Could you critique my review of Metallica albums?

Question

I'm going to write a little essay for each of Metallica's major releases. The 1-10 numerical rating given at the end of each review does not indicate my overall rating for the release itself, but it's impact for the band in the context of the time that it was released; 5 being average, less than 5 being detrimental, and above 5 being positive.

KILL 'EM ALL:

Every moderate level Metallica fan knows that this early 80s offering was Metallica's debut. Featuring a blistering bass solo by Cliff Burton, and signature galloping riffage, this album is a must-have for any metalhead. It captures the rawness of the band, and hints at the complex structures that the band is capable of (the Four Horsemen). Songs that made it to the band's longtime live repertoire include Whiplash and the encore-riffic Seek and Destroy. Since this album took Metallica from obscurity and nothingness to having a definite fanbase, the Leech gives this album a solid 7.

RIDE THE LIGHTNING:

This album not only retained the rawness of the band, but ushered in excellent production values, making Metallica the most "high quality" thrashers to be found then, or ever. It also introduced the formulaic structure used on classic Metallica albums, including a soft intro turning into a killer thrash number, title track, slow grinder, ballad, along with an instrumental thrown in on "side 2". This album easily made Metallica the heaviest act of their day, even in comparison to their darker colleagues, having street credibility that started to appeal to the masses. The more well-known tracks include the ballad Fade to Black and the grinding For Whom the Bell Tolls. The Leech's personal favorite underrated tracks include the title track, and most definitely Escape. This album propelled the band even further along into notoriety, earning this album a 6 (remember, this rating is not for the album itself, but for the impact that it made for the band).

(Will continue to add details (review more albums), but wanted to get this question "up on the board")

Answer 1

That was some very good reading. Excellent.

My only complaint is the "low" rating you gave Kill 'Em All, specifically for the reason of your ranking. The impact Kill 'Em All had on the music world is an 11 on a scale of 1-10. It completely changed the way we listen to music.



Newsted. Irreplaceable figurehead. Now, that's funny right there I don't care who you are.

Robert Trujillo was an amazing find, I do agree.

Answer 2

Kill Em All and Ride The Lightning were some of the most influencial metal albums ever created. They deserve higher ratings.



Black Album was a total sellout. Don't agree with the 10/10



Death Magnetic is overrated, Metallica has lost it. But im happy they tried to return to their roots.

Answer 3

so far so good, Leech meister.



I owuld probably disagree with you rrating on RTL, as I feel it is only marginally behind MoP, and light years ahead of KeA musically, but hey, that is my review, not yours.



Though, IMO Cliff was far more important to Metallica than Mustaine ever was. (Dave was fast and Brutal, pure Thrash..but his stuff wasn't really that technical, and Cliff brought a musicianship to Metal that few bands have even dreamed of accomplishing. Had he lived, I think they likely would have gone in a much more Prog/Thrash direction)



How MoP got less than a 9.5 I know not...but hey..... like I said..I like your review overall. Though if you are this hard on the "Classic" albums... I shudder to see your reviews of Reload and St anger!!! lol

Answer 4

mine would go...



kill 'em all - 10...i had recordings of some of the practice sessions for this that i got from fred cotten...they were so cool



ride the lightning - 8 because of that stupid "Journey imitation"...it was the 2nd song on the 2nd side of the tape and it bloooooooo....



master of puppets - 11...orion STILL can give me the shivers...damned near perfect...



...and justice for all - 7...they seemed to have missed something to me...but it was probably more me than them...it scared the children



metallica - 9 wore it out



load and reload - 7 or 8s...some of it tire me tires me now...again probably more me than them...



*S&M* u forgot one of my favorites - 10



st. anger - not rated...when therapy is more important than the music...maybe u shouldn't be making the music...kirk took the whole record off and i figure it a bad dream so i dont rate it



death magnetic - 7.5 to 8.5...glad to see them back like this...one of three cd's ive purchased this year and its still money well spent for me.



mine are different than yers...but you wrote better why's...



good to see you back amigo.



now playing: electric uncle sam - primus

Answer 5

Excellent work Leech Man. You thinking of becoming a Critic?

Answer 6

Hey Leech,

Long time no see.How ya doin bud =)



The reviews sound great to me. Very articulate and expressive. They discribe their respective Albums perfectly

Answer 7

kill em all-7

ride the lightning-6

puppets-9

..and justice-8

black album-5

load-4

reload-3

garage inc.-1st disc-2

2nd disc-9

s&m-2

st anger- minus 10

death magnetic-1

I love metallica but they lost it a long time ago and they should have quit when Jason left

Answer 8

Very Good.

Answer 9

Are you doing this for a school project? ...or are you really bored you can't seriously of written that because it was fun, especially as its Metallica we're talking about here. write something about a decent band next time.

Answer 10

good job