Metallica - Ride the Lightning
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Free Music Notes for Ride the Lightning
Free Music Review: Yes, it's better than "Puppets!"
Hit: 5 Stars
Everyone says that "Master of Puppets" is the best Metallica CD, but they're wrong. This one is. Every song on it conveys a serious message, along with awesome sounding music. Here's the breakdown:1. Fight Fire With Fire - This song opens with a soft sound, but it quickly picks up speed for all those concerned about that. It's about the end of the world in nuclear armegeddon. In 1984, when the album came out, Ronald Reagan was up for re-election and he was for nuclear arms. Naturally, the issue was on a lot of people's minds. Maybe somebody in congress heard the song, because we're still here. ; )
2. Ride the Lightening - The title track is a bit overly long, but it's still a great song about anti-death penalty, from the persective of the guy walkin' the mile.
3. For Whom the Bells Tolls - I haven't read my Hemingway in years, but I doubt that the title is a coincidence. A very powerful opening with the bell tolling, and almost two minutes of awesome music before Jaymz starts to sing. This is a great song about war, but I have to admit, Desposable Heroes on "Puppets" is better for lyrics, but not sound!
4. Fade to Black - Every album takes a break for the softer side of life, and this one is no exception. The music here is much calmer, but just as good. This is about what goes through the mind of somebody just before they committ suicide. Oh, I'm sure it sounds to parents like it's pro-suicide, but I think it tries to convey a deeper meaning.
5. Trapped Under Ice - This one is very forceful after the the softer Fade to Black. It begans almost immediately with a wild riff and from then on, it doesn't let up. Some people say it's about drowning, but I think it's a metaphor for helplessness in general, and it can be applied to many situations.
6. Escape - An instant classic! The music isn't as hammering as Trapped Under Ice was, but the message is simply beautiful! It's about doing what you want and not conforming to society's little standards. The line, "See them try to bring the hammer down; no damn chains can hold me to the ground!" followed by a siren is just awesome! This is one of my all-time favorites.
7. Creeping Death - Another classic! This one has awesome music and is still popular at concerts today, even after Metallica changed their style.
8. The Call of Ktulu - This one is an awesome finisher. There are no words, which makes it even better, because you can lose yourself in the music and imagine anything you want. When the song ends with its slam-bang sound, you can't help but think, "Damn, what an awesome album!" I actually listened to it all again!
"Ride the Lightening" is perfect in every way. The serious topics make it very intelligent, and the awesome sound makes it perfectly entertaining. "Master of Puppets" only comes in at a hair's width second-place. It sold millions of copies right off the bat without one single or music video. I think it owes its success to "Ride the Lightening," because if it wasn't for that album, people wouldn't have ran to the record store in such a crazed frenzy after hearing that the band released another one. It would have been just as successful in the end, but "Ride the Lightening" was what really defined the Band's popularity.
As Lars Ulrich himself said of the album on this very website, the band DID focus more on melody than just crashing guitars, and it WAS a really cool album.
Free Music Review: AN ESSENTIAL METAL MASTERPEICE
Hit: 5 Stars
Ride the lightning is definitely metalicas best offering. Many people tend to think of master of puppets as the greatest the band has put out. but i have several reasons why i strongly disagree that i think you should consider. The excitement on ride the lightning is second to none every track is a very memorable very exciting very fast and very catchy hit. ride the lightning is MUCH heavier than puppets. all of the songs are extremely intense and hardcore and screAM BROKEN GUTS IN THE WORLD OF HEAVY METAL! thus you get a more satisfying listen from beggining to end. as a result of it being a great deal faster as well you get more start to finish qaulity than puppets as well. all of the tracks feel like there going a thousand miles an hour and are so exciting because of there speed and complex musicianship. if you thought puppets was fast and heavy that album will put you to sleep compared to this. All eight tracks display great speed. heaviness. complexity. catchiness. great musicianship. excellence and just sheer fun. This really is the album that should have put metalica on the map listen to this and youll never care about Master of puppets again. lets get to the ratings.
Fight fire with fire- this is metalicas heaviest and fastest song ever. starts out with an almost carousel inspired melody that quickly goes into one of the hardest most thrashy tracks the worlds ever none. there are some riproaring solos in here by james hetfeild 9-10.
Ride the lightning- This is a song about a man awaiting execution in the eletric chair. it has really great guitar work and a lot of emotionial lyrics 9-10.
For Whom the bell tolls- This song is superb with an awesome thumping bassline courtesy of cliff burton. it has some of the most memorable guitar work ever written. some of the heaviest basslines and is accompinied by the sound of a churchbell one of the greatest songs ever conceived 10-10.
Fade to black- This has an intense feeling of sorrow to it. the music isnt heavy but rather forgivingly soft. but it cotains some of the most beautifal unforgetable guitar work ive ever heard and haunting lyrics about suicide. this song is AMAZING. make sure you skip to this song right away 12-10.
trapped under ice- This song retains some of the heaviness lost in the remarkable fade to black. its extremely fast heavy and exciting to listen to 9-10.
Escape- even though its a fast song. escape is definitely pretty weak. the lyrics are bland. plus there seems to be very few guitar chords being played 7-10.
Creeping death- remember one? its better than that song. the guitar work is fast as all hell. it never stops amazing to be one of the greatest songs ever. if songs make us feel the emotions that movies can only replicate. than creeping death replicates the most exciting academy award winning action movie ever conceived. YOU MUST LISTEN TO THIS it is amazing beyond description. my personal favirote metalica song. call of ktulu- my favirote instrumential by metalica!9-10. overall? what are you waiting for? this is a classic metalica album and more worthy than anything before or after it. ive listened to plenty of albums. ill tell you this though i cant remember enjoying an album as thourghly as i did this one. you are neglecting yourself if you dont own this album get it TODAY.dont wait any longer call up the music store and tell them to hold it for you. then be on your way!
Free Music Review: Part two in the Metallica miniseries; organized noise
Hit: 5 Stars
Do you remember when Metallica used to rock? I mean, they still rock(well, sort of), but do you remember when they used to ROCK? If you don't, I suggest you get Ride The Lightning ,not now, but right now! If you aren't convinced, check out this imaginary conversation between me and a potential customer:hiphopforlife(ME): Welcome to my review of Metallica's second album, Ride The Lightning. before I start, let me give you some background on the band......
Average Joe:Whoa, hold on. If your name is hiphopforlife, what are you doing reviewing a Metallica album?
hiphopforlife: Be patient, homeboy. Yes I am black and the biggest lover of hip hop alive, but I am no joke as far as hard rock and metal go, since my taste ranges from Tool(LOVE EM!), Dream Theater(very underrated),Creed(very overrated),Limp Bizkit, Testament,Nirvana,Pantera,Slayer, Korn and Metallica;my first album was And Justice For All ten years ago
(anotheralbum you should pick up). I am more than qualified to
review this album. Now on to buisness. Ride The Lightning is the second album from the artists formerly known as Metallica. While their first album, Kill 'Em All, was raw and off the wall as you can get, the guys calmed down(somewhat calmed down) and created one of the most brilliant and inventive rock albums ever; and the scary part is that the album after this one, Master Of Puppets(a legend in it's own time) is BETTER! It starts off with Fight Fire With Fire, arguably Metallica's fastest song. Ride The Lightning is up next, which brilliantly looks into the final thoughts of a man about to meet his end in an elecrtic chair. For Whom The Bell Tools relaxes on the speed, but cranks up the heaviness with a great foundation riff from the late great bass player Cliff Burton. Fade to Black is next, which is Metallica's attempt and sucess at a "power ballad"...
Average Joe:Hold on ,hiphop;this has a ballad? Don't tell me that Metallica's gone Barbra Striesand or worse,Bon Jovi on us?
hiphopforlife:To quote one of my rap idols, Ice Cube, KILL THAT NOISE! They have not wimped out by any means(the wimping out will be in 7 years).This is the second best metal ballad of all time(Sanitarium on Master Of Puppets is of course, number one. It is excellently written and sung by James Hetfield(the greatest metal vocalist of all time; sorry Ozzy).Trapped Under Ice and Escape are next; and to be honest, these two songs are just okay, in my opinion,which is why most people rank Master Of Puppets higher than Ride The Lightning; they aren't horrible, just okay. But the pace definitely picks up with the next two songs; DO NOT SKIP THEM! Creeping Death expounds on James' Christian scientist upbringing with a story on how Moses frees the Isrealites; it has a great middle part which makes the whole song worthwhile. Now it all comes down to the final song; the Call OF Ktulu, a superbly constructed instrumental which showcases all four members of the band's talents, especially the aforementioned Cliff Burton, who wraps up his title of the greatest bass player of all time. That's Ride The Lightning, one of the most influential records from metal's most influential band. I would advise you to pick this up YESTERDAY, if not sooner.
Average Joe: Thanks hiphop; you sold me. You are the greatest reviewer ever.
And you, dear reader, will be sold as well on the past greatness of the band once known as Metallica. Get Ride The Lightning, as well as their whole 80's catalog(and the Black album ,if you must).
Free Music Review: Not The Best Metallica Album, But Still A Masterpiece
Hit: 5 Stars
This was the album that truly set Metallica on the path from a traditional and occasionally simplistic thrash band, into metal's true pioneers. While Ride The Lightning retains the aggression and speed of their debut Kill 'Em All, indeed it may even be faster than their earlier material in some places, it has a maturity and complexity that was all but missing from their debut. The album opens with a nice bit of feather-light nylon-stringed acoustic strummery, before being blown apart by one of the most intense riffs ever written. The song is "Fight Fire With Fire", and it sounds like the end of the world. Its metal faster than you thought it could be, and Hetfield's vocal performance adds it a menacing backbone of aggression. Its clear that his vocal ability has developed greatly since their debut, and this is a great contributor to the brilliance of the album. Then comes a slower, but no less powerful song with the title track "Ride The Lightning". The song a great demonstration of Metallica's new understanding that faster does not neccesarrily mean heavier or more intense, as the song has both heaviness and intensity in spades. Then comes "For Whom The Bell Tolls", a demonstration of Metallica's epic leanings and disregard for convention, which had only before been hinted at on Kill 'Em All's "The Four Hoursemen". The song is long and complex, but is brilliantly executed, and does not suffer from being boring or pretentious, a sign of true talent. Then comes one of Metallica's defining moments, suicide anthem "Fade To Black". A story of depression and alienation, combining soft acoustic verses and charging choruses. Its a true piece of art, with Hetfield's tremendous vocal performance bringing the lyrics to life, and Hammett's solos convey an incredibly amount of emotion. Compared to the brilliance of side one, side two begins with a slight let-down. "Trapped Under Ice" may indeed be a great thrash song, but compared to what has come before, it might as well have been lifted off the Kill 'Em All album, displaying little of the bands new found maturity. Then comes "Escape", one of the least interesting songs ever written by Metallica, and their first foray into slick radio-friendly metal. However, the band thoroughly redeems itself with the stunning "Creeping Death". The band take their maturity and boundary-breaking methods, and apply them to a traditional thrash song, and what emerges is a combination of high-speed thrash riffery, complex song structure and one of the most inspired fill sections in music history. This is the style that would dominate Metallica's true masterpiece Master Of Puppets, but this song stands up to almost anything on that album. Then comes the true shock of the album. If you thought Metallica would be comfortable with just meddling with song structures and dynamics and leave it at that, you'll be amazed with the albums closer, an eight-minute instrumental. It is brilliantly done, although not quite as well executed as a similar piece on the Master Of Puppets album. Interest does flag at some points, but it is an extremely brave thing for a metal band to do, and works extremely well, thanks both to the bands musical abilities and songwriting skills. So there you have it, the first of two masterpieces that Metallica would contribute two heavy metal. Certainly the weaker of the two, but still an amazing achievement, and easily worth the price of purchase. An essential piece of metal history.Free Music Review: one of the four greatest Heavy Metal album of all-time
Hit: 5 Stars
I don't know exactly where this album would rank on some kind of official list or a huge vote for the top 10 Heavy Metal albums, but on my website I ranked this timeless masterpiece 3rd behind Reign In Blood. I did have a really hard time deciding if it should be 2nd or 3rd though. Anyway, enough about that, here is my review.
FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE - This is easily one of the greatest album openers in heavy metal history and i love how Hetfield sings the song and the lyrics are great. The solo is very solid but nothing too amazing. My favorite part is probally the end of the song where they make it sound like a nuclear bomb is falling and then exploding, you can hear a rumbling sound at the very end like an explosion. A perfect ending to a song that is about nuclear war
RIDE THE LIGHTNING - This is the perfect song to follow after Fight Fire With Fire. A song about a man being put to death by electric chair, it's easily one of Metallica's best songs and the guitar solos in the middle of the song are amazing!
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS - This song is perfect. It has a dark and creepy sound to it and i love the sound of the bell at the beginning and end of the song. I kinda wish this song was maybe a minute longer but like I said, I still think it's perfect.
FADE TO BLACK - This is the best and most famous song on this album and for good reason. The first part of the song is slow and sad but beautiful at the same time, then the song builds up to about a 3 minute instrumental part with one of Kirk Hammett's best solos. This song is about a man who is depressed and eventually commits suicide. I would rank this song as Metallica's 3rd greatest song ever.
TRAPPED UNDER ICE - Once again another great Metallica song. Trapped Under Ice is up there with Metallica's best speed metal songs. It has 3 super fast and crazy guitar solos and the lyrics are about someone being trapped under ice in water drowning. Yea I know, another song about death.
ESCAPE - Finally a song that is more uplifting to give you a break from all of the lyrics about death. I truly think that is why this song is on this album. It has a great chorus that i like to sing along too and even though it may be the weakest song on the album, it sure as hell isn't a weak song!
CREEPING DEATH - This song is normally a personal favorite of Metallica fans and it's one of my favorite songs as well. It has a great guitar solo, some awesome riffs and lyrics.....well what you usually get in an 80's Metallica song.
THE CALL OF KTULU - I'm not real sure what instrumental song from Metallica is better but I do know that it would probally come down to either this song or Orion from Master of Puppets. I'm sure it's hard to make a 9 minute instrumental song without it being boring in some parts but Metallica managed to make all 9 minutes enjoyable and sometimes downright great! My favorite part in the song is the big guitar solo somewhere in the middle of the song. an epic 9 minute instrumental song is a perfect way to end this masterpiece of an album.
Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets is what Heavy Metal is all about and the main theme for Ride the Lightning is death which I think is a great theme for a heavy metal album. If you love thrash metal and somehow don't own this album yet or if you just got into listening to thrash metal then make Ride the Lightning one of the first 5 albums that you get!