In preparation for Metallica's upcoming CD release, "St. Anger" on June 10th, I thought it would be appropriate to go back and review their last original album (Garage Inc. and S & M were created basically to tide fans over until their new CD was ready). By now most of you have heard the stories about Metallica supposedly "selling out" and Lars Ulrich's firm, anti-Napster stance. However, what seems to be lost in all this upheaval is one of the band's most remarkable achievements in their long-running music career, that of course, being "ReLoad".
The sell-out chants by former fans are so ridiculous I'm not going to even bother to waste my time responding to their inane, unreasonable remarks. ReLoad isn't the mindless thrash that Metallica so frequently released in the 80's, but rather, this album is intense, complex, and overwhelmingly stylish. Metallica should be complimented for branching out with their music and their wealth of talent really shows on this album. Let's get to the tracks.
1) Fuel (4: 29)
- The best driving song, bar none. "Fuel" wastes no time at all getting reacquainted with the crushing beats and lightning quick guitars that made Metallica famous. While the lyrics aren't exactly Shakespeare, it's still fun to listen to vocalist James Hetfield scream away about the adrenaline rush one gets while they're driving. Definitely the fastest song on ReLoad, and it gets the album off to a great start.
Grade: 10/10
2) The Memory Remains (4: 39)
- Wow, this song is weird. Marianne Faithfull makes a guest appearance midway through the song, singing with delightful creepiness "Da, Da, Da". The song's message is clear from the beginning, that show business and fame come with a price. Kirk Hammett should get props for his lively guitar work, and this song is also one of the quick beats on the album, and a really well written one at that.
Grade: 8/10
3) Devil's Dance (5: 18)
- One of the songs that didn't make it onto "Load" was Devil's Dance, but it found a home on ReLoad. This track is a deep, lumbering beast that is very similar to the third track on Load, "The House Jack Built". Both songs are heavy on mood and give the often-underused Jason Newsted ample opportunity to shine on the bass. It's basically talking about the Devil trying to seduce someone into following him. Another strong, meaty track.
Grade: 7/10
4) The Unforgiven II (6: 36)
- Next up is the delicate, stunning sequel to "The Unforgiven", which appeared on the Black Album. Unlike most sequels, this track is far superior to its predecessor. Love is once again the main theme, but whereas in the original it was about Hetfield shutting out his love, this time he's willing to open his heart if love is true. This song is much more complex than I first thought, and overall more satisfying and touching than the first Unforgiven. The lyrics blend amazingly well with Ulrich's delicate, timely drumming, creating one of Metallica's most diverse and heart-felt tracks thus far.
Grade: 9/10
5) Better Than You (5: 21)
- Well, the streak of outstanding songs had to run out sometime, and to be sure; it comes to a crashing halt with the decidedly awful "Better Than You". There's nothing wrong with the vocals, but the lyrics are just laughable. This song would be at home on "Ride the Lightning", where mindless thrash was a common place, but in any case, most people will have a hard time swallowing this track.
Grade: 4/10
6) Slither (5: 13)
- "Slither" is more or less Metallica telling some of their fans that complained about Load to screw off. This track really defines the word "filler", as it exists for no other reason than to eat up a little more space on the album. A few decent moments, like when Hetfield sings "Don't go looking for snakes you might find them/ don't set your eyes on the sun you might blind them". Overall, though, this song won't make the highlight reel.
Grade: 5/10
7) Carpe Diem Baby (6: 12)
- After a couple less than stellar numbers, things greatly improve with the bizarrely titled "Carpe Diem Baby", carpe diem meaning to seize the day in Latin. It's essentially about someone who's living their life as if it were their last day. The chorus is unforgettable, as are Hetfield's wondrous vocals. Here he shows vocal maturity and composure than he never would have been able to attain on their earlier albums, and as a result, songs like this one are elevated to a whole new level.
Grade: 9/10
8) Bad Seed (4: 05)
- Ugh, back to the sludge in "Bad Seed". This track starts out fairly well; with some really catchy guitar work by Hammett, but the faulty lyrics drags this song through the mud. Here's another classic filler, but luckily things are mostly high quality from here on in.
Grade: 3/10
9) Where the Wild Things Are (6: 54)
- One of the darker, plodding songs on ReLoad, but also one of the most lyrically intricate and thoroughly chilling on the album. The duel guitars by Hammett and Hetfield push this song forward, as does Newsted's groovy bass. The song could represent a number of different themes, my own belief that Hetfield is speaking of a child's innocence. "So wake up sleepy one, it's time to save your world" could mean that a child's future in this world is threatening and grim. "Where the Wild Things Are" is eerie, methodical, and superbly crafted from start to finish.
Grade: 8/10
10) Prince Charming (6: 05)
- Back to thrash with "Prince Charming", but at least this time it tells a story. That story being about a child who was constantly rejected in society by his parents and kids at school, and has taken the harsh road through life. If this song had been about two minutes shorter I would have enjoyed it more, because it really begins to drag towards the end. Still, you could do a whole lot worse.
Grade: 6/10
11) Low Man's Lyric (7: 37)
- A song so different from the normal Metallica, I almost thought I was listening to another band. Musically, "Low Man's Lyric" is soft and sensitive, but the theme is cold and depressing. It talks about a homeless man begging for forgiveness before he dies. The most notable part of the song is at the 3:38 mark where everything slows down and much like the solo in "Bleeding Me", the precise guitars take over and create a unique, haunting sound. Truly a puzzling track, but one that shouldn't be overlooked.
Grade: 8/10
12) Attitude (5: 16)
- "Attitude" in a way reminds me of "Ain't My B!tch" on Load, only unlike that song, this track falls apart halfway through and leaves a sour taste in my mouth afterward. It just becomes far too repetitive for it's own good, speaking about breaking the rules of society and having fun while doing so. Ulrich blasts away on the drums quite effectively, but in the end, even some pounding drum work can't save this track from mediocrity.
Grade: 6/10
13) Fixxxer (8: 14)
- As Metallica knows, closing an album is just as important as opening an album. "Fixxxer" is along the same lines as "The Outlaw Torn" on Load; it's long, it's epic, and it's pretty damn good. It also features on of Hammett's best guitar solos and lyrics, which are both imaginative and malevolent. They speak very movingly about child abuse, represented by a voodoo doll. The memorable lines "Can you heal what father's done?" and "No more pins in me" show incredible depth and create a vivid, cruel environment. "Fixxxer" takes over as Metallica's best closing track ever.
Grade: 9/10
In conclusion, while there will always be a few lackluster songs on any album, the sheer amount of outstanding material on this disc is why I wholeheartedly recommend "ReLoad" as a purchase. While Load remains my favorite Metallica album, ReLoad shows why this band has been around for so long, as they are able to adapt their music to the times and succeed time and time again. ReLoad only serves to reinforce this belief.
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