Favorite Metallica Album?

[Stadler]

By the way, count me among those who would LOVE to hear a solo album from James Hetfield. 


Especially if it featured NO ONE ELSE from Metallica

Call me crazy but being that he writes all the music, and plays all the guitars minus (most of) the solos- I bet

Anyways, this is really hard- Ride the Lightning through the Black Album is probably the greatest 7 year run of any band this side of the Beatles. They’ve truly earned every penny they have. I would choose any of those albums as my favorite, just depends on the day.

I don't think I'm being contrarian when I say I can name about ten bands that who have beef with that statement. 

- Pink Floyd (1972-1979)
- Led Zeppelin (1969-1976, basically all their studio out put save "In Through The Out Door")
- Black Sabbath (1970-1977)
- Queen (1973-1980)
- Maiden (1981-1988)
- Kiss (1974-1981)
- Rush (1975-1982)
- Van Halen (1978-1985)
- Aerosmith (1973-1980)


If you want to get out of rock/metal:
- U2 (1984-1991)
- REM (1983-1990, or 1985-1992, depending)
- Elton John (1970-1977)

[WildRanger]

Iron Maiden 1981-1988 is the greatest seven years in the history of mankind.

- Maiden (1981-1988)

1980?

[MirrorMask]

We're talking about 7 years, and Seventh Son must be included, so it's 1981-88 rather than 1980-87 

[WildRanger]

We're talking about 7 years, and Seventh Son must be includes, so it's 1981-88 rather than 1980-87 

OK.

[KevShmev]

Except that 1981-1988 is eight years.

[hefdaddy42]

My favorite is the Black album.

If AJFA was mixed worth a fuck, that might be it. 

[MirrorMask]

Except that 1981-1988 is eight years.

If someone is born in 1981, in 1988 he'll say he's seven. 1981+7 equals 1988. I know that that initial year counts, but generally speaking, one can be forgiven for considering that timeframe seven years 

[pg1067]

I'm surprised it has outsold Master of Puppets . . . since it has only one HIT - One.

As opposed to Master, which had zero hits.

[Stadler]

Look, smart alecks, I banged that out in about 3 minutes. I took the first year and added seven. TECHNICALLY that is, in fact, eight years.   For some of the acts that matters, for others it doesn't. If it bothers you, minus one year from the front or back.  If it doesn't take the larger point that even though the Metallica run IS good, it's one of many.

[WildRanger]

I'm surprised it has outsold Master of Puppets . . . since it has only one HIT - One.

As opposed to Master, which had zero hits.

How is the title track not a hit?

[Adami]

I'm surprised it has outsold Master of Puppets . . . since it has only one HIT - One.

As opposed to Master, which had zero hits.

How is the title track not a hit?

Now it’s famous. But then? Was it all over the radio? Did it chart well as a single?

[cramx3]

Ride the Lightning

[hefdaddy42]

I'm surprised it has outsold Master of Puppets . . . since it has only one HIT - One.

As opposed to Master, which had zero hits.

How is the title track not a hit?

It was a single that never charted.  Not a hit.

Pretty simple, really.

[pg1067]

I'm surprised it has outsold Master of Puppets . . . since it has only one HIT - One.

As opposed to Master, which had zero hits.

How is the title track not a hit?

Define "hit."

While I wait for you to do that, I'll point out that "One" was Metallica's first top 40 hit single, reaching #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 (and it was #1 in Finland and in the top 10 in Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden (and was #9 on the Eurochart Hot 100)).  Three separate single versions have been certified Gold by the RIAA, and the longform video 2 of One was certified Platinum.

By contrast, "Master of Puppets," while earning a Gold certification a quarter century after its release, never charted anywhere.

Of course, your original point was that you were surprised AJFA outsold MOP "since it has only one HIT."  Even if one were to accept "Master" as a "hit," then that album would also have "only one HIT."  Right?

[KevShmev]

If someone is born in 1981, in 1988 he'll say he's seven. 1981+7 equals 1988. I know that that initial year counts, but generally speaking, one can be forgiven for considering that timeframe seven years 

 

Look, smart alecks, I banged that out in about 3 minutes. I took the first year and added seven. TECHNICALLY that is, in fact, eight years.   For some of the acts that matters, for others it doesn't. If it bothers you, minus one year from the front or back.  If it doesn't take the larger point that even though the Metallica run IS good, it's one of many.

For me, being a smart aleck is a genetic thing, apologies. 

[twosuitsluke]

pg1067: puts up valid argument and waits for WildRanger to respond...

WildRanger: Starts new thread/poll titled - 'Are Van Halen overrated?'

[Stadler]

If someone is born in 1981, in 1988 he'll say he's seven. 1981+7 equals 1988. I know that that initial year counts, but generally speaking, one can be forgiven for considering that timeframe seven years 

 

Look, smart alecks, I banged that out in about 3 minutes. I took the first year and added seven. TECHNICALLY that is, in fact, eight years.   For some of the acts that matters, for others it doesn't. If it bothers you, minus one year from the front or back.  If it doesn't take the larger point that even though the Metallica run IS good, it's one of many.

For me, being a smart aleck is a genetic thing, apologies. 

Oh, it's fine.  I should have put a string of smileys on the end.   It's all good; we're talking about music we love.   

[KevShmev]

Oh, it's fine.  I should have put a string of smileys on the end.   It's all good; we're talking about music we love.   

Haha, exactly. 

[WildRanger]

I'm surprised it has outsold Master of Puppets . . . since it has only one HIT - One.

As opposed to Master, which had zero hits.

How is the title track not a hit?

It was a single that never charted.  Not a hit.

Pretty simple, really.

It was not a HIT chart-wise, but it's arguably their most popular 80's song.
And Guns n'Roses' "Knocking on the Heaven's Door" didn't chart in the US, but it's a super popular song regardless of that. Same applies to Van Halen's "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love".

[Adami]

I'm surprised it has outsold Master of Puppets . . . since it has only one HIT - One.

As opposed to Master, which had zero hits.

How is the title track not a hit?

It was not a HIT chart-wise.

There you go.

[pg1067]

I'm surprised it has outsold Master of Puppets . . . since it has only one HIT - One.

As opposed to Master, which had zero hits.

How is the title track not a hit?

It was a single that never charted.  Not a hit.

Pretty simple, really.

It was not a HIT chart-wise, but it's arguably their most popular 80's song.

So...?

Let's get back to your original statement:  You expressed surprise that AJFA has outsold MOP because AJFA had "only one HIT - One."  So what does AJFA having "only one HIT" -- as compared to MOP, which had zero hits -- have to do with the relative sales of the two albums?

When I initially pointed out that MOP had zero "hits," you asked, "How is the title track not a hit?"  In the music world, the term "hit" has a relatively well-understood meaning.  However, you didn't define what you meant by "hit" (and you still haven't done so).

Now that I and others have explained how "Master of Puppets" is not a "hit," you seem to be changing your focus to "Master of Puppets'" status as a "popular 80's [sic] song."

But now I have no idea what point you're trying to make.  Are you expressing surprise that AJFA has outsold MOP based on "Master of Puppets" being "arguably their most popular 80's [sic] song"?  Are you abandoning your premise that was based on "One's" status as the only "hit" on AJFA?  Do you even have a point?

[Elite]

Do you even have a point?

He never has had one. It's all bullshit.

[kirksnosehair]

I'm surprised it has outsold Master of Puppets . . . since it has only one HIT - One.

As opposed to Master, which had zero hits.

How is the title track not a hit?

It was a single that never charted.  Not a hit.

Pretty simple, really.

It was not a HIT chart-wise, but it's arguably their most popular 80's song.

Do you even have a point?

Not really, no 

[Volante99]

By the way, count me among those who would LOVE to hear a solo album from James Hetfield. 


Especially if it featured NO ONE ELSE from Metallica

Call me crazy but being that he writes all the music, and plays all the guitars minus (most of) the solos- I bet

Anyways, this is really hard- Ride the Lightning through the Black Album is probably the greatest 7 year run of any band this side of the Beatles. They’ve truly earned every penny they have. I would choose any of those albums as my favorite, just depends on the day.

I don't think I'm being contrarian when I say I can name about ten bands that who have beef with that statement. 

- Pink Floyd (1972-1979)
- Led Zeppelin (1969-1976, basically all their studio out put save "In Through The Out Door")
- Black Sabbath (1970-1977)
- Queen (1973-1980)
- Maiden (1981-1988)
- Kiss (1974-1981)
- Rush (1975-1982)
- Van Halen (1978-1985)
- Aerosmith (1973-1980)


If you want to get out of rock/metal:
- U2 (1984-1991)
- REM (1983-1990, or 1985-1992, depending)
- Elton John (1970-1977)

So, I guess if you're strictly speaking in contemporary success DURING those years a lot of those bands come out ahead.
But because I'm also talking about influence, artistic growth, I'm viewing this through 2021 eyes (and ears) I include commercial success. Black Album, as far as I'm aware, is the highest selling album of the last 30 years. Their output during that time still averages 6-8 million sales in the US alone, and STILL charting. That alone knocks out about half of the bands you listed right away. Once you start talking influence (like leading, defining, and bringing an entire genre to the mainstream), that knocks out quite a few of the U2/REM type bands.

You're also being prrrretty generous with those dates. Was Joe Perry even in Aerosmith by 1979?? Love Sabbath, but they peaked early and were on the artistic/commercial downslide after Vol 4. Not even Gene Simmons liked KISS in '79-81. Metallica on the other hand (whether you like the direction they took or not) had increasingly higher charting albums culminating with the #1 Black Album (and have easily secured #1 albums on every release since).

[Stadler]

By the way, count me among those who would LOVE to hear a solo album from James Hetfield. 


Especially if it featured NO ONE ELSE from Metallica

Call me crazy but being that he writes all the music, and plays all the guitars minus (most of) the solos- I bet

Anyways, this is really hard- Ride the Lightning through the Black Album is probably the greatest 7 year run of any band this side of the Beatles. They’ve truly earned every penny they have. I would choose any of those albums as my favorite, just depends on the day.

I don't think I'm being contrarian when I say I can name about ten bands that who have beef with that statement. 

- Pink Floyd (1972-1979)
- Led Zeppelin (1969-1976, basically all their studio out put save "In Through The Out Door")
- Black Sabbath (1970-1977)
- Queen (1973-1980)
- Maiden (1981-1988)
- Kiss (1974-1981)
- Rush (1975-1982)
- Van Halen (1978-1985)
- Aerosmith (1973-1980)


If you want to get out of rock/metal:
- U2 (1984-1991)
- REM (1983-1990, or 1985-1992, depending)
- Elton John (1970-1977)

So, I guess if you're strictly speaking in contemporary success DURING those years a lot of those bands come out ahead.
But because I'm also talking about influence, artistic growth, I'm viewing this through 2021 eyes (and ears) I include commercial success. Black Album, as far as I'm aware, is the highest selling album of the last 30 years. Their output during that time still averages 6-8 million sales in the US alone, and STILL charting. That alone knocks out about half of the bands you listed right away. Once you start talking influence (like leading, defining, and bringing an entire genre to the mainstream), that knocks out quite a few of the U2/REM type bands.

You're also being prrrretty generous with those dates. Was Joe Perry even in Aerosmith by 1979?? Love Sabbath, but they peaked early and were on the artistic/commercial downslide after Vol 4. Not even Gene Simmons liked KISS in '79-81. Metallica on the other hand (whether you like the direction they took or not) had increasingly higher charting albums culminating with the #1 Black Album (and have easily secured #1 albums on every release since).

Well, if we're talking about "sales of The Black Album", well, it cuts my list down, but adds others; Def Leppard had two diamond records in a row (Pyromania and Hysteria).  Float in High 'n' Dry and you've got your competition right there.   Joe Perry played on about three quarters of Night In The Ruts, in '79.   You're short changing Sabbath, leaving out Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (arguably their best, if not most iconic, record) and Sabotage.   You're right about Kiss in '81, but from '76-ish to late '79 they were the biggest band in the world, bar none.

No argument about the influence of REM; that's one of my knocks on the band; for all their success and fame at the time, they didn't spawn a ton of copy-cats, like most of the other bands I listed.  Oh, and as for direction, I LOVED the direction Metallica took; my beef isn't with that, it's where they started.  RTL and MOP are great GENRE records, but they aren't great CROSS-GENRE records, if that makes sense.

[Volante99]

By the way, count me among those who would LOVE to hear a solo album from James Hetfield. 


Especially if it featured NO ONE ELSE from Metallica

Call me crazy but being that he writes all the music, and plays all the guitars minus (most of) the solos- I bet

Anyways, this is really hard- Ride the Lightning through the Black Album is probably the greatest 7 year run of any band this side of the Beatles. They’ve truly earned every penny they have. I would choose any of those albums as my favorite, just depends on the day.

I don't think I'm being contrarian when I say I can name about ten bands that who have beef with that statement. 

- Pink Floyd (1972-1979)
- Led Zeppelin (1969-1976, basically all their studio out put save "In Through The Out Door")
- Black Sabbath (1970-1977)
- Queen (1973-1980)
- Maiden (1981-1988)
- Kiss (1974-1981)
- Rush (1975-1982)
- Van Halen (1978-1985)
- Aerosmith (1973-1980)


If you want to get out of rock/metal:
- U2 (1984-1991)
- REM (1983-1990, or 1985-1992, depending)
- Elton John (1970-1977)

So, I guess if you're strictly speaking in contemporary success DURING those years a lot of those bands come out ahead.
But because I'm also talking about influence, artistic growth, I'm viewing this through 2021 eyes (and ears) I include commercial success. Black Album, as far as I'm aware, is the highest selling album of the last 30 years. Their output during that time still averages 6-8 million sales in the US alone, and STILL charting. That alone knocks out about half of the bands you listed right away. Once you start talking influence (like leading, defining, and bringing an entire genre to the mainstream), that knocks out quite a few of the U2/REM type bands.

You're also being prrrretty generous with those dates. Was Joe Perry even in Aerosmith by 1979?? Love Sabbath, but they peaked early and were on the artistic/commercial downslide after Vol 4. Not even Gene Simmons liked KISS in '79-81. Metallica on the other hand (whether you like the direction they took or not) had increasingly higher charting albums culminating with the #1 Black Album (and have easily secured #1 albums on every release since).

Well, if we're talking about "sales of The Black Album", well, it cuts my list down, but adds others; Def Leppard had two diamond records in a row (Pyromania and Hysteria).  Float in High 'n' Dry and you've got your competition right there.   Joe Perry played on about three quarters of Night In The Ruts, in '79.   You're short changing Sabbath, leaving out Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (arguably their best, if not most iconic, record) and Sabotage.   You're right about Kiss in '81, but from '76-ish to late '79 they were the biggest band in the world, bar none.

No argument about the influence of REM; that's one of my knocks on the band; for all their success and fame at the time, they didn't spawn a ton of copy-cats, like most of the other bands I listed.  Oh, and as for direction, I LOVED the direction Metallica took; my beef isn't with that, it's where they started.  RTL and MOP are great GENRE records, but they aren't great CROSS-GENRE records, if that makes sense.

Yes I’d include “sales of the Black Album” but you also gotta look at the total package. Yes, Def Leppard had two massive albums back to back but then you run into the issue of influence. As far as Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, a fine album indeed but I wouldn’t call it their most “iconic”. Cracks were definitely showing in Sabotage and I don’t think that record ever went platinum in the 70s.

I’d argue RTL and MOP are important, less because they are cross genre albums but because they elevated “hardcore” Metal to a commercially relevant, viable genre in it’s own right. Songs like “Fade to Black” and “Welcome Home” are known and even appreciated by Metal and non metal fans alike. You could argue hair metal and the NWOBHM bands already cracked the door open, but Metallica kicked the whole door down.

I don’t know what my main point is here- I certainly don’t need to defend Metallica’s success. Basically, what I’m trying to get at is that when you consider everything as a whole (sales, influence, touring, artistic growth), be it 7 years or even their entire career Metallica is in that “ultra elite” category where only a handful of musical artists have ever reached and they definitely deserve to be in the same conversation as people like Dylan, Zeppelin, Floyd etc

[bobzor]

I had to stop for a while to think about which one to vote for here, since in my book the first four albums are all masterpieces. Kill 'em All is fascinating, because it pretty much is the start of thrash metal and arguably also in that sense of extreme metal in general (yes, you could and probably should give Venom some credit in this regard as well, but Venom did not have those TIGHT riffs that Hetfield wrote). Ride the Lightning, then, is a huge leap forward in production and quality. Master of Puppets has some filler but the good songs are godly. Ended up voting for And Justice this time, because lately I've been drawn to it's ultra dry production and pretty weird songs. Could probably change my vote tomorrow though to some of the other ones, it depends on the day.

[darkshade]

Thread inspired me to go through the band's albums, and despite what I've recently wrote about St Anger, I have gained a *very small* new appreciation for the album. I still don't care for Load. Only a few songs I like. Hardwired kicks ass, though. Their best album since TBA. What else can you expect from these guys?