5 Albums I Can’t Live Without: James Hetfield of Metallica

James Hetfield reveals his favorite albums that he can’t live without. Metallica‘s frontman James Hetfield shares his 5 albums of all time.

James Alan Hetfield is an American musician born on August 3, 1963. He is a co-founder, main singer, rhythm guitarist, principal composer, and heavy metal band Metallica member. Although his precise rhythm playing is what he is best known for, he also occasionally plays lead guitar and takes live solos in the studio.

In response to an advertisement placed by drummer Lars Ulrich in the Los Angeles newspaper The Recycler, Hetfield co-founded Metallica in October 1981. And, James Hetfield is a lyricist who wrote the songs and expressions for many of Metallica‘s most famous songs. His lyrics frequently address internal conflict, personal struggle, and social difficulties.

Hetfield is both the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Metallica, and these roles have helped define the band’s sound. He is well known for his complex guitar playing and forceful yet melodic vocal delivery.

Hetfield was essential for Metallica’s musical development. The band began as a thrash metal outfit, but they added hard rock, even symphonic music, to their sound over time. Metallica’s persistence can be attributed to his openness to experimenting with various styles.

Hetfield came across personal challenges throughout his music career, including struggles with addiction and concerns associated to celebrity and success. He experienced rehab in 2001 and overcame these obstacles with the help of his bandmates and family, which he frankly discussed in the documentary film “Metallica: Some Kind of Monster.”

Hetfield is famous for his passion for custom automobiles and motorbikes outside music. He enjoys antique automobiles and has presented part of his collection at custom car exhibitions.

Despite Metallica’s popularity, Hetfield had personal challenges that impacted his life and the band’s direction. He entered treatment in 2001 and will be out in 2022, fighting addiction and alcoholism, leading to a Metallica hiatus. Hetfield’s rehabilitation journey has been astounding, and his determination to overcome these challenges has earned him admiration and compassion from fans and peers alike.

And with total, Metallica earned around $1 Billion in net worth. 

Look at James Hetfield‘s favorite albums that he can’t live without below!

 

 

James Hetfield’s Favorite Albums That He Can’t Live Without

Metallica‘s famous frontman and lead guitarist, James Hetfield, has shared his respect for other legendary musicians. And Hetfield picks his favorite albums he can’t live without. Regardless, he loves to listen to different genres but also loves alternative rock, classical rock, punk rock, and pop-rock musicians, specifically those who influenced him for life. 

Which music albums does James Hetfield listen to?

• “Black Sabbath” – Black Sabbath
• “Nevermind” – Nirvana 
• “Pet Sounds” – The Beach Boys 
• “Led Zeppelin IV” – Led Zeppelin
• “Jailbreak” – Thin Lizzy

1. “Black Sabbath” – Black Sabbath

The original first album of Black Sabbath, “Black Sabbath,” released in 1970, is a breakthrough and famous effort that established the heavy metal genre. It is widely recognized as one of the most important albums in rock history, ushering in a new age of dark, heavy, and forceful music, and it represented a considerable break from the prevalent sound of the time.

The album’s title song, “Black Sabbath,” is a gloomy and menacing song highlighted by Tony Iommi’s haunting guitar riffs and Ozzy Osbourne’s creepy vocals.

“Black Sabbath” is a dark album that dives into war, evil, and otherworldly themes. Thanks to Geezer Butler’s thundering bass lines and Bill Ward’s forceful drumming, songs like “The Wizard” and “N.I.B.” demonstrate the band’s bluesy origins while infusing them with a greater intensity. And, these songs, together with “Evil Woman” and “Wicked World,” are distinguished by their driving rhythms and strong guitar work, producing a novel air of musical gloom at the time.

“Warning,” the album’s final song, lasts 10 minutes and allows each band member to exhibit their musical skills, notably Iommi’s guitar solo, showing his creative approach to heavy metal guitar playing. “Black Sabbath” received mixed reviews at its initial release, but it rapidly garnered a cult following.

James Hetfield shares why he likes Black Sabbath’s “Black Sabbath” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“Black Sabbath is a mammoth riff with menacing lyrics that made me oh so happy. That was gonna be my speech. That was it. But Springsteen kind of upped the ante the last year. I’ll go a little deeper. Picture a nine-year-old boy. Quiet, well-behaved on the outside. But on the inside boiling and dying for a life to burst open with some sort of stimulation.

The discovery of music was what was to burst it wide open. But not just any music. This was more than just music. A powerful, loud, heavy sound that moved his soul. You see, this timid nine-year-old constantly raided his roommate-slash-older brother’s record collection. And going against his older brother’s wishes, played those off-limit records on the forbidden record player.

Out of all the records he could have worn out, there was no other choice. The very moment he saw their earliest album cover, he knew they were going to offer him a different kind of ride. He was drawn to them like a magnet to metal.”

2. “Nevermind” – Nirvana

Nirvana‘s “Nevermind” album, released in 1991, is an iconic record that not only transformed the musical landscape of the 1990s but also left an immortal symbol on rock and roll history. The band, led by the enigmatic Kurt Cobain and including Krist Novoselic on bass and Dave Grohl on drums, developed an album that increased worldwide popularity while showing in a new age of the grunge rock genre.

“Nevermind” made its mark with the iconic opening single “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The addictive melody of the song, Cobain’s gruff vocals, and the anthemic chorus acted as a rallying cry for disenfranchised youth, capturing the spirit of a generation. The album’s rebellious attitude was carried on via songs like “In Bloom,” “Come as You Are,” and “Breed,” each a tribute to Cobain’s compositional prowess and the band’s distinct sound.

“Lithium,” one of the album’s finest tracks, addressed themes of mental suffering and inner conflict, showing Cobain’s ability to merge appealing melodies with raw, emotional lyrics even further. “Polly” revealed a more muted side of Nirvana, while “Territorial Pissings” released a flood of punk and many genres that made Nirvana special today.

“Nevermind” was more than simply an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that helped mainstream alternative rock. Its success showed in a new age of grunge rock and authenticity in the music industry, dethroning the hair metal bands of the 1980s. Butch Vig’s stripped-down production on the album caught the band’s raw character, making it relevant to many fans.

Kurt Cobain’s problems with fame and addiction led to his tragic death in 1994, yet “Nevermind” remains a timeless masterpiece that resonates with listeners of all ages. Its impact can be heard in innumerable bands after it, and its songs are still staples on rock radio and in the hearts of fans worldwide.

James Hetfield shares why he likes Nirvana’s “Nevermind” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“Right after we finished recording The Black Album, Kurt put out an album called Nevermind. Then, all of a sudden, grunge was everywhere. Kurt was a big Metallica fan. I can remember when we played in Seattle. I think it was 1992, Kurt came to the show.

He was in the snakepit, a little area on the stage. I remember the entire time we were playing he kept waving his arms at me. I went over there. His one question to me was ‘Are you guys gonna play ‘Whiplash’ tonight?’ And we did.”

3. “Pet Sounds” – The Beach Boys 

“Pet Sounds” by The Beach Boys, released in 1966, is a breakthrough and classic that expanded the possibilities of popular songs. The album, led by Brian Wilson’s creative brilliance, featured an essential change in The Beach Boys sounds. 

“Pet Sounds” is a carefully crafted compilation of song that digs into themes of love, desire, and the intricacies of human emotions. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” the album’s opening tune, sets the tone with luxurious orchestration, beautiful vocal harmonies, and Wilson’s longing lyrics. This was a departure from the Beach Boys’ previous work, indicating the maturity of their sound.

“God Only Knows,” one of the album’s outstanding tunes, is widely regarded as one of the best songs ever recorded. It’s a tribute to Brian Wilson’s songwriting and arranging ability, with its beautiful harmonies and meaningful lyrics. “Sloop John B” and “Caroline, No” further exhibit Wilson’s songwriting talent, with the latter closing the album on a sad note with its contemplative and melancholy lyrics.

“Pet Sounds” stands out for its creative use of studio methods, such as unusual instruments and sound effects.

The Beach Boys’ beautiful vocal harmonies, a signature of their sound, reached new heights on “Pet Sounds.” Songs like “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)” and “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” highlight the band’s vocal talent, pushing the album to a degree of artistry previously unseen.

“Pet Sounds” has gained much praise from critics and is regarded as one of the best albums in popular music history.

James Hetfield shares why he likes The Beach Boy’s “Pet Sounds” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“I got on a The Beach Boys kick again about six months ago. I gew up in Southern California; to me, this songs speaks to a higher power.”

4. “Led Zeppelin IV” – Led Zeppelin

“Led Zeppelin IV,” the untitled fourth studio album by the English rock band Led Zeppelin, was released by Atlantic Records on November 8, 1971. It was recorded between December 1970 and February 1971, largely at the country property Headley Grange, and was produced by guitarist Jimmy Page.

“Black Dog,” a high-octane rock song fueled by Jimmy Page’s blazing guitar riffs and Robert Plant’s wailing vocals, kicks off the album. This song quickly sets the tone for one of the most famous rock albums of all time. “Stairway to Heaven,” the album’s best piece, is a rock epic that defies genre edges.

With acoustic sounds and Robert Plant’s hauntingly beautiful vocal performances, “Going to California” and “The Battle of Evermore” highlight Led Zeppelin’s folk-infused side.

“When the Levee Breaks,” the album’s last track, featuring Bonham’s legendary drumming, was infamously captured in a stairway for its tremendous sound. The song serves as an appropriate coda to this monumental album because of its hypnotic and Robert Plant’s passionate vocals.

With over 37 million copies sold worldwide, the album was a commercial and critical success and is Led Zeppelin’s best-selling record. It is among the top-selling albums in the US, and critics frequently rank it among the best albums ever. Led Zeppelin IV was one of ten legendary album covers by British musicians honored on a UK postage stamp released by the Royal Mail in 2010.

James Hetfield shares why he likes Led Zeppelin’s “Led Zeppelin IV” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“When I first got a guitar, I figured out the first couple of fingerings to this, and I ran around the house saying, ‘Check it out – I can play this!’ My family was like, ‘Where’s the rest of the song?'”

5. “Jailbreak” – Thin Lizzy

The sixth studio album, often known as Thin Lizzy‘s standard, “Jailbreak,” was released in 1976. This legendary album made Thin Lizzy one of the top rock bands of the 1970s and had a lasting impact on the hard rock and heavy metal scenes.

“Jailbreak,” the album’s opening song, is a hard-hitting and contagious tune driven by the characteristic bass lines of Phil Lynott and the scorching guitar playing of Brian Robertson. Lynott’s powerful vocals and lyrics set up an album combining storytelling with hard-rocking music. One of Thin Lizzy’s describing songs and the highlight track was “The Boys Are Back in Town,” which went on to become a cult.

“Jailbreak” is famous for its popular album cover, featuring Lynott’s striking traditional cowboy attitude. Thin Lizzy‘s place in rock history has been cemented by the album’s ongoing popularity and influence, serving as an example for succeeding generations of performers.

The record was the band’s commercial breakthrough in the US and is the only Thin Lizzy release to receive a certification there. “Jailbreak” and “The Boys Are Back in Town,” the latter of which is Thin Lizzy’s biggest US hit and won the 1976 NME Award for Best Single, are two of the singles selected from the album.

In conclusion, Thin Lizzy‘s “Jailbreak” is a timeless masterpiece and the peak of Irish rock. 

James Hetfield shares why he likes Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“Phil Lynott was never afraid to write from the heart, even if it was a little corny. Thin Lizzy inspired a lot of Metallica’s guitar harmonies.”

What are your thoughts on Metallica‘s frontman and lead guitarist James Hetfield‘s favorite albums that he can’t live without? Let us know in the comment section!