Excellent reaction by you Amy, and a great Metallica choice by Vlad. You had some very profound observations and commentary. It helps us to think and feel much more deeply about the subject of this song, by really trying to imagine what such a living hell experience might be like. I love how you showed it is not just in the lyrics, but primarily through the music itself. A great observation on how our thoughts and emotions relate both to what goes on internally, along with how the world around us effects them. And then what we would experience when that external world is cut off, and the only thing we experience through our senses is pain. Loved your observations on Lars' Drums, and also on how you heard the guitar singing expressively as representing the humanity (the human soul) within the dark capsule that surrounds and isolates him from the world. I am glad you were able to really appreciate the art in what they were doing here, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we need to be made uncomfortable to appreciate the difficulties and horrors that other have to go through. I try to remind myself of this whenever I am feeling sorry for myself over something that is trivial in comparison.
@@jovana_r Thanks Jovana. Enjoyed seeing you in the chat today. I will only be able to catch the first few minutes of tomorrow's "Nothing Else Matters" live stream before I have to leave. My family always gathers together for Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas day. But we usually do it at night, so it is kind of weird getting together so early in the day this year.
@@LeeKennison Hi Lee and Jovana. Sadly, I only have my sister left in my family, but we used to celebrate Christmas Eve, too, and then I would truck on down to my best friend's house and celebrate with them too. Fun times! And yes, Lee, I agree with you completely, natch.
@@LeeKennison I won't be there for the live stream either, because we have to go to visit our relatives. It's not for Christmas, we celebrate it on the 7th of January here in Serbia, but we go just to see them. Anyway, see you in the comments or next weekend, hopefully. Have a beautiful day and evening tomorrow with your family. 🖤
@@splitimage137. I still have two sisters (actually half sisters since they had a different father), their other half sister with their father (who I also consider a sister), and then all of their children and grandchildren (my nieces & nephews). So all of that adds up to 18 people tomorrow, which is why it is as early as it is since we were going to have it outdoors at a park, because we thought that was too many for my sister's house, particularly since she is in her 70s now. But now it will likely rain, so we are back to having it at her house. Like you, it has always been Christmas Eve for my family too, although for most of those years it was my mom who hosted the party, until it got to be to much for her.
I didnt understand why people watched reaction videos, then I hit play on this video about 30 minutes ago. It's funny how satisfying it is, when someone who knows what they're talking about, validates something you like.
Anyone else notice Amy didn’t pause at all .. or comment .. you can really see you anticipating and feeling the music with your eyebrows and expressions.. this is the core to a good reaction… being present in the music … one of the many reasons to follow ;)
@@mikenolin8747 copyright probably won't. I agree I like this format a lot. Coming off her 1st Metallica reaction she was trying to analyze every 10 secs saying it was repetitive, well yeah when you keep pausing and going back 5 secs it's gonna sound repetitive. She kind of nails it on this one.
the song is actually a composite of different wars. the original novel was about ww1, when trench warfare was still a thing. landmines (taken my sight...) became used in ww2 and later, and helicopters (sound effect in intro) were used more in korea and vietnam. this makes the lyrics more universal, because for the men who have to fight, war is just as bad regardless of what era you happen to be born into.
As a former soldier my friends would ask me what it's like in a war zone during the heat of battle. I told them that me trying to describe what I experienced to them is like me asking them to cover a painting they have never seen before, put a small hole in the cover, then to describe the entire painting to me. It's just not possible. I really love this song. It resonates very strongly with me. Something that I hear in the song, one thing that isn't really there, is when the A/F - G/E notes that are played just before the lyrics of the first two verses begins I hear "And then" on those notes. As in "And (A/F) then (G/E), I can't remember anything..."
if the song alone doesn't, the video will make you cry. holy cow. there's a good argument this song is the pinnacle of what Heavy Metal can achieve. incredibly powerful, and brilliant. crickey I cry just thinking about this bloody song. glad you liked it, enjoyed your insights.
I always thought of the lead guitar as the remnants of the soldier's memories and dreams bubbling up to the surface of his awareness as he drifted in and out of consciousness, only to fade into the reality of his situation.
After all these years I'm still totally knocked off my socks by Kirk's guitar solo every time I listen to this song. He kinda counters the dark atmosphere with playing mostly major, almost happy scales and at one point even delves into sourthern rock, a la Allman Bros and Lynyrd Skynyrd. A not to underestimate contribution to the song by Metalla's most silent member. Usually everything centers around James/Lars. But here Kirk really shines and makes the instrumental part his own.
At about 12:00 when the song stops. Amy Hass to catch her breath. The same thing happens to me every time. Such an emotional and moving song. Covering so many emotions. I still get goosebumps every time I hear it. Legendary work from a legendary band🤘🤘🤘👍👍👍
@31:00 - This is incredibly insightful from a person who is supposedly not a fan of metal. In rock/metal, the guitar is just another vocalist, singing a universal language. A lot of people don't connect, because it's expressing emotions they're not familiar with, or at least not comfortable with.
This analysis is, once again, compelling. What an eloquent and unique library of musical dissection and explication is being created here by Virgin Rock. I have revisited several of my favorites repeatedly, already.
I have to say what an absolutely poignant, and thoughtful analysis of a musical piece, I have been a Metallica fan since '83, always enjoyed this song, you have given me a whole new perspective and appreciation, Thank-you
Imagine what she'd think about Type O Negative!!! Or.... Pantera Korn Skid Row Godsmack Shinedown Dream Theater Five Finger Death Punch Stone Temple Pilots Rage Against the Machine Smashing Pumpkins Ozzy Osbourne Marilyn Manson Foo Fighters White Zombie [or] Rob Zombie Green Day Testament Kidd Rock Puddle of Mudd Saliva
@VirginRock I've just watched your hour and 15 minute review/analysis of One and it's not only your best imo, it's the best song analysis that I've ever seen. Brilliant. Thank you.
The passion and curiosity with which you penetrate and dissect musical pieces, regardless if you like it or not, is so authentic. And the deep musical knowledge you possess along with your sharp intellect provides such an interesting framework for really substantial reactions! Thanx for letting me/us joining you on your journey ❤️🍀✨
After watching the Metalica video for this song , it reveals a whole other level to this story.....this is well done art and music at its finest.....God bless our vets and fallen soldiers !!
Wow. Your learned appreciation of this art form is inspiring. I had a similar experience first time I heard Metallica I thought it was noise. Now whenninwatch the official music video for ' One ' I always cry because it is so powerful. Thanks for the extensive view into this talented American metal band.
Thanks Amy. Firstly, i'm so glad you listened to the studio version. Everyone else reacts to the music video, which is one of the greatest of all time but it distracts from the music for those who don't know the song. Secondly, the song itself is brilliant (in my top 10 favourite songs)...you analysed it perfectly. Lastly, i think classical musicians are always the best suited to properly appreciate heavy metal because the music is complex to a point but many would see it as repetitious whereas classical musicians can better appreciate the subtle chord changes within the repetition (the "chunks" you describe) and have the ability to anticipate where the song is taking the listener. I love that such a dark song can be portrayed so beautifully, and i've heard it a million times...every listen is like the first time.
If you're digging this and wish it were even more orchestral...check out their album with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. It's called "S&M" and it is EPIC.
I don't know.... Michael Kamen, a classical composer, listened to Metallica and appreciated them as a classical musician - and that's how S&M happened. So I say, let them listen to the core Metallica and make their own interpretations of it. Otherwise, they are dissecting another composer with Metallica rather then just Metallica.
It’s been a while since I heard the song straight through without the music video! If you’re reading this and haven’t seen the official video it’s worth watching and won awards. If you haven’t seen their live performance for the Grammys you should watch that to see the moment they turned from tough guys into real men of metal. 🤘
I’ll never forget seeing you for the first time because I clicked on your Metallica reaction and was delighted by it. When the heavy guitar and drums came in you ducked and it gave me joy. I’m so glad to have been able to watch the bits and pieces along the way as you’ve found your rhythm and stride. You are a good team and this channel is one I always look forward to seeing new videos from.
I've been waiting a long time for you to come back to Metallica, lol. Their music capability is profound, imo. Substance, depth, melody, rhythm, dynamic, rich, heavy, and emotional. I truly hope you're able to explore some of the other great songs by this band! I'm looking forward to your reaction on "Nothing Else Matters". Here are some other songs you might want to consider from Metallica: Orion, To Live is to Die, Sanitarium, Fade to Black, Bleeding Me, Inamorata, My Friend of Misery, and The Call of Ktulu. Thanks for the great reaction and analysis of this epic song!!
When this video was released, it was Metallica's first video, as they had previously refused to make music video's. There was nothing else like this song or video available at the time. Nobody on MTV knew how to react to such a profound, deep and well made piece of music. It was a time of big hair. And frivolous topics in popular.music.. Metallica was alien to everything else on mtv at the time. With this type of poignant sincerity, AND such a dead serious delivery..
Yes, I remember the times. Sadly it was mostly the (edit) version of the song and video, that is without the movie clips and a shorter edit of the song. But it was magic when catching the full video (Headbangers Ball anyone?). Very haunting..
"they refused to make music videos" What you're leaving out was that Mtv refused to ever play Metallica, even on HeadbangersBall, as did most radio at the time.
Slayer - Angel of Death. Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms. Black Sabbath - Planet Caravan. CCR - Born on the Bayou. ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE VIDS/REACTIONS, U DA BEST THANK YOU!!! ☺♥
You had me so captivated that as you described the first guitar as the storyteller, I was saying “narrator”.what a wonderful insight into what lifts Metallica beyond metal and into something special. I wish more people had this insight
I'm so glad to hear your sister is home safe from her deployment, thank her for her service from all of us. I'm also glad you're dipping back into one of my favorite bands, with perhaps their most intense song. I'm racking my brain to see what else you will be listening to, there are so many good songs to experience, though I hope at some point you get to hear "Nothing Else Matters" just to hear the other end of the spectrum of James Hetfield's writing. He does go quite dark a lot of the time, he has often cited music as a therapeutic experience for him, so he uses writing as a way to get the demons out rather than keep them in. Can't wait for more, hope your holiday season is going well!
If you’ve not reacted to it yet, Fade To Black is a must. Off their earlier album Ride The Lightning, like most of their early music, it has heavy influence from their then bassist, Cliff Burton, who had a great appreciation for and was really into classical music. The song plays like a symphony and the lyrics are incredibly powerful (and dark). RIP Cliff
I went to high school in northern California in 1976-1980 (as I think some members of Metallica did) and our syllabus included three books that I thought were reflections of a violent past rather than a warning for the future: Animal Farm and 1984 by George Orwell; All Quiet On The Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque; and the book THIS SONG is based on, JOHNNY GOT HIS GUN by Dalton Trumbo. I wonder if today's high-schoolers are reading book like these, or was it just a "golden age" of education in the states following the turbulent and society-changing 1960s. - For those of you who don't play the reading game, there's a movie of all of these books ;)
By the time I was in high school (2006-2009) the only books we read that were remotely close in tone were _Lord of the Flies_ and _To Kill A Mockingbird._ Which is to say, not that close. Books of the caliber of _Nineteen Eighty-four,_ _The Count of Monte Cristo,_ or even _The Catcher in the Rye_ were only books I read in high school because I CHOSE to read them outside of any school assignment activities. I can only imagine how tame and watered down the books kids in school are reading now.
After Dave Mustaine (San Diego) was fired, Kirk, a norcal guy was hired in 1983. Cliff Burton, a norcal guy, was hired in 1983 as well. James was from Downey and Lars Newport Beach both socal.
I was in high school and college during those years that you mentioned and those books were required reading for me also. None of my 3 children nor my two nieces were exposed to any of these works. They also had to learn some kind of convoluted and contrived mathematics that was completely asinine .... to this day (as adults) they still can't do simple math in their heads, can't even figure change at the cashier's counter without a machine telling them how much. Contemporary public education seems to be rather pathetic. The dumbing down of America?
@@kelleychilton2524 funny you should mention the "new math." I even made a joke that Amy could use her daughter's LEGO toys to teach her SET THEORY, because the world is so competitive. The thing is, I was in a teaching credential program for math/science in college and learned concepts then and there (a little bit of set theory, for example) that were to be taught to GRADE school children! They called it the "new math." I'm pretty sure that's what you're talking about. AND... I guess I can see what they were trying to do there, but I got out of the program fairly quickly and turned my attention elsewhere, and I don't really know how they teach math in grade school anymore. From all I have read, the schools are basically teaching to standardized tests now, and I can tell you, for sure, that I am SO glad I decided against becoming a teacher... I HATE being told what to do, and what or how to teach. So, at best, I was able to tutor well.
I love heavy metal, old school headbanger I am it always brings me joy when someone finds heavy metal for the first time and doesn't dismiss it as noise, heavy metal tells story's about everything, takes you on a journey
Amy, this was a one of a kind analysis of this piece. I think after "understanding" more this style, you could make some sessions from this album. All the best from Hungary!
You listened to the song the whole way through without stopping because, in my opinion, it is a very a compelling song regardless of what genre one prefers. It would just be my my fear you could get in trouble with UA-cam for that. But as always I appreciate your feedback and your educated insight on things I've been listening to for 30 years. It's people like you on the internet that teach me something new about music I've been listening to most of my life of my life and it's appreciated.
If Metallic puts out another album, it will be as embarrassing as Megadeth's last album. Time has passed. Retirement comes. Kids in 20 years from now will have no clue who Metallica was.
@@CelticSpiritsCoven People will be doing cover songs of them they won't be forgotten. What a silly thing to say. Korn actually did a live cover of this song "One" during MTVs ICON Metallica in 2003. It was incredible and Metallica gave them a standing ovation.
@@ForbiddTV My point is there is lots of good music out there that I dislike however it is still good music. I already know what Amy's taste for music is.
I would just like to say how glad I am to have run across your channel. Watching and hearing your reactions delivers to me a real sense of how authentic you are as a musician and a person. So, thank you for sharing your insights with us.
I think the buoyant, beautiful nature of the lead guitar before the bridge representing the human spirit and drums the prison is pretty good. And the double bass drums foreshadows the vocal & guitar bridge part “Darkness imprisoning me!…” is lovely and such a great build of anticipation. But I think the “one” interpretation is not as much about individuality or about the importance of each person, but about loss, isolation, and torment of a mind alone, stripped of any other humans, any other inputs whatsoever (except agony), just feeding on itself and on its own emotions. Thanks for another great analysis.
Exceptional analysis, even compared to prior break-downs. The depth and intricacies of early Metallica does deserve acknowledging. Recommend... Well, anything off of the "Ride the Lightning" album, or the instrumental "Orion" off of "Master of Puppets". Actually, i would be quite interested on that one. Wow! Well done.
Dear Amy and Vlad ❤. First of all: I wish you a Merry Christmas!! What a contrasting reality: there is still war in Ukraine and Gaza/Israel. And your sister is back home. I hate war and the sounds of gun machines. I've never been a soldier.....'every single one matters', that's soooo true ❤. As a therapist I know people with 'Post traumatic somatized diseases'... that's often the feeling of soldiers after war. You describe it very well with words, Amy. We, all people of the world, must end all wars!!!! Everywhere ....Give peace a chance.....Abrupt End!!!! Peace for your family on this special day ❤!!! Empathy for all humans....Love for all !!!! Thank you for your great analysises of music in this channel 🎉
Terrific analysis Amy. I liked your idea that the lead guitar was the humanity of the individual - if you listen carefully to the final solo, it gradually descends and disappears into, the maelstrom of "frantic stasis" that is the final part of the song (and presumably the life of the soldier in this story). I thought that very poignant and apt. Cheers!
I'm not a metalhead. But this is my favorite metal song. The intro is just everything. And then from there it just goes. But man when you said "this guitar is the humanity" i was like "EXACTLY!!! That's exactly the feeling i got." Wow. I don't now what real metalheads, respect to them, would say but that line resonated with me on this song.
I feel it should be mentioned that Metallica was dealing with its own grief during the recording of this album. Their bassist Cliff Burton had been killed in an accident, and this is the first album with the new bassist Jason Newsted. There have been different explanations over the years, but there is no bass on this album, Jason was left off, although he recorded.
Bless you Ms. Amy! I just love it when someone who is from another genre in situ is impressed by something very different. I thought that your explanation and opinion to be well expressed, intelligent, entertaining and respectful of something that might not be you 'cup of tea' per se! I respect this , I love this, I am influenced in life by Metallica.. experience and intelligence is not over rated.. Happy Holidays! xo
Great analysis. This is Metal at its best, expressing something that other music is too clumsy to tackle. I think you have learned how to listen to this music with this song.
Great Reaction, well more analysis then just a simple reaction. That's what I love to see, a real in deep analysis. Metal is indeed not just braindead music, it usally has alot of emotion in it, you can let it take you into deep places, a journey if you wil. If you would like a more classical approach , please check the version of Apocalyptica, metal made by cello. Again, thanks for the great reaction
I like hearing your very trained ear take on this compared to when I was 14 years old barely learning classical guitar and falling in love with Metallica back in the early 90s. I had no way to express in words back then what you have said here, but it was pretty much the same conclusion.
As heavy metal and the hippies came into being around the same time, many people always thought of them as completely different. But I always felt that they are two sides of the same coin: They were born from the same societal circumstances, and both deal heavily with war. Only hippies focused more on peace, love, and contentedness, and heavy metal dealt more with the realities of war, violence, and loneliness/isolation, so in a way what could be vs. what is. I find both incredibly important, because if you focus too much on a fantasy of an ideal world, you can lose sight of the actual reality around you, but if you only focus on the reality of being human, without hope and aspirations for a better world, you can fall into loneliness and despair. I always felt more drawn to heavy metal, because I felt that I grew up in n environment that liked to pretend everything was fine when it wasn't, but as I got older and life happened from all sides, I also started to include some of the softer hope and love messages, in order to not lose sight of that aspect of life. If that makes sense. English is my second language, so I hope this isn't complete gibberish..
I loved her pensive, intelligent, technical, yet emotional analysis. Depth and the intricacy without academic monotony and coldness, even when studying a very cold song. She has a beautiful mind.
Thank you for this beautiful message at the end. And thank you for sharing your musical expertise and brilliant insights on this song that I, as a military veteran (for peace), have always found quite powerful.
Something, something... Jethro Tull. When they looked into getting the rights to use scenes from Johnny Got His Gun, James realized it would be easier just to buy the rights to the whole film. So he owns it now and all the footage in the video is used without need of permission. Rolling like a rock star. Their performance of this song at the Grammy's that year, with the introduction of the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal category is the stuff of legends. Oddly enough, the first concert Hetfield ever went to as a young teen....was Jetrho Tull. 🤘🧙♂🤘
I absolutely enjoyed your perspective of this song!! This song was the one that turned me onto metallica back in 1989...I was in junior high.ive been a fan ever since.i really love that you are exploring heavier music with a completely open mind.more of it is very deep and meaningful and expresses things that we don't have the words for.in my opinion anyway.i love all kinds of music but metal will always be my love❤.
That song is amazing, “ one” , “ master of puppets and “Fade to black “ basically best metal songs of all times, no metal music get close by an inch!!!!
This album, their "Black" album, Nirvana's "Nevermind", and Megadeth's "Countdown to Extinction". These, for me, marked the end of the era of truly impressive, innovative new albums. These were the last ones to truly strike a chord with me. It was a good run! Beginning all the way back to The Beatles. But the well finally ran dry. #TheDayTheMusicDied
Unique and adorable. This relieves my pain a bit over all these reaction videos like 'Oh, I have no idea what it s about, but i must to do this one. Everyone else already got a million clicks wirh it'. I feel like my pre-commentators: I felt it for decades, but you put it in perfect words. THX.
You should do Disposable Heroes by Metallica too. In their older age they are no longer broaching subjects that make you think. I guess they are just filthy rich and very comfortable now. The struggles they had as a band and in their individual lives created their best music.
I’m really amazed on how you beautifully reviewed this incredible song, and it sadly brings to me to current times in which we have thousands of human beings suffering because of war. Thank you very much for taking this great song to my ears again.
I think what a lot of people miss is that the drums are the machine guns and bombs in trench warfare. The guitars are incredibly emotional because they start off sweet and innocent like a new recruit and turn into a hardened fighter right up to when the bullet with his name on finds him. That's why it suddenly ends.
This is one of the few songs I'd advise watching the official music video for. In most cases with longer songs the single version would be shortened by removing a long intro/outro or even a whole verse in some cases to make it more accessible to radio and TV . Not only did the band retain the full song but they interspersed the track with audio and visual clips from the Johnny Got His Gun movie. It makes for a full on and remarkably moving sensory experience.
I think her listening to the studio version first was nice, as she could focus on the music and lyrics, and not be distracted by the movie. But yea, now she can watch the video to get the full experience.
Thank you for your hard work on this one. The way you describe music is an incredible art form, just like the song itself. The passion is much appreciated 👏
Thank you for this reaction. I have been waiting for this a long time. It's like a nice little present for Christmas and I hope to see Metallica more often in your reactions. I love your content especially your in depth analysis. Keep it up and thank you another time
I'd recommend anyone read the book. A lot of talk is given to translating books to films but there's something special to me about translating it to music and somehow perfectly capturing the spirit. The main character in Johnny Got His Gun doesn't experience nothing but suffering. Strangely his plight is mixed in with what can be seen as minor successes, signs of a rebellious will. For instance, he learns to understand the time of day by recognising that one side of his body becoming warmer means the sun must be moving outside, and gives him some faint perception of the world. While he struggles with his isolation he has these fleeting moments of hope between despair. Kirk's guitar work captures this perfectly.
Excellent reaction by you Amy, and a great Metallica choice by Vlad. You had some very profound observations and commentary. It helps us to think and feel much more deeply about the subject of this song, by really trying to imagine what such a living hell experience might be like. I love how you showed it is not just in the lyrics, but primarily through the music itself. A great observation on how our thoughts and emotions relate both to what goes on internally, along with how the world around us effects them. And then what we would experience when that external world is cut off, and the only thing we experience through our senses is pain. Loved your observations on Lars' Drums, and also on how you heard the guitar singing expressively as representing the humanity (the human soul) within the dark capsule that surrounds and isolates him from the world. I am glad you were able to really appreciate the art in what they were doing here, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we need to be made uncomfortable to appreciate the difficulties and horrors that other have to go through. I try to remind myself of this whenever I am feeling sorry for myself over something that is trivial in comparison.
Very well said, dear Lee. I completely agree.
@@jovana_r Thanks Jovana. Enjoyed seeing you in the chat today. I will only be able to catch the first few minutes of tomorrow's "Nothing Else Matters" live stream before I have to leave. My family always gathers together for Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas day. But we usually do it at night, so it is kind of weird getting together so early in the day this year.
@@LeeKennison Hi Lee and Jovana. Sadly, I only have my sister left in my family, but we used to celebrate Christmas Eve, too, and then I would truck on down to my best friend's house and celebrate with them too. Fun times! And yes, Lee, I agree with you completely, natch.
@@LeeKennison I won't be there for the live stream either, because we have to go to visit our relatives. It's not for Christmas, we celebrate it on the 7th of January here in Serbia, but we go just to see them. Anyway, see you in the comments or next weekend, hopefully.
Have a beautiful day and evening tomorrow with your family. 🖤
@@splitimage137. I still have two sisters (actually half sisters since they had a different father), their other half sister with their father (who I also consider a sister), and then all of their children and grandchildren (my nieces & nephews). So all of that adds up to 18 people tomorrow, which is why it is as early as it is since we were going to have it outdoors at a park, because we thought that was too many for my sister's house, particularly since she is in her 70s now. But now it will likely rain, so we are back to having it at her house. Like you, it has always been Christmas Eve for my family too, although for most of those years it was my mom who hosted the party, until it got to be to much for her.
Someone needs to share this with James, Lars, and Kirk.
I didnt understand why people watched reaction videos, then I hit play on this video about 30 minutes ago. It's funny how satisfying it is, when someone who knows what they're talking about, validates something you like.
Hearing your academic evaluation of Metallica is thoroughly enjoyable…
Anyone else notice Amy didn’t pause at all .. or comment .. you can really see you anticipating and feeling the music with your eyebrows and expressions.. this is the core to a good reaction… being present in the music … one of the many reasons to follow ;)
Totally agree. She listened to it in whole and then went back and broke it down. I enjoyed this format.
@@mikenolin8747 copyright probably won't. I agree I like this format a lot. Coming off her 1st Metallica reaction she was trying to analyze every 10 secs saying it was repetitive, well yeah when you keep pausing and going back 5 secs it's gonna sound repetitive. She kind of nails it on this one.
Crazy to think that these guys were 25 or 26 years old when they released this album.
It is. Also their last great album in my opinion.
This is one of the best metal tracks ever recorded.
the song is actually a composite of different wars. the original novel was about ww1, when trench warfare was still a thing. landmines (taken my sight...) became used in ww2 and later, and helicopters (sound effect in intro) were used more in korea and vietnam. this makes the lyrics more universal, because for the men who have to fight, war is just as bad regardless of what era you happen to be born into.
My heart goes out to Lars Ulrich, his father just passed ♡
"Delete that."
- God
Tell Lars maybe
As a former soldier my friends would ask me what it's like in a war zone during the heat of battle. I told them that me trying to describe what I experienced to them is like me asking them to cover a painting they have never seen before, put a small hole in the cover, then to describe the entire painting to me. It's just not possible.
I really love this song. It resonates very strongly with me. Something that I hear in the song, one thing that isn't really there, is when the A/F - G/E notes that are played just before the lyrics of the first two verses begins I hear "And then" on those notes. As in "And (A/F) then (G/E), I can't remember anything..."
I was in young high school when this came out. We had never experienced a video like this when it came out. It was devastating to our souls.
if the song alone doesn't, the video will make you cry. holy cow. there's a good argument this song is the pinnacle of what Heavy Metal can achieve. incredibly powerful, and brilliant. crickey I cry just thinking about this bloody song. glad you liked it, enjoyed your insights.
When this song came out, the only people who listened to it were the hoods who would smoke weed across the street before school. This and AC/DC.
It's a true work of art. It transcends both music and metal
I always thought of the lead guitar as the remnants of the soldier's memories and dreams bubbling up to the surface of his awareness as he drifted in and out of consciousness, only to fade into the reality of his situation.
I’ve been listening to this song for 30+ years… and you brought it to life in a brand new way… thank you!!
After all these years I'm still totally knocked off my socks by Kirk's guitar solo every time I listen to this song. He kinda counters the dark atmosphere with playing mostly major, almost happy scales and at one point even delves into sourthern rock, a la Allman Bros and Lynyrd Skynyrd. A not to underestimate contribution to the song by Metalla's most silent member. Usually everything centers around James/Lars. But here Kirk really shines and makes the instrumental part his own.
At about 12:00 when the song stops. Amy Hass to catch her breath. The same thing happens to me every time. Such an emotional and moving song. Covering so many emotions. I still get goosebumps every time I hear it. Legendary work from a legendary band🤘🤘🤘👍👍👍
@31:00 - This is incredibly insightful from a person who is supposedly not a fan of metal.
In rock/metal, the guitar is just another vocalist, singing a universal language.
A lot of people don't connect, because it's expressing emotions they're not familiar with, or at least not comfortable with.
So glad you're revisiting Metallica Amy.
Also glad to see that you realise that there's far far more to Metallica than just 'Factory Noise'.
her name is amy? ok, now I'm flustered
@@gabrielpadilla7839 you don't like Amy?
yo, that name's givin me the vapors over@@breakalegfpv9532 here
are you kiddin? i got the vapors over here@@breakalegfpv9532 oh!
@@breakalegfpv9532he’s flustered, so i assume he likes amy?
this song will still give me goose bumps and nearly bring me to tears. it is one of their best
I love how she points out the drums, when Lars gets crap from gatekeepers about his drumming. Great analysis
This analysis is, once again, compelling. What an eloquent and unique library of musical dissection and explication is being created here by Virgin Rock. I have revisited several of my favorites repeatedly, already.
I have to say what an absolutely poignant, and thoughtful analysis of a musical piece, I have been a Metallica fan since '83, always enjoyed this song, you have given me a whole new perspective and appreciation, Thank-you
From Industrial Noise to nuanced appreciation. Just wanted to acknowledge how much I have enjoyed your journey.
Imagine what she'd think about Type O Negative!!! Or....
Pantera
Korn
Skid Row
Godsmack
Shinedown
Dream Theater
Five Finger Death Punch
Stone Temple Pilots
Rage Against the Machine
Smashing Pumpkins
Ozzy Osbourne
Marilyn Manson
Foo Fighters
White Zombie [or] Rob Zombie
Green Day
Testament
Kidd Rock
Puddle of Mudd
Saliva
@@CelticSpiritsCoven
I think Dream Theater would be a good one for her to explore next.
I feel like you'd appreciate
"To live is to die".
It's about as close to a classical symphony effect as anyone ever heard in heavy metal.
@VirginRock I've just watched your hour and 15 minute review/analysis of One and it's not only your best imo, it's the best song analysis that I've ever seen. Brilliant. Thank you.
The passion and curiosity with which you penetrate and dissect musical pieces, regardless if you like it or not, is so authentic. And the deep musical knowledge you possess along with your sharp intellect provides such an interesting framework for really substantial reactions! Thanx for letting me/us joining you on your journey ❤️🍀✨
After watching the Metalica video for this song , it reveals a whole other level to this story.....this is well done art and music at its finest.....God bless our vets and fallen soldiers !!
Amy, please listen to Orion by Metallica. It is really a music masterpiece, please do it:)
How lucky are we rockers to have Amy's reactions?! :) Metallica! Floyd! Led Zep...
This video is one of the BIG reasons I appreciate your videos, how deeply you analyze it from a musical perspective.
Hearing those opening low notes on your harp….chilling, beautiful, goosebumps.
Wow. Your learned appreciation of this art form is inspiring. I had a similar experience first time I heard Metallica I thought it was noise. Now whenninwatch the official music video for ' One ' I always cry because it is so powerful. Thanks for the extensive view into this talented American metal band.
Thanks Amy. Firstly, i'm so glad you listened to the studio version. Everyone else reacts to the music video, which is one of the greatest of all time but it distracts from the music for those who don't know the song. Secondly, the song itself is brilliant (in my top 10 favourite songs)...you analysed it perfectly. Lastly, i think classical musicians are always the best suited to properly appreciate heavy metal because the music is complex to a point but many would see it as repetitious whereas classical musicians can better appreciate the subtle chord changes within the repetition (the "chunks" you describe) and have the ability to anticipate where the song is taking the listener. I love that such a dark song can be portrayed so beautifully, and i've heard it a million times...every listen is like the first time.
also personality test lists, most group metal fans closely with classical fans.
If you're digging this and wish it were even more orchestral...check out their album with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. It's called "S&M" and it is EPIC.
Yes, 100% agree. Unfortunately the next song is Happy Singalong Matters :/
I think “No leaf clover” from S&M2 and “ hero of the day” from S&M1 would be amazing!!!
I don't know.... Michael Kamen, a classical composer, listened to Metallica and appreciated them as a classical musician - and that's how S&M happened. So I say, let them listen to the core Metallica and make their own interpretations of it. Otherwise, they are dissecting another composer with Metallica rather then just Metallica.
@@scorpionking4012The two best songs on the album IMHO. Definitely the ones that benefit most from having an orchestra.
joepegel Also “Bleeding me” and “outlaw torn” both amazing.
It’s been a while since I heard the song straight through without the music video!
If you’re reading this and haven’t seen the official video it’s worth watching and won awards.
If you haven’t seen their live performance for the Grammys you should watch that to see the moment they turned from tough guys into real men of metal. 🤘
I’ll never forget seeing you for the first time because I clicked on your Metallica reaction and was delighted by it. When the heavy guitar and drums came in you ducked and it gave me joy. I’m so glad to have been able to watch the bits and pieces along the way as you’ve found your rhythm and stride. You are a good team and this channel is one I always look forward to seeing new videos from.
I've been waiting a long time for you to come back to Metallica, lol. Their music capability is profound, imo. Substance, depth, melody, rhythm, dynamic, rich, heavy, and emotional. I truly hope you're able to explore some of the other great songs by this band!
I'm looking forward to your reaction on "Nothing Else Matters". Here are some other songs you might want to consider from Metallica:
Orion, To Live is to Die, Sanitarium, Fade to Black, Bleeding Me, Inamorata, My Friend of Misery, and The Call of Ktulu.
Thanks for the great reaction and analysis of this epic song!!
This song is a primal scream depicting what some of us must do and endure in order to maintain our freedoms.
When this video was released, it was Metallica's first video, as they had previously refused to make music video's. There was nothing else like this song or video available at the time. Nobody on MTV knew how to react to such a profound, deep and well made piece of music. It was a time of big hair. And frivolous topics in popular.music.. Metallica was alien to everything else on mtv at the time. With this type of poignant sincerity, AND such a dead serious delivery..
Yes, I remember the times. Sadly it was mostly the (edit) version of the song and video, that is without the movie clips and a shorter edit of the song. But it was magic when catching the full video (Headbangers Ball anyone?). Very haunting..
"they refused to make music videos" What you're leaving out was that Mtv refused to ever play Metallica, even on HeadbangersBall, as did most radio at the time.
On top of that, i have seen the guys play it live a couple of times, AMAZING!
Slayer - Angel of Death. Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms. Black Sabbath - Planet Caravan. CCR - Born on the Bayou. ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE VIDS/REACTIONS, U DA BEST THANK YOU!!! ☺♥
Making me cry with a song I’ve heard 30 years ago … great analysis.
You had me so captivated that as you described the first guitar as the storyteller, I was saying “narrator”.what a wonderful insight into what lifts Metallica beyond metal and into something special. I wish more people had this insight
Amy wins the internet again
I'm so glad to hear your sister is home safe from her deployment, thank her for her service from all of us. I'm also glad you're dipping back into one of my favorite bands, with perhaps their most intense song. I'm racking my brain to see what else you will be listening to, there are so many good songs to experience, though I hope at some point you get to hear "Nothing Else Matters" just to hear the other end of the spectrum of James Hetfield's writing. He does go quite dark a lot of the time, he has often cited music as a therapeutic experience for him, so he uses writing as a way to get the demons out rather than keep them in. Can't wait for more, hope your holiday season is going well!
If you’ve not reacted to it yet, Fade To Black is a must. Off their earlier album Ride The Lightning, like most of their early music, it has heavy influence from their then bassist, Cliff Burton, who had a great appreciation for and was really into classical music. The song plays like a symphony and the lyrics are incredibly powerful (and dark). RIP Cliff
I went to high school in northern California in 1976-1980 (as I think some members of Metallica did) and our syllabus included three books that I thought were reflections of a violent past rather than a warning for the future: Animal Farm and 1984 by George Orwell; All Quiet On The Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque; and the book THIS SONG is based on, JOHNNY GOT HIS GUN by Dalton Trumbo. I wonder if today's high-schoolers are reading book like these, or was it just a "golden age" of education in the states following the turbulent and society-changing 1960s. - For those of you who don't play the reading game, there's a movie of all of these books ;)
By the time I was in high school (2006-2009) the only books we read that were remotely close in tone were _Lord of the Flies_ and _To Kill A Mockingbird._ Which is to say, not that close.
Books of the caliber of _Nineteen Eighty-four,_ _The Count of Monte Cristo,_ or even _The Catcher in the Rye_ were only books I read in high school because I CHOSE to read them outside of any school assignment activities.
I can only imagine how tame and watered down the books kids in school are reading now.
After Dave Mustaine (San Diego) was fired, Kirk, a norcal guy was hired in 1983. Cliff Burton, a norcal guy, was hired in 1983 as well. James was from Downey and Lars Newport Beach both socal.
I was in high school and college during those years that you mentioned and those books were required reading for me also. None of my 3 children nor my two nieces were exposed to any of these works. They also had to learn some kind of convoluted and contrived mathematics that was completely asinine .... to this day (as adults) they still can't do simple math in their heads, can't even figure change at the cashier's counter without a machine telling them how much. Contemporary public education seems to be rather pathetic. The dumbing down of America?
@@kelleychilton2524 funny you should mention the "new math." I even made a joke that Amy could use her daughter's LEGO toys to teach her SET THEORY, because the world is so competitive.
The thing is, I was in a teaching credential program for math/science in college and learned concepts then and there (a little bit of set theory, for example) that were to be taught to GRADE school children!
They called it the "new math." I'm pretty sure that's what you're talking about. AND... I guess I can see what they were trying to do there, but I got out of the program fairly quickly and turned my attention elsewhere, and I don't really know how they teach math in grade school anymore.
From all I have read, the schools are basically teaching to standardized tests now, and I can tell you, for sure, that I am SO glad I decided against becoming a teacher... I HATE being told what to do, and what or how to teach. So, at best, I was able to tutor well.
@@5ilver42 buy your kids these books
I love heavy metal, old school headbanger I am it always brings me joy when someone finds heavy metal for the first time and doesn't dismiss it as noise, heavy metal tells story's about everything, takes you on a journey
Amy, this was a one of a kind analysis of this piece. I think after "understanding" more this style, you could make some sessions from this album. All the best from Hungary!
"What is he trying to say?" "Please Kill me. Over and Over."
Really prefer the studio version over the official video with all the blabbering, thanks for choosing this
You listened to the song the whole way through without stopping because, in my opinion, it is a very a compelling song regardless of what genre one prefers. It would just be my my fear you could get in trouble with UA-cam for that. But as always I appreciate your feedback and your educated insight on things I've been listening to for 30 years. It's people like you on the internet that teach me something new about music I've been listening to most of my life of my life and it's appreciated.
James is a poet Nobody tells a story like him with there lyrics
This is your best one yet. Long live Metallica.
If Metallic puts out another album, it will be as embarrassing as Megadeth's last album. Time has passed. Retirement comes.
Kids in 20 years from now will have no clue who Metallica was.
@@CelticSpiritsCoven hahahaha. Good luck with that prediction
@@CelticSpiritsCoven Timeless Metallica classics will live forever.
@@CelticSpiritsCovenlast 3 albums are really poor and forgettable, yeah. But classic albums cannot be topped.
@@CelticSpiritsCoven
People will be doing cover songs of them they won't be forgotten. What a silly thing to say.
Korn actually did a live cover of this song "One" during MTVs ICON Metallica in 2003. It was incredible and Metallica gave them a standing ovation.
Just love the "shwew" at the end of the song. 😂
The drums are like an echo of the sounds of the battlefield, which is the last thing he ever heard, and the echo goes on forever.
Amy has been a good sport for the channel by enduring music such as this.
😅
We have all been a good sport for the channel for enduring comments such as yours:)
😁🥱💋
@@dunki-dunki-dawg It's pretty apparent that she is not into this sort of music if you have watched other videos she has done.
@@ForbiddTV My point is there is lots of good music out there that I dislike however it is still good music. I already know what Amy's taste for music is.
I would just like to say how glad I am to have run across your channel. Watching and hearing your reactions delivers to me a real sense of how authentic you are as a musician and a person. So, thank you for sharing your insights with us.
Great review. One is a classic, but if you really want to check out Metallica, Master of Puppets is essential.
I think the buoyant, beautiful nature of the lead guitar before the bridge representing the human spirit and drums the prison is pretty good. And the double bass drums foreshadows the vocal & guitar bridge part “Darkness imprisoning me!…” is lovely and such a great build of anticipation.
But I think the “one” interpretation is not as much about individuality or about the importance of each person, but about loss, isolation, and torment of a mind alone, stripped of any other humans, any other inputs whatsoever (except agony), just feeding on itself and on its own emotions.
Thanks for another great analysis.
18:30-20:15 Amy, what an eloquent explanation of Metallica's (and heavy metal's) musical genius.
One of the most beautiful songs of Metallica🤘
Exceptional analysis, even compared to prior break-downs. The depth and intricacies of early Metallica does deserve acknowledging. Recommend... Well, anything off of the "Ride the Lightning" album, or the instrumental "Orion" off of "Master of Puppets". Actually, i would be quite interested on that one. Wow! Well done.
Dear Amy and Vlad ❤. First of all: I wish you a Merry Christmas!! What a contrasting reality: there is still war in Ukraine and Gaza/Israel. And your sister is back home. I hate war and the sounds of gun machines. I've never been a soldier.....'every single one matters', that's soooo true ❤.
As a therapist I know people with 'Post traumatic somatized diseases'... that's often the feeling of soldiers after war. You describe it very well with words, Amy. We, all people of the world, must end all wars!!!! Everywhere ....Give peace a chance.....Abrupt End!!!!
Peace for your family on this special day ❤!!! Empathy for all humans....Love for all !!!!
Thank you for your great analysises of music in this channel 🎉
A Harp cover is One!? From you?? Let's gooooooo!! 😁😁❤🖤 This is magic
Terrific analysis Amy. I liked your idea that the lead guitar was the humanity of the individual - if you listen carefully to the final solo, it gradually descends and disappears into, the maelstrom of "frantic stasis" that is the final part of the song (and presumably the life of the soldier in this story). I thought that very poignant and apt. Cheers!
I'm not a metalhead. But this is my favorite metal song. The intro is just everything. And then from there it just goes. But man when you said "this guitar is the humanity" i was like "EXACTLY!!! That's exactly the feeling i got." Wow. I don't now what real metalheads, respect to them, would say but that line resonated with me on this song.
I knew this would be an amazing reaction/breakdown.
Such a shame that we'll never hear music like this in the mainstream again
A very awesome song I played a lot while in the Army. Thanks for reviewing
To get the full experience for this song, you really need to watch the video. That's rare, but in this case very true.
I feel it should be mentioned that Metallica was dealing with its own grief during the recording of this album. Their bassist Cliff Burton had been killed in an accident, and this is the first album with the new bassist Jason Newsted. There have been different explanations over the years, but there is no bass on this album, Jason was left off, although he recorded.
so glad you listened to studio version instead of music video first
Bless you Ms. Amy! I just love it when someone who is from another genre in situ is impressed by something very different. I thought that your explanation and opinion to be well expressed, intelligent, entertaining and respectful of something that might not be you 'cup of tea' per se! I respect this , I love this, I am influenced in life by Metallica.. experience and intelligence is not over rated.. Happy Holidays! xo
Great analysis. This is Metal at its best, expressing something that other music is too clumsy to tackle. I think you have learned how to listen to this music with this song.
Great Reaction, well more analysis then just a simple reaction. That's what I love to see, a real in deep analysis. Metal is indeed not just braindead music, it usally has alot of emotion in it, you can let it take you into deep places, a journey if you wil. If you would like a more classical approach , please check the version of Apocalyptica, metal made by cello. Again, thanks for the great reaction
Emotional and powerful. Thank you
I am so glad to see you reacting to the album version.
The music video is a whole other animal, with clips of the movie.
I like hearing your very trained ear take on this compared to when I was 14 years old barely learning classical guitar and falling in love with Metallica back in the early 90s. I had no way to express in words back then what you have said here, but it was pretty much the same conclusion.
As heavy metal and the hippies came into being around the same time, many people always thought of them as completely different. But I always felt that they are two sides of the same coin: They were born from the same societal circumstances, and both deal heavily with war. Only hippies focused more on peace, love, and contentedness, and heavy metal dealt more with the realities of war, violence, and loneliness/isolation, so in a way what could be vs. what is. I find both incredibly important, because if you focus too much on a fantasy of an ideal world, you can lose sight of the actual reality around you, but if you only focus on the reality of being human, without hope and aspirations for a better world, you can fall into loneliness and despair. I always felt more drawn to heavy metal, because I felt that I grew up in n environment that liked to pretend everything was fine when it wasn't, but as I got older and life happened from all sides, I also started to include some of the softer hope and love messages, in order to not lose sight of that aspect of life. If that makes sense. English is my second language, so I hope this isn't complete gibberish..
I loved her pensive, intelligent, technical, yet emotional analysis. Depth and the intricacy without academic monotony and coldness, even when studying a very cold song. She has a beautiful mind.
Thank you for this beautiful message at the end. And thank you for sharing your musical expertise and brilliant insights on this song that I, as a military veteran (for peace), have always found quite powerful.
Amazing content, great work! Thanks for share free 👏
Something, something... Jethro Tull.
When they looked into getting the rights to use scenes from Johnny Got His Gun, James realized it would be easier just to buy the rights to the whole film. So he owns it now and all the footage in the video is used without need of permission. Rolling like a rock star.
Their performance of this song at the Grammy's that year, with the introduction of the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal category is the stuff of legends. Oddly enough, the first concert Hetfield ever went to as a young teen....was Jetrho Tull.
🤘🧙♂🤘
I absolutely enjoyed your perspective of this song!! This song was the one that turned me onto metallica back in 1989...I was in junior high.ive been a fan ever since.i really love that you are exploring heavier music with a completely open mind.more of it is very deep and meaningful and expresses things that we don't have the words for.in my opinion anyway.i love all kinds of music but metal will always be my love❤.
That song is amazing, “ one” , “ master of puppets and “Fade to black “ basically best metal songs of all times, no metal music get close by an inch!!!!
This album, their "Black" album, Nirvana's "Nevermind", and Megadeth's "Countdown to Extinction". These, for me, marked the end of the era of truly impressive, innovative new albums. These were the last ones to truly strike a chord with me. It was a good run! Beginning all the way back to The Beatles. But the well finally ran dry. #TheDayTheMusicDied
From that era I would add Ten (Pearl Jam), Dirt (Alice in Chains), Angel Dust (Faith No More), and I can add many more. What a time for rockers! 🤘
Check out Tool
@@tellmelullabies5552”Ten ” is fantastic, would love some Pearl Jam reaction!
@@tellmelullabies5552 Angel Dust is a masterpiece!
Unique and adorable. This relieves my pain a bit over all these reaction videos like 'Oh, I have no idea what it s about, but i must to do this one. Everyone else already got a million clicks wirh it'. I feel like my pre-commentators: I felt it for decades, but you put it in perfect words. THX.
You should do Disposable Heroes by Metallica too. In their older age they are no longer broaching subjects that make you think. I guess they are just filthy rich and very comfortable now. The struggles they had as a band and in their individual lives created their best music.
Finally, someone who didn't do that dang video first.
I’m really amazed on how you beautifully reviewed this incredible song, and it sadly brings to me to current times in which we have thousands of human beings suffering because of war. Thank you very much for taking this great song to my ears again.
I think what a lot of people miss is that the drums are the machine guns and bombs in trench warfare. The guitars are incredibly emotional because they start off sweet and innocent like a new recruit and turn into a hardened fighter right up to when the bullet with his name on finds him. That's why it suddenly ends.
Outstanding reaction and analysis.
Just to send you some love and thank you for this channel. 🖤
The analysis went way over my head but I'm still glad I got to watch her react to this one (pun not intended, but welcome :)
This is one of the few songs I'd advise watching the official music video for. In most cases with longer songs the single version would be shortened by removing a long intro/outro or even a whole verse in some cases to make it more accessible to radio and TV . Not only did the band retain the full song but they interspersed the track with audio and visual clips from the Johnny Got His Gun movie. It makes for a full on and remarkably moving sensory experience.
I think her listening to the studio version first was nice, as she could focus on the music and lyrics, and not be distracted by the movie. But yea, now she can watch the video to get the full experience.
Thank you for your hard work on this one. The way you describe music is an incredible art form, just like the song itself. The passion is much appreciated 👏
Thank you for this reaction. I have been waiting for this a long time. It's like a nice little present for Christmas and I hope to see Metallica more often in your reactions. I love your content especially your in depth analysis. Keep it up and thank you another time
Enter Sandman
Master of Puppets
Vlad should have her listen to these songs.
Incredible analysis! What an excellent choice of song that speaks to the horrifying times the world is in today.
I'd recommend anyone read the book. A lot of talk is given to translating books to films but there's something special to me about translating it to music and somehow perfectly capturing the spirit.
The main character in Johnny Got His Gun doesn't experience nothing but suffering. Strangely his plight is mixed in with what can be seen as minor successes, signs of a rebellious will. For instance, he learns to understand the time of day by recognising that one side of his body becoming warmer means the sun must be moving outside, and gives him some faint perception of the world. While he struggles with his isolation he has these fleeting moments of hope between despair. Kirk's guitar work captures this perfectly.