Top 20 Metallica Songs

At the suggestion of a friend and because I have been itching to get back in the game of blogging I figured a new list would be in order. I'm thinking a list of my favorite Metallica songs. Why the fuck not? To narrow it down to only 20 was a very difficult task, and I also wanted to have most of their albums represented and after a good brainstorm here are my picks. Probably ask me in a week or two and it may change but for now here it is.

20.The Memory Remains- Oh no not Reload! Yes I actually like some songs off of these albums and this is one of them. Its not a stroke of musical genius but it's catchy and extremely singable. I like the rock n roll feel of it. To me it tells the story of what happens when you become a celebrity, you start getting the temptation to let your ego get the best of you and its easy to lose your old true self, at least that's how I interpret it.

19. Blackened- For some reason I've never been able to fully jump on the bandwagon of ...And Justice For All but I do have some songs off of it that I enjoy this being one of them. I like the thrashtastic riffing in the song. I like that it has a borderline progressive feel to it. I like the lyrics, very apocalyptic showing the demise of planet earth. You can feel a sense of anger and pain throughout the whole song.

18. Attitude- I don't care what anyone says this song is pure badassery. Its the closet to their classic thrashiness that the old Metallica had. I liike the (hehe) attitude behind this tune. Exemplified by the lyric "throw all your bullets in the fire, and run like hell." its a good fun tune and my 18th best.

17. Anesthesia- This is a bass solo by Cliff Burton and the first instrumental Metallica did which they would do on each successive album up until The Black album. Just to say, it kicks ass.

16. Turn The Page- This is of course a cover of a Bob Segar song. Its perhaps the best cover they have done. They bring out the feeling of this song quite well. The guitar playing that infamous saxophone line is very fitting.

15. Low Man's Lyric- Behold another song off of the oft hated Reload. This song brings a tremendous amount of emotion. I'm not sure if it is literally talking about being homeless or using it as a metaphor for that type of neglected and cast out feeling. I love James vocal delivery.

14. Seek and Destroy- Straight off of Kill 'em All comes a fan favorite, that is still a staple of Metallica's live shows. It has the feel of a straight up metal anthem, complete with anthemic singable chorus.

13. Disposable Heroes- This is a pure ass thrasher right here. It's a stab at the military. Metallica is quite fond of tackling social injustices and this is a damn fine example. Its a fitting track to the Master of Puppets album. The refrain of "Back to the front!" is instantly memorable and the riffing is top notch. Great song!

12. Bleeding Me- Not another Load song! Yes, because this song is full of such raw emotion that it begs mentioning. This song is very dear to me personally. I relate to it in a way that is difficult to explain. It reminds me of my struggles with alienation, anxiety and depression. It may not be a badass thrasher or have intense riffing but the feeling behind it makes it worthy of a top 20 spot.

11. The Unforgiven- Another of Metallica's emotional tunes, and one that I enjoy tremendously. It talks about a child who's will becomes subdued through rule and control, and through the course of time withdraws into himself and becomes a bitter soul. The lyrics are top notch and the music is very fitting for the theme of it. That's about all that can be said.

10. Call of Ktulu- The instrumental from Ride the Lightning, which showcases the bands talent on their instruments. It shows that Metallica is not just a breakneck thrash band but that they know how to craft great works of art musically. It builds up suspensefully and then hits a crescendo of apocalyptic proportions. The theme song to the worlds destruction by an ancient evil. God damn its good.

9. Battery- The opener to Master of Puppets, right from the start you know what's coming. The melodic intro fades and the main riff hits you right in the sack. Its the thrashiest of the thrash and it kicks ass. Need I see more?

8. Ride The Lightning- DUN UN DUN UN DUN UN DUN UN! We all know that riff by heart, and the song that goes with it. One of the most undisputed classics Metallica has ever made. It tackles the subject of the death penalty specifically the electric chair. Fantastic riffs, fantastic leads, great lyrics and delivery. What does all that make? A FUCKING GOOD SONG!

7. One- Another undisputed classic mixing Metallica's melodic tendencies with the thrash side. It begins with a bleak feeling and describes a soldier who is on machines to live and just wants be free of life. Nothing is real but pain now for him. He is wishing for death. Toward the end the mood becomes more frantic until we get to that tremendously furious guitar solo that forms the climax of the song. What more could you ask for in a track?

6. Orion- All I can say is wow! Metallica has done great instrumentals but this one takes the cake. Every band member is well represented. The soundscape evolves throughout. It is a truly inspired piece. I love that slow middle part that builds to the solo. It gives me chills every time.

5. Fade To Black- Metallicas very first ballad if you will. My god the emotion in this song is intensely bleak. To me it's painful to listen to. It talks about sinking into a void of darkness within yourself to the point that all you do is wish for it all to end. Its a feeling of having a void within you that can never be filled. It drifts into a faster part where apparently he has decided to end it all and say goodbye. Excellent song.

4. Four Horsemen- This has long been one of my favorite Metallica songs. Its pure apocalyptic thrash. The horsemen are drawing nearer and you will either ride with them or die. What a great concept for a thrash song. The riffs are fantastic and that melodic middle part cements it as a pure classic.

3. For Whom The Bell Tolls- This is one of the first riffs I learned on guitar that chorus riff. This song is amazing. There isn't much I can say about it. Go now and listen to it if you have never heard it...well GO!

2. Hit the Lights- This song has the most pure energy of any Metallica track and it makes me feel like just thrashing my neck, playing guitar riffs at breakneck speed and screaming out the vocals without a care of how in tune they are. They call it the metal madness, and boy I've got it. Its the feel of being onstage, feeling the energy of the crowd, expending every ounce of yourself and giving it all you have to make the crowd go nuts. Fucking awesome.

1. Enter Sandman.....PSYCHE!

1. Master of Puppets- This song is perhaps the most iconic Metallica song to ever be written. The main riff can probably be sung by pretty much anyone you know over the age of 20 probably many people younger than that. Its thrash that leads into a melodic midsection and then breaks into a furious second half. My god its fantastic. The best ever in my opinion.