The Black Album - Metallica
It's probably safe to say that when Metallica released their fifth studio album "Metalllica" on August 12th 1991 (also known as the "Black Album" due to its mostly plain cover), they had no idea that it would help to propel them to their present status of seventh biggest selling act ever in America's history. The album remains the band’s biggest selling release to date, with a total of nearly 15 million copies sold in the United States alone.It is also their most controversial album amongst fans, as its release heralded a new radio-friendly sound that divided fans right down the middle. Songs like “Holier Than Thou” and “The Struggle Within” still maintained elements of the band’s thrash metal roots, yet some fans felt that the success of singles like “Nothing Else Matters” and “Enter Sandman” showed that the band were now more interested in commercial gain than with artistic integrity and staying true to the scene that the Bay Area group had a large part in cultivating. It was the band’s first album with producer Bob Rock and despite his altering their working schedule and routine to such an extent that the band swore they would never work with him again, Rock has subsequently produced all five albums released by Metallica since the “Black Album”.
The “Black Album” is also noted for being the first Metallica album to not include an instrumental track, a feature that was a particular favourite of fans from their other albums.
Pam, our metal afficionado has chosen the tracks. After much agonising, the four songs will be Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters (the crowd pleasers), Don't Tread On Me and My Friend Of Misery (fan favourites!).
Track Listing:
1. "Enter Sandman"
2. "Sad But True"
3. "Holier Than Thou"
4. "The Unforgiven"
5. "Wherever I May Roam"
6. "Don't Tread On Me"
7. "Through The Never"
8. "Nothing Else Matters"
9. "Of Wolf And Man"
10. "The God That Failed"
11. "My Friend Of Misery"
12. The Struggle Within".
Labels: 1990's
posted by Critical Junctions @ 14:01
5 Comments
5 Comments:
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear....Yes it is Metallica's biggest selling album, but only after they toned down enough to get on Top Of The Pops and MTV. And the mirriad of fans that ensued missed out on their true "critical" album, Ride The Lightning. THAT launched them into the stratosphere among the Heavy Metal brigade. And they were chucking out better music than The Black album since 1983. So critcal by statistics..yes. Critcal by Metallica....No (Chris Burton would be turning in his grave) Heavy it is, but they are among the founders of Thrash Metal and there's not a fast track on this album. Given a choice, I'd like to hear SAD BUT TRUE, but in my heart it would be HIT THE LIGHTS that would blow this whole album to bits. Critical it ain't!!!
OK, I was either stoned or having little children during the metal phase. However EJ is only 1 opinion - I will wait and see (hear) tomorrow.
This is Pams territory more than mine, but I have to admit I am rather fond of Enter Sandman. That said, I'm off on my holidays!
What's most Critical for me this Thursday Morning is that I get to the airport on time;) So while you are all striking a pose with your air guitars I will be winging my way towards sunshine.
Tum Te Tum.....
I totaly agree with The eternal Journeyman. He hit the rivit in the head. I started listening to Metallica on a local college radio in Buffalo Ny before they got popular, and man did they kick some serious arse. Afetr the "black album" they lost thier real edge. I am still a fan ,however in thier beginings they were alot harder and raw. The harder the better.
The music was great... rocked my Thursday Socks. This is a fine idea.. big range of music clogging the junctions :-} more more more!! (Less Britney though)
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