Nothing Else Matters

It was the year 1992 when California-bred Singer/Songwriter James Hetfield who also happens to be the frontman for the American metal band Metallica wrote one of the most iconic rock ballads of all time. He came up with the inspiration behind the song on the phone with his girlfriend whom he missed while touring and it appeared as the third single on the band’s Fifth self-titled studio album. The song is also said to be an ode to fans. It’s universal meaning of trust, love, and staying grounded to who you are still rings true today. The band did receive some flank when releasing this one back in '92’. Some fans called it “too soft” and accused the band of selling out but, overtime it opened the band up to a whole new audience and helped redefine what metal could be. 

If I had to pick a favorite cover I’d say the one Miley Cyrus did in 2021 with Elton John and Yo-Yo Ma is it. Again I don’t particularly like covers since, there’s nothing that can top or come close to an original but in this case, I believe the cover Miley did takes the cake. She’s an amazing vocalist and doesn’t quite get the credit or recognition she deserves. She may have made a few questionable choices throughout her career but, that doesn't change who she is as a musician. What someone chooses to do in their personal life doesn't change who they are as an artist. As a writer and as a huge music lover I've learned that whatever issues they may be having or whatever problems they may be facing off stage get left behind on stage. They become these larger-than-life figures we all admire who make songs we love and can relate to. A person's personal life should never stop us from appreciating their work. Questionable choices don't magically stop a song or an artist from being good, so we should never stop enjoying songs we love because a person messes up. They're human just like we are even though we do see them as these larger-than-life figures. 

While I'm not much of a metal fan I do love a song with an amazing guitar riff and this song has it while also proving why Metallica just so happens to be the timeless band it is. “Nothing Else Matters” was one of the few songs on which James Hetfield plays lead guitar rather than Kirk Hammett. Hatfield is one of two original members still with the band with Lars Ulrich being the second. While Kirk Hammett isn’t technically an original member he has been with the band since 1983 which, is quite remarkable in itself.  I do admire these guys greatly despite not being much of a metal fan. They've spent 40 years perfecting their craft and becoming a band that’s loved, as well as, appreciated by all music fans not just the die-hard metal lovers.