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Load

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

After the success of the 1991 album Metallica, the group toured for years. In early 1994 the members went their separate ways, and Lars Ulrich even went to court to get out of the contract with Elektra. Hetfield and Ulrich then worked on demos in Ulrich's basement studio. Recording began in May 1995 in Sausalito, with producer Bob Rock. It went so smoothly that almost thirty tracks were ready. Half of them appeared on Load, the rest a year later on Reload.

On Load the members left their thrash metal roots for a hard rock sound with influences from southern rock, blues rock, country rock and grunge. The lyrics are more personal and reflective. Fans criticised the new sound and the new look, with short hair, leather jackets and make-up. Even so, Load was a great success. Until It Sleeps became the first and only American top ten hit. The reviews were mixed. Later reviewers find the album too long.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Until It Sleeps and notice how it sounds like hard rock rather than thrash. Can you hear the personal tone of the lyrics?

Track list

  1. 1Ain't My Bitch (Remastered)5:04Apple Music ↗
  2. 22 x 4 (Remastered)5:28Apple Music ↗
  3. 3The House Jack Built (Remastered)6:39Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Until It Sleeps (Remastered)4:30Apple Music ↗
  5. 5King Nothing (Remastered)5:28Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Hero of the Day (Remastered)4:22Apple Music ↗
  7. 7Bleeding Me (Remastered)8:18Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Cure (Remastered)4:54Apple Music ↗
  9. 9Poor Twisted Me (Remastered)4:00Apple Music ↗
  10. 10Wasting My Hate (Remastered)3:57Apple Music ↗
  11. 11Mama Said (Remastered)5:20Apple Music ↗
  12. 12Thorn Within (Remastered)5:52Apple Music ↗
  13. 13Ronnie (Remastered)5:17Apple Music ↗
  14. 14The Outlaw Torn (Remastered)9:49Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs