Metallica - Open your Ears

I'm 16 and I enter the record store. I don't know what to buy. I know I want to buy something from this band I've been listening on the radio. There was this song called 'Nothing else matters' - I liked the emotion in it. I made a bad choice, I bought the 'S & M' album which of course is not a real expression of Metallica. But at that moment this was just the 2nd album I was able to buy with my own will. And life happened later on. This incompatible music forced me in a way into a -let's say- incompatible mode of life. OK, it's not only the music. But it has been an important component.

Metallica is one of those bands that people tend to get attached to. Possibly in early ages of their lives (me for example) - a fact that makes them fanatic supporters of the band as well as of this addictive genre of music, coined as Metal. Metallica definitely deserve the title of being one of the top quality expressions of Heavy Metal. Their first 5 albums are the proof for this; whatever they created afterwards failed almost badly to satisfy.

Fade to Black - 2nd album of Metallica ('Ride the Lightning') and the band starts to show character. A metal ballad to be remembered.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLE7hcSgxlM

Nothing Else Matters - The ultimate ballad, one with a nice meaning and feeling. But most importantly, a song that forced many people to touch the chords of this magic instrument. The guitar. Unfortunately for humanity, me included.
Studio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcbAibPA2yY
Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erPnyi90cIc

Orion - Considered to be one of the best instrumetal songs of Heavy Metal. An ingenious creation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv9CDEbvmr8

The Unforgiven - Popular song. It can be seen as another ballad. Made them famous to younger fans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUHFfR8hWcA

The Four Horsemen - 'Kill 'em All' is their 1st album. Different, more exteme. This song is just awesome. Its guitar solo too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYHfNirV8XE

Hit the Lights - Sorry mate. Hit the lights. I can listen to it again and again when I feel tension. Helps me to release it. This song is from their 1st album too. The guys were young and definitely full of energy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFfVOiG8ZZo

Creeping Death - Epic. What else can I say about the solo of this song. Just epic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO_84C3fpuI

The Ecstasy of Gold & The of the Ktulu (live) - Metallica could also deal with involved composing. Proof.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s27fhuiCuk
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXsOtRCiabI

And Justice for all - Let's evolve a little bit in the lyrics and make them look rebellious. The result.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfoDh1XL2wo

One - Another epic ballad from the band. This song is loved by the fans of Metal. It has a high correlation with 'Brothers in Arms' from Dire Straits.
Studio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXPkmIwwobA
Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqPVn7cgy6I

For Whom the Bell Tolls - I like the increasing pace and the main but repetitive tune in this song. They keep me hanging on!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg92QpjRcJk

Leper Messiah - It doesn't start very well. But from 2:00 onwards ... 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI6Ubb7zJI8

Master of Puppets - Many consider this song not only as Metallica's best but also as one of the best in Heavy Metal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIXPmOEAsic

Enter Sandman - From their last decent album ('Black Album' - 5th). Give it a go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY3LAFJbKyY

Low Man's Lyric - Another ballad. Different style. More industrial. From their 7th album ('Reload') ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2Qq_tBhDsQ

Blitzkrieg - Metallica released a 2-CD album ('Garage Inc.') with remakes on some of their favourite songs. Here's an example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k61lRvGRSU