Metallica: Nothing Else Matters: The Stories Behind the Biggest Songs [Paperback]

Chris Ingham (Author)

Book Description

Series: Stories Behind Every Song

Metallica has become the world’s biggest heavymetal band. Alongside such iconic artists as Iron Maiden, AC/DC, and Ozzy, Metallica has come to define the modern view of metal music. Now in their third decade, the band remains as big, brutal, energetic, and unashamedly loud. Reaching their commercial peak in 1991, the band’s fifth record, the self-titled Metallica (dubbed the Black Album by fans) has sold in excess of 12 million records in the United States alone and continually sells year in, year out, regardless of musical trends. Nothing Else Matters charts the recorded highlights of Metallica, both as a powerful live unit and as an influence on an entire generation of young metal bands and artists. The text includes insights on the development of James Hetfield as a songwriter, the nonmusical roles that each member plays, and the contribution of original bassist Cliff Burton who played “big brother” to the younger members. It also includes 90 photographs and anecdotes from the studio sessions; insights into the lyrics; cover art and developing musical direction, particularly from the hugely controversial Load/Reload eras.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Thunder's Mouth Press (October 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560255366
• ISBN-13: 978-1560255369
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,222,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Waste of Your Time and Money, February 22, 2004

By 

Ian Scottish (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Metallica: Nothing Else Matters: The Stories Behind the Biggest Songs (Paperback)

Metallica, one of the greatest rock bands of our time, both lyrically and musically. I have always been a diehard Metallica fan, I own all of their albums and love to read about their history and lyrics which is what convinced me to buy this book. However, this was a very uninteresting read to be quite honest. The way the lyrics are described are at many times based on personal opinion and their meanings are no more in depth than you would get on a Metallica site with song meanings such as Encycmet. I'll admit, I learned a handful of cool Metallica facts from this book, but it certaintly does not make up for it's many poor aspects. If you want a good Metallica book, I suggest Metallica Unbound. Nothing Else Matters : The Stories Behind the Biggest Songs, is Poorly written and plain boring. This book just doesn't cut it and it will feel like a chore reading this.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too much hero worship., October 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Metallica: Nothing Else Matters: The Stories Behind the Biggest Songs (Paperback)

In the history of rock music, including all genres, it is difficult to overstate the influence of Metallica. They are constantly growing and developing their art, and trials and tribulations aside, continue to produce excellant music. It is fascinating to read a retrospective of the creative process of the band, song by song, with an emphasis on the lyrics. HOWEVER, the author lays the hero worship too thick at times, and takes away the credibility of the book. It isn't necessary, as they are a great band and a compelling story. It is still good enough to read, and the pictures are great, but spare me the over the top, walk on water attitude.