In 1988, Metallica released a single that sold 162,000 copies. Now, Lars Ulrich would happily delete it from history

Lars Ulrich has named Metallica’s “Eye of the Beholder” as the song he likes least, saying he would rather it had not appeared on the band’s 1988 album …And Justice For All. His criticism stands out because the album is widely admired for its technical ambition, though the track’s awkward shifts in feel make it a rare misstep in his view.

Ulrich said the song sounds forced, with an intro and verses in 4/4 giving way to choruses that feel like waltz time. The album was Metallica’s first after bassist Cliff Burton died, with Jason Newsted joining as the band pursued a demanding progressive thrash sound. Its thin production has also divided listeners.