Jason Newsted is a legendary figure in the world of metal. Best known as the bassist for Metallica, Newsted’s impact on the metal scene extends far beyond his work with the band. His career includes stints in other iconic bands like Echobrain and Ozzy Osbourne’s band, along with his own solo work. Newsted’s aggressive bass playing, unique style, and dedication to the craft have earned him respect from metal fans worldwide. This article will explore 13 of his most influential and memorable metal hits, spanning his career and showcasing his undeniable influence on the genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Newsted or new to his work, these tracks will give you a deeper appreciation of his musical contributions.
Jason Newsted’s 13 Featured Metal Songs
1. Metallica – “Blackened”
“Blackened,” from Metallica’s …And Justice for All (1988), is one of Jason Newsted’s earliest major contributions to the band. The song is a fast, thrashy anthem with political and environmental themes, exploring the apocalyptic consequences of human actions. Newsted’s bass lines are prominent, providing a dark, throbbing undertone to the song’s complex rhythm. The bass tone on this track is sharp and clear, cutting through the mix and complementing the chaotic guitar work. “Blackened” stands as a testament to Newsted’s ability to fit perfectly into Metallica’s intricate, aggressive sound while adding his own unique touch.
2. Metallica – “Sad But True”
“Sad But True” from Metallica (1991) is one of the band’s most iconic songs. The track features a slow, crushing riff that contrasts with the lightning-fast thrash songs Metallica was known for. Jason Newsted’s bass is thick, heavy, and ominous, underpinning the dark, brooding atmosphere of the song. His basslines are almost as commanding as James Hetfield’s vocals, and they help establish the song’s crushing, relentless rhythm. The combination of Newsted’s bass and the iconic guitar riff makes “Sad But True” a standout in Metallica’s catalog and a fan favorite at live shows.
3. Metallica – “Harvester of Sorrow”
“Harvester of Sorrow,” featured on …And Justice for All (1988), is another track where Jason Newsted’s bass work shines. The song is characterized by its eerie, somber tone, and its complex structure. Newsted’s bass, though buried in the mix initially, plays a crucial role in creating the song’s dark and oppressive atmosphere. The intricate bass lines build throughout the track, culminating in a powerful and distorted groove that contrasts sharply with the rest of the song’s sinister, haunting melodies. “Harvester of Sorrow” is a perfect example of Newsted’s contribution to Metallica’s evolving sound during the late ’80s.
4. Metallica – “One”
“One,” from …And Justice for All (1988), is a powerful anti-war anthem. The song features some of the most intricate and technical guitar work in Metallica’s catalog, but it is also a song where Jason Newsted’s bass playing comes to the forefront. The basslines are dynamic, rising in intensity as the song progresses. As the track shifts from clean, melodic sections to fast-paced thrash, Newsted’s bass anchors the transitions, giving the song a deeper emotional impact. “One” is a perfect example of Newsted’s ability to complement the rest of the band while adding his own unique musical layer.
5. Ozzy Osbourne – “Hellraiser”
Jason Newsted’s time with Ozzy Osbourne is often overlooked, but his contribution to the track “Hellraiser,” from No More Tears (1991), is significant. The song itself is a hard-hitting, straightforward heavy metal track that carries Ozzy’s signature mix of catchy hooks and dark lyrics. Newsted’s bass playing on this track is tight, steady, and punchy, providing a solid foundation for Ozzy’s soaring vocals and the shredding guitars. Newsted’s performance here shows his ability to shift from the technicality of Metallica to a more straightforward, groove-oriented metal style while still maintaining his unique intensity.
6. Echobrain – “The Other Side”
After leaving Metallica, Jason Newsted formed the band Echobrain, which allowed him to explore a different side of his musical creativity. “The Other Side,” from Echobrain’s Echobrain (2002) album, is a track that blends hard rock and metal with a more alternative, grungy feel. The bassline is fluid and melodic, providing a haunting and atmospheric quality to the song. Newsted’s playing here is far less aggressive compared to his thrash days, yet still carries a lot of depth and emotion. “The Other Side” marked a significant departure from the thrash metal he was known for, showing his versatility as a musician.
7. Echobrain – “In the Darkness”
“In the Darkness” is another track from Echobrain’s self-titled debut album. The song is more groove-based, with Newsted’s bass serving as the driving force behind the rhythm. The basslines here are smooth and heavy, creating a brooding atmosphere that complements the dark lyrics. The track is slower and more methodical, with Newsted playing a major role in building tension throughout the song. His bass work here emphasizes a sense of isolation, perfectly capturing the melancholy mood of the track.
8. Metallica – “Dyer’s Eve”
“Dyer’s Eve” from …And Justice for All (1988) is one of Metallica’s fastest and most chaotic tracks. It’s a raw and emotionally intense song, with lyrics that express lead singer James Hetfield’s anger and frustration with his parents. Jason Newsted’s bass is buried in the mix for much of the track, but it still plays an integral role in maintaining the song’s blistering pace. When the bass finally comes to the forefront in the bridge section, it amplifies the song’s fury and chaotic energy. “Dyer’s Eve” is a great example of how Newsted’s bass playing helped Metallica maintain their aggressive edge throughout the ’80s.
9. Metallica – “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
“For Whom the Bell Tolls” from Ride the Lightning (1984) is one of Metallica’s most iconic songs. The song opens with a powerful bass intro from Jason Newsted that sets the stage for the rest of the track. Newsted’s bassline in this song is incredibly distinctive, both in its tone and rhythm. The song has a heavy, march-like feel to it, with Newsted’s bass playing a key role in driving that feeling forward. His bass adds a sense of doom and impending tragedy, mirroring the somber themes of the song’s lyrics. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” remains one of Metallica’s most memorable tracks.
10. Ozzy Osbourne – “No More Tears”
The title track from Ozzy Osbourne’s No More Tears (1991) is another hit that benefits from Jason Newsted’s bass work. The song is a mix of heavy metal and bluesy hard rock, and Newsted’s bassline serves as a powerful backbone throughout the track. His bass playing here is more laid-back than his work with Metallica but still maintains an intensity that matches the heaviness of the song. “No More Tears” is one of Ozzy’s most beloved songs, and Newsted’s contribution helped make it a standout track on the album.
11. Echobrain – “Suffocate”
“Suffocate,” from Echobrain’s Suffocate (2002) album, is a track that brings Jason Newsted’s bass front and center. The song features a deep, groovy bassline that propels the song forward. It has a slower, more brooding feel compared to his work in Metallica, but Newsted still brings his characteristic intensity to the track. “Suffocate” is a great example of how Newsted was able to adapt his playing style after leaving Metallica, focusing more on groove and atmosphere without sacrificing the power he became known for.
12. Metallica – “The Thing That Should Not Be”
From Master of Puppets (1986), “The Thing That Should Not Be” features one of Jason Newsted’s most aggressive bass performances. The song is heavy, dark, and brooding, and Newsted’s bass works hand in hand with Kirk Hammett’s guitar to create a truly ominous atmosphere. His basslines are prominent, adding a deep, rumbling undercurrent that drives the song’s eerie, unsettling vibe. “The Thing That Should Not Be” is a perfect example of Newsted’s ability to blend seamlessly into Metallica’s sound while also contributing his own unique musical ideas.
13. Ozzy Osbourne – “Perry Mason”
From Ozzy Osbourne’s Ozzmosis (1995) album, “Perry Mason” is a track that highlights Newsted’s ability to play with both precision and power. The song blends a hard rock style with a slightly more modern edge. Newsted’s basslines are dynamic, shifting between melodic grooves and punchy, aggressive lines as the song progresses. His bass playing on this track adds a layer of depth to Ozzy’s already strong performance, elevating the song’s overall intensity.
See Also: What Makes Heavy Metal Music Translate to Symphonic Music?
Conclusion
Jason Newsted’s contributions to metal music are undeniable, from his foundational work with Metallica to his ventures with other bands like Echobrain and Ozzy Osbourne. His aggressive bass playing, technical proficiency, and ability to adapt to different musical styles have made him one of the most influential figures in the metal world. The 13 tracks highlighted in this article showcase the depth and range of Newsted’s career, from thrash anthems to more melodic, groove-based songs. Newsted’s impact on metal continues to be felt, and his legacy as a bassist, songwriter, and performer is cemented in the annals of metal history.
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