Metallica’s ‘Master Of Puppets’ turns 40: A look back at its most-streamed songs
By on April 8, 2026
On March 3rd, 1986, Metallica graced record store shelves with their third LP release, “Master of Puppets.” Fans thought “Ride The Lightning” could not be topped, but they were dead wrong when it came to the future eight-time platinum record.
To celebrate its 40th birthday, let’s take a look at its three most-streamed songs.
#1. “Master Of Puppets” – 1,213,548,784 plays on Spotify.
That’s a big number, hey? Well, it’s for a good reason. The title track on the album runs eight minutes and 35 seconds, but it’s worth every second. Listening to this track feels like being on a never-ending treadmill, with your greatest fear behind you. The song captures you; it feels as if the lead vocalist, James Hetfield, is speaking to you directly, drilling the thought of being controlled and being so close, yet so far away from death into your head. This song had a resurgence in 2022 after it was played in Netflix’s hit show “Stranger Things.” The clip shows “Eddie Munson” shredding the face-melting solo and mindblowing riffs as a distraction, but it makes for one of the most killer live performances of all time.
#2. “Battery” – 217,690,352 plays on Spotify.
“Battery” opens the album with a sense of comfort, only to erase that feeling with a heavy guitar riff and ear-piercing drums. The first 45 seconds are filled with an angelic acoustic guitar performance, and then a sudden shift into what was soon to be known as Metallica’s signature sound. “Thrash metal” was a subgenre that was starting up in the Bay Area during the early 80’s, and this album, but more importantly, this song, gave people a reference for thrash music and what it sounded like. “Battery” is an anthem about how, no matter what you think or how much you hate them, you can’t crush Metallica’s spirit. You figure the song would be about assault or a literal battery, but it’s about self-confidence!
#3. “Welcome Home (Sanitarium) – 162,132,661 plays on Spotify
“The idea for this song came from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” – James Hetfield. The fourth track on the album is a deep-cut analogy of isolation and feeling trapped. The lyrics suggest a point of view from an asylum patient being mentally abused by the officials, only for the patients to rebel against them and take over the asylum. But fans theorize that the asylum is actually a cover for society, and that we are all under control with no escape, with dreams of breaking free from the system. The late Cliff Burton’s bass line sends chills down your spine later in the song, and James’s dual guitar and vocals really put the whole song together. Truly a masterpiece!
Metallica is one of the most influential bands of all time, and always will be. Master of Puppets may be turning 40, but metal never dies! Here’s to another 40.