2020 is a year that most of us won’t be forgetting anytime soon (unfortunately) and Metallica’s Lars Ulrich has shared what song he thinks encapsulates the eventful year.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Ulrich has revealed that he thinks the defining song of the year is: “Thin Lizzy’s ‘Cold Sweat’ [1983]. In the first few months of lockdown, if we were up late at night having a beverage or in a social mood around a cast of characters that we’re in isolation with here, Thin Lizzy was often the late-night soundtrack to that.

“And the song ‘Cold Sweat’ is definitely the one that’s gotten the most spins in this household this year.

“Actually, even at dinner about two days ago, [my son] Layne pulls out an iPhone and we start to jam along to ‘Cold Sweat.'”

He also chatted to the publication about what album he played most this year.

“The first Rage Against the Machine album [1992’s self-titled]. From my worldview, there’s nothing that seems to put things more in perspective than Rage Against the Machine.

“The music, themes, lyrics, delivery – everything seems to be so spot-on and relevant to the daily craziness that shows up whenever you unlock your device. I think it’s the perfect soundtrack to the 2020.”

Love Rage Against The Machine?

Get the latest Rage Against The Machine news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

Ulrich continued to give us some more insight into his musical favourites, also sharing an old album he loves that he “returned to for comfort this year.”

Alice in Chains‘ ‘Dirt‘ [1992]. It’s so inspiring. I think it’s crazy just how transparent and courageous the lyrics are, and it’s a cohesive piece of work.

“It still sounds as raw, transparent, honest, and courageous to my ears as ever before.

“I think in the earlier days I was just listening to the music and the riffs and now, hearing the vocals, lyrics, and themes, what an incredible record. It just still sounds so timely.

“It sounds literally like this could have been made last week.”

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine