Metallica - Ride the Lightning
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Free Music Notes for Ride the Lightning
Free Music Review: Classic Metallica=Too Awesome For Words.
Hit: 5 Stars
This was Metallica's second album released in 1984 I think it was, and Metallica was still a new band. Not too many people knew about them or the new genre of Metal that they helped perfect and originate along with Slayer and Anthrax (I am, of course, talking about Thrash Metal). I don't want to get into that whole "Metallica is king of Metal" thing because not everybody feels the same way me and other Metallica fans do. But you can't deny the fact that Metallica inspired some of the other great and not so great bands you hear today.
Now that aside, this is not only one of the earliest pieces of Thrash Metal ever, but it was and still is a fine album. Dave Mustaine performed only but a few songs on here (He already wrote the whole damn thing anyway), because of his replacement, former Exodus guitarist Kirk Hammet. He was a great addition to the band, and was amazingly talented, its just that I just think he's missing something that Mustaine had. The rest of the lineup included: James Hetfeild (Guitars, Vocals)-His voice sound much different on this album as opposed to "Kill 'Em All". Its much deeper, and it much more melodic on this particular album. Lars Ulrich (Drums)-He actually doesn't do too bad on this album. Like, his performance for "The Call Of KTULU" is pretty damn good. "Fight Fire With Fire" is another good one as well, and it shows that he does have skill and rhythm, and isn't some mediocre drummer like he was in "Kill 'Em All". Cliff Burton (Bass)-This is one of Cliff's best albums, except for "Kill 'Em All". The production is pretty bad, so its kind of hard to hear the bass, but when you do, its VERY impressive.
Back to the point, this album is f**king awesome. It holds so many great, complex, and well thought-out songs on here. Like, in my opinion, "The Call of KTULU" is the best instrumental Metallica has done. "Fight Fire with Fire" is one of the heaviest songs I have ever heard from Metallica, and "Fade to Black" is one of the best songs I have ever heard. It starts off so melodic and beautiful, and then progressively becomes heavy as hell. It is a masterpiece of a ballad. It might make you rethink Metallica's heaviness, but even THIS song is heavier than plenty of others I've heard. So, in case you don't have this album, here's just a couple of ratings I gave the songs, in case you need a little help from an avid Metallica Fan:
1."Fight Fire with Fire" - Incredibly fast and very heavy. Starts off kind of weird in the first 45 seconds with the acoustic intro, which makes you think you bought the wrong album, but picks up to be one of the heaviest songs on the album. (10/10)
2."Ride the Lightning" - From beginning to end, this song is what real speed metal is supposed to sound like. A bit slower than the first song, but one of the coolest songs ever. (10/10)
3."For Whom the Bell Tolls" - This is a huge change of pace from all of the songs on here. Its the slowest song on the album. Both the guitars and drums are super easy to play because its so slow, but the bass on this song is awesome. Its one of Cliff's best performances for sure. (10/10)
4."Fade to Black" - Starts off just like any ballad, slow and depressing, but it slowly progresses to become incredibly heavy and complex. This is Kirks shining moment, as he not only wrote the solo on here, but it is also the longest solo he's had. It's pretty well done too. (10/10)
5."Trapped Under Ice" - Very fast and cool. I like it,but its not something that will stick in your head. (8/10)
6."Escape" - The worst song on this album. That does not mean its bad, though. Its actually a very good song. Its got great lyrics, but just like trapped under ice, it just doesn't stick in your head. (6/10)
7."Creeping Death" - Awesome song. Great solo and lyrics. Probably the holiest song they've made since its based on a story of the bible. Actually, on a review I heard on Metallica.com, the lyrics to this song were inspired by the movie, "The Ten Commandments", which was coming out at the time of this album. (10/10)
8."The Call of KTULU" - Greatest intrumental Metallica has ever done. Fast, long (not that that is always a good thing, but they manage to make the longetivity of it just right, and is always enough to leave you wanting more), and good guitar solo's. This song is practically flawless. (10/10)
Overall: (74/80)-This is a great Metallica album to start off with if you want to get turned on to Metallica, and it is also essential to any Metalhead. So, very highly recommeded. Thanks for reading.
Free Music Review: My first Metallica album, and still one of my faves...
Hit: 5 Stars
"Ride the Lightning" is an interesting compilation of songs. There is no particular theme to the album except perhaps sudden death. Even that can only be loosely applied. While "Master of Puppets" is probably a better album, "Ride the Lightning" is still my favorite Metallica album and a perfect album for the initiate Metallica fan. This is not because the songs are better than those on "Master". It is because the songs here seem to latch on to you and not let go. As my first Metallica album it would not cease playing. Everywhere I went, everything I did for several years, this album went right along with me. Okay, enough melodrama.
1. Fight Fire with Fire - a song about the perils of the nuclear standoff between America and the former Soviet Union. The song was perfect for the time. It is a simple thrash song with robot like vocals coming from James Hetfield. I love this song despite the weak execution of the vocals. It is fast and furious and it was my introduction to metal beyond "Motley Crue."
4.5/5 rating.
2. Ride the Lightning - the album's title song is largely overlooked by the Metallica fanbase, probably because of the several great songs that are on this album. If you buy this album, don't overlook the title song. Give it the chance it deserves. It is a great metal song.
5/5 rating.
3. For Whom the Bell Tolls - is probably the song this album is best known for. The bass intro to the song is one of the most creative things I've ever heard in heavy metal music. This one is a bit top heavy though, meaning that the most interesting parts happen before the vocals even come on line. Not to say that the whole song isn't good. It is great, one of Metallica's all time best efforts, imo. I wore the grooves off the LP listening to this song.
5/5 rating.
4. Fade to Black - as I understand it Metallica took some flak for introducing so slow and acoustic a song into their repertoire. Even so, this is one of the great songs in heavy metal history and there is enough heavy crunch in this one to keep it live and listenable as a metal song. Even so, clearly Metallica intended to write a song that gained a more sympathetic emotion. The theme of this song is with the darkening of the spirit when something precious has been lost. The idea is to ask, "Is life still worth living?" That's how this song works and it does it very well.
5/5 rating
5. Trapped Under Ice - this song is a bit of a foster child among Metallica's long list of tunes. It is certainly metal, but it does not display the full talent of the band, imo. This song interrupts the flow of music on this great album, somewhat. Even so, it is not a bad song and I'll listen to it every now and then.
3/5 rating.
6. Escape - Another underrated song from this album. It is very direct and powerful. Some listeners claim that James Hetfield hates this song. I don't know if that's true, but it'd be a shame. While not one of their best, it is a good song.
4.5/5 rating.
7. Creeping Death - one of the highlights of the album. If you've never watched "The Ten Commandments" movie then you may not understand what is going on in this song. It has to do with the curse of death on Egypt's firstborn that caused the exodus of Moses and the Hebrews, as recorded in the Bible. The song is filled with crunching riffs. Die! Die! Die! Die! Don't let the lyric overwhelm you. This song is so great.
5/5 rating.
8. Call of Ktulu - this is an instrumental and it might be the greatest composition that Metallica has ever created. Most Metallica fans prefer "Orion", probably because there is a more concerted crunch on that song. Nevertheless, "Call..." is filled with plenty of intense metal riffs. The song twists and turns its way through a rushing river of sound. That's the best way I can explain it. This might be the best song on the album.
5/5 rating.
"Ride the Lightning" is a perfect album for the Metallica initiate. If you have never heard Metallica, or know someone who might like to hear Metallica for the first time, then I point you in the direction of this great Metallica album. To the new fan it is an unforgettable listen. Once hooked you will be addicted for life.
Free Music Review: Are you ready to Ride the Lightning?
Hit: 5 Stars
Metallica. Once brought up into a conversation, two things pop into a mans mind. One of a historically important Thrash band, that made an impact upon almost anybody who cared to listen, and a historically important band that practically changed their name to Nutallica and also practically sold their souls for money. Both of these are true, but the first is so fresh and original and important that to this very day, we still love these songs. The true Metallica last from 1983 till 1991 at best. Although there are only 8 songs here, they are all of a decently long length and are all so beautiful that you never want them to end. This was Metallica, not the Metallica of today with 6 minute songs containing stupid lyrics, a trash can and no solos. After the Black album pay no attention to them, you'll only be disappointed, but back to this album. Kill `em All was the beginning of Metallica, and here on their second album, they show growth and maturity as they write more important thing instead of Hit the lights or Whiplash (great songs but not important lyrically speaking). Almost all of these songs are about Death. Not death in the sense of Cannibal Corpse's Hammer Smashed Face, but more so in that that each is about a different issue, and makes a point and has something important to say. With a short break down I'll show what I mean.
1. Fight Fire with Fire 10/10: one of the best and fastest metallica songs in my opinion. This one is about Nuclear Warfare
2. Ride the Lightning 10/10: Beautiful solos, a song that you'll be happy to have stuck in your head. This one is about the Electric Chair.
3. For Whom the Bell Tolls 10/10: slower, but one of the most important tracks here. It's about the Spanish Civil war and also has something to do with H.P. Lovecraft, an author whom Kirk has a fascination with.
4. Fade to Black 9/10: a friend of mine finds this to be relatively boring. In my opinion you need to be in the right mood for this song. But when you are in the mood, this song rocks. It is about Suicide, and from what I understand this song was also controversial because a man killed himself while listening to it back in the 80's.
5. Trapped Under Ice 8/10: Great song, the solos are great, the atmosphere is great. It's about, well, being trapped under ice.
6. Escape 8/10: the only song not about death, more so about escaping from a town that wants you to be a certain way, and therefore rebelling. Remember, 8/10 still means good, it's just that track 1-4 are classics.
7. Creeping Death 9/10: It's told through the eyes of the Grim Reaper. An all around great song. I love the middle part.
8. The Call of Ktulu 10/10: A beautiful instrumental, once again about an H.P. lovecraft story. I actually read this one and it's a good read, very strange. In my opinion, this is far better than Orion from Master of Puppets, but that's just my opinion.
There is something about Ride the Lightning that I can not explain with any other record. It has this strange dusty feeling to it. When glancing at a copy of it, it appears to be rather old and unused (even a brand new copy). Popping it into a CD player, the production has this weird dusty feeling to it that has the same feeling. But when listening to it, it seems like a gem or relic that one has discovered in the attic of an old house. It has this mystic atmosphere to it that can not be replicated or understood really. James's voice also has a rough edge to it as well that isn't on other Metallica records. This is my favorite Metallica record, as I can listen to it from start to finish and NEVER become bored at all. Anyone who likes metal should have some Metallica in their collection. I don't consider them to be the best metal band in history, (as a matter of fact I don't give that title to any band) but this is a valuable history lesson from the world of thrash. Metallica were once great, people listened to metallica for those beautiful solos, for the touching and fun lyrics and song meanings. But if you want a great drummer than look elsewhere because Lars is easily disposable, and I could name [insert any number here] of drummers that are better than him. Lars just does enough to get by but he'll still have his moments of talent, though in this present day, I don't think there is a single person who doesn't want to just punch him in the face. Well enough about this album, just find it, get it in your collection and enjoy. Hoped this helped.
Free Music Review: One of Heavy metals finest offerings
Hit: 5 Stars
What else is there to say about this album that hasnt been said before? This is an awesome heavy metal beast. every second of it is musical perfection and the uncompromizing climax of metalicas classic metal career. This album is heavy and exciting yet still melodic enough to be called music even by people who hate metal. unlike master of puppets ride the lightning is a speed metal album. some of the songs fight fire with fire. creeping death. trapped under ice- have some of the fastest guitar work youll ever here and still adhere to all the qaulities that make music great. this along with vintage iron maiden master of puppets. and just about everything by black sabbath is some of the most influiental heavy metal ever recorded. every song except maybe escape screams perfection. all of it is just legendary bloody brilliant stuff. the guitar work is phenominal for every song. the drumming is not special but has a few very high spots. james voice has definitely matured sinced kill em all. and cliff shows why hes easily the best metal bassist there is. every guitar riff on this album feels like it belongs there and every riff-tempo change is perfectly timed giving this album a very fluent technical feel to it. its less complex and more catchy than and justice for all which will be a good thing for many. the guitar work is similar to bands like ac dc and black sabbath but still has that classic metalica feel to it. the lyrics are pretty simple and all about death but never gloryfying it in any way. i will rate the songs now. Fight fire with fire- This song starts out with a very melodic acoustic guitar opening. the song then builds up into heavy metal with slayer like guitar work.8-10
Ride the lightning- metalicas title tracks have alaways been great. This is one hell of an excellent song. the guitars roar with fury as soon as the song begins. then the lyrics about the eletric chair begin. this is a very emotionial song with a simply breathtaking bridge in the middle. Theres a 2 minute guitar solo with some of the best guitar work ive EVER heard. you have to hear it to beleive it 10-10.
For whom the bell tolls- This is my favirote metalica song ever. it starts out with the sounds of a church bell. but quickly goes into high velocity heavy metal with some of the most furious solos ive ever heard. its a slower song but never loses momentuim and its just a great listen 12-10
Fade to black- to me this song is somewhat overated. i do like the lyrics to a degree. and the acoustic guitar work is excellent. but its just that it seems to downbeat whereas the rest of the album is high energy and cheery 8-10
Trapped under ice-AWESOME SONG this song plays at about a thousand miles an hour so you better be ready. it should have been called the tornado because its so fu--ng fast! all the guitar riffs are superb and it has a very motivating upbeat feel to it 9-10
Escape- this is a filler track. ive tried a million times to like it but it just has no substance 4-10
creeping death- LET ME CRANK IT UP holy crap this a great song. the guitar work is fast and furios blazing like a monster truck. the guitar in the beggining is amazing and the solo toward the end is mindblowing. dont skip this one 11-10
call of ktulu- This is my favirote metalica instrumential. although it is repetitive it is a very loud aggresive metal song with a dark flavor to it that i love. 9.5-10
so there you have it metalicas ride the lightning hasnt aged a bit. from beggining to end this album is just an explosion of power. listening to all 48 minutes was like surfing on the sky then doing acrobatics into a moautin of fireworks. before bungiejumping to a rollercoaster and whirling uncontrobaly in the sky! there is no description how much this album kicks ass. you just have to realize that. There is nothing that can convince you that ride the lightning is fantastic more than you just listening to it yourself. Ride the lightning brought metal into the mainstream every song f-cks you up just as much as the last. every song except escape packs a powerful punch and you wont soon forget it if you listen to this incredible record from beggining to end which ill tell you is an amazing thing to do. This album is the best metal album ever and its worth every penny. listening to it is like RIDIN THE LIGHTNING.
Free Music Review: BEST ALBUM 5 Stars
Here my friends is the best album ever created. There is none higher. Don't even argue!!!!!! All you posers who say Puppets is the best must enough with my fanatical rampage, but serriouslly this is the best album ever. Yes, better than Chilipepers - Californication. Yes, better than ACDC - Back in Black. Yes better than Nirvana - Nevermind. Yes, better than Sex Pistols - Nevermind the Bullocks. Yes, better than The Black Album. Yes, it's better than any album EVER!Why, well that's kinda hard to explain. I mean can you explain the feeling you get when your team wins the super bowl? Or the feeling you get when a child is born. Or even love, can you explain that? Well, this album is like that. From start to finish it's great.
First off, it has the best SONG EVER! On it's list. That's Right: FADE TO BLACK. If you do not think this is one of the best songs ever, YOU ARE WRONG! This song has everything, slow solos, fast solos, slow parts, fast parts, heavy parts, and even harmonies! Damn, if you can find a way to duplicate this song live, you rock! I mean, this is flat out the best guitar playing ever! The emotion displayed on this song made me want to cry the first time I heard it!
After "Kill 'em All". Kirk went and studied under Joe Satriani, and it shows! Unlike Kill 'em All, the solos in Lightning are structured and more techniuqe oriented. Plus all the songs sound tighter and more proffessional.
Allright, song by song review:
1 - Fight Fire With Fire
Great acoustic intro, shows the horsemen know their stuff. The Chord progression has palming so fast, it's litterally impossible to duplicate. I've tried, I have the tab book and it still blows my mind! The solo shows you that James can keep up with Kirk in the harmony department. And the lyrics show a political concisness not seen in their other albums.
2 - Ride the Lightning
Kick ass opening and a "FAT" beat. "Da, dada, Da, dada, Da, dada, Da, dada" The solo's kinda easy at first, but then it roars into a classic Trash riff. Tottaly cool!
3 - For Whom the Bell Tolls
A Classic Metallica staple. Based on the book by the same name. You can feel the despiration in Jame's voice. Allthough this track does suffer a bit from no solo, but hey, ya gotta rest sometime :).
4 - Fade to Black
See earlier ie: BEST SONG EVER!
The drumming is eceptional on this track (allthough I believe Lar's best work is on the last track of "...And Justice"), and notes an obvious use of the doubble kicker, which most fans don't notice.
5 - Trapped Under Ice
Easily the best trash metal song ever, With three solos and no stopping to think, this song will kick your ass and make you beg for more!
6 - Escape
This is the one track which does not seem to fit on the best album ever. It's kinda slow, kinda quiet, and the chorus is WAY off. The solo ain't that great either. The idea is cool though, sort of a "prison break" song.
7 - Creeping Death
No word can describe the Biblical capabilities of Metallica. After the major sucsess of "The Four Horsemen" the boys flipped open to another passage of the holy scripture (allthough they claim it's from the movie "The Ten Commandments") to pull out another tottaly kick ass song. Job well done guys!
8 - The Call of Kutulu
As if in stark contrast to "Creeping Death", Kutulu is raised to cloud any thoughts of Metallica being strict Christians. Based on the H.P. Lovecraft story "The Call of Cuthulu", this song does a great job of brining out the insanity of the story's main character, and giving it to the listener. The intro lick is one to be admired and played often, if one is into playing guitar. It is truly satisfying to complete. The solo echos the deffinig maddness, brought on by the great winged monster, Kutulu. And the absence of lyrics in the songs, gives it an inhuman quallity. The ending is a hard hitter, leaving you wanting more.
The fact that Cliff Burton was a huge fan of Lovecraft, had a hand in shaping later Metallica songs such as "The Thing That Should Not Be". Living in the same town as Cliff for two years (Castro Valley, CA), and being taught by his music teacher, I felt an obligation to read Lovecraft. Once I did I became tottaly emersed. Check his books out, you'll never settle for cheap horror movies again.
Anyway, if you have this album, listen to it right now, if not buy it anf listen to it.
I repeat: THE BEST ALBUM EVER!!!!!