Vocal changes after AJFA

Yes, however the music under the vocals must be to one's liking.

Singing > grunting into the mic. 

I'm saying that it's much closer to a human way of communication than singing "Like a Virgin" or something like that.

Last nights show. Grunting/Growling > Singing/cringy howling

Two different types of records with two different approaches to vocals. One of the things that separate Metallica from everybody else is their use of melody, even in the straight-up thrash stuff. James was quoted as saying that in the albums prior to tba that he was basically shouting in key. Not something he could get away with so much in shorter, more stripped back songs post AJFA.

I would say The Black Album had what was left of James from the 80's.
... And Justice for All was a very monotone record for James. It still had melody; but compared to Master of Puppets, his vocal lines were pretty monotone. His voice, from what I can hear, was also the darkest in timbre than previous albums.
The Black Album showcased a more brighter voice and welcomed more melody.

The REAL change happened with Load though. EVERYTHING changed. Their sound became much more round than before. Loose vibes.

In some cases, I agree with you. Like I prefer his vocals on Master of Puppets to his Load vocals, but I prefer his Load vocals to his AJFA vocals. I generally prefer his older vocals too, except AJFA and some of Kill Em' All (certain songs fare well better than others).

Correctemondo

My view is that James' "shouting and yelling" vocals are better than something with "beautiful" melodies.

You keep pointing me the other way, do you want to get rid of me?

Like I said before, the music behind the vocals must be enjoyable too, just shouting won't make it my thing.

James had nodules on his vocal cords. Seriously so, through years of untrained 'barking' into the mic. The sort of damage he did builds up over years, and you can be fine, until one thing becomes the straw that broke the camel's back. In this case it was recording a cover of So What. After this he was unable to bark in the way he used to without doing irreperable damage to his voice. There would be no more James singing, barking, whatever.

So he completely retrained his voice. Worked with a vocal coach to sing in a different way, to get the semblance of the voice he once had. My point? He will never ever have a voice like he did in the 80s. He sings in a completely different way, from technique through to delivery. I personally think that over the past few years his voice has been as good as it has ever been. He has his off moments, but I'm thankful that he's still out there, killing it. He has one of the most distinctive voices in metal, and he's done it twice from scratch. Once with his untrained screaming, and once again with a completely different approach.

I like the anger and aggression in the 80s stuff, but I also love that he learnt to sing and harmonise, and couldn't do without his work on the Loads which was soulful, heartfelt and awesome. And if you want modern aggression from him? Well, listen to My World. That's aggressive as anything he did in the 80s, but with real emotion behind it.

Do it!!!

I'm in love with you 

Yes you are