Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted recently shared his thoughts on which Metallica songs would work best as country covers. He revealed a preference for challenging, fast-paced tracks over the more obvious choices. When asked about potential Metallica songs suitable for country interpretation, Newsted acknowledged that some tracks have already been explored in different musical styles. He expressed enthusiasm for tackling something more unconventional.
“Well, you know, the ‘Mama Said’ thing that James did already, he had a cowboy hat on in the video. So that already leans that way, so it’s too obvious,” Newsted explained. “But if you’re talking about pulling one that isn’t flavored that way, and to get it to that place, boy, that could be interesting and it be fun.”
Newsted’s perspective reflects a deep awareness of Metallica’s extensive history with musical reinterpretations across multiple genres and decades. Metallica songs have been covered in countless ways throughout the years. These interpretations range from bluegrass arrangements to classical performances by orchestral ensembles. This rich tradition demonstrates the versatility and enduring appeal of their compositions across different musical landscapes.
The bassist highlighted several notable examples of how Metallica’s music has transcended its metal origins. He referenced “Fade to Bluegrass,” an early reinterpretation from the late 1980s. He also pointed to the Finnish cello and viola ensemble Apocalyptica, whose elaborate concert performances have introduced Metallica’s compositions to audiences worldwide through classical instrumentation. These diverse interpretations underscore how Metallica’s songwriting has proven adaptable to virtually every musical genre and cultural context.
Despite this extensive catalog of reinterpretations, Newsted expressed a clear preference for what he would personally pursue if given the opportunity. Rather than selecting a song already associated with country or mainstream sensibilities, he advocated for choosing material that would present a genuine artistic challenge. “I would have to go through, I want to go for something super fast and challenging, and make it still that way but not as distorted or amplified,” he stated. He emphasized the appeal of maintaining the song’s essential character while stripping away the heavy metal production.
Newsted specifically mentioned tracks like “Battery” and “Fight Fire with Fire” as ideal candidates for such a reimagining. These songs are known for their rapid tempos and intricate musicianship. They would require considerable skill to translate into a country context while preserving their driving energy. “That could be really cool because of the challenge part of it,” he explained. “It might be a little bit easier to do stuff that was more, you know, mainstreamy, easier to do it, you know.” His comments suggest that the artistic satisfaction lies not in selecting the easiest path. Instead, it lies in undertaking a transformation that demands genuine musical innovation and technical proficiency.
