Not my favorite album from Metallica, but this is my favorite song from them, for personal reasons. For my wife and I, this was "Our" song. And this will be the first time I've listened to it since she passed on. ❤
That's sweet. I'm hoping Amy does "our song" which is Neil Young's HARVEST MOON. She did Neil, recently, but not that song yet. There are so MANY good Neil songs, she may never get to it ;)
@splitimage137. Neil is another one of my favorite artists. And we both have epilepsy, so there's that... I love reaction videos, but Amy and Vlad add a depth that's missing from everyone else's reactions.
What you said touches my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. It’s a brave step in your journey to listen to the song that was so special to you both. Hopefully, by now, you can listen and remember all the wonderful Memories of your shared life together. Blessings to you.
@helenespaulding7562 Thank you for your kind words, and describing it as a journey is a very apt way of putting things, and sounds so much better than "process". And the pain will always be there, I know that now, but I also know that I can deal with it, and that's an important step on this journey. There are quite a few people who do reaction videos out there, and I'm subscribed to several of them. Amy and Vlad are a large factor in why I chose to listen to it at this time. Without them, this particular stop on the journey would have been quite a bit further down the road.
James Hetfield: education, head and manners of a trucker; no musical theory; ultra agressive and percussive style of playing... and creates touching, beautiful melodies with a folk sensibility seasoned with an elegant classical touch ❤
Also - Metallica is more than just a metal band. They are musicians at the core. Elton John called this one of the best songs ever written. That's pretty good praise from another musician.
@Masterfighterx Ugh, a dummer comment was never made. If you don't k ow something well, don't act like you're educating anyone about it. Fucking painful.
I love the way you verbally express what you are hearing. It's interesting to hear a perspective from a classically trained musician. I have always felt that the Heavy metal genre takes from the classical genre, more any other, in modern music. Whereas Rock n roll and most others come from mainly the blues. I don't know just a thought. CHEERS
Michael Kamen teamed up with Metallica back in the late 1990s and created orchestral versions of a number of their songs at that time, including this one. Album name is "S&M" (symphony and Metallica).
God bless Michael Kamen. He helped arrange the orchestral parts of this original version of “Nothing Else Matters” too. Besides working on masterpieces with the likes of Guns n Roses, Pink Floyd, Queen, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Bryan Adams, The Cranberries, KISS, Tom Petty, David Bowie, Sting, Rush, Queensrÿche… The guy was an absolute legend. And even with all of that, he did most of his work on film soundtracks.
I've listened to "Nothing else matters" for I don't know how many times...and your reaction and explanations make me appreciate this song so much more. ...and I love your uplifting spirit! Thank you!!!
Yeah, I was 16 or so when this album came and on first listen I hated it, cause it sounded nothing like Lightning or Puppets. I was one of those hard core fans you speak of, and yes I was pissed off, with even feelings of betrayal. Fortunately, I grew up and got smarter. I still think the first three albums are their best but I come to the appreciation that black is a good album as well, it's just different.
@@Ryan-ff2dbso much depends on your age when you first hear a band or piece of music. I was already in my mid 30’s when Metallica came in with their thrash sound. Different generation. Hated thrash. I was in my 40’s when this song was released. Loved it. I really think thrash is a young persons thing. You were 16. I get your reaction completely. 😁
Every metalhead "Lars sucks"... Classical Musician "There is something prominent and powerful about these unique drums and might be a signature part of their sound"
She openly says how great the drums are, and we're all thinking "Yeah, but we don't talk about that because Lars is a total ass-hat." Someone should tell her why we feel this way...but after she's done with Metallica; we don't want to bias the reactions.
Im no drummer or musician, so i cant really judge the technical quality of Lars Drumming. But i am a Dane, and as such im just damn proud that formed one of the best metal bands ever, and i just cant hear anything wrong with his drumming, Is it too simple or does he miss beats? what is the critique about?
@@andersandersen6295Drummers say his style is extremely simplistic and therefore boring. And I myself have never seen Metallica live but I heard a lot of people say the he messes up a lot and is horrible at keeping the tempo.
Lars is the greatest drummer for Metallica. His parts are incredibly inventive, even genius at times. Yes, live he is known to not be the world's best timekeeper. But the contrast between his drifting in and out of tempo and James' atomically precise playing is what gives the band an edge they would not have if someone like Dave Lombardo was their drummer. Fun fact (Lars' live in-ear monitors are comprised almost exclusively of James' guitar)
As I said in Saturday's live chat, Amy, you could easily do a whole month of videos just on the various cover versions of "Nothing Else Matters" that have been done over the years. I mentioned Scala & Kolacny Brothers in the comments for your reaction to Radiohead's "Creep," and they also do a haunting rendition of this song, but this may be a good time for you to become acquainted with a Finnish cello collective (with an occasional drummer) called Apocalyptica, who in addition to their own heavy metal-influenced cello compositions have also interpreted a lot of Metallica's work. In addition to their covers of "Nothing Else Matters" and "One," I'd also recommend their cover of a Metallica classic you haven't heard yet, "Master of Puppets." This may be one of those cases where it might be best to watch them perform on UA-cam, even if the sound quality isn't as great as a studio recording, just because the sight of young, buff Scandinavian men headbanging as they play their cellos -- and having it fit in perfectly with the music -- is quite a sight to see.
Master of Puppets and Fade to Black could be interesting for her to listen to since the music paints the story much like a lot af classic music do. You can hear in the music what is happening.
Omg. I loved that you found some irish colour to this song, because you said it and i was doubting that but then it was there. It gave me a total different outtake and listening to a song ive heard a thousand times before. That Is what i love from this kind of videos. Keep on the good work. I recommend you go on listening to Radiohead, like a couple of songs of their albums on chronologicall order, maybe next Fake plástic trees, just, and then Paranoid android and no surprises, AND so on... Their growth as musicians Is amazing with every new album. Lots of love from Argentina
Outstanding ... I just love your analyses and reactions to these amazing musical creations. No matter how we may reuse, renew, recycle, and regurgitate the melodic phrasings, chord progressions, and cliche frequency patterns from past masterpieces, in memory ... all are an homage to the magic of music. Its 'scaling' and seemingly infinite dimensional range is a design to behold and enjoy.
Did you ever see a day that you would LIKE a band like Metallica?? They are fantastic musicians with a gift to share.. I spent my high school years WORSHIPING THIS BAND!!!! Thank you for giving them a chance to tell you their story.
Amy, you never fail to surprise me. I really never know what you would think of a song and it makes watching your reactions even more exciting. Btw, I am really glad you enjoyed this song. I started listening to Metallica after I heard this song, and I even was a fan for some time, back in my high school years. And I highly recommend, for some of your next Metallica listenings, any song from S&M album which is a live album with symphonic orchestra. I would like it to be "No leaf clover", because it is probably my favourite song by Metallica, but also because I am really interested in your thougts about it. Merry Christmas to all three of you, as well as to the whole community! Have some lovely time with your loved ones. 🖤
Again, well done, I am not a musician, have worked in the entertainment industry for many years, lighting and stage technician, have always enjoyed music(mainly Hard Rock and Metal), I find the musical understanding of this genre of music, gives me a whole now appreciation of what I've always listened to....Thank-you😁
I was strangely drawn to this song when I was a little kid, and now, at 33, it resonates in such a different way for a multitude of reasons. I'm glad you took the time to dive into it!
I'm always intrigued by the production on Lars's drums, especially the bass drum. Usually the bass drum has a lowpass filter removing all of the highs and mids so it becomes solely a, well, "bass" instrument. But when they produce Lars's drums, they allow the bass drum to be a fully mid- (and practically treble) instrument as well. It can be really effective. Your "Firth of Fifth" callback is entirely appropriate and one that I had never considered myself! Steve Hackett (of Genesis) is so known for his absolutely fluid guitar tone and playing and this solo definitely harkens back to that style -- especially the end of the solo into the "drone" section at the end. Great analysis!
Thank you for commenting that about Lars' bass drum sound, it's always so distinctive but I never really knew whether that was because of his kit tuning/muting, or if it was done through production.
Dear Amy i know I'm late to this, but I have to say, James Hetfield is a surprisingly versatile singer. Especially considering that initially he didn't see himself as a lead singer, even in 1985 when their second album came out he was still insisting that they should get a "real singer". Recently I listened again to their second symphonic album and I was completely floored by what this man can do. I especially recommend two songs from this: No Leaf Clover and most importantly: Unforgiven III. I didn't believe that this guy can sing like he did in those songs.
6:59 - The big thing with the rhythms and drums in Metallica is the wild syncopation. Both James on the guitar and Lars on the drums have their own signature brand of chaos - a pelting, broken meter that somehow shambles along with an almost mechanical precision but lunatic timing. It feels like maybe Holst, but being played whilst being electrocuted. What's fun and a bit different about this song is that you get to atypically experience it in slow motion.
When Lars was working with a drum tech on Ride the Lightning, the tech asked "Do you always do a fill on the upbeat?" And Lars responded, "What's an upbeat?" Lol
"Riff machine" Hetfield is indeed capable of incredible sensible touching composing, that's actually what he does, heavy or folk, lyrics or music, he creates masterpieces full of emotion (or did, depends how old you are I guess). I also like Lars, most authentic drummer. Thank's for the video!
Just BEAUTIFUL harp playing. Absolutely love when you reinforce your points by demonstration. Keep playing! You also get my vote for Amy Does Harptallica covers. :)
An interesting note for you about how James writes vocal melodies...He writes the cadence/melody of the vocals before writing words. It's why his singing style sounds almost staccato, moving from one note to the next without much sliding between notes. Especially in their older music. You can find demos of their music where he will sing out the melody of his vocals without using real words. He'll then come back later and match words to fit the cadence and subject of the song.
AMY: I didn't remember this, but as it turns out, my feeling that this song had a Floydian element to it wasn't completely baseless. Says Wikipedia: "The orchestral arrangements were written by award-winning composer Michael Kamen, who would later go on to collaborate with the group on S&M. " Michael Kamen was the same celebrated composer and arranger who did the orchestral parts on The Wall.
I would bet that this is the first time and probably the last time that James Hetfield`s voice has been described as having a "teddy bear" feel to it 😄❤🤘
Yes! A perfect contrast to "One," I was hoping you'd get to this song sooner rather than later. There are so many songs in their canon to cover, "Fade to Black" and "Master of Puppets" were my other two guesses for where Vlad would take you, though I'm sure they're on the list. You mentioned the sounds of the drums, Lars Ulrich has a very specific and notable snare sound in his kit. It's a very distinctive tone that he's maintained for many years now, you can tell it's him after a few hits in just about any song. It's fascinating to hear you mention Irish or Celtic influences, one of Metallica's influences is an Irish rock band called Thin Lizzy, perhaps best known for "The Boys Are Back in Town," one of those songs that, even if you don't listen to rock music, you've heard somewhere in a trailer or commercial. They also performed a traditional Irish drinking song called "Whiskey in the Jar," which Metallica later covered and made a bit more intense. I'm also gratified to find other stringed instrument players find Metallica's riff writing as captivating as we humble guitar players. I have heard dozens of covers of their songs, from piano, to cello (the cello quartet Apocalyptica started their career with an album called Plays Metallica For Four Cellos), even renaissance style with a lute and tambourine. I think hearing their music on harp would be astonishing; If you'd like to try it, I'd love to hear it. The initial riff is quite easy on guitar, it's the base E string, then walking up and down the higher three strings played completely open before going back to the initial E. It slowly gets more complicated, eventually working in some harmonics above the twelfth fret, but it's a fun start whenever I pick up my guitar and don't feel like fretting. Finally, the strings included were orchestrated by the late great Michael Kaman, who collaborated with lots of rock bands. One of note is Pink Floyd, he worked with them on the live performances of The Wall tour. After working with Metallica, he thought their music would be particularly suited to working with a full orchestra and worked with them and the San Francisco Symphony for a truly amazing performance. It was cheekily called S&M (standing for Symphony & Metallica) and features two new songs for that particular concert. "- Human" is the lesser and seems a bit undercooked, frankly, but "No Leaf Clover" is a standout piece of the show and worth giving a listen at some point... as well as the whole concert, it was my entry point into the band, but I think knowing the songs before hearing them performed with a symphony helps to appreciate what the addition of strings and brass do to Metallica's songs. Happy holidays to you and yours, can't wait for you to dip back into 'Tallica in the new year.
A very enjoyable reaction to a song which shows you a different side of Metallica. I loved all your harp illustrations. Very cool to see how you did the harmonics on a harp. I love them on guitar, so it is good to see they can also be done on the harp, with a beautiful crystal tone. I'm glad you are continuing to notice Lars' drums, and I enjoyed your way of describing them. After a year of reacting to a wide variety of rock songs, I think you now have a much better appreciation and understanding of where they fit in the bigger rock picture, particularly as one of the better known representatives of metal.
I just gotta say, "Yay Vlad!" Two of my favorites songs and two which add depth to Amy's understanding of the band. I'm seriously looking forward to the next Metallica video.
Long time metal head. Also listen to classical music. I have long been very disappointed that those outside of the Rock/metal world completely dismiss the genre as talentless, unorganized noise. I was worried when I saw your reaction to ...and justice for all. But I have come to see your breakdowns and am grateful to have gotten to this "Yes! She gets it!!!" moment.
Wonderful! Thank you, Amy. You bring us new appreciation of music we have been listening to, and have loved, for decades. Metallica have collaborated with orchestras in the past. I'm sure you would appreciate that work. Also, Metallica were heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Thin Lizzy, an Irish heavy rock band. That might partly explain the Celtic folk sound. I'm sure we'd all LOVE to hear your harp interpretations of Metallica. There are some out there but I think yours would be something special! 🙂
I’ve read that James Hetfield was very reticent to being this song to the rest of the group. So different. Exposing his vulnerability and sensitivity. The rest of the band embraced it. They were in their late 20’s by then …….life was changing, new priorities.
Your connection of the guitar elements between Nothing Else Matters and Firth of Fifth is fantastic. The latter is my favorite song of all-time and the former is in my top ten yet I must admit that I'd never connected these aspects of the songs but you are absolutely right. Bravo.
IT would be amazing if you did covers... And theres so much great stuff to hear yet... Not just from Metallica, but Opeth for example, or Steven Wilson and others...
What set Metallica apart from many others is that they did successfully crossed genres after a well established sound and fan base. Their fans for the most part have supported them as they morphed over the years. Many forget that the teenagers who wrote the early stuff were not the thirty somethings that wrote Load, or the fifty somethings and 60 somethings that are around now. They are not those peoplw now. They cant write those songs anymore. They are writing whats relevent to them now.
Please find a way to have a first listen and reaction to the most amazing hard rock power trio of the 21st century ... 'The Warning' ... three sisters who've been playing for over a decade, since children aged in single digits, the eldest now in her early 20's, the youngest just turning 19, I believe. They did an extraordinary cover of Metallica's song, "Enter Sandman" ... a classic, but 'The Warning''s cover version is simply epic. Anyway, I hope you'll get some time to enjoy, appreciate, and dig into this truly extraordinary all-girl power trio that is rocking the planet. Thank you!! You have been 'Warned!
Not a huge Metallica fan, but I must say this is one fine selection. So much finesse in this ballad. So much deep feeling that comes across. It has much more emotion than limited to a simple relationship. It is about life and living. It still has that raw edge, but also a vulnerability with a fearless quality. It is powerful in a quiet way. Amy gets it. Love her Celtic connection idea.
Probably this metallica week has already been recorded. but what makes me a big fan of metallica is the different styles they play. It would be very interesting to see the reaction to BLEEDING ME, which is a song that is somehow "different" from the traditional metallica style, but it only proves how good they are in all the styles they propose.
The guitar solo towards the end is hands down my favorite Metallica solo, every note perfectly placed, and most people don't realize it's James playing it, not Kirk.
Many metal groups do one or two softer songs on their albums. While I like the harder metal too, back in the day of buying albums, I was often looking forward to these songs the most. I notice that for some reason the tend to be track 4 and track 8. Metalica's Nothing Else Matters and Queensryche Silent Lucidity are both track 8. I hope you listen to Silent Lucidity by Queensryche from their Empire album.
I'm in no way an expert when it comes to music, but what you were saying about the drums is interesting. I find in most songs, the drums are in the background, but with a lot of Metallica's songs, the drums sound like they are 'up front'. It's almost as if the drummer is sitting at the front of the stage and the band is behind him.
I think you should look into S & M. A lot of Metallica fans don't care for it, but I think it is their best work. Definitely more inline with what I imagine your training to have been.
My favorite part of this song is the work the engineer did on gating the snare, cymbals, and kick. I adore your journey and I wish I had the courage to go on one as well
There is a group called Apocalyptica whose first album was "Plays Metallica by Four Cellos" and it's *exactly* that. It's also amazing... just four dudes with cellos absolutely killing it.
Apocalyptica has also performed with Epica and those performances are definitely worth checking, too. For example, the AFAS live performance of Rivers by Epica featuring Apocalyptica.
This is a quite good reaction and analysis of the music. That's what I'm here for. I try to only listen to reactors that provide "value add" of having a better understanding of music and learning new things. I would love to hear you play the entire thing on the harp, maybe you could get an acoustic guitar and cajon players to accompany you :)
Good evening Mrs Amy, I also find this piece very effective, despite its simplicity, so much so that some prestigious choirs have done covers of it, with the whole range of female and male voices. You can imagine what a suggestive harmonious impact this can produce. Thank you so much for your detailed analysis, once again. Ps: I remember that when Shinead O'Connor died you did a beautiful analysis of his quintessential song. well, today I saw a video where Mick Fleetwood spoke (more than positively) about the divine Eva Cassidy, who also died prematurely (of a bad disease). So I immediately went to watch (again) "Autumn leaves" live (one of the rare video documents we have of her) and I daydreamed that you could analyze it...maybe it's not Rock, but it's a beautiful piece of music.
This was their "sellout" album that was hugely popular when I was in high school. It's more pop-oriented than their previous work, as I'm sure you're going to catch on to during the video. Also, Miley Cyrus did a really nice cover of this. I especially enjoyed her live performance of it on Howard Stern, backed my Metallica themselves.
That was so good, she just owned it and the band clearly respected her. Her cover of Hole's "Doll Parts" on Stern was also pretty incredible. Especially since the band said they had just learned it, and that was their first time performing it for anyone.
Loving your experience with Metallica ❤. Great interpretation n value for the love of music! Be it yours mine or anyone’s…. Still music and worth the experience. Until your next breakdown 👋👋
Amy and Vlad, may i suggest for your own enjoyment the acapella cover video of this song by Voiceplay. That was my first reaction video and through the algorithms led me to you where i have stayed these last 10+ months! I Love what you do. Thank you!!
19:35 "Just strumming along on the guitar" That is exactly how the song was formed. James was on the phone and had a guitar in his hands. At one point in the conversation, he realised that he had the beginnings of a song so he ended the call and got working on it more seriously.
after you describe the atmosphere, i seem to be looking at the song differently. or feeling it in a way that i would never expect from myself. Or paying more attention. ah ha that means you made me appreciate the song more! I truly respect you for making me "feel". thank you Virgin Rock. You are special!
I have always loved how the Distorted guitar in the chorus comes in and gives off this larger than life Horn answer, truly elevating it to a true Ballad.
Thank you Amy you do an amazing job analyzing rock music from the perspective of a classical trained musician. Metallica has a bunch of great songs that may be appealing to you such as the unforgiven, fade to black, welcome.home, Orión, Master of puppets among others. It Wuold be interesting to see what you think about those ones.
This ballad is a like tide, or better, a tsunami, the amount of power moves and grow slow and it is, but is unbearable and huge. The feeling is perfectly related and represented in a unique musical way. Thank you for share.-
Metal music is released in albums and the order of songs also defines the identity of the disc. Traditionally, many metal albums have "the ballad", a mellower piece that feels remarkably different compared to the other, more energetic ones. It helps creating a more complete, fulfilling experience, while exploring different feelings. It still fits the general mood because while being sweet and melancholic, it's also a very dark piece. My favourite ballad from Metallica is still Fade to Black
Your comments about a rock song being reminiscent of folk music makes me curious if you'd be interested in "Zombie" by The Cranberries. It's open for interpretation of course, but "about" violence in Northern Ireland - the home country of the band. The singer has passed away, but this song is super-popular - one of those that would have a ton of views and sold a ton of records.
Did not know that you can do harmonics on a harp since playing them on a guitar your left hand uses the metal bars on the fretboard to create them, parts of the fretboard that a harp obviously doesn't have. That's cool and interesting. I never thought of this song as a folkish kind of song but the producers also decided to use an accordion throughout the song (synthesized). I am probably one of the Hundreds commenting here to let Amy know that Metalica did a concert series playing with the San Francisco Symphony, the recording is published and definitely interesting and worthwhile. Personally I find that Hetfield's singing sounds very much quintessential Hetfield. I am still not a great fan of Metalica but this is one of a handful of songs that I like. Again, Merry Christmas to everyone.
Not my favorite album from Metallica, but this is my favorite song from them, for personal reasons. For my wife and I, this was "Our" song. And this will be the first time I've listened to it since she passed on. ❤
That's sweet. I'm hoping Amy does "our song" which is Neil Young's HARVEST MOON. She did Neil, recently, but not that song yet. There are so MANY good Neil songs, she may never get to it ;)
@splitimage137. Neil is another one of my favorite artists. And we both have epilepsy, so there's that...
I love reaction videos, but Amy and Vlad add a depth that's missing from everyone else's reactions.
❤
What you said touches my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. It’s a brave step in your journey to listen to the song that was so special to you both. Hopefully, by now, you can listen and remember all the wonderful
Memories of your shared life together.
Blessings to you.
@helenespaulding7562 Thank you for your kind words, and describing it as a journey is a very apt way of putting things, and sounds so much better than "process". And the pain will always be there, I know that now, but I also know that I can deal with it, and that's an important step on this journey.
There are quite a few people who do reaction videos out there, and I'm subscribed to several of them. Amy and Vlad are a large factor in why I chose to listen to it at this time. Without them, this particular stop on the journey would have been quite a bit further down the road.
James Hetfield: education, head and manners of a trucker; no musical theory; ultra agressive and percussive style of playing... and creates touching, beautiful melodies with a folk sensibility seasoned with an elegant classical touch ❤
He took a couple of piano lessons when he was younger, but that’s it
Whats wrong with truckers
@@2Dutchy Nothing wrong, really.
@@2Dutchywe are a rough bunch
His mother was a musician and gave him lessons.
When I see you break down songs that I've listened to for decades it makes me listen to them in a whole new way myself. Thank you.
I would so love to hear you do a harp cover of this
She has a brief one in her Shorts section on this channel.
The Harp Twins have made one.
yes that would be awesome
Also - Metallica is more than just a metal band. They are musicians at the core. Elton John called this one of the best songs ever written. That's pretty good praise from another musician.
Praise from Caesar is praise indeed!
It's ironic since EJ hasn't written a song himself though, but high praise still indeed.
@Masterfighterx Ugh, a dummer comment was never made. If you don't k ow something well, don't act like you're educating anyone about it. Fucking painful.
Hearing that almost brought James to tears! ua-cam.com/video/wofWGD5TUxo/v-deo.html
@@Masterfighterxjust because he co-wrote most of his songs, doesn’t mean he didn’t write any of them.
Metallica has played this song together with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra conducted by the late Michael Kamen.
conducted by the *late* Michael Kamen? That's pretty metal
My fav song of all time. I could listen to it on endless repeat and never get tired of it.
I love the way you verbally express what you are hearing. It's interesting to hear a perspective from a classically trained musician. I have always felt that the Heavy metal genre takes from the classical genre, more any other, in modern music. Whereas Rock n roll and most others come from mainly the blues. I don't know just a thought. CHEERS
Michael Kamen teamed up with Metallica back in the late 1990s and created orchestral versions of a number of their songs at that time, including this one. Album name is "S&M" (symphony and Metallica).
I have to say I never liked them. The "belated" orchestration interfered with the purity of the chords and chord progression in the original songs.
God bless Michael Kamen. He helped arrange the orchestral parts of this original version of “Nothing Else Matters” too. Besides working on masterpieces with the likes of Guns n Roses, Pink Floyd, Queen, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Bryan Adams, The Cranberries, KISS, Tom Petty, David Bowie, Sting, Rush, Queensrÿche… The guy was an absolute legend. And even with all of that, he did most of his work on film soundtracks.
I've listened to "Nothing else matters" for I don't know how many times...and your reaction and explanations make me appreciate this song so much more.
...and I love your uplifting spirit!
Thank you!!!
This album put Metalica in mainstream of Rock. Pissed off a lot of their core fans but brought in so many more!
Yeah, I was 16 or so when this album came and on first listen I hated it, cause it sounded nothing like Lightning or Puppets. I was one of those hard core fans you speak of, and yes I was pissed off, with even feelings of betrayal. Fortunately, I grew up and got smarter. I still think the first three albums are their best but I come to the appreciation that black is a good album as well, it's just different.
I never turned away. I realized they were really good musicians in the first 4, and realized they were still really good musicians after.
When the black album came out, my friends and I joked “sounds like James got a girlfriend and mellowed out.” Not far from the truth.
@@Ryan-ff2dbso much depends on your age when you first hear a band or piece of music. I was already in my mid 30’s when Metallica came in with their thrash sound. Different generation. Hated thrash. I was in my 40’s when this song was released. Loved it. I really think thrash is a young persons thing. You were 16. I get your reaction completely. 😁
@@Ryan-ff2db I have a lot of Metallica on my phone. This song isn't one of them
One of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever by a metal band.
Every metalhead "Lars sucks"... Classical Musician "There is something prominent and powerful about these unique drums and might be a signature part of their sound"
She openly says how great the drums are, and we're all thinking "Yeah, but we don't talk about that because Lars is a total ass-hat." Someone should tell her why we feel this way...but after she's done with Metallica; we don't want to bias the reactions.
Im no drummer or musician, so i cant really judge the technical quality of Lars Drumming. But i am a Dane, and as such im just damn proud that formed one of the best metal bands ever, and i just cant hear anything wrong with his drumming, Is it too simple or does he miss beats? what is the critique about?
@@andersandersen6295Drummers say his style is extremely simplistic and therefore boring. And I myself have never seen Metallica live but I heard a lot of people say the he messes up a lot and is horrible at keeping the tempo.
Well, she hasn’t heard anything from St Anger, so…
Lars is the greatest drummer for Metallica. His parts are incredibly inventive, even genius at times. Yes, live he is known to not be the world's best timekeeper. But the contrast between his drifting in and out of tempo and James' atomically precise playing is what gives the band an edge they would not have if someone like Dave Lombardo was their drummer. Fun fact (Lars' live in-ear monitors are comprised almost exclusively of James' guitar)
Please consider doing The Unforgiven 1, 2 and 3 -- they span many years and show how the band changed from decade to decade.
YES!!!! 🙏
I can't wait until you hear Metallica S & M with the orchestra, especially the song No Leaf Clover.
As I said in Saturday's live chat, Amy, you could easily do a whole month of videos just on the various cover versions of "Nothing Else Matters" that have been done over the years. I mentioned Scala & Kolacny Brothers in the comments for your reaction to Radiohead's "Creep," and they also do a haunting rendition of this song, but this may be a good time for you to become acquainted with a Finnish cello collective (with an occasional drummer) called Apocalyptica, who in addition to their own heavy metal-influenced cello compositions have also interpreted a lot of Metallica's work. In addition to their covers of "Nothing Else Matters" and "One," I'd also recommend their cover of a Metallica classic you haven't heard yet, "Master of Puppets." This may be one of those cases where it might be best to watch them perform on UA-cam, even if the sound quality isn't as great as a studio recording, just because the sight of young, buff Scandinavian men headbanging as they play their cellos -- and having it fit in perfectly with the music -- is quite a sight to see.
Master of Puppets and Fade to Black could be interesting for her to listen to since the music paints the story much like a lot af classic music do. You can hear in the music what is happening.
i feel like fade to black and orion or welcome home (sanitarium)
I fully support you picking a dozen songs from your journey to put out a harp covers album. Not just Metallica, your whole rock journey!
Omg. I loved that you found some irish colour to this song, because you said it and i was doubting that but then it was there. It gave me a total different outtake and listening to a song ive heard a thousand times before. That Is what i love from this kind of videos. Keep on the good work. I recommend you go on listening to Radiohead, like a couple of songs of their albums on chronologicall order, maybe next Fake plástic trees, just, and then Paranoid android and no surprises, AND so on... Their growth as musicians Is amazing with every new album. Lots of love from Argentina
They *DID* do a cover of Whiskey In the Jar, which is an Irish folk song.
@@marquisdelafayette1929 i heard the song, i knew it was a cover, but didnt know it was irish
completely agree with you
This is my favorite music channel. You have such a deep appreciation for sounds and how they connect to feelings.
Outstanding ... I just love your analyses and reactions to these amazing musical creations. No matter how we may reuse, renew, recycle, and regurgitate the melodic phrasings, chord progressions, and cliche frequency patterns from past masterpieces, in memory ... all are an homage to the magic of music. Its 'scaling' and seemingly infinite dimensional range is a design to behold and enjoy.
Did you ever see a day that you would LIKE a band like Metallica?? They are fantastic musicians with a gift to share.. I spent my high school years WORSHIPING THIS BAND!!!! Thank you for giving them a chance to tell you their story.
Amy, you never fail to surprise me. I really never know what you would think of a song and it makes watching your reactions even more exciting.
Btw, I am really glad you enjoyed this song. I started listening to Metallica after I heard this song, and I even was a fan for some time, back in my high school years.
And I highly recommend, for some of your next Metallica listenings, any song from S&M album which is a live album with symphonic orchestra. I would like it to be "No leaf clover", because it is probably my favourite song by Metallica, but also because I am really interested in your thougts about it.
Merry Christmas to all three of you, as well as to the whole community! Have some lovely time with your loved ones. 🖤
you got my 👍 right at the beginning with the harp rendition!
Again, well done, I am not a musician, have worked in the entertainment industry for many years, lighting and stage technician, have always
enjoyed music(mainly Hard Rock and Metal), I find the musical understanding of this genre of music, gives me a whole now appreciation of
what I've always listened to....Thank-you😁
Thx for a wonderful time in appreciation of others artistry by your embracing it.
I was strangely drawn to this song when I was a little kid, and now, at 33, it resonates in such a different way for a multitude of reasons. I'm glad you took the time to dive into it!
Amy, You Are A Rockstar!
I'd love to watch your covers of Metallica songs and others. 🎶
Merry Christmas! 🌲☃️🧑🎄
Elton john said this is one of the best songs ever written, that brought james Hetfield to tears
I'm always intrigued by the production on Lars's drums, especially the bass drum. Usually the bass drum has a lowpass filter removing all of the highs and mids so it becomes solely a, well, "bass" instrument. But when they produce Lars's drums, they allow the bass drum to be a fully mid- (and practically treble) instrument as well. It can be really effective.
Your "Firth of Fifth" callback is entirely appropriate and one that I had never considered myself! Steve Hackett (of Genesis) is so known for his absolutely fluid guitar tone and playing and this solo definitely harkens back to that style -- especially the end of the solo into the "drone" section at the end. Great analysis!
Thank you for commenting that about Lars' bass drum sound, it's always so distinctive but I never really knew whether that was because of his kit tuning/muting, or if it was done through production.
@@Johnny_Socko it's likely both, to be honest.
There's a lot of the drum beater sound in his kick. It's more of a patting sound with a slap transient than a round thump on this
Dear Amy i know I'm late to this, but I have to say, James Hetfield is a surprisingly versatile singer. Especially considering that initially he didn't see himself as a lead singer, even in 1985 when their second album came out he was still insisting that they should get a "real singer".
Recently I listened again to their second symphonic album and I was completely floored by what this man can do. I especially recommend two songs from this: No Leaf Clover and most importantly: Unforgiven III. I didn't believe that this guy can sing like he did in those songs.
Haha Lars would love this. Finally someone (in a positive way) focusing on the drums of Metallica!
Yeah, you had to listen to this one to really understand their breadth. Thank you for your insight.
6:59 - The big thing with the rhythms and drums in Metallica is the wild syncopation. Both James on the guitar and Lars on the drums have their own signature brand of chaos - a pelting, broken meter that somehow shambles along with an almost mechanical precision but lunatic timing. It feels like maybe Holst, but being played whilst being electrocuted. What's fun and a bit different about this song is that you get to atypically experience it in slow motion.
When Lars was working with a drum tech on Ride the Lightning, the tech asked "Do you always do a fill on the upbeat?" And Lars responded, "What's an upbeat?" Lol
"Riff machine" Hetfield is indeed capable of incredible sensible touching composing, that's actually what he does, heavy or folk, lyrics or music, he creates masterpieces full of emotion (or did, depends how old you are I guess).
I also like Lars, most authentic drummer.
Thank's for the video!
와우! 너무 멋진곡, 멋진 해설이네요~~
구독하고 다른 영상도 볼게요 ^0^
완전 기대됩니다!!!
I give you my love
Full and round is definitely the way I feel about their music. It's a very distinct feeling
So happy to see you giving Metallica a revisit, perhaps Tool or Opeth again?
Just BEAUTIFUL harp playing. Absolutely love when you reinforce your points by demonstration. Keep playing! You also get my vote for Amy Does Harptallica covers. :)
Great analysis as always. The version with the San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra is also worth a listen. Absolutely magnificent!
An interesting note for you about how James writes vocal melodies...He writes the cadence/melody of the vocals before writing words. It's why his singing style sounds almost staccato, moving from one note to the next without much sliding between notes. Especially in their older music. You can find demos of their music where he will sing out the melody of his vocals without using real words. He'll then come back later and match words to fit the cadence and subject of the song.
Wanna-nah-nahnahanna-nah-nah-ney---wah-nah-wannah-nennah! 🎶 🎵 ❤️
There’s a great video of Paul McCartney doing the same thing while composing Get Back. ua-cam.com/video/WED6FJKrmXw/v-deo.htmlsi=LosqJHNXaEZ1gSYd
AMY: I didn't remember this, but as it turns out, my feeling that this song had a Floydian element to it wasn't completely baseless. Says Wikipedia:
"The orchestral arrangements were written by award-winning composer Michael Kamen, who would later go on to collaborate with the group on S&M. "
Michael Kamen was the same celebrated composer and arranger who did the orchestral parts on The Wall.
I would bet that this is the first time and probably the last time that James Hetfield`s voice has been described as having a "teddy bear" feel to it 😄❤🤘
Oooooooooh Yah!
It’s a great description though
Yes! A perfect contrast to "One," I was hoping you'd get to this song sooner rather than later. There are so many songs in their canon to cover, "Fade to Black" and "Master of Puppets" were my other two guesses for where Vlad would take you, though I'm sure they're on the list. You mentioned the sounds of the drums, Lars Ulrich has a very specific and notable snare sound in his kit. It's a very distinctive tone that he's maintained for many years now, you can tell it's him after a few hits in just about any song.
It's fascinating to hear you mention Irish or Celtic influences, one of Metallica's influences is an Irish rock band called Thin Lizzy, perhaps best known for "The Boys Are Back in Town," one of those songs that, even if you don't listen to rock music, you've heard somewhere in a trailer or commercial. They also performed a traditional Irish drinking song called "Whiskey in the Jar," which Metallica later covered and made a bit more intense.
I'm also gratified to find other stringed instrument players find Metallica's riff writing as captivating as we humble guitar players. I have heard dozens of covers of their songs, from piano, to cello (the cello quartet Apocalyptica started their career with an album called Plays Metallica For Four Cellos), even renaissance style with a lute and tambourine. I think hearing their music on harp would be astonishing; If you'd like to try it, I'd love to hear it. The initial riff is quite easy on guitar, it's the base E string, then walking up and down the higher three strings played completely open before going back to the initial E. It slowly gets more complicated, eventually working in some harmonics above the twelfth fret, but it's a fun start whenever I pick up my guitar and don't feel like fretting.
Finally, the strings included were orchestrated by the late great Michael Kaman, who collaborated with lots of rock bands. One of note is Pink Floyd, he worked with them on the live performances of The Wall tour. After working with Metallica, he thought their music would be particularly suited to working with a full orchestra and worked with them and the San Francisco Symphony for a truly amazing performance. It was cheekily called S&M (standing for Symphony & Metallica) and features two new songs for that particular concert. "- Human" is the lesser and seems a bit undercooked, frankly, but "No Leaf Clover" is a standout piece of the show and worth giving a listen at some point... as well as the whole concert, it was my entry point into the band, but I think knowing the songs before hearing them performed with a symphony helps to appreciate what the addition of strings and brass do to Metallica's songs.
Happy holidays to you and yours, can't wait for you to dip back into 'Tallica in the new year.
It’s interesting how James Hatfield is often portrayed as having quite a hard exterior, but behind that he has a huge heart ❤️
A very enjoyable reaction to a song which shows you a different side of Metallica. I loved all your harp illustrations. Very cool to see how you did the harmonics on a harp. I love them on guitar, so it is good to see they can also be done on the harp, with a beautiful crystal tone. I'm glad you are continuing to notice Lars' drums, and I enjoyed your way of describing them. After a year of reacting to a wide variety of rock songs, I think you now have a much better appreciation and understanding of where they fit in the bigger rock picture, particularly as one of the better known representatives of metal.
I just gotta say, "Yay Vlad!" Two of my favorites songs and two which add depth to Amy's understanding of the band. I'm seriously looking forward to the next Metallica video.
Vlad has our back!
Long time metal head. Also listen to classical music. I have long been very disappointed that those outside of the Rock/metal world completely dismiss the genre as talentless, unorganized noise. I was worried when I saw your reaction to ...and justice for all. But I have come to see your breakdowns and am grateful to have gotten to this "Yes! She gets it!!!" moment.
It is actually quite fun that you are dissecting my favourite songs ❤
Happy days Lass, xx
Wonderful! Thank you, Amy. You bring us new appreciation of music we have been listening to, and have loved, for decades. Metallica have collaborated with orchestras in the past. I'm sure you would appreciate that work. Also, Metallica were heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Thin Lizzy, an Irish heavy rock band. That might partly explain the Celtic folk sound. I'm sure we'd all LOVE to hear your harp interpretations of Metallica. There are some out there but I think yours would be something special! 🙂
Metallica's Orion
I’ve read that James Hetfield was very reticent to being this song to the rest of the group. So different. Exposing his vulnerability and sensitivity. The rest of the band embraced it. They were in their late 20’s by then …….life was changing, new priorities.
The Unforgiven, pleease
Your connection of the guitar elements between Nothing Else Matters and Firth of Fifth is fantastic. The latter is my favorite song of all-time and the former is in my top ten yet I must admit that I'd never connected these aspects of the songs but you are absolutely right. Bravo.
IT would be amazing if you did covers... And theres so much great stuff to hear yet... Not just from Metallica, but Opeth for example, or Steven Wilson and others...
Thank you for revisiting Metallica. I have been waiting patiently since And Justice for All. You didn't disappoint! ❤
What set Metallica apart from many others is that they did successfully crossed genres after a well established sound and fan base. Their fans for the most part have supported them as they morphed over the years. Many forget that the teenagers who wrote the early stuff were not the thirty somethings that wrote Load, or the fifty somethings and 60 somethings that are around now. They are not those peoplw now. They cant write those songs anymore. They are writing whats relevent to them now.
You make great videos, thanks! Hetfield's voice is by far the most unique quality about Metallica to me
Please find a way to have a first listen and reaction to the most amazing hard rock power trio of the 21st century ... 'The Warning' ... three sisters who've been playing for over a decade, since children aged in single digits, the eldest now in her early 20's, the youngest just turning 19, I believe. They did an extraordinary cover of Metallica's song, "Enter Sandman" ... a classic, but 'The Warning''s cover version is simply epic.
Anyway, I hope you'll get some time to enjoy, appreciate, and dig into this truly extraordinary all-girl power trio that is rocking the planet. Thank you!! You have been 'Warned!
Not a huge Metallica fan, but I must say this is one fine selection. So much finesse in this ballad. So much deep feeling that comes across. It has much more emotion than limited to a simple relationship. It is about life and living. It still has that raw edge, but also a vulnerability with a fearless quality. It is powerful in a quiet way. Amy gets it. Love her Celtic connection idea.
It's the sound of the guitars that's the signature in my ears. But then again I am a guitar player so that's where my focus is.
Probably this metallica week has already been recorded. but what makes me a big fan of metallica is the different styles they play. It would be very interesting to see the reaction to BLEEDING ME, which is a song that is somehow "different" from the traditional metallica style, but it only proves how good they are in all the styles they propose.
I agree, and there is an excellent version of Bleeding Me with full orchestra on the S & M album.
Apocalyptica has a really good cover of this done completely on cellos. One of the best covers in my opinion
The guitar solo towards the end is hands down my favorite Metallica solo, every note perfectly placed, and most people don't realize it's James playing it, not Kirk.
Many metal groups do one or two softer songs on their albums. While I like the harder metal too, back in the day of buying albums, I was often looking forward to these songs the most. I notice that for some reason the tend to be track 4 and track 8.
Metalica's Nothing Else Matters and Queensryche Silent Lucidity are both track 8.
I hope you listen to Silent Lucidity by Queensryche from their Empire album.
I'm in no way an expert when it comes to music, but what you were saying about the drums is interesting. I find in most songs, the drums are in the background, but with a lot of Metallica's songs, the drums sound like they are 'up front'. It's almost as if the drummer is sitting at the front of the stage and the band is behind him.
I think you should look into S & M. A lot of Metallica fans don't care for it, but I think it is their best work. Definitely more inline with what I imagine your training to have been.
My favorite part of this song is the work the engineer did on gating the snare, cymbals, and kick. I adore your journey and I wish I had the courage to go on one as well
A classical musician listening to Metallica Orion is a must my opinion the best instrumental
There is a group called Apocalyptica whose first album was "Plays Metallica by Four Cellos" and it's *exactly* that. It's also amazing... just four dudes with cellos absolutely killing it.
Apocalyptica has also performed with Epica and those performances are definitely worth checking, too. For example, the AFAS live performance of Rivers by Epica featuring Apocalyptica.
Heard apocalyptica do nothing else matters in the Wednesday show. F’ing amazing. Immediately recognized it and ran to youtube🎉!!
This is a quite good reaction and analysis of the music. That's what I'm here for. I try to only listen to reactors that provide "value add" of having a better understanding of music and learning new things. I would love to hear you play the entire thing on the harp, maybe you could get an acoustic guitar and cajon players to accompany you :)
One of life's little curiosities is that metal bands do the sweetest love ballads.
Good evening Mrs Amy,
I also find this piece very effective, despite its simplicity, so much so that some prestigious choirs have done covers of it, with the whole range of female and male voices. You can imagine what a suggestive harmonious impact this can produce.
Thank you so much for your detailed analysis, once again.
Ps: I remember that when Shinead O'Connor died you did a beautiful analysis of his quintessential song. well, today I saw a video where Mick Fleetwood spoke (more than positively) about the divine Eva Cassidy, who also died prematurely (of a bad disease). So I immediately went to watch (again) "Autumn leaves" live (one of the rare video documents we have of her) and I daydreamed that you could analyze it...maybe it's not Rock, but it's a beautiful piece of music.
James is a poet Nobody tells a story with there lyrics like he Does
This was their "sellout" album that was hugely popular when I was in high school. It's more pop-oriented than their previous work, as I'm sure you're going to catch on to during the video.
Also, Miley Cyrus did a really nice cover of this. I especially enjoyed her live performance of it on Howard Stern, backed my Metallica themselves.
That was so good, she just owned it and the band clearly respected her. Her cover of Hole's "Doll Parts" on Stern was also pretty incredible. Especially since the band said they had just learned it, and that was their first time performing it for anyone.
Miley is wasting her time with Pop music.
Loving your experience with Metallica ❤. Great interpretation n value for the love of music! Be it yours mine or anyone’s…. Still music and worth the experience. Until your next breakdown 👋👋
Amy and Vlad, may i suggest for your own enjoyment the acapella cover video of this song by Voiceplay. That was my first reaction video and through the algorithms led me to you where i have stayed these last 10+ months! I Love what you do. Thank you!!
your voice is incedibly soothing to listen to. Thank you!
19:35 "Just strumming along on the guitar" That is exactly how the song was formed. James was on the phone and had a guitar in his hands. At one point in the conversation, he realised that he had the beginnings of a song so he ended the call and got working on it more seriously.
Nice Christmas surprise with these Metallica songs after a long time 😊
Metallica would absolutely love a harp cover. They have a marching band competition going on right now!
It's already been done by the Harp Twins.
Weirdly I've just said this on the One video too.
And Apocalyptica plays Metallica on cello's. Also very interesting i.m.o. 👍
And Apocalyptica plays Metallica on cello's. Also very interesting i.m.o. 👍
Metal is more about primal emotion,, good , bad, indifferent, gentle, or fierce. It encompasses it all.
after you describe the atmosphere, i seem to be looking at the song differently. or feeling it in a way that i would never expect from myself. Or paying more attention. ah ha that means you made me appreciate the song more! I truly respect you for making me "feel". thank you Virgin Rock. You are special!
Iris Kroes did this song, years ago, on the audition of the voice of holland. She played the harp and sing.
I have always loved how the Distorted guitar in the chorus comes in and gives off this larger than life Horn answer, truly elevating it to a true Ballad.
Beautiful! Thank you for this! 🕊
Another great reaction. We would really enjoy every single Metallica cover.
Thank you Amy you do an amazing job analyzing rock music from the perspective of a classical trained musician. Metallica has a bunch of great songs that may be appealing to you such as the unforgiven, fade to black, welcome.home, Orión, Master of puppets among others. It Wuold be interesting to see what you think about those ones.
I would really like to see what she thinks of the incredibly beautiful solo at the beginning of Fade to Black.
This ballad is a like tide, or better, a tsunami, the amount of power moves and grow slow and it is, but is unbearable and huge. The feeling is perfectly related and represented in a unique musical way. Thank you for share.-
Metal music is released in albums and the order of songs also defines the identity of the disc. Traditionally, many metal albums have "the ballad", a mellower piece that feels remarkably different compared to the other, more energetic ones. It helps creating a more complete, fulfilling experience, while exploring different feelings. It still fits the general mood because while being sweet and melancholic, it's also a very dark piece.
My favourite ballad from Metallica is still Fade to Black
Your comments about a rock song being reminiscent of folk music makes me curious if you'd be interested in "Zombie" by The Cranberries. It's open for interpretation of course, but "about" violence in Northern Ireland - the home country of the band. The singer has passed away, but this song is super-popular - one of those that would have a ton of views and sold a ton of records.
Please do The Unforgiven 1. Thank you. Watching from the Philippines.
Yeah definitely you should do an arrangement of Metallica.
Did not know that you can do harmonics on a harp since playing them on a guitar your left hand uses the metal bars on the fretboard to create them, parts of the fretboard that a harp obviously doesn't have. That's cool and interesting.
I never thought of this song as a folkish kind of song but the producers also decided to use an accordion throughout the song (synthesized).
I am probably one of the Hundreds commenting here to let Amy know that Metalica did a concert series playing with the San Francisco Symphony, the recording is published and definitely interesting and worthwhile.
Personally I find that Hetfield's singing sounds very much quintessential Hetfield.
I am still not a great fan of Metalica but this is one of a handful of songs that I like.
Again, Merry Christmas to everyone.
You should look up harp harmonics for the guitar. It's a cool technique
My most favorite song from Metalica, the opening guitar solo is very "scorpions" ballads, which doesn't take anything away from this fantastic song,
Absolute perfect analysis! Thanks!
Another call for the song "Travel" by The Gathering, the TG25 live version. "I wish you knew your music was to stay forever".
I came to this song by way of the a cappella group VoicePlay. I would LOVE to hear you listen to and analyze a few of their phenomenal covers.
Great reaction. Fade to black and unforgiven before going deeper into Metallica’s core songs