Ride the Lightning — 1984

The leap from speed to genuine sophistication, balancing ferocity with melody and ambition. A thrash cornerstone. The sound of a band finding greatness. The Metallica record for listeners ready to go beyond the debut.

On vinyl: Second-hand copies circulate widely; a clean original can be better value than a new repress.

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More from Metallica — where to go next

If you have Ride the Lightning, these are the Metallica records worth reaching for next.

1. 1
   Ride the Lightning1984 · you're viewing this one
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2. 2
   Kill 'Em All1983 · Metal
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3. 3
   Master of Puppets1986 · Metal
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4. 4
   Metallica1991 · Metal
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5. 5
   ...And Justice for All1988 · Metal
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