yeah, everyone's got to have the sickness/'Cause everyone seems to need the cure/Precious cure.”) (EB)
73. “The Struggle Within” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
ShareLars Ulrich’s military-style drums that open “The Struggle Within” add a nice touch to the closing track of “The Black Album.” In fact, the entire drum track is just killer and truly adds to the intensity of the mental health anguish explored in the song’s lyrics. (“While you struggle inside your hell-ow/(Reaching out) Reaching out/Grabbing for something you have got to feel/(Closing in) Closing in/The pressure upon you is so unreal.”) (EB)
72. “Confusion” – ‘Hardwired…To Self-Destruct’ (2016)
ShareMetallica is certainly not the band to get “softer” with age, especially when it comes to lyrical content. James Hetfield discussed the PTSD-themes in “Confusion” in an interview with the Metallica fan club zine ‘So What!’ saying, “... PTSD is everywhere, man. Things that happen to you in your childhood, or you know, sports figures, anyone who wears a uniform, who’s gone out there and portrayed a life of service, giving, or using force, power... There’s lots of different forms of PTSD, even being in a band...everything’s worked out for you...and then you get home; 'What’s my plan? What am I doing today?’ Feeling a little lost, trying to plug into your family. And they’re [saying], 'Where are you? Hello?' Everything’s taken care of. Why am I needed? I’m not needed!” (EB)
71. “Hero Of The Day” – ‘Load’ (1996)
ShareRegardless of the controversy amongst fans regarding 1996’s ‘Load’, “Hero Of The Day” is a shining moment from the album. The song was a far cry from the band’s earlier thrash metal, but is a certified radio classic and became the band’s second consecutive number one hit on the Billboard Rock charts. (ST)
70. “All Within My Hands” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
ShareThe namesake of Metallica’s charity foundation comes from this final track off of ‘St. Anger.’ The nonprofit has done an incredible amount to support a wide range of organizations and causes. “All Within My Hands” caught a second wind as the single from ‘S&M2’ 16 years later, when the orchestral polish of the San Francisco Symphony made this hidden gem shine. (SP)
69. “St. Anger” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
ShareWhen listening to “St. Anger,” it’s difficult not to think back to the track’s music video filmed at San Quentin State Prison and how the song’s themes draw clear parallels to the prison’s inmates. Snare drum complaints aside, the song is still solid long after its release. (EB)
68. “Frantic” – ‘St. Anger’ (2003)
ShareThe opening track for an album sets the tone for the rest of the LP. “Frantic” did that, leading off ‘St. Anger.’ The song’s abrasive fury could inspire even the most on-edge person to say out loud, “You know what? I need to sit down and collect my thoughts for a minute.” How else are you supposed to process lyrics like, “My lifestyle determines my death style”? (EB)
67. “My Apocalypse” – Death Magnetic (2008)
ShareMetallica is a thrash band at their core, and they really lean into that on the ‘Death Magnetic’ track "My Apocalypse." It's not the strongest track, though, largely due to Hetfield's lyrics, as he barks, "Mangled flesh, snapping spines/ Dripping bloody valentine/ Shattered face, spitting glass." (AE)
66. “My Friend of Misery” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
ShareKicking off with a haunting bass riff from Jason Newsted, “My Friend of Misery” is slyly biting and brutal. (“They say the empty can rattles the most/The sound of your own voice must soothe you.”) Understandably, the track gets a bit buried by some of the monster hits on “The Black Album,” but “My Friend of Misery” packs a ton of power and deserves more attention than it gets. (EB)
65. “Halo On Fire” – ‘Hardwired…To Self-Destruct’ (2016)
ShareHalos and fire. Heaven and Hell. Good and evil. This is the overarching theme of the longest track on ‘Hardwired...To Self-Destruct.' James Hetfield would tell the Metallica fan club zine ‘So What!’ of the track, “There’s a juxtaposition in all of us, good, evil, and when does that come out, when does it show itself? Some people portray themselves as real saints, [and] the more their darkness is, the more they have to portray themselves as saints. So, you’re basically getting away from the real ‘you,' like you’re making up for all of this [stuff] that you think is really bad.” (EB)
64. “Through the Never” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
ShareMetallica is known for its lengthier tunes, so “Through the Never” is always refreshing since it packs so much punch and philosophical thought in a tight 4:04. (“All that is, was, and will be/Universe, much too big to see/Time and space, never ending/Disturbing thoughts, questions pending.”) (EB)
63. “Escape” – ‘Ride The Lightning’ (1984)
ShareWritten at the last minute in the studio for 1984’s ‘Ride The Lightning’ — with the intent of potential radio air-play — “Escape” ranks pretty low on the list of the band’s personal favorites from their catalog. Despite only being played live once (at the band’s Orion Music festival in 2012), the song has since been covered by modern metal giants Hatebreed and Gojira and has gained a cult following amongst diehard fans. (ST)
62. “The End of the Line” – ‘Death Magnetic’ (2008)
ShareKirk Hammett’s solo on this track is ridiculous! Holy f---in’ s---! That’s it. That’s what we have to say about “The End of the Line.” (EB)
61. “Mama Said” – ‘Load’ (1996)
ShareWritten about his mother whom he lost to cancer at age 16, James Hetfield’s lyrics to “Mama Said” are as moving as they are heartbreaking. (“I took your love for granted/And all the things you said to me/I need your arms to welcome me/But a cold stone's all I see.”) The country influence is strong here, but even if country isn’t your thing, you’d have to be crazy to not embrace this ballad. (EB)
60. “No Remorse” – ‘Kill ‘Em All’ (1983)
Share“No Remorse” was certainly Kirk Hammett’s time to shine, as the song kicks off with a forty five second long blistering lead from the band’s newest member. Dare I say, this is extremely catchy for a thrash metal tune. Like every single song on the band’s 1983 debut, “No Remorse” is yet another thrash metal classic. (ST)
59. “Ain’t My Bitch” – ‘Load’ (1996)
ShareUpon first listen, “Ain’t My Bitch” sounds like it could’ve easily found a decent home on “The Black Album,” but then you hear Kirk Hammett play his slide guitar and then you quickly realize this track is a completely different animal altogether, which was definitely the overarching sentiment of ‘Load.’ (EB)
58. “The God That Failed” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
ShareJames Hetfield’s struggle with the loss of his mother and his family’s Christian Science faith surfaces again on “The God That Failed.” The pain and anger Hetfield feels is palpable and devastating. (“I see faith in your eyes/ Never you hear the discouraging lies/I hear faith in your cries/Broken is the promise, betrayal/The healing hand held back by the deepened nail/Follow the god that failed, yeah.”) (EB)
57. “That Was Just Your Life” – ‘Death Magnetic’ (2008)
ShareThe murky, Black Sabbath-inspired intro into a heavy thrash riff is quite the chef’s kiss moment to kick off “That Was Just Your Life,” which is the opening track to ‘Death Magnetic.’ It was likely a welcome sound to many fans who were let down by ‘St. Anger’ five years earlier. (EB)
56. “Dream No More” – ‘Hardwired…To Self-Destruct’ (2016)
ShareMetallica sure does enjoy the Cthulhu Mythos, and on “Dream No More,” we find H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu being directly confronted via a heavy, gloomy soundtrack that also features Robert Trujillo providing backing vocals. Another solid track from Metallica’s 10th studio album. (EB)
55. “Phantom Lord” – ‘Kill ‘Em All’ (1983)
ShareCo-written by Dave Mustaine, who later formed the thrash group Megadeth, “Phantom Lord” is often referenced as one of Metallica’s most underrated tracks. The scorching riff sports a punk influence, as does many other songs from this record, including “Hit The Lights” and “Whiplash.” (You know what they say: Mustaine “Wrote ‘Em All!”) (ST)
54. “- Human” – ‘S&M’ (1999)
ShareOne of two original tracks written for Metallica’s performance with the San Francisco Symphony (more on the other one later), “-Human” deals with themes of fighting and escaping looming mortality, which was probably an interesting change of pace for the members of the San Francisco Symphony. (EB)
53. “2 x 4” – ‘Load’ (1996)
Share“2 x 4” leans heavily into blues rock territory with a healthy dash of forefathers Black Sabbath. While most of Metallica’s biggest songs are primarily in the metal vein, “2 x 4” remains an underrated track that should really get more love. (EB)
52. “All Nightmare Long” – ‘Death Magnetic’ (2008)
Share“All Nightmare Long” opens with an interesting riff that definitely has an “Enter Sandman” vibe, but then it settles into a hard AF thrash riff perfect for a song that describes a recurring nightmare about someone being hunted. The track is rather creepy but, somehow, rather fun. (EB)
51. “Now That We’re Dead” – ‘Hardwired…To Self-Destruct’ (2016)
ShareAh, a love song. To be united in eternal damnation is the ultimate commitment: “We could live forever.” This could be one of the most romantic songs in the Metallica catalog, second only to “Nothing Else Matters”. (SP)
50. “(Anesthesia)-Pulling Teeth” – ‘Kill ‘Em All’ (1983)
Share“Bass solo, take one.” Cliff Burton’s signature solo track takes us on a journey, moving from haunting to playful to formidable over the course of four minutes. It’s more of a showcase of his personality than his talent, and it’s compelling all the same. (SP)
49. “Jump In The Fire” – ‘Kill ‘Em All’ (1983)
ShareOne of the most notable from the band’s debut record, “Jump In The Fire” is a riff assault that served as a precursor to what we would continue to see from Metallica for years to come. Appearing on Ron McGovney’s ‘82 Garage demo, “Jump In The Fire” was one of the first original songs in the band’s history and was also co-written by Dave Mustaine; although Hetfield changed and edited Mustaine's original lyrics to be something much less sex focused. (ST)
48. “Fixxxer” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
ShareFamilial relations are a recurring topic in the Metallica catalog, and those relations don’t tend to inspire warm and fuzzy tunes. “Fixxer” is a prime example. (“But tell me, can you heal what father’s done?/Or fix this hole in a mother’s son?/Can you heal the broken worlds within?/Can you strip away so we may start again?”) It closes ‘Reload’ on a very bleak note, but everyone musically shines on the track. (EB)
47. “The Memory Remains” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
ShareMetallica and their fans may have prided themselves on not being part of the mainstream in the ‘80s, but the ‘90s were a different story. There’s nothing wrong with writing a kick-ass tune that’s also accessible to the masses. Exhibit A: “The Memory Remains.” The track earns bonus points for likely introducing guest vocalist Marianne Faithful to a whole new generation. (EB)
46. “The Thing That Should Not Be” – ‘Master of Puppets’ (1986)
Share"The Thing That Should Not Be," off 1986's ‘Master of Puppets,’ makes references to H.P. Lovecraft, not unlike "The Call of Ktulu" off ‘Ride the Lightning.’ That said, this is a great example of how Metallica's '80s songs are often influenced by science fiction, taking the listener on a wild ride with a surprise ending. (AE)
45. “No Leaf Clover” – ‘S&M’ (1999)
ShareThe vibe the San Francisco Symphony brings to “No Leaf Clover,” an original track penned for ‘S&M’, cannot be overstated. The lushness of their playing provides a unique juxtaposition for the heft of James Hetfield’s lyrics, especially on that devastating chorus: “Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel/Was just a freight train coming your way.” (EB)
44. “Dyers Eve” – ‘…And Justice for All’ (1988)
ShareHow gut-wrenching are the lyrics of "Dyers Eve," off ‘...And Justice for All?’ "Dear mother, dear father/You clipped my wings before I learned to fly," Hetfield growls as the heavy song launches. It's well known that Hetfield's father left when he was 13 and his mother passed away not long after. The personal nature of "Dyers Eve" coupled with the track's thrash assault makes it one of Metallica's most open and honest songs. (AE)
43. “Atlas, Rise!” – ‘Hardwired…To Self-Destruct’ (2016)
ShareAtlas, bearer of the heavens in Greek mythology, is summoned to lead this Maiden-esque charge into battle. The lyrics are some of the best in Metallica’s latter-day catalog; you can almost hear the sly grin through Hetfield’s call to arms. (SP)
42. “Fuel” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
Share“Fuel” could be renamed “Meme,” and fans would likely know the song you’re talking about considering its intro lyric and use of Papa Het’s popular “Yeah!” Similar to “The Memory Remains,” “Fuel” is a booming tune that perhaps attracted more people to Metallica. Once again for those in the back: It’s not a sin to create art that also appeals to the masses. (EB)
41. “Metal Militia” – ‘Kill ‘Em All’ (1983)
Share"Metal Militia" is the final track off 1983's ‘Kill 'Em All,’ and it, of course, packs a punch. As the story goes, it was mainly written by Dave Mustaine when he was still in the band. What makes "Metal Militia" a stand-out is simply how fast it is; back then, Metallica were really at the forefront of thrash metal. And the song was an anthem for metal fans worldwide. (AE)
40. “Until It Sleeps” – ‘Load’ (1996)
ShareReleasing their first record since the alternative rock explosion, Metallica definitely used some inspiration from the Seattle bands of the time who were ruling the rock charts; especially Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. This influence is scattered throughout the entirety of the record, but is especially present on “Until It Sleeps.” Even with the backlash the band received due to the chopping of their hair and the upheaval of the bands image, Metallica remained as successful as ever. “Until It Sleeps” climbed to the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts, earning the band their first number one. (ST)
39. “The Four Horsemen” – ‘Kill ‘Em All’ (1983)
ShareEven though Dave Mustaine hasn’t played a note on a single Metallica recording, his influence and writing was prevalent on the band’s debut. Especially on this song; Metallica’s first epic. “The Four Horsemen” was originally an idea from Mustaine’s previous band, Panic, and was later also used in Mustaine’s own band, Megadeth, for the track “Mechanix.” The second song on ‘Kill ‘Em All’ is anything but predictable, flowing through a myriad of melodic sections while keeping the intensity that fans continued to crave on future releases by both Metallica and Megadeth. (ST)
38. “Ride the Lightning” – ‘Ride the Lightning’ (1984)
ShareThe entire ‘Ride the Lightning’ album is a mark of massive growth for Metallica, especially on its title track, which deals with an inmate sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit. Musically and thematically, these were not the same punk kids we met on ‘Kill ‘Em All,’ and this evolution would carry the band through to their masterpiece third studio album ‘Master of Puppets.’ (EB)
37. “To Live Is to Die” – ‘…And Justice for All’ (1988)
ShareA beautiful, yet heartbreaking tribute to late bassist Cliff Burton, who receives a songwriting credit on this nearly 10-minute epic. (The bassline was written by Burton before his untimely passing and performed by Jason Newsted on the LP.) The only “lyrics” to the song is a four-line spoken-word section with the final two lines penned by Burton: “All this I cannot bear to witness any longer. Cannot the kingdom of salvation take me home?” (EB)
36. “Motorbreath” – ‘Kill ‘Em All’ (1983)
ShareSome songs you’re only able to write when you’re young and hungry. “Motorbreath” is one of those songs. Packing a heavy dose of Motorhead influence and “f--- you” attitude, the track floors it out the gate and never takes its foot off the gas for the entirety of its 3:07. It’s living hard and fast in the finest way possible. (EB)
35. “Leper Messiah” – ‘Master of Puppets’ (1986)
ShareThis track explores the concept of corruption, manipulation, and greed within religion. James Hetfield’s furious vocals accompany the heavy, inverted power chords perfectly. This one definitely goes down as one of the best on the record. And for ‘Master Of Puppets,’ that’s saying something. (ST)
34. “Bleeding Me” – ‘Load’ (1996)
Share"Bleeding Me" is one of the only Metallica songs that features a Hammond organ, giving it a vintage sound. But the lyrics hit hard: as Hetfield told ‘Playboy’ in their infamous 2001 Metallica feature, “Around the time of ‘Load,’ I felt I wanted to stop drinking. ‘Maybe I'm missing out on something. Everyone else seems so happy all the time. I want to get happy.’ I'd plan my life around a hangover: ‘The Misfits are playing in town Friday night, so Saturday is hangover day.’ I lost a lot of days in my life. Going to therapy for a year, I learned a lot about myself. There's a lot of things that scar you when you're growing up, you don't know why. The song ‘Bleeding Me’ is about that: I was trying to bleed out all bad, get the evil out. While I was going through therapy, I discovered some ugly stuff in there.” (AE)
33. “Spit Out the Bone” – ‘Hardwired…To Self-Destruct’ (2016)
ShareKirk Hammett referred to “Spit Out The Bone” as the ‘Mount Everest’ of the Hardwired album, and it’s certainly ambitious. We’re shown their full range of power here: wild solos trade off with a bass-heavy stomp, Hetfield beckons in one line and growls in the next, and Ulrich punctuates the narrative with his relentless drums. (SP)
32. “The Frayed Ends of Sanity” – ‘…And Justice for All’ (1988)
Share“The Frayed Ends of Sanity” is an incredibly complex song that was never played live in its entirety until the 2014 “Metallica by Request” tour where fans voted on every setlist. After finally being performed live after being released 26 years prior, the track would surface on 11 more setlists. (EB)
31. “Low Man’s Lyric” – ‘Reload’ (1997)
ShareWe got four syllables for ya: Hurdy-gurdy! Perhaps Metallica’s most unique and most underrated ballad, “Low Man’s Lyric” is a stunning, melodic tune and one of the bright spots on ‘Reload.’ (Depending on who you ask, it’s *the* brightest spot on the entire LP.) You can safely say that no other song sounds like it in the Metallica catalog. According to Setlist.fm, the last time “Low Man’s Lyric” was performed live was back in September 1998 at a show in Chula Vista, Calif. Perhaps it’s time to throw this gem randomly on an upcoming setlist? (EB)
30. “Eye of the Beholder” – ‘…And Justice for All’ (1988)
ShareIt’s amazing that “Eye of the Beholder” - a song about freedom of speech - hasn’t surfaced more during the 2020s with all the discourse about “cancel culture,” books being banned in schools, and other arguments related to social media. Its chorus is alarmingly relevant to this day: “Independence limited/Freedom of choice is made for you, my friend/Freedom of speech is words that they will bend/Freedom with their exception.” Like “The Shortest Straw,” the song still likely resonates on both sides of the political aisle, for different reasons. (EB)
29. “Moth Into Flame” – ‘Hardwired…To Self-Destruct’ (2016)
ShareAnyone concerned about whether Metallica is still able to churn out bangers needs to look no further than “Moth Into Flame,” a standout from their 10th studio album that was inspired by an unlikely source: Amy Winehouse. James Hetfield talked about watching the 2015 documentary ‘Amy’ and said in an interview in 2016, “Just watching that movie was extremely saddening – how her life went from being such a lively joyous person, to someone who was just trying to escape the reality of where she was... Growing up with it, how do you deal with fame? How does it affect you? At what point do you realize, ‘This might not be as healthy as I think it is for me?’” (EB)
28. “Trapped Under Ice” – ‘Ride The Lightning’ (1984)
ShareOn an album as genre-defining and monumental as ‘Ride The Lightning,’ it’s hard to keep the momentum from start to finish. But Metallica did just that. “Trapped Under Ice” kicks off side two of the album and is the blood-pumping monster needed to pick up the pace after the previous “Fade To Black.” Fills and solos from Hammett give even more power to this true thrash metal classic. (ST)
27. “Disposable Heroes” – ‘Master of Puppets’ (1986)
ShareWhat a brutal song, from its sheer force to its narrative about a young soldier. The feverish pace at which Lars Ulrich plays the drums is so intense that you can almost feel your own pulse increase when revisiting this incredibly heavy track. And the refrain of “Back to the front!” never fails to hit you right in the gut. (EB)
26. “Orion” – ‘Master of Puppets’ (1986)
Share"Orion" is a sentimental song for both Metallica and the band's fans, as it features late bass player Cliff Burton in a lead role. The song, co-written by Burton, kicks off with a collection of imaginative, sustained bass chords. And then there’s Burton's solo, which metal bassists continue to analyze to this day. (AE)
25. “Hardwired” – ‘Hardwired…To Self-Destruct’ (2016)
ShareThe lead track on Metallica’s first album in eight years makes a statement, and that statement is “Yep, still got it, motherf---ers.” These three minutes of speed-metal delirium are as sharp as any ‘Kill ‘Em All’ cut. The flippant attitude here - “We’re so f—ed! S--- outta luck!” - feels more delighted than doomed. After all, if we’re gonna go out, we might as well go out with a bang. (SP)
24. “…And Justice for All” – ‘…And Justice for All’ (1988)
ShareDon’t you just love it when the metal DROPS?! That’s what happens in the seemingly peaceful intro to “...And Justice for All,” and then comes the booming riffs and Lars Ulrich’s massive drums. If only the song’s lyrics – a critique of our justice system -- didn’t ring so true today. (EB)
23. “The Call of Ktulu” – ‘Ride the Lightning’ (1984)
Share"The Call of Ktulu" closes out ‘Ride the Lightning’ with an epic instrumental, offering murky riffs, sharp guitars and fiery solos. It's a true banger, with the title being a(nother) reference to H.P. Lovecraft’s story of the same title. It's well-known that Burton was a major fan of the writer. (AE)
22. “The Day That Never Comes” – ‘Death Magnetic’ (2008)
Share“The Day That Never Comes” was a clear example of Metallica returning to their roots. The clean guitar intro is extremely reminiscent of “Fade To Black” from 1984’s ‘Ride The Lightning’ or “The Unforgiven” from 1991’s self-titled release. Lars’ unruly snare sound from ‘St. Anger’ is gone and Hetfield’s vocals are back on top. (ST)
21. “King Nothing” – ‘Load’ (1996)
Share“Then it all crashes down/And you break your crown/And you point your finger/But there's no one around.” Particularly scathing in its themes about perceived power and those that desire to have it, “King Nothing” is a near-flawless tune seemingly made for radio. Killer groove? Check. Bold guitar solo? Check. Massive chorus? Check. (EB)
20. “Harvester of Sorrow” – ‘…And Justice for All’ (1988)
Share"Harvester of Sorrow" is Metallica at their doomiest, featuring a dark undertone and thrash metal bite. James Hetfield doesn’t really spell it out for you, but the song seems to be about a man who is descending into insanity. Finally, at the end, he snaps and murders his loved ones. Creepy, yes, but also very Metallica. (AE)
19. “Blackened” – ‘…And Justice for All’ (1988)
ShareA re-introduction to the band after the death of Cliff Burton, the opener of ‘Justice’ takes us on a turbulent ride. There’s enough time changes to make your head spin, and perhaps that was by design: Metallica were rising from the ashes of loss and proved how laser-focused, progressive and punishing they could be. Showy? A little, but their technical proficiency is undeniable. (And if you need a stiff drink after that whirlwind, Metallica named their branded whiskey after this track.) (SP)
18. “Wherever I May Roam” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
Share“Roamer, wanderer, nomad, vagabond/Call me what you will.” Symbolic of road life for any rock band, “Wherever I May Roam” remains one of Metallica’s biggest arena-ready anthems from Lars Ulrich’s steady, yet thundering, drums to Kirk Hammett’s blistering solo to ample use of “Yeah-yeah!” (EB)
17. “Hit the Lights” – ‘Kill ‘Em All’ (1983)
ShareThe lead track on their debut album, “Hit the Lights” may have been the first introduction to Metallica for some fans, and what a vigorous introduction it is! The band wastes no time telling people who they are and what they stand for. (“No life ‘til leather/We’re gonna kick some ass tonight/We got the metal madness/When our fans start screaming it’s right.”) (EB)
16. “Creeping Death” – ‘Ride the Lightning’ (1984)
ShareAs previously stated, ‘Ride the Lightning’ showed that Metallica were no longer the punk kids we first met on ‘Kill ‘Em All,’ and “Creeping Death” is a perfect example. Punk kids usually don’t write songs about the Plagues of Egypt or write melodies, riffs and solos *this* sophisticated and blistering. The track is an outstanding achievement on a stellar album. (EB)
15. “Fight Fire with Fire” – ‘Ride the Lightning’ (1984)
Share"Fight Fire with Fire" stunned fans with its acoustic intro – which was played by the late Cliff Burton. Coming off of the brutal ‘Kill ‘Em All’ album, no one expected delicate acoustics to kick off a Metallica record. But before you could get too used to the stripped-down sound, the song exploded into a full-fledged anthem, and one of metal’s greatest album openers. (AE)
14. “Whiplash” – ‘Kill ‘Em All’ (1983)
ShareIf there’s one song that exemplifies Bay Area thrash, it’s “Whiplash.” Breakneck picking speed, double-time snare, banging faces against the stages: it checks all the boxes. Unabashedly self-referential, this is not only a blueprint of a genre, but the band’s mission statement: “We'll never stop, we'll never quit, 'cause we're Metallica.” (SP)
13. “I Disappear” – ‘Mission: Impossible 2 Soundtrack’ (2000)
ShareThe high placement of “I Disappear” will likely upset a significant amount of people, and some angry DMs are likely in this writer’s future. (Honestly, bring it the f--- on, because you can’t please everyone.) However, “I Disappear” matters both as an undeniable hard rock treasure and to Metallica’s overall history. The track remains far more memorable than ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ thanks in part to James Hetfield’s “Hey, hey, hey” hook and Lars Ulrich’s chugging drums on the chorus. And then, of course, there’s the song’s connection to Metallica’s battle with Napster. The band may have taken significant heat during that legal fight, but never forget they were right for doing what they did. (EB)
12. “Nothing Else Matters” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
Share"Nothing Else Matters" is a classic ballad; the fact that it was so unexpected made it even more powerful and moving. It appeals to both metalheads and pop fans, making it one of the band's most mainstream songs. It’s one of their few songs that appeals to non-metal fans. (AE)
11. “Fade To Black” – ‘Ride The Lightning’ (1984)
ShareOften referred to as Metallica’s first “ballad,” this track from the band’s magnum opus ‘Ride The Lightning’ (1984) is one of many that showed the band’s versatility; they could actually shift speeds from the aggressive thrash we saw on 1983’s ‘Kill ‘Em All.’ Like many Metallica songs, the lyrics dive into a rather heavy topic: the contemplation of suicide. The lyrical content has hit home for fans far and wide since its release and has remained one of the band’s greatest moments. (ST)
10. “Enter Sandman” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
ShareWhat’s the password? For the uninitiated in ‘91, the entry point for new Metallica fans was “Enter Sandman.” The lead single off of the Black Album opened the door of discovery, not only for the band but for an entire genre. “Enter Sandman” was a “gateway drug” for metal. Metallica’s legacy, from their underground thrash classics to their mass-appeal metal jams, has been debated to death over the past three decades. Was this ultimately good exposure for an underappreciated sound, or did Metallica just sell out? One thing is certain: that persistent, satisfying riff paired with nightmarish lyrics was the formula that sent Metallica into the stratosphere. (And that kid reciting the prayer? That’s producer Bob Rock’s son.) (SP)
9. “The Unforgiven” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
Share“The Unforgiven” is a spiritual descendant to “Fade To Black.” The intro’s clean guitar has a western-esque feel that bleeds into a power chord heavy verse, and then simmers into a lighter chorus; breaking Metallica’s traditional song structure. It’s undoubtedly one of the most melodic songs we’ve heard from the band. It has thought provoking lyrics, aggressive *and* restrained vocals from Hetfield, melodic instrumentation from Kirk Hammett, and solid production. And no, “The Unforgiven” doesn’t hold the same aggression that you get on a song like “Whiplash,” but Metallica has always been able to incorporate a hefty dose of melody; this is a great example of that. (ST)
8. “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” – ‘Master of Puppets’ (1986)
ShareGrim and gripping, “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” is horrific in nature, but it’s a horror from which you just can’t look away. James Hetfield’s vivid lyrics paint a painful picture of mental suffering that is quite real and likely more common than most would be comfortable to admit. The word “heavy” gets bandied about often and is mentioned a lot on this list, but there really isn’t a better word to accurately describe the weight of this ballad. (EB)
7. “Seek & Destroy” – ‘Kill ‘Em All’ (1983)
Share"Seek & Destroy” remains a setlist mainstay all these years later for a reason. It is a straight-forward anthem that sounds just as fresh today as it did when it was first released in 1983. The lives of the surviving members of the band lineup from ‘Kill ‘Em All’ have changed over the years, but whenever they play “Seek & Destroy” live, all that piss and vinegar energy comes back. May they never lose that for the rest of their days. (EB)
6. “Battery” – ‘Master of Puppets’ (1986)
Share‘Master of Puppets’ was the first (and so far, only) heavy metal album to be added to the National Recording Registry. It’s a thrash masterpiece, and our introduction to this collection of hellfire is the dizzying “Battery.” Hetfield takes the lead with the fervor of a guitar-wielding Don Quixote, and the rest of the band churns and spins around the chaos produced by his right hand. An ode to chosen family and the San Francisco scene that birthed Metallica, the song has become a rallying cry for metalheads - who can now justify a circle pit in the Library of Congress. (SP)
5. “Sad But True” – ‘Metallica’ (1991)
ShareThis is a rare Metallica track that practices restraint. There’s no complex arrangement here, and no wild deviations. It’s a different kind of swagger. Hetfield personifies every dark justification in your mind: “I'm your truth, telling lies / I'm your reasoned alibis,” fully seeping into your psyche before declaring “I’m you.” (SP)
4. “Damage, Inc.” – ‘Master of Puppets’ (1986)
Share‘Master of Puppets’ is one of Metallica's greatest albums, and the record comes to a screeching halt with the fiery "Damage, Inc." With five-and-a-half minutes of pure rigor and hard-charging heavy metal, the song is aggressive, fast and imaginative-- the perfect way to cap off such a legendary record. (AE)
3. “One” – ‘…And Justice for All’ (1988)
ShareWith three albums under their belt by 1988, the band felt more confident in their compositions and used ‘Justice’ as an opportunity to experiment. Exhibit A is their magnum opus “One.” Hetflield’s lyrics and Hammett’s somber guitar solo set a devastating scene: a soldier begging for death after battle robs him of his limbs and senses. Metallica turn up the tension with artillery sounds and machine-gun blast beats, illustrating the horrors of war in a terrifying sonic arc. This track earned Metallica the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1990, providing just a shred of redemption for NARAS after the Jethro Tull misstep the year prior. (SP)
2. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” – ‘Ride the Lightning’ (1984)
ShareThe remarkable growth Metallica showed on ‘Ride the Lightning’ is perfectly encapsulated in “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” It’s an absolute giant of a track that was a statement on metal’s evolution and where it was going as a genre. Its two-minute intro is the textbook definition of “epic.” If ‘Kill ‘Em All’ was where Metallica learned to crawl, then ‘Ride the Lightning’ and its strongest song “For Whom the Bell Tolls” was where the band learned to sprint. (EB)
1. “Master of Puppets” – ‘Master of Puppets’ (1986)
ShareHow does one succinctly describe a song that’s not only *so* important to an iconic band but so important to the culture of a genre? Imagining metal without “Master of Puppets” is like imagining the pop world without “Billie Jean” or “Purple Rain.” Finding an entry point to describe a song as impactful as “Master of Puppets” is difficult, but perhaps the best test is really trying to think of how different the landscape would be without it and its influence. It’s hard to imagine a world without “Master of Puppets.” Thankfully, we never will. (EB)
She ran out of the room and slammed the door…