Metal bands aren’t usually thought of as radio-friendly, but Metallica is a major exception. You can hear their music blasting from classic and active rock stations all day long. One reason for their massive success is their mainstream metal singles that found a home on the radio. While their underground thrash sound is incredible, it’s not for everyone. Metallica’s more melodic tracks helped them gain worldwide recognition. Of course, their pure thrash songs are worth a listen too, but their radio hits are definitely more accessible.
Over the years, Metallica’s style has evolved, but they’ve always identified as heavy metal. They started as a pure thrash band, building a huge underground following. However, they quickly shifted to a more melodic sound, which became evident on their self-titled album, often referred to as The Black Album. You can even hear hints of this melodic style on Master of Puppets.
Metallica’s journey began with their first concert on March 14, 1982, at Radio City in Anaheim, CA. Today, they still sell out arenas, a feat few bands can claim decades after forming. Let’s take a look at some of the Metallica songs that made them household names, beloved by metal fans and casual listeners alike.
“Enter Sandman”
This iconic riff is known by everyone. Released in 1991, it didn’t just top the charts; it changed how heavy music sounded on the radio. The first single from The Black Album soared into the Top 20 and remains a classic. Its polished production gave Metallica’s heavy sound a sleek edge. The haunting intro, whispered “prayer,” and Hetfield’s powerful chorus made it a radio favorite, racking up over a billion streams on Spotify.
“Nothing Else Matters”
In a surprising twist, Metallica showed their softer side. This song proved that heavy bands could express emotion and still rock hard. With strings and a clean guitar melody, Hetfield’s straightforward vocals made it a standout track.
