Which Metallica album song was released as the lead single on July 29, 1991?

“Enter Sandman” was released as the lead single from Metallica on July 29, 1991.

The single arrived before the self-titled album, which was released on August 12. Its timing gave radio and MTV an early introduction to the record’s more direct, groove-focused sound.

The song’s music was credited to Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich, while Hetfield wrote the lyrics. The lyrics center on a child’s nightmares and bedtime fears, giving the song an ominous subject beneath its accessible chorus and memorable riff.

“Enter Sandman” reached number 16 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Metallica’s signature songs. Its success helped drive sales of the album, which eventually became the band’s best-selling release. The single’s B-side was a cover of “Stone Cold Crazy,” originally recorded by Queen.