The Most Popular Metallica Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:43
Fans often debate which Metallica song stands out as the crowd favorite. With a treasure trove of hits that have shaped the landscape of metal music, it can be quite a task to pinpoint which track holds the crown. This list gives fans the opportunity to cast their votes and see real-time results, reflecting the collective opinion of Metallica's global fanbase.
By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a dynamic snapshot of what resonates most with listeners today. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to their music, your vote helps determine the hierarchy of Metallica's legendary repertoire. See how your favorites fare against the rest and help your top Metallica songs climb the rankings.
What Is the Most Popular Metallica Song?
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162votes
Enter Sandman
MetallicaThis song, released in 1991, is one of Metallica's biggest hits and is known for its heavy guitar riffs and catchy chorus. It's a staple at their live shows and has become an anthem for the band.Enter Sandman is a heavy metal song by the American band Metallica. It was released in 1991 as the lead single from their self-titled fifth studio album (commonly referred to as The Black Album). The song is known for its iconic opening guitar riff and powerful, driving rhythm. Lyrically, Enter Sandman explores themes of childhood nightmares and the fear of the unknown. It has become one of Metallica's most recognizable and enduring songs, often considered a classic in the heavy metal genre.- Album: Metallica (The Black Album)
- Released: 1991
- Genre: Heavy metal
- Duration: 5:29
- Songwriter(s): James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett
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246votes
Master of Puppets
MetallicaThis song, released in 1986, is widely considered to be one of Metallica's best and most influential. Its fast-paced guitar riffs and complex structure have made it a fan favorite for over 30 years.Master of Puppets is a heavy metal song by Metallica, known for its complex composition and technical difficulty. It is the title track and opening song from Metallica's third studio album released in 1986. The song showcases the band's signature thrash metal sound with fast-paced guitar riffs, intricate solos, and powerful vocals.- Album: Master of Puppets
- Genre: Thrash metal
- Length: 8 minutes and 36 seconds
- Key: E minor
- Time Signature: 4/4
Master of Puppets in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most difficult Metallica song to play
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316votesThis song, released in 1989, is a haunting ballad that tells the story of a soldier who has lost his limbs in battle. It's known for its powerful guitar solo and emotional lyrics.One is a song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released in 1988 as the third single from their fourth studio album, ...And Justice for All. The song is known for its complex structure, intricate guitar riffs, and emotional lyrics.
- Album: ...And Justice for All
- Release Year: 1988
- Length: 7 minutes and 24 seconds
- Key: B minor
- Time Signature: 4/4
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425votes
Nothing Else Matters
MetallicaThis song, released in 1992, is one of Metallica's biggest ballads and has become a staple at weddings and other events. Its soft guitar intro and heartfelt lyrics have made it a fan favorite.Nothing Else Matters is a power ballad by American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released in 1992 as a part of their self-titled fifth studio album, also known as The Black Album. The song was a departure from Metallica's usual thrash metal sound, showcasing a more melodic and introspective side of the band.- Genre: Heavy metal, power ballad
- Album: Metallica (The Black Album)
- Release Year: 1992
- Song Length: 6 minutes, 28 seconds
- Lead Vocals: James Hetfield
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514votes
The Unforgiven
MetallicaThis song, released in 1991, is a powerful ballad that explores themes of regret and redemption. Its heavy guitar riffs and emotional lyrics have made it a fan favorite.The Unforgiven is a song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released as the second single from their 1991 album 'Metallica', also known as 'The Black Album'. The song features a melodic and introspective sound, blending heavy riffs with soft and emotional verses. Lyrically, it explores themes of internal struggle, personal demons, and the inability to escape one's past.- Album: 'Metallica' (The Black Album)
- Year: 1991
- Genre: Heavy metal
- Length: 6:26
- Writer(s): James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett
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613votes
Sad but True
MetallicaThis song, released in 1991, is known for its heavy guitar riffs and aggressive vocals. It's a fan favorite and a staple at their live shows.Sad but True is a popular heavy metal song performed by Metallica. It was released as the fifth single from their self-titled album, also known as The Black Album. The song features heavy and aggressive guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and intense lyrics, making it a staple of Metallica's live performances. Sad but True is known for its dark and brooding atmosphere, reflecting themes of self-destruction and inner demons. It has become one of Metallica's signature songs, loved by fans for its raw energy and powerful sound.- Album: Metallica (The Black Album)
- Released: September 1991
- Genre: Heavy Metal
- Length: 5:24
- Songwriter(s): James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich
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710votes
Fade to Black
MetallicaThis song, released in 1984, is a haunting ballad that explores themes of depression and suicide. Its soft guitar intro and emotional lyrics have made it a fan favorite for over 30 years.Fade to Black is a song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It is a powerful and emotional ballad that was released as a single in 1984. The song explores themes of despair, loss, and contemplation of suicide. It starts with melodic acoustic guitar passages, gradually building up to an intense climax with heavy electric guitar and pounding drums. Fade to Black is widely regarded as one of Metallica's greatest hits and has become a fan favorite.- Album: Ride the Lightning
- Released: November 23, 1984
- Genre: Heavy metal
- Length: 6:56
- Writers: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Cliff Burton
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86votes
Seek and Destroy
MetallicaThis song, released in 1983, is one of Metallica's oldest and most popular songs. Its fast-paced guitar riffs and aggressive vocals have made it a fan favorite for over 35 years.Seek and Destroy is a song by the renowned American heavy metal band, Metallica. It is featured on their debut studio album, Kill 'Em All, released in 1983. Seek and Destroy is one of Metallica's most popular and iconic songs, known for its aggressive energy and powerful heavy metal sound. The song has been a staple of their live performances and is often played as an encore. The lyrics of Seek and Destroy reflect themes of warfare and destruction, capturing the intensity and rebellious spirit of the band's early years.- Album: Kill 'Em All
- Release Year: 1983
- Genre: Heavy Metal
- Length: 6:55
- Written By: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich
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912votes
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Ernest HemingwayThis song, released in 1984, is known for its iconic bass intro and heavy guitar riffs. It's a fan favorite and has become a staple at their live shows.For Whom the Bell Tolls is a novel written by Ernest Hemingway. Set during the Spanish Civil War, the story follows an American volunteer, Robert Jordan, who is fighting alongside a group of guerrilla soldiers against the Fascist forces. The title is taken from a sermon by John Donne and reflects the themes of mortality and interconnectedness. Hemingway's stark and concise writing style is evident throughout the book, capturing the brutal realities of war and the complex emotions of the characters. The novel explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, love, and the moral ambiguity of war.- Publication Year: 1940
- Genre: War fiction
- Setting: Spanish Civil War
- Protagonist: Robert Jordan
- Themes: Mortality, interconnectedness, heroism, sacrifice, love, moral ambiguity
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105votesThis song, released in 1983, is a fast-paced thrasher that showcases Metallica's early sound. Its aggressive vocals and heavy guitar riffs have made it a fan favorite for over 35 years.Whiplash is a high-energy and fast-paced heavy metal song by Metallica. Released in 1983, it is one of the band's signature tracks and a fan favorite at their live performances. Known for its relentless speed and aggressive guitar riffs, Whiplash embodies the intensity and power that defines Metallica's sound. The lyrics of the song reference the moshing and headbanging culture associated with heavy metal music. Overall, Whiplash is a classic thrash metal anthem that showcases Metallica's musical prowess.
- Certification: N/A
- Album: Kill 'Em All
- Release Date: 1983
- Genre: Thrash Metal
- Length: 4:06
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Ranking factors for popular song
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Album sales and chart performanceCheck the number of copies sold, as well as how well the song performed on various charts (Billboard, UK Singles Chart, etc.). A popular song will usually have high chart positions and significant album sales.
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Streaming and digital downloadsIn the digital age, streaming and downloaded copies of a song are crucial in determining its popularity. Look at platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube for streaming numbers and digital sales figures.
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Radio airplayA song's airplay on various radio stations and the number of spins can demonstrate its popularity. Popular songs will typically receive substantial radio play.
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Awards and critical receptionConsider the awards the song has won, like Grammy Awards or MTV Video Music Awards, and the overall critical reception from music critics and publications. Songs with favorable reviews and awards can help indicate their popularity.
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Fan response and live performancesAssess the fan response to the song through comments on social media, forums, fan clubs, and live shows. A popular song will likely have enthusiastic fan reactions and be a staple in the band's live performances.
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Cover versions and samplesThe number of cover versions or samples by other artists can demonstrate a song's impact and relevance. The more covers or samples a song has, the more popular it may be considered.
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Impact on popular cultureFinally, consider the song's impact on popular culture beyond the music world. For instance, if a song is featured prominently in movies, TV shows, commercials, or other forms of media, it can contribute to its overall popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Metallica song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2275 views
- 199 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular metallica song
Metallica is an American heavy metal band that has been rocking the music scene since the early 1980s. The band, which consists of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo, has released numerous hit songs over the years, earning them a massive and dedicated fan base worldwide.
With their unique blend of heavy metal, thrash, and hard rock, Metallica has become one of the most influential bands of all time, inspiring countless other musicians and shaping the sound of modern rock music.
When it comes to their most popular songs, there are plenty of contenders. From classic hits like "Enter Sandman" and "Master of Puppets" to newer tracks like "Moth into Flame," Metallica has consistently produced chart-topping hits that have stood the test of time.
So, what is the most popular Metallica song? With so many to choose from, it's a tough call. But with the help of StrawPoll, we can find out what the fans think and settle the debate once and for all.
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