Metallica--The Black Album

[Vincent Vega]

I've noticed that the Black Album by Metallica is one of those albums that fans either REALLY love or REALLY hate. Why is this? Any hardcore Metallica fans chime in please.

[Snake Eyes]

I'm not a big metallica fan but I'll say I'm a bit indifferent to it. I don't hate it but I'd never put it on, it just feels a bit bland for me. Like the songs are lacking something.

[LightningBolt]

I like it. I don't love it, I don't think it's great, but I also don't hate it and I don't think it's bad. I think it's only a tiny bit above average. But at the same time I didn't have to live through the time period where it was played constantly on every radio station ever (the only songs from it I hear are "The Unforgiven" and "Nothing Else Matters", both of which I like). It's my fourth favorite Metallica album after Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and Kill 'em All in that order. Everything else from Metallica I despise. The first three I "love". The Black Album is the only one I'm not crazy about or hate. I think it's a pretty standard heavy metal album that's enjoyable every now and then. The only thing about it is that they sold out big time with it. Not many bands go from a technical thrash metal/heavy metal band (with AJFA) to a radio friendly heavy metal/hard rock band.

[bt88]

The reason for the division is the dramatic shift in the bands music. There was no song like "Nothing Else Matters" on any previous album. The production was way more polished. Im with Lighting Bolt, I like it dont love and Metallica is in my top 10 fav bands. "The God That Failed" and "Dont Tread on me" are two of my fav Metallica tunes but I hate Wherever I May Roam and a few other tracks. They still had some good ideas in the tank but overall Justice was their last truly remarkable, genre shifting, important album.

[J Dog]

Its not as good as the old stuff, better than the stuff after. Thats when they really sold out.

[FuddMckagan]

I'm in the middle. Don't love it, don't hate it. Some great songs on there, but as an album I think it lacks consistency.

[mrandyk]

I dont hate the music itself, I hate Metallica for making it though. Their first 4 albums were far superior and for some reason they decided to quit being a metal band and made an album I cant even call hard rock, and then a transgression into a band into something I cant even listen to.

[moreblack]

You can love it or hate it, but you can't deny it's good.

[ITW 2012]

It's the album where Metallica went from metal to hard rock. I personally think it's an awesome album and it's probably sold at least 10 million more copies than any other Metallica album.

[Tater Totts]

They have made much better albums but also it lead to them going down a path to make much worse albums.

[Black Sabbath]

Everyone and their grandmother likes Enter Sandman, but the album as a whole is alright. I don't love it or hate it. I surely wouldn't be able to listen to it once a week though like I can with a lot of other stuff.

Death Magnetic > Metallica

[CheapJon]

don't care for the album, some good songs, some of the songs i haven't even listened to all the way through

it has a higher high than DM but lower lows as well, death magnetic is a better album IMO

[Tater Totts]

I actually think I prefer St Anger to both DM and the Black Album.

St Anger may not be the best album but it has an honest raw feel.

[silverarrow]

I can't understand how a person who likes rock / metal / wathever you want to call it , hates an album with my friend of misery on it . I guess it comes to taste i guess . I love it btw . The only album i don't like is St. Anger .

[droezle]

The reason for the division is the dramatic shift in the bands music. There was no song like "Nothing Else Matters" on any previous album. The production was way more polished. Im with Lighting Bolt, I like it dont love and Metallica is in my top 10 fav bands. "The God That Failed" and "Dont Tread on me" are two of my fav Metallica tunes but I hate Wherever I May Roam and a few other tracks. They still had some good ideas in the tank but overall Justice was their last truly remarkable, genre shifting, important album.

And who is responsible for the sound of the Black album? Bob Rock. Metallica wanted him as the producer because of the sound he created with the Motley Cruë album Dr. Feelgood. Metallica wanted a similar heavier sound for the Black album. That's why it sounds so different from their earlier albums.

[Orsys]

I like it better after last night. It was covered on "Classic Albums" which is basically a 'making of...' kind of show. I'm not really a big Metallica fan, but I gain a better appreciation for the music when I understand what they went through and how they developed it. I'll probably give it some time on my iPod.

[Conor]

I'm not a big Metallica fan, but I think it's a great album from start to finish.

[Guest deleted_19765]

I think it was streakier than their previous albums, in addition to the shift in sound. Still a classic though.

[Coffy69]

The different sound from previous album's. Part of the dismay many have for Chinese D.

[Jumpin' Jack Flash]

Why the division?

The songs suck.

[Rovim]

I like it. Kirk's Unforgiven solo is a highlight imo.

[WhatsHerface]

It's a decent record, I like it. Sure, it's not a RTL, MoP, or ...AJFA, but it's still a good album. I think a lot of people are afraid to admit they like it because it's the record Metallica "sold out" on, went mainstream.

[Death Star]

I am a big Metallica fan and I am a middle man when it comes to The Black Album. SOme somengs are absolute shit, while others are really good. I thought The Unforgiven, Sad But True, My Friend Of Misery and The Struggle Within were all good.