I thought Death Magnetic was a step in the right direction for Metallica. I have every album up to the Black album, as well as S&M and Unforgiven II. I didn't like St. Anger that much; a few songs like Frantic were ok. there were also a few songs on load and reload that were pretty good. but nothing has surpassed . . . And Justice For All and back.
My favorite song on the album is probably Suicide and Redemption; first instrumental we've seen in a while. the way i see it, there are about two major factors that make for a good Metallica album:
1) at least one Instrumental.
2) guitar solos
yes, there are other factors, but those are two common themes in Metallica's greatest albums.
my other favorite songs on the album are, in order: Judas Kiss, That Was Just Your Life, All Nightmare Long, and Unforgiven III, but i like everysong on it.
just a little side note; did anyone notice this interesting pattern. the fourth track on four of Metallica's albums has four main parts.
1) a clean intro with a solo
2) a clean verse
3) a heavy chorus
4) a heavy interlude/solo/outro
these four songs are:
1)Fade To Black; Ride the Lightning
2)Welcome Home (Sanitarium); Master of Puppets
3)One; . . . And Justice For All
4)The Day That Never Comes; Death Magnetic
i thought that was kinda interesting.
also, a note concerning The Day that never comes. it has been my experience that watching the music video really helps understand the meaning of the song. so if you listen to the song and think the lyrics suck w/o watching the vid, then try watching the vid. if you still think they suck, then that is your opinion; no one can complain about that. but they can still suck and have meaning. i personally think the lyrics are good.
sorry this post is kinda long; i tried spacing it out so its easier to read. and once i start on a subject, it's hard to stop. but i am a big Metallica fan. i want to see them live b4 they stop playing. i wish i could've been to their . . . And Justice For All tour, in like '86 or '88, i forgot which. i'm jealous that my dad got to see it. but i'm sure i will see my share of great concerts too. i'm hoping to go to the Mayhem Festival in August. but we'll see how that turns out.
sorry again for the length.