In their 40 years together, Metallica have generated plenty of controversy and criticism. From accusations of abandoning thrash to cutting their hair in the early ‘90s to publicly hiring a shrink to the audio mix on Death Magnetic, there is always something for fans and critics to talk about.

But those controversies paled in comparison to the nearly unanimous negative response to Lulu, their collaboration with Lou Reed.

The unlikely pairing began when Metallica and the one-time Velvet Underground frontman played together at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary concert in 2009. They talked about recording an album together and finally embarked on the project in 2011.

Watch Metallica and Lou Reed Perform "Sweet Jane" in 2009

The songs were originally going to be re-recordings of unreleased and obscure Reed tracks, but then Reed brought songs he'd written for Lulu, a theatrical production based on writings by the German playwright Frank Wedekind. Reed wrote the lyrics and the music was a collaboration between him and Metallica.

In addition to Reed and Metallica, several other musicians were featured on Lulu, playing a myriad of instruments including the violin, viola and cello. Sarth Calhoun, who is part of Reed’s Metal Machine Trio is credited with electronics on the album. Normally, it takes Metallica awhile to record an album, but this was finished in less than two weeks.

After the album’s release on Nov. 1, 2011, it sold just 13,000 copies its first week and debuted at No. 36 on the Billboard Album Chart. Compare that to 2008‘s Death Magnetic, which sold 490,000 copies in a mere three days.

Most songs on Lulu have never been performed live by Metallica, but a few—like "The View" and "Iced Honey"—were played over the course of a few days in Europe on Later...with Jools Holland and 1Live Radio.

Watch Metallica and Lou Reed Perform "Iced Honey" in 2011

Reed passed away from liver disease on Oct. 27, 2013—nearly exactly two years after the release of Lulu.

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Lou Reed and Metallica - Lulu Track By Track

"Brandenburg Gate"

Reed does most of the vocals on Lulu, alternating talking and singing in his trademark style, while James Hetfield primarily provides background vocals. For Metallica fans not familiar with Reed’s lyrical sensibilities, "Brandenburg Gate"'s opening line, "I would cut my legs and tits off / When I think of Boris Karloff and Kinski / In the dark of the moon," sets the stage for the unique collaboration.

"The View"

The album’s only single and video, "The View" generated some humor at Hetfield’s expense. He sings the lyrics "I am the table," which led to pranksters changing his Wikipedia page. His occupations at one point were listed as musician, songwriter, producer and table.

"Pumping Blood"

The arrangement on "Pumping Blood" is orchestral and bombastic at the beginning, before easing up in the middle. The heaviness returns, with urgency giving way to a groove-laden ending.

"Mistress Dread"

Metallica break out the thrash for "Mistress Dread," with heavy riffs pulsating behind Reed’s spoken-word delivery. The lyrics are somewhat sinister as well: "I wish you’d tie me up and beat me / Crush me like a kick / A bleeding strap across my back / Some blood that you could kiss."

"Iced Honey"

Most of the songs on Lulu are lengthy, with the opening song and "Iced Honey" the only ones clocking in at under five minutes. This is the most traditionally constructed song on the album and was originally slated to be released as a single.

"Cheat on Me"

The intro for the second-longest song on the album—just over 11 minutes—is very subdued, with electronics and strings. Reed’s vocals don’t kick in until three minutes into "Cheat on Me." It’s a slow build, with the intensity gradually increasing to full-on metal mode. It’s the final track on the first disc.

"Frustration"

Electronics take center stage at the beginning of "Frustration" as well, before ominous mid-tempo guitar riffs take over. There’s another mellow break in the middle, then the aggressive guitars return, even heavier than before.

"Little Dog"

Lars Ulrich is absent for much of the first part of "Little Dog," and when the drummer appears, it’s a very subdued performance with low-key drums and cymbals. This is the mellowest song on the album.

"Dragon"

After an avant-garde beginning, "Dragon" turns into a fairly mainstream song about three minutes in, with straightforward melodies and guitar solos from Kirk Hammett.

"Junior Dad"

Rob Wasserman, who has worked with artists such as Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, Jackson Browne and Brian Wilson, played stand-up bass on the album’s closing track. "Junior Dad" clocks in at almost 20 minutes, with the last eight being an extended string drone.

Watch Metallica and Lou Reed Play an Old-School Velvet Underground Track

Our Favorite Metallica Cover Art — Singles

This was no easy task, and there's no doubt that many will have their own personal favorite cover art that they think should be included in this collection. From looking at absolutely killer artwork created by Brian Schroeder—better known to 'Tallica fans as the artist Pushead—and awesome shots of the band to hand-drawn cover art by James Hetfield himself, these are 10 covers that we love.

Here Are Some of Our Favorite Metallica T-Shirts

Metallica have not only created some of the best heavy metal in the last 40 years, they've also created some of the most iconic T-shirts. In the last four decades, they've worked with incredible artists like Pushead, Brian Ewing and others to bring their songs and albums to life. In the gallery below, we've picked out some of our favorite T-shirts that are currently available at Metallica's official online store. Which one is your favorite?

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