AOTY 2023

Ride the Lightning

Metallica - Ride the Lightning
Critic Score
Based on 5 reviews
1984 Ratings: #9 / 139
User Score
1984 Ratings: #3
Liked by 686 people
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CRITIC REVIEWS

100
Pitchfork

In short, Ride the Lightning is the moment where metal developed a worldview.

100
AllMusic

If Kill 'Em All was the manifesto, Ride the Lightning was the revolution itself.

100
Sputnikmusic

Ride The Lightning is the rare metal album that is as charming as it is powerful; there is nostalgia in this record for the days when metal was fun without being a gimmick, when it was hard-hitting without being suffocating.

80
Rolling Stone

Ride The Lightning was a titanic step forward, codifying a format for the following two records.

BradTasteMusic
95

Extraordinary

It took me to another world entirely. Amazing shit. Escape is mid, but besides that WOW

RemisReviews
97

so melodically energetic in the most incredible way ever

REVIEW REPOST #066. I repost my old reviews, which got no attention, with updated thoughts. Posted this review 2 years ago, but I'm posting it again.

It's crazy how a 1984 Metallica album sounds newer and fresher and has aged better than any of their newest albums. That just shows how incredible this album is. It's truly filled with incredible songs, from energetic bangers, to melodic songs to the most incredible ballad you'll ever hear ... read more

UltimateLifeFrm
93

THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!

Ride the Lightning is the 2nd album from American heavy metal band Metallica, released in June 1984. It was recorded over the course of 3 weeks (February 20th - March 14th, 1984) at Sweet Silence, Copenhagen.

The title is derived from the Stephen King novel 'The Stand', where a character uses the phrase to refer to execution via electric chair.

The album is rooted in thrash metal, but expands upon the band's musical evolvement. They employed acoustic guitars, ... read more

92

a classic. not escape though

MRD1990
100

Daily Metal Discography Binges: Metallica (Part 2)

Tracklist Ratings

1. Fight Fire With Fire: 5/5
2. Ride The Lightening: 5/5
3. For Whom The Bell Tolls: 5/5
4. Fade To Black: 5/5
5. Trapped Under Ice: 5/5
6. Escape: 5/5
7. Creeping Death: 5/5
8. The Call Of Cthulhu: 5/5

40/40= 100%

Album Presentation: A sophomore album that improves on literally everything the debut offered. 5/5

Vocals: James Hetfield sounds so much more confident and shines throughout the record. 5/5

Production: Sounds ... read more

rodeofr
88

MoP better imo but this gud still

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Added on: September 24, 2012