The Birth of Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride) by Don Felder: A Musical Journey Through Time
The Beginning of Heavy Metal
Heavy Metal, a genre of music that has been circled around for decades. The genre is known for its hard-hitting drums, shredding guitars, and piercing vocals that can easily unite a crowd. However, the creation of the genre has always been a mystery, and there has never been one definitive track that started it all…until now.
Don Felder and The Eagles
Don Felder, a musician who is known best for being the lead guitarist in The Eagles. The Eagles, a band that stood the test of time with countless hits, including “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy” and “Desperado”.
Felder was not only responsible for guitar parts in the band, but he also wrote many of their songs. However, there is a particular track that he wants to be known for, one that he wrote during his time with the band but never released.
Takin’ A Ride: The Story Behind The Track
During Felder’s time in The Eagles, he became restless and wanted to create something different. He started working on a track that would incorporate faster tempos, heavy guitar riffs and bold lyrics.
Felder wanted to create a sound that would be aggressive, powerful and would resonate with listeners on a deeper level. The song he created was called “Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride)”.
The Significance of Lyrics
“Hearing the thunder of the crowd beneath me,
I’m feeling like a rodeo clown,
If it’s such a good feeling, a feeling why am I feeling so down
Oh, so down?”
The lyrics are simple yet thought-provoking. They represent the emotions that heavy metal can bring out in its listeners. It represents the feeling of unity among fans, but at the same time, the feeling of being an outsider in society.
The Initial Response of “Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride)”
Upon the creation of “Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride),” Felder knew it would be a game-changer for the music industry. The track was presented to The Eagles, but they did not feel that the sound was in line with their image.
Despite this, Felder continued working on the track and played it for other musicians in the industry. The initial response was positive, with many musicians feeling that the song represented the future of music.
In Retrospect
In retrospect, “Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride)” was a track that was ahead of its time. With its aggressive sound, it would later become identifiable with heavy metal, a genre that would take the world by storm.
The song wrote its place in history by becoming the first true example of heavy metal music. However, Don Felder’s contribution to the creation of the genre has been overlooked and overshadowed.
Recently, the track has been included in The Eagles’ Greatest Hits album, which has given it the recognition it deserves.
Conclusion
Heavy metal music has come a long way since its inception in the ’70s. The genre now encompasses countless sub-genres with musicians from all over the world.
“Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride)” may not have taken the world by storm during its release, but it has gone on to become the stepping stone for the creation of a genre that has touched the lives of millions of people.
Heavy metal music represents the power and passion of those who listen to it. It is a genre that unites people from all walks of life and has the power to bring out emotions like no other.
Don Felder may not have set out to create an entirely new genre, but he did make a significant contribution to the creation of heavy metal music with “Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride).” It will forever be recognized as the birth of a genre that creates a sense of belonging among its fans.
