Classical Composer reaction/analysis to METALLICA: Fade to Black | The Daily Doug (Episode 652)
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- Опубліковано 10 тра 2024
- #metallica #fadetoblack
🚨TRIGGER WARNING: The song's thematic material is dark, including a discussion of suicide.
In this edition of #thedailydoug, I'm returning to some classic Metallica with their ballad Fade to Black from Ride the Lightning. I realized that, of course, I've heard this socially, but I've never given it a proper listen. And, I was impressed with their modulations and nuanced compositional layering.
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Still astonishing to think that they were only 21, 22 years old when they wrote and recorded this. Especially as they were deep in their 'Alcoholica' phase.
I think that's part of how it came to life. Especially if linked to a traumatic event, having a depressive or even s**icidal episode is pretty easy when heavily intoxicated
It’s not really astonishing to me. They didn’t have the internet cellphones social media and plastic in their food to rot their brains and make them dull sheep people. They read books, Cliff loved literature and showed it to the guys.
@@hughjoelcock7145It's true Cliff brought a lot to the band, but the core has always been Lars' energy/song arrangements + James' angst and riff/ melody writing. James went through hell as a teenager, Fade to Black emotionally speaking is almost 100% James.
@@ryanjacobson2508 james was always a rock inside this band, on 80s/90s or after/before St. Anger.
@@CedroLinkin yeah but it's kinda funny how such a depressing song was made because James' amp got stolen
"I was me , but now he's gone." One of my favorite lyric lines.
if it really does reflect your life experiences, I think these lines become implanted in you. personally fade to black was my favorite song before I had a good understanding of what James was saying, as non native English speaker. then it just stayed my favorite.
Its usually only near death that most people are able to let go of the ego (me). Those that can drop it before actually dying become enlightened... which is like a non-physical death itself, the death of the me and the birth of something greater, the all.
I was 14 when this album came out and going through some very dark times, this song saved me. Every word in the lyrics was what I was feeling but the final solo was so inspiring, so uplifting so impactful that it showed me that there was a little light within the darkness and there was hope... I'm 53 now and have had battled depression all my life yet this song is my life line...
i was also a teen in the 80's and music most definitely including 'METALLICA' is alot of the reason why i didn't hang myself. i'm 55 now and i owe it all to music of all sorts.
Incredible. Keep on keeping on 🤟🤟 i have felt a similar experience with this song.
There's always some light in life to enjoy.
I just absolutely lost it now during the final solo. Whole body tensing, closed eyes, silent screams. And that was just on my phone speaker, God I love this song. Gets me every time.
So many people have similar stories. This song and Ktulu quickly separated metallica from the rest of the thrash scene (thanks Cliff!). There was more than just pure aggression to James. There was a tender, inner sincerity to him as well. He was afraid. He hurt. And he told us about it. Somehow, that appealed to me. Made it ok, as a “guy,” to feel feelings and be hurt. As a 14-year old when I first heard it (1991), it was so comforting to me. And it still is. Just a couple weeks ago I attended my 8-9th shows - live from Arlington - but I saw it in the theater. When they started into it, I realized I had never heard it “live.” I just began to tear up. I couldn’t believe after all these years and after several shows - including being at S&M2 and both 40th anniversary shows, that I had never heard it “live.” Now, it still doesn’t quite count since it was in the theater. My friend Mike Mueller (aka MetFan Mike) says this is the greatest song in the history of recorded music. Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. But it can’t be too far off…
This song and a song of their recent album called Inamorata are really great at helping overcome those dark feelings.
Fade To Black is nothing short of a masterpiece
My favorite Metallica song of all time. Just a stunning work of art
For oh so many reasons, it's the greatest song of all time
”Missing the one inside of me”
”Emptiness is killing me”
Those words gave a frame for my depression. I was able to understand what was going on. This song saved my life.
Emptiness is filling me*
Best and less boomerish and edgy one is "I was me but now he's gone". It might sound edgy, but to anyone that has had even a close call to depression alone, it resonates perfectly with what we were all feeling
After nearly 40 years, this song still has one of the best acoustic sections to learn, the best rhythm sections to learn, and the best solos to learn. It's an absolute gem, and they were only a few years out of being teenagers.
This song has been credited for saving a lot of lives. Sometimes just knowing someone else gets what you feel is enough. Appropriate for Suicide Prevention Month.
Creeping Death should definitely be your next song from this album. Such a great song about the plagues inflicted upon the Egyptians
"Creeping Death" is my favorite Metallica song, and is my nomination for the greatest heavy metal song ever recorded. It is completely badass.
Right up there on my list 🤘🏻
I do like the song, but my recommendation for the greatest heavy metal song is The Ivory Gate of Dreams by Fates Warning. If you haven't heard it you can find the live version from the album Still Life on UA-cam.
It's really up there. It's Metallica at their most raw thrash, in my opinion.
Mine too it’s the song that got me into Metallica👍
This whole album, is insane
This is my favorite song. I think the instrumentation is beautiful and the lyrics are so impactful. Glad to see you listening to it!
One of my favourite songs of all time too. The whole thing just comes together so well and just works on kind of a natural level - hard to put into words really!
It’s my favourite Metallica song from my favourite Metallica album (Fade to Black).
Yeah my favorite of all time since I heard it. I'm 37 and it's still my favorite. Followed by Spiders by System of a Down.
Probably their best song!
Yeah the verse instrumental is beautiful. I personally couldn't say I felt the same about the other parts but absolutely understand why many would and do really like it. It's just not my cup of tea is all
By it I mean the other parts of the music, not the song. I like the song as contradictory as that may sound lol
From a personal standpoint this song was able to give voice and express what I couldn’t do myself and at the same time helped me feel not so alone when I was in a dark place in my life.
The solo section is a masterpiece.
Probably the first power ballad for the thrash era, love how it ends!!
I downloaded this song on lime wire 20 years ago not ever having heard it but liking the title. It took 8 hours to download using our new DSL line. I remember coming home that night excited to hear my new song. To say it changed my life is an understatement. I young man with depression was yearning for some understanding. I have listened to and played Fade to Black over 1000 times in the past 20 years.
Stay Metal !
U rock, mate !
Gotta chuckle, we must be within a couple years of age. This was also one of my first downloads, on Limewire, on DSL. I certainly didn’t experience the same impact, but this was the song that sold me on Metallica; it wasn’t just heavy and speed, and I always have enjoyed a band that has range. The true meaning didn’t hit me until much later, I’ve always been about the instruments and how the vocals play in(I don’t need to hear the lyrics word for word, I want to hear the emotions in vocals, just as if it’s another instrument). This song struck me, and still does.
Expect Lars at your door soon.
@@MentallyGuitarded12 😂😂😂
Worst miscalculation of their career. I mean, I get what they were going for, but they made a mountain out of a molehill, and it damaged them.
I downloaded the whole Metallica catalog on Napster. Took over 24 hours…
I mean a friend did! 😜
The solo still gives me chills and makes my hair stand up EVERY SINGLE TIME. Just incredibly intense. And when Lars’s double bass pedals start it always makes me feel that it’s the blood pumping from the body. No doubt intentionally.
This song has always been a masterpiece since day 1. It was my favorite song in my teenage era, and not because I wanted to commit suicide or be on depression, whatsoever, it was simply just because instrumentally is so beautiful, and those acoustic notes are majestic.
56 year old man crying while listening, and singing along to this, dredging up emotions that this song helped me get through. This song saves lives. Thanks Doug!
That's all Cliff Burton's influence, cause he was very into putting musical theory into their music.
Thanks for finally getting into Fade to Black, dear Doug. This is a beautiful dark song that had made me cry so many times in different stages of my life. Thanks for appreciating it as it deserves and getting what it means
You can really hear Cliff Burton’s influence throughout this entire album. This is the first album where he received writing credits, and the difference between this album and their first effort is stark.
Y'all I don't know how they did this. It's such a masterpiece, there's just never been anything like 1980s metal again. The harmonies and melodies, the classical influences, it's impossible to find now. They were either on drugs or in a religious praying trance, it's just unbelievably masterful.
Cliff’s bass is so good in this song. Both his playing and the mix.
Metal is therapy. 🤘🤘
I can't believe it's almost forty years since this album came out,and it still kicks ass!🤘🤘🤘
Great show. Thank you for doing some more of mighty Metallica. I saw this tour in 85’ in Chicago. I was 19. And 86’on the Master of puppets tour and finally after 37 years I took my son and we saw them just last week in Phoenix. Rock on Doug🤘🏼🤘🏼
That's crazy man! I saw them first time in 2010 and then in 2014. Now I have a 4 year old who loves to listen Metallica with daddy. I'm picturing both of us going together on a concert in the future as you did with your son. It must be something special. Cheers from Brazil!
I saw them in the early 90s in Chicago. It was a phenomenal experience. I wish I could have seen them before Cliff passed.
He earned my respect when he knew not to talk over Kirk's solo. That is showing proper respect to greatness.
This is definitely one of the best songs ever written.
Gives me chills every time.
Excellent analysis of the lyrics. Had the privilege of seeing this song live last year. James got really emotional. It's one of the songs they picked for the offical videos of that show, must've watched it over 20 times by now, lol. Had to hold back the tears when I saw the roadie bring the accoustic to the stage.
The opening acoustic is very close to and may be inspired by Goodbye Blue Sky by Pink Floyd.
actually I'm with the second team, I used to listen it as a therapy. Exactly, the song is the safe and healthy way to process those emotions
In my opinion- what set metalllica apart was that this particular song, for example, resonates with so many people that it did. I love Megadeth, but there is no way that they could have pulled this song off in the way that Metallica played it, much less any other thrash band at the time.
Not just my favorite Metallica song, but my favorite song ever. Just beautiful
Not only one of the best, but probably also the most influential song for me. If I had to choose one song that kickstarted my interest in music as a kid, it's this one. It's still great to occasionally put it on after all these years and just sit in awe.
Man... I just tried singing along and kept choking up. Hits me every time.
Back when this record came out the "hard core" fans who wanted Kill 'em All Part II accused Metallica of selling out because of this song. This was the first album to feature Cliff's writing and it really shows, I love KEA but RTL is a quantum leap forward in songwriting and musicianship.
Kirk Hammett used to be my god, Metallica my religion and this album my Bible. But the only thing that hasn't decayed about Metallica is my memories. Or as Metallica would say, "But the Memory Remains"
Man Kirk's solos on their latest were...underwhelming to put it lightly
Thank you. I consider Fade to Black to be Metallica's Magnum Opus. Every second off it is a masterpiece and to this day it still sends chills down my spine every time I hear it. The music encompasses everything that has always made Metallica great, and the lyrics touch even the deepest darkness in the soul. It's one of the top 2 Metallica songs I request people react to. The other is not just the song, but the music video for The Day that Never Comes.
I love The Day that Never Comes, but I felt a bit cheated on the Death Magnetic tour because I knew I missed the chance to hear Fade to Black live again because there was really no way to do both of those in the same concert.
Fade to black, One, The unforgiven series, The Day that never comes and Nothing else matters are their best song
James wrote this after their equipment was stolen at a show. It’s essentially him mourning the loss of the gear that he was attached to and used to express himself. He was also very obsessed with death at the time. Since then it’s become much much more.
It's been said many times that what actually inspired this song was James's battle with depression. The stolen gear was what gave the final push to write it im guessing
I was 14 when my father committed suicide. This song spoke to me when I needed it. Often with suicide the survivors wonder why. This song, while dark, gave me a glimpse into what my dad must have been feeling at the end. It didn't give me closure but understanding and it really helped. To this day is still my favorite Metallica song.
💔
It's very valuable that this song helped you understand your father a bit more. I can understand it felt like he abandoned you, but he didn't really had another option. Suffering from depression or another mental illness is incredibly hard to live with. I know from experience.
As someone who has been writing poetry and song lyrics for decades I can tell you that doing this has been an amazing therapy for me the entire time. It has helped me process and understand my feelings at such a deep level and I believe has kept me grounded in reality my entire life.
Kirk Hammett so many iconic solos and licks on just this song. Only 21 years old!
This is their best song for me.
Absolute masterpiece
Fade to black is one of my favorite songs of all times. One of the reason is that the lyrics talk about the mental process which afflicts people contemplating suicide. I perfectly know this feelings and these thoughts. James makes a perfect photograph of this state of mind that certainly he has experimented. When I heard this song for the first time and when i read the lyrics i I had the awareness that I was not the only one to live this situation. Metallica always made me feel less alone. That’s why i love them so much and feel them so close to me. I think that this song has saved so many lives helping people to making their lives more beareable. Always grateful for this. Thank you Doug for choosing to analyze this eternal masterpiece. Please may you dedicate a video to Dyers Eve? Thanks a lot
One of the best feelings in the world is seeing that someone else understands how you are hurting and expresses it in a way that helps you understand it better yourself.
Top analysis Doug as ever. Music can be a powerful weapon at times. 👌👍🤘
This album is my favorite Metallica record. Love Trapped Under Ice.
One of the best songs in the history of music
I was a teenager when I discovered Metallica in the late '80s. This song helped me through many dark moments back then. I find it to be very cathartic.
It's amazing that you hadn't done this song until now. It's generally as highly regarded as One. First heard this in 1988. I was going through the worst time in my life and this song really helped me get through all that. Sometimes it is hard to listen to now because of the memories it brings back, but it is absolutely one of their masterpieces.
One of their best songs.
I don't give RTL enough space in my Metallica albums list, but anytime I listen to it, I remember what a fantastic album it is.
I’m exactly the same. I think the songs are as strong as any of their albums. I’m pretty sure the reason for that for me is it sounds pretty terrible. I HATE the production. It’s soooooo wet. Way too much reverb and ambience.
Imo Escape is a little weak, although it's still not a bad song. However, every other song on the album as an absolute banger.
Honestly same, but that's only because I listened to it over and over and over again for years. It's my favourite metallica album, but I barely listen to it. Makes the songs hit even more when I do hear them after an extended period of time
In 1978, Judas Priest penned a ballad that had almost identical subject matter: a man suffers from depression and catatonia, and there's implied suicide. The song is Beyond the Realms of Death, and it's fantastic, I think one of their top few songs, with really poignant lyrics. The song, plus one more, was mentioned in a lawsuit filed against JP after a fan committed suicide (the suit was dismissed). I hope you can check it out!
Your channel intro sounds amazing! Fantastic vocals and a very interesting harmonic arrangement.
writing this stuff when you are 20 years old. mind blowing
Back when Metallica actually wrote music. Great album, amazing song.
Absolutely the right choice to do the album version. The live energy is wrong for this song.
This track along with Ozzy's Suicide Solution and Black Sabbath's Die Young
saved my life many times over.
You gotta do the rest of this album now. Fight fire with fire, the title track and creeping death especially
After the first chorus the transition back to the verse is just spectacular 👌
This song has always been a mood booster. I was 17 when it came out and ever since then if I'm feeling down, this song would lift me up.
People were also freaking out about Suicide Solution by Ozzy and Number of the Beast by Maiden. Apparently none of them ever thought to read the lyrics.
This Song, this album… the whole Genre, saved my life more then once.
Now days when they perform this song live, just before the lead in to the last verse the band holds a chord and James speaks to the crowd. Something to the effect: "This song is about suicide, its a heavy subject....but if you are out there thinking about it, look around you, there are people that love you , the Metallica family loves you, dont do it, it gets better!" Check out the Prauge preformance for an example.
My favorite song, ever. Masterpiece.
My favourite song from Ride the Lightning, just barely ahead of Creeping Death and Call of Ktulu. The outro solo still gives me goosebumps.
I've seen them a half dozen times and they always played this song and I got goosebumps every time.
I have listened to this song easily over 1000 times... love
i grew up in a rough house, metal saved my life so many times. Feeling the pain, and feeling that im not alone, someone else was talented enough to make music that struck a cord with my inner self tapped into a massive healing gap.
Outstanding response.. thank you for breaking it down in such identifiable terms.. You ROCK! xo
You can hear echoes of Michael Shenker's influence in Kirk's playing. Those outro guitar lines are so awesome...
Very happy that you went with the studio version for this
My local Rock radio station, 94HJY, did a touching remix of this song by over layering radio broadcasts of Dr Metal , Mike Gonsalves. Who was a HUGE Metallica fan and DJ host of The Metal Zone. He passed away in the Station Night Club fire in 2003. The recording was made as a tribute to him. RIP 😢
@rickandgen I was supposed to be at that show. Great White was part of my first show, and I was thinking about going for shits and giggles. I had a draining day at work so I didn't go. I'll never forget watching TV when a friend called from across the street to see if we knew anyone there.
@@phunkjnky I live less than three miles away from the site. My brother was a volunteer firefighter and was there in the aftermath. It is still one of the most disturbing things he has ever witnessed 😢
I think it was Tipper Gore that led the censorship campaign back in the day. I remember Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) speaking out against it to Congress wearing his jeans and denim jacket and tank top with his hair flowing. It was a sight to see, especially for the Congressmen/women 😂
Well played, Doug. Your analyses are always enlightening and on point, you never fail to deliver.
Everything about this piece is simply brilliant. Very well composed, executed and produced.
Love your work Doug!
So glad you find metal and all types of music empowering also.
My all-time favorite Metallica song.... No contest. Thanks for analyzing this piece of art!
One interesting aspect of this song, is that at the time, there was a certain part of the fanbase that absolutely despised it because to them it represented Metallica going "soft". In fact, it was the first time that the band were accused of "selling out" - an "insult" that they've since had lobbed at them throughout their career.
Further, it's also quite amusing that the same people who vehemently complain about Metallica becoming more melodious and branching out into less heavy sounds, are also in many cases the ones that idolize Cliff Burton and say things like, Metallica died when Cliff did. This is funny, because it was precisely Cliff - who was the only bandmember with any real formal music education and understanding - who brought melody and more complex songwriting into the band and pushed them in that direction.
This is the greatest band & song in the history of mankind or any other kind tbh. THE song that got me into metal & the first song I learned all the way through on guitar. When I heard that bridge & outro solo, that was it. Say what you will about Tallica, but no other band had the impact & there will never be another band like them. 40 + years & they're STILL on top
I got sent to the school counselor for writing these lyrics on my notebook in high school back in '85. 😂🤘
This song helped me through some really dark times, offering a release to a lot of my dark thoughts and to help me structure my dark feelings and get them out of my system for a short while. I can still get emotional when hearing it, because it brings back many of those feelings I had through so many years.
When I first heard 'Fade to Black,' I knew metal was going to be my genre. This song is like a gateway drug. It's a shame that Cliff Burton was only able to contribute to 3 albums. They are the best metal albums with him.
The leads during the verses are so underrated
Beautiful words you said! Thanks Doug
There's a few songs on this album I love. Incredible that it came so early in their careers.
RTL is my FAVORITE.⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
People who think that a song like this inspires people to hurt themselves obviously never had those feelings themself. They are oblivious to being alone, desperate and hurt. A song like this is a relive, a sign you're not alone with your feelings and presents an actual way to let these feelings go. The ones who think it does the opposite are ignorant and totally misled.
You have made a very special personal perspective and frankly a very special evaluation for such a song like this. Thanks.
So glad you reacted to this. Thank you Doug.
I just recently (a few weeks ago) discovered your channel. I have gone through various metal reactions to songs I know and like. I had wanted to ask for Fade to Black as it is by far my favourite song and here we are. Thank you very much for making this video!
Yes I agree...... it helps me alot and that I am not alone......
My favorite series from the channel. Keep up the awesome work my good sir.
Much love my man. Great take on the song
This song is simply a beautiful composition. The subject matter expressed through James' lyrics are cathartic and are truly moving. One of my favorite songs of all time.
This song and Album got me through high school. saved me from some very dark times. It was my constant companion.
The chord progression from the intro to the verse is as gorgeous and smooth as it gets
that discussion at the end was awesome
This is a favorite on UA-cam. Band was really down after most of their gear was stolen and wrote this song.
Seen metallice two times in here in alabama . They where amazing both times.
This song helped me so much when I was younger.