Metallica, Nothing Else Matters - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction 

Not my favorite album from Metallica, but this is my favorite song from them, for personal reasons. For my wife and I, this was "Our" song. And this will be the first time I've listened to it since she passed on. ❤

When I see you break down songs that I've listened to for decades it makes me listen to them in a whole new way myself. Thank you.

I would so love to hear you do a harp cover of this

James Hetfield: education, head and manners of a trucker; no musical theory; ultra agressive and percussive style of playing... and creates touching, beautiful melodies with a folk sensibility seasoned with an elegant classical touch ❤

Metallica has played this song together with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra conducted by the late Michael Kamen.

Also - Metallica is more than just a metal band. They are musicians at the core. Elton John called this one of the best songs ever written. That's pretty good praise from another musician.

This album put Metalica in mainstream of Rock. Pissed off a lot of their core fans but brought in so many more!

Every metalhead "Lars sucks"... Classical Musician "There is something prominent and powerful about these unique drums and might be a signature part of their sound"

Michael Kamen teamed up with Metallica back in the late 1990s and created orchestral versions of a number of their songs at that time, including this one. Album name is "S&M" (symphony and Metallica).

As I said in Saturday's live chat, Amy, you could easily do a whole month of videos just on the various cover versions of "Nothing Else Matters" that have been done over the years. I mentioned Scala & Kolacny Brothers in the comments for your reaction to Radiohead's "Creep," and they also do a haunting rendition of this song, but this may be a good time for you to become acquainted with a Finnish cello collective (with an occasional drummer) called Apocalyptica, who in addition to their own heavy metal-influenced cello compositions have also interpreted a lot of Metallica's work. In addition to their covers of "Nothing Else Matters" and "One," I'd also recommend their cover of a Metallica classic you haven't heard yet, "Master of Puppets." This may be one of those cases where it might be best to watch them perform on RU-vid, even if the sound quality isn't as great as a studio recording, just because the sight of young, buff Scandinavian men headbanging as they play their cellos -- and having it fit in perfectly with the music -- is quite a sight to see.

Please consider doing The Unforgiven 1, 2 and 3 -- they span many years and show how the band changed from decade to decade.

Master of Puppets and Fade to Black could be interesting for her to listen to since the music paints the story much like a lot af classic music do. You can hear in the music what is happening.

I can't wait until you hear Metallica S & M with the orchestra, especially the song No Leaf Clover.

I fully support you picking a dozen songs from your journey to put out a harp covers album. Not just Metallica, your whole rock journey!

Omg. I loved that you found some irish colour to this song, because you said it and i was doubting that but then it was there. It gave me a total different outtake and listening to a song ive heard a thousand times before. That Is what i love from this kind of videos. Keep on the good work. I recommend you go on listening to Radiohead, like a couple of songs of their albums on chronologicall order, maybe next Fake plástic trees, just, and then Paranoid android and no surprises, AND so on... Their growth as musicians Is amazing with every new album. Lots of love from Argentina

Amy, you never fail to surprise me. I really never know what you would think of a song and it makes watching your reactions even more exciting. Btw, I am really glad you enjoyed this song. I started listening to Metallica after I heard this song, and I even was a fan for some time, back in my high school years. And I highly recommend, for some of your next Metallica listenings, any song from S&M album which is a live album with symphonic orchestra. I would like it to be "No leaf clover", because it is probably my favourite song by Metallica, but also because I am really interested in your thougts about it. Merry Christmas to all three of you, as well as to the whole community! Have some lovely time with your loved ones. 🖤

6:59 - The big thing with the rhythms and drums in Metallica is the wild syncopation. Both James on the guitar and Lars on the drums have their own signature brand of chaos - a pelting, broken meter that somehow shambles along with an almost mechanical precision but lunatic timing. It feels like maybe Holst, but being played whilst being electrocuted. What's fun and a bit different about this song is that you get to atypically experience it in slow motion.

An interesting note for you about how James writes vocal melodies...He writes the cadence/melody of the vocals before writing words. It's why his singing style sounds almost staccato, moving from one note to the next without much sliding between notes. Especially in their older music. You can find demos of their music where he will sing out the melody of his vocals without using real words. He'll then come back later and match words to fit the cadence and subject of the song.

Outstanding ... I just love your analyses and reactions to these amazing musical creations. No matter how we may reuse, renew, recycle, and regurgitate the melodic phrasings, chord progressions, and cliche frequency patterns from past masterpieces, in memory ... all are an homage to the magic of music. Its 'scaling' and seemingly infinite dimensional range is a design to behold and enjoy.

This is my favorite music channel. You have such a deep appreciation for sounds and how they connect to feelings.

I believe the drummer, Lars Ulrich, was born in Denmark. That probably explains the song topping the charts in Denmark. I remember when this album came out when I was in college. Much more melodic than their older albums. It seemed like a new direction that really opened up their fanbase. I remember a lot of the original fans weren't happy as this wasn't a heavy as previous ones. Bands mature, I guess. I loved it. It was my introduction. Thanks for analyzing the song!

I'm always intrigued by the production on Lars's drums, especially the bass drum. Usually the bass drum has a lowpass filter removing all of the highs and mids so it becomes solely a, well, "bass" instrument. But when they produce Lars's drums, they allow the bass drum to be a fully mid- (and practically treble) instrument as well. It can be really effective. Your "Firth of Fifth" callback is entirely appropriate and one that I had never considered myself! Steve Hackett (of Genesis) is so known for his absolutely fluid guitar tone and playing and this solo definitely harkens back to that style -- especially the end of the solo into the "drone" section at the end. Great analysis!

I love the way you verbally express what you are hearing. It's interesting to hear a perspective from a classically trained musician. I have always felt that the Heavy metal genre takes from the classical genre, more any other, in modern music. Whereas Rock n roll and most others come from mainly the blues. I don't know just a thought. CHEERS

you got my 👍 right at the beginning with the harp rendition!

Thx for a wonderful time in appreciation of others artistry by your embracing it.

I'd love to watch your covers of Metallica songs and others. 🎶 Merry Christmas! 🌲☃️🧑‍🎄

IT would be amazing if you did covers... And theres so much great stuff to hear yet... Not just from Metallica, but Opeth for example, or Steven Wilson and others...

There is a group called Apocalyptica whose first album was "Plays Metallica by Four Cellos" and it's *exactly* that. It's also amazing... just four dudes with cellos absolutely killing it.

I would bet that this is the first time and probably the last time that James Hetfield`s voice has been described as having a "teddy bear" feel to it 😄❤🤘

So happy to see you giving Metallica a revisit, perhaps Tool or Opeth again?

Amy, You Are A Rockstar!

Again, well done, I am not a musician, have worked in the entertainment industry for many years, lighting and stage technician, have always enjoyed music(mainly Hard Rock and Metal), I find the musical understanding of this genre of music, gives me a whole now appreciation of what I've always listened to....Thank-you😁

It’s interesting how James Hatfield is often portrayed as having quite a hard exterior, but behind that he has a huge heart ❤️

Probably this metallica week has already been recorded. but what makes me a big fan of metallica is the different styles they play. It would be very interesting to see the reaction to BLEEDING ME, which is a song that is somehow "different" from the traditional metallica style, but it only proves how good they are in all the styles they propose.

Dear Amy i know I'm late to this, but I have to say, James Hetfield is a surprisingly versatile singer. Especially considering that initially he didn't see himself as a lead singer, even in 1985 when their second album came out he was still insisting that they should get a "real singer". Recently I listened again to their second symphonic album and I was completely floored by what this man can do. I especially recommend two songs from this: No Leaf Clover and most importantly: Unforgiven III. I didn't believe that this guy can sing like he did in those songs.

Yes! A perfect contrast to "One," I was hoping you'd get to this song sooner rather than later. There are so many songs in their canon to cover, "Fade to Black" and "Master of Puppets" were my other two guesses for where Vlad would take you, though I'm sure they're on the list. You mentioned the sounds of the drums, Lars Ulrich has a very specific and notable snare sound in his kit. It's a very distinctive tone that he's maintained for many years now, you can tell it's him after a few hits in just about any song. It's fascinating to hear you mention Irish or Celtic influences, one of Metallica's influences is an Irish rock band called Thin Lizzy, perhaps best known for "The Boys Are Back in Town," one of those songs that, even if you don't listen to rock music, you've heard somewhere in a trailer or commercial. They also performed a traditional Irish drinking song called "Whiskey in the Jar," which Metallica later covered and made a bit more intense. I'm also gratified to find other stringed instrument players find Metallica's riff writing as captivating as we humble guitar players. I have heard dozens of covers of their songs, from piano, to cello (the cello quartet Apocalyptica started their career with an album called Plays Metallica For Four Cellos), even renaissance style with a lute and tambourine. I think hearing their music on harp would be astonishing; If you'd like to try it, I'd love to hear it. The initial riff is quite easy on guitar, it's the base E string, then walking up and down the higher three strings played completely open before going back to the initial E. It slowly gets more complicated, eventually working in some harmonics above the twelfth fret, but it's a fun start whenever I pick up my guitar and don't feel like fretting. Finally, the strings included were orchestrated by the late great Michael Kaman, who collaborated with lots of rock bands. One of note is Pink Floyd, he worked with them on the live performances of The Wall tour. After working with Metallica, he thought their music would be particularly suited to working with a full orchestra and worked with them and the San Francisco Symphony for a truly amazing performance. It was cheekily called S&M (standing for Symphony & Metallica) and features two new songs for that particular concert. "- Human" is the lesser and seems a bit undercooked, frankly, but "No Leaf Clover" is a standout piece of the show and worth giving a listen at some point... as well as the whole concert, it was my entry point into the band, but I think knowing the songs before hearing them performed with a symphony helps to appreciate what the addition of strings and brass do to Metallica's songs. Happy holidays to you and yours, can't wait for you to dip back into 'Tallica in the new year.

Wonderful! Thank you, Amy. You bring us new appreciation of music we have been listening to, and have loved, for decades. Metallica have collaborated with orchestras in the past. I'm sure you would appreciate that work. Also, Metallica were heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Thin Lizzy, an Irish heavy rock band. That might partly explain the Celtic folk sound. I'm sure we'd all LOVE to hear your harp interpretations of Metallica. There are some out there but I think yours would be something special! 🙂

AMY: I didn't remember this, but as it turns out, my feeling that this song had a Floydian element to it wasn't completely baseless. Says Wikipedia: "The orchestral arrangements were written by award-winning composer Michael Kamen, who would later go on to collaborate with the group on S&M. " Michael Kamen was the same celebrated composer and arranger who did the orchestral parts on The Wall.

I was strangely drawn to this song when I was a little kid, and now, at 33, it resonates in such a different way for a multitude of reasons. I'm glad you took the time to dive into it!

Great analysis as always. The version with the San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra is also worth a listen. Absolutely magnificent!

Did you ever see a day that you would LIKE a band like Metallica?? They are fantastic musicians with a gift to share.. I spent my high school years WORSHIPING THIS BAND!!!! Thank you for giving them a chance to tell you their story.

Yeah, you had to listen to this one to really understand their breadth. Thank you for your insight.

Just BEAUTIFUL harp playing. Absolutely love when you reinforce your points by demonstration. Keep playing! You also get my vote for Amy Does Harptallica covers. :)

I just gotta say, "Yay Vlad!" Two of my favorites songs and two which add depth to Amy's understanding of the band. I'm seriously looking forward to the next Metallica video.

I’ve read that James Hetfield was very reticent to being this song to the rest of the group. So different. Exposing his vulnerability and sensitivity. The rest of the band embraced it. They were in their late 20’s by then …….life was changing, new priorities.

Thank you Amy you do an amazing job analyzing rock music from the perspective of a classical trained musician. Metallica has a bunch of great songs that may be appealing to you such as the unforgiven, fade to black, welcome.home, Orión, Master of puppets among others. It Wuold be interesting to see what you think about those ones.

Not a huge Metallica fan, but I must say this is one fine selection. So much finesse in this ballad. So much deep feeling that comes across. It has much more emotion than limited to a simple relationship. It is about life and living. It still has that raw edge, but also a vulnerability with a fearless quality. It is powerful in a quiet way. Amy gets it. Love her Celtic connection idea.

Many metal groups do one or two softer songs on their albums. While I like the harder metal too, back in the day of buying albums, I was often looking forward to these songs the most. I notice that for some reason the tend to be track 4 and track 8. Metalica's Nothing Else Matters and Queensryche Silent Lucidity are both track 8. I hope you listen to Silent Lucidity by Queensryche from their Empire album.

I came to this song by way of the a cappella group VoicePlay. I would LOVE to hear you listen to and analyze a few of their phenomenal covers.

Amy and Vlad, may i suggest for your own enjoyment the acapella cover video of this song by Voiceplay. That was my first reaction video and through the algorithms led me to you where i have stayed these last 10+ months! I Love what you do. Thank you!!

"Riff machine" Hetfield is indeed capable of incredible sensible touching composing, that's actually what he does, heavy or folk, lyrics or music, he creates masterpieces full of emotion (or did, depends how old you are I guess). I also like Lars, most authentic drummer. Thank's for the video!

Good evening Mrs Amy, I also find this piece very effective, despite its simplicity, so much so that some prestigious choirs have done covers of it, with the whole range of female and male voices. You can imagine what a suggestive harmonious impact this can produce. Thank you so much for your detailed analysis, once again. Ps: I remember that when Shinead O'Connor died you did a beautiful analysis of his quintessential song. well, today I saw a video where Mick Fleetwood spoke (more than positively) about the divine Eva Cassidy, who also died prematurely (of a bad disease). So I immediately went to watch (again) "Autumn leaves" live (one of the rare video documents we have of her) and I daydreamed that you could analyze it...maybe it's not Rock, but it's a beautiful piece of music.

Long time metal head. Also listen to classical music. I have long been very disappointed that those outside of the Rock/metal world completely dismiss the genre as talentless, unorganized noise. I was worried when I saw your reaction to ...and justice for all. But I have come to see your breakdowns and am grateful to have gotten to this "Yes! She gets it!!!" moment.

This is a quite good reaction and analysis of the music. That's what I'm here for. I try to only listen to reactors that provide "value add" of having a better understanding of music and learning new things. I would love to hear you play the entire thing on the harp, maybe you could get an acoustic guitar and cajon players to accompany you :)

와우! 너무 멋진곡, 멋진 해설이네요~~ 구독하고 다른 영상도 볼게요 ^0^ 완전 기대됩니다!!! I give you my love

Iris Kroes did this song, years ago, on the audition of the voice of holland. She played the harp and sing.

I have always loved how the Distorted guitar in the chorus comes in and gives off this larger than life Horn answer, truly elevating it to a true Ballad.

It's the sound of the guitars that's the signature in my ears. But then again I am a guitar player so that's where my focus is.

You make great videos, thanks! Hetfield's voice is by far the most unique quality about Metallica to me

My favorite part of this song is the work the engineer did on gating the snare, cymbals, and kick. I adore your journey and I wish I had the courage to go on one as well

It is actually quite fun that you are dissecting my favourite songs ❤ Happy days Lass, xx

This ballad is a like tide, or better, a tsunami, the amount of power moves and grow slow and it is, but is unbearable and huge. The feeling is perfectly related and represented in a unique musical way. Thank you for share.-

I've seen some comments about Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony, but there's also a great tribute performed by MSQ - Midnite String Quartet that is very interesting. It is available on RU-vid and Spotify, definitively worth checking it out. Also, great content! Got here through Hyperballad and now following your channel

Metal music is released in albums and the order of songs also defines the identity of the disc. Traditionally, many metal albums have "the ballad", a mellower piece that feels remarkably different compared to the other, more energetic ones. It helps creating a more complete, fulfilling experience, while exploring different feelings. It still fits the general mood because while being sweet and melancholic, it's also a very dark piece. My favourite ballad from Metallica is still Fade to Black

One of life's little curiosities is that metal bands do the sweetest love ballads.

Elton john said this is one of the best songs ever written, that brought james Hetfield to tears

after you describe the atmosphere, i seem to be looking at the song differently. or feeling it in a way that i would never expect from myself. Or paying more attention. ah ha that means you made me appreciate the song more! I truly respect you for making me "feel". thank you Virgin Rock. You are special!

Metallica does a great cover of the song "Whiskey In The Jar" originally by the Irish Folk group the Dubliners. A song which was also covered by Thin Lizzie. Thank you for the reaction.

I think you should look into S & M. A lot of Metallica fans don't care for it, but I think it is their best work. Definitely more inline with what I imagine your training to have been.

Metallica would absolutely love a harp cover. They have a marching band competition going on right now!

It really HAS been quite some time since you reviewed the majestic Firth of Fifth. Shall I stop holding my breath for another selection from the unmatched early progressive period of Genesis (Supper's Ready or Cinema Show are my vote!)

I'm in no way an expert when it comes to music, but what you were saying about the drums is interesting. I find in most songs, the drums are in the background, but with a lot of Metallica's songs, the drums sound like they are 'up front'. It's almost as if the drummer is sitting at the front of the stage and the band is behind him.

Another call for the song "Travel" by The Gathering, the TG25 live version. "I wish you knew your music was to stay forever".

Would love to see you do harp covers of Metallica!

Loving your experience with Metallica ❤. Great interpretation n value for the love of music! Be it yours mine or anyone’s…. Still music and worth the experience. Until your next breakdown 👋👋

Haha Lars would love this. Finally someone (in a positive way) focusing on the drums of Metallica!

Parts of this lovely and deep song remind me of Nights in White Satin by the Moody Blues.

19:35 "Just strumming along on the guitar" That is exactly how the song was formed. James was on the phone and had a guitar in his hands. At one point in the conversation, he realised that he had the beginnings of a song so he ended the call and got working on it more seriously.

What set Metallica apart from many others is that they did successfully crossed genres after a well established sound and fan base. Their fans for the most part have supported them as they morphed over the years. Many forget that the teenagers who wrote the early stuff were not the thirty somethings that wrote Load, or the fifty somethings and 60 somethings that are around now. They are not those peoplw now. They cant write those songs anymore. They are writing whats relevent to them now.

Thank you for revisiting Metallica. I have been waiting patiently since And Justice for All. You didn't disappoint! ❤

Did not know that you can do harmonics on a harp since playing them on a guitar your left hand uses the metal bars on the fretboard to create them, parts of the fretboard that a harp obviously doesn't have. That's cool and interesting. I never thought of this song as a folkish kind of song but the producers also decided to use an accordion throughout the song (synthesized). I am probably one of the Hundreds commenting here to let Amy know that Metalica did a concert series playing with the San Francisco Symphony, the recording is published and definitely interesting and worthwhile. Personally I find that Hetfield's singing sounds very much quintessential Hetfield. I am still not a great fan of Metalica but this is one of a handful of songs that I like. Again, Merry Christmas to everyone.

Thanks for nice reaction and analysis! Very interesting to hear your feelings and interpretations for these Metallica songs. And happy to see you starting to notice how versatile and skilled they are in their song writing. I give some recommendations, which might be interesting from your musical background. These are maybe less trashy style of their production. - Unforgiven. It's actually trilogy, having songs I, II and III, having over 15 years between the first and last part. They share some similarities in musical way, and also in the story. The first part is on same album as Nothing Else Matters, being the other slower song of the album. I'm quite sure you will enjoy these. Best to listen all three in and order, it offers good things to analyze. - Orion. Pure instrumental, which is mostly written by their early basist Cliff Burton, who had some classical training, and had a huge influence on their musical side. Unfortunately he died on tour bus accident too early, but is still concidered one of the best metal basists. - Fade to Black. Their first actual "power ballad", in their second album. It tells a very deep message, and it's both so beautiful and heavy at the same time. Very emotional experience. Plus the guitar solo in the end is voted pretty high on all time guitar solo lists. And for some variety, I would recommend watch some of their live performances. Not that much for just pure music analysis, but get also the feeling of their insane energy and performance on stage. Good example from this is song Creeping Death in huge concert in Moscow 1991. Give it a try! I hope you get some inspiration from these recommendations! Enjoy your Metallica journey :)

And now you will have to react to the best ever cover of the song, by the absurdly skilled vocal group VoicePlay!

The Unforgiven, pleease

A very enjoyable reaction to a song which shows you a different side of Metallica. I loved all your harp illustrations. Very cool to see how you did the harmonics on a harp. I love them on guitar, so it is good to see they can also be done on the harp, with a beautiful crystal tone. I'm glad you are continuing to notice Lars' drums, and I enjoyed your way of describing them. After a year of reacting to a wide variety of rock songs, I think you now have a much better appreciation and understanding of where they fit in the bigger rock picture, particularly as one of the better known representatives of metal.

Please find a way to have a first listen and reaction to the most amazing hard rock power trio of the 21st century ... 'The Warning' ... three sisters who've been playing for over a decade, since children aged in single digits, the eldest now in her early 20's, the youngest just turning 19, I believe. They did an extraordinary cover of Metallica's song, "Enter Sandman" ... a classic, but 'The Warning''s cover version is simply epic. Anyway, I hope you'll get some time to enjoy, appreciate, and dig into this truly extraordinary all-girl power trio that is rocking the planet. Thank you!! You have been 'Warned!

This was their "sellout" album that was hugely popular when I was in high school. It's more pop-oriented than their previous work, as I'm sure you're going to catch on to during the video. Also, Miley Cyrus did a really nice cover of this. I especially enjoyed her live performance of it on Howard Stern, backed my Metallica themselves.

Good observation about the drums. Lars certainly has a signature sound regarding his drum rolls, pauses, fills, etc.

Hola,me gustan tus vídeos,creo que das a la música el respeto que merece porque escuchas con atención y además posees los conocimientos para apreciar una pieza en toda su magnitud, me tomo el atrevimiento de sugerirle algunas canciones de este grupo que podrían interesarte: "fade to black" "the unforgiven" "my friend of misery" "welcome home(sanitarium)" y quizás los instrumentales: "to live is to die" y "the call of ktulu". Un saludo y gracias por tu trabajo.

I'm honestly surprised Amy hasn't done Call of Ktulu or Orion yet. Both are pretty much 'Metalised' Classical tracks, so it would be super interesting to see how a Classical musician reacts to them

YES can include all sorts of sounds and textures and timbres (even including some "industrial noise") and yet their sound is predominantly uplifting! 😃

This song still gives me goosebumps, especially that second guitar solo. Trust in Godly faith is in the ears of this beholder. I would love for Amy to do harp covers of great rock songs! Other great Metallica compositions are "The Unforgiven," "Orion," "Fade to Black," and "Master of Puppets." Please also consider The Police (Every Little Thing She Does is Magic), Radiohead (Paranoid Android), Jim Croce (Time in a Bottle), The Cure (Just Like Heaven), Faith No More (Midlife Crisis), Bee Gees (How Deep is Your Love), Sting (Shape of My Heart), Frank Black (Los Angeles), Fugazi (Waiting Room), and Marvin Gaye (What's Going On).

James is a poet Nobody tells a story with there lyrics like he Does

Love this…also The Unforgiven and Turn the Page. ❤

Their "S&M" version of this song is also worth checking in addition to the original. It even includes a harp. And then there's official "S&M2" version from San Francisco in year 2019.

A little comment. I experience a physical response to the music as a rocking back and forth, as someone holding and comforting another or of someone in anguish, hugging and rocking themself.

Your comments about a rock song being reminiscent of folk music makes me curious if you'd be interested in "Zombie" by The Cranberries. It's open for interpretation of course, but "about" violence in Northern Ireland - the home country of the band. The singer has passed away, but this song is super-popular - one of those that would have a ton of views and sold a ton of records.

Please do The Unforgiven 1. Thank you. Watching from the Philippines.

Nice Christmas surprise with these Metallica songs after a long time 😊

Great reaction. Fade to black and unforgiven before going deeper into Metallica’s core songs