With Metallica releasing their tenth studio album, HARDWIRED… TO SELF-DESTRUCT, it’s the perfect time to look back at all ten albums and pick the most memorable track from each. It’s no easy feat with such an extensive discography, but here’s our selection of standout tracks:
Album #01 – KILL ‘EM ALL (1983) – "Seek & Destroy"
One of Metallica's most performed songs, "Seek & Destroy" has often closed their shows. Fun fact: it was the first song the band recorded in a studio.
Album #02 – RIDE THE LIGHTNING (1984) – "For Whom The Bell Tolls"
Inspired by the Ernest Hemingway novel, "For Whom The Bell Tolls" has been a concert staple, similar to "Seek & Destroy." It was also featured in the game Tap Tap Revenge, a precursor to Guitar Hero.
Album #03 – MASTER OF PUPPETS (1986) – "Master of Puppets"
Notably mistaken in misheard lyrics as "in your kaassoufflé," "Master of Puppets" deals with drug addiction's control over life. It's Metallica’s most played live song, having been performed 1,467 times as of November 2014.
Album #04 – ...AND JUSTICE FOR ALL (1988) – "One"
This track stands out on their fourth album as one of the band's most beautiful songs. It was their first song to hit the Billboard Hot 100 and featured Metallica's first music video.
Album #05 – METALLICA (1991) – "Nothing Else Matters"
From the Black Album, which is filled with hits like "Enter Sandman" and "The Unforgiven," "Nothing Else Matters" is perhaps the most well-known Metallica song, recognizable even to those who aren't metal fans. It reached number 5 in both Dutch and Belgian charts and has been covered over 40 times.
Album #06 – LOAD (1996) – "Ain't My Bitch"
Oops, slap a ‘Parental Advisory – Explicit Lyrics’ sticker on that one! The word ‘bitch’ in the title of a track certainly caught the media’s attention. Metallica explained that in this context, ‘bitch’ isn’t referring to an unpleasant person of the female gender but is a metaphor for problems. They managed to clear that up nicely! This track sets the tone for Load, an album that marked a significant stylistic shift for the band, incorporating more rock and blues elements than their earlier thrash metal sounds. "Ain't My Bitch" kicks off the album with energy and defiance, encapsulating the band’s experimentation with different musical expressions during this period.
Album #07 – RELOAD (1997) – "Fuel"
"Fuel" is simply irresistible for its energy and has been widely used in media, making it one of the album's most memorable tracks.
Album #08 – ST. ANGER (2003) – "St. Anger"
The title track of St. Anger is a standout with its fast choruses and raw energy. The music video, filmed in San Quentin State Prison, is particularly notable.
Album #09 – DEATH MAGNETIC (2008) – "My Apocalypse"
Choosing a favorite from Death Magnetic is challenging, but "My Apocalypse" stands out, especially after the band tweaked its intro post-release to enhance the track.
Album #10 – HARDWIRED… TO SELF-DESTRUCT (2016) – "Murder One"
This album features "Murder One," a tribute to the late Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister, making it a significant and memorable track.
Album #11 – 72 SEASONS (2023) – TBD
It's too early to determine the standout track from 72 Seasons, but Metallica has already shown that they continue to innovate even after four decades.
