On this day, January 10, 1989, Metallica released One as a single from their fourth studio album, …And Justice for All. This powerful and haunting track became a milestone in the band’s career, reaching #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and marking their first major commercial success.
One is a poignant anti-war song inspired by Dalton Trumbo’s novel Johnny Got His Gun. Its lyrics and music convey the emotional and physical toll of war, building from a haunting melody to one of Metallica’s most explosive and iconic finales.
The release of One also introduced Metallica’s first-ever music video, which combined scenes from Johnny Got His Gun with footage of the band performing. The video became a defining moment for Metallica, helping to expand their audience and solidify their place in rock history.
Fun Fact: One earned Metallica their first Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 1990, further establishing the song’s legacy in heavy metal music.
What’s your favorite Metallica song? How do you think One compares to their other iconic tracks?
One is a poignant anti-war song inspired by Dalton Trumbo’s novel Johnny Got His Gun. Its lyrics and music convey the emotional and physical toll of war, building from a haunting melody to one of Metallica’s most explosive and iconic finales.
The release of One also introduced Metallica’s first-ever music video, which combined scenes from Johnny Got His Gun with footage of the band performing. The video became a defining moment for Metallica, helping to expand their audience and solidify their place in rock history.
Fun Fact: One earned Metallica their first Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 1990, further establishing the song’s legacy in heavy metal music.
What’s your favorite Metallica song? How do you think One compares to their other iconic tracks?