Jason Newsted received a co-writing credit for “My Friend of Misery” on The Black Album.
The song credits James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Jason Newsted as writers. Newsted’s contribution began with an instrumental bass idea intended for a possible bass-featured piece. Hetfield and Ulrich developed that material into the finished song, adding lyrics and the full band arrangement.
The credit is notable because Metallica’s songwriting on the album was dominated by Hetfield and Ulrich, with Kirk Hammett contributing to several songs but not receiving a writing credit on “My Friend of Misery.” Newsted’s involvement therefore stands out in the album’s official credits.
Some listeners assume Newsted had little creative input because his bass was famously difficult to hear on ...And Justice for All. The Black Album presented a different studio approach, with a more audible bass presence and a songwriting credit that documented his role on this specific track.