Vol. 4

As someone who pursues neither metal nor cocain, I'm not sure I'm the intended audiance for this one. I understand this is a very early metal album, but it's interesting how tame it sounds in this "modern" era. A certainly listenable album, but not my cuppa.

Tbh if you played me Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden, I wouldn’t be able to tell you which was which. Unless you played me the song Changes off of this album. Then I was grimace and turn it off.

Black Sabbath is epic, but this album is not. Maybe it’s the cocaine but they missed with Vol. 4.

I don't understand song #4 on Vol 4. So I won't listen to this more than once per year. I know it's Ozzie and Sharon will probably find me and make me a eunuch...

Didn’t like it

Not for me

Didn't. Couldn't.

Didnt even listen I was bored. Only interesting part was the cover of changes, but come on no one is going to sing that like Charles Bradley does

I had listened to it. But I'm biased. The first 4 records of Sabbath are all 5/5 to me.

Sabbath as usual.

As great of an album as this is, there area few songs that just seem like odd choices. "Fx" and "Changes" really kill the flow in my opinion. "Fx" is weird, but it isn't even like "Changes" is a bad song, it's not at all. It's a great song in it's own right, but it kills the flow and the vibe. Maybe as the last track it would have worked better, and "Fx" starting the album off. But what do I know? Still an Amazing album, and all the parts work, just maybe a little out of place position wise if you want to nit-pick.

Me gustó mucho. Chances me destrozó.

Take 2, baby!! I was completely and totally unimpressed by the self-titled Bpack Sabbath joint, and haven’t listened to much of anything else by them, so now I see this, a pretty lauded album, with some pretty interesting aspects, and I’m hoping that it’s gonna be good. Let’s see. It is. It’s so much better. It’s so much fucking better. It’s incredible. Holy fuck. The first song alone beats out everything on their debut. Instead of this weird slow occult shit, they just pull up with these insane fucking guitars and riffs. A few TRUE masterpieces are scattered throughout the album (“Wheels of Confusion,” “Supernaut,” “Snowblind,” and “Under the Sun” are the main 4), and the rest are either rock tracks following suit, or genre experiments that add this nuanced feel of darkness to the album, that a lot of other metal joints simply don’t have, the best example of this being, of course, “Changes.” Everything slots together unbelievably well, and it makes a fucking spectacular musical experience. 10/10

Underrated album. The first 3 albums of theirs get all the fanfare, but this has Supernaut, Wheels of confusion, Changes, Snowblind... such a good album.

Continuing the heavy doom of Master of Reality, Vol. 4 is a hugely influential album for metal to come, supremely powerful and loaded with classic Iommi riffs. Some coke might have been involved...

It seems to be becoming a running joke for Robert Dimery to always pick the wrong albums by the right artists. I mean, Black Sabbath were one of the most influential bands of all time, so it makes sense to include several albums: “Paranoid” - of course; “Black Sabbath” - fair enough; “Vol. 4” - eh... Then what about "Master Of Reality", "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", “Heaven and Hell” or “Headless Cross”? Sure, Black Sabbath playing “Changes” or experimenting with instrumentals is definitely worth a listen, but in terms of innovation, there are even more significant Sabbath albums. Five stars, just because it’s Sabbath with Ozzy. However, this once again confirms my impression that Robert Dimery doesn’t always know what he’s talking about.

Fourth masterpiece in a row for Sabbath

Surprisingly good album! Tony Iommi's guitar work is just incredible. And he produced this album. I wavered between a 4 and 5 on this one.

One of the greatest albums ever recorded!

Black Sabbath at their best. The one two punch of Supernaut and Snowblind is unbeatable!

Has early doom metal, piano ballad, modular synth (?) FX, and a cool classical ballad. 6/5 stars.

Drug-addled madness that kind of makes no sense as an album yet is somehow brilliant. Don't ask me why or how.

Awesome

Wheels of Confusion / The Straightener // Tomorrow’s Dream // Changes // Supernaut // Snowblind // Every Day Comes and Goes // 4.5/5

music is love

Sabbath on their generational run. If all was right and just in this world, the first six records would be on this list.

Black Sabbath rock and I've given 5* to all 3 of their albums on the list now. The guitar playing on this is so good and it's quite nice that they mixed it up with a few slower songs like Changes.

Bill Ward’s jazz style drumming brings such a unique flair to this album that makes it so enjoyable. This is a must own in a record collection, like find an original pressing. Whenever I listen to this and Master of Reality I think about how Ozzy was called the “Prince of Darkness” but to me he sounds like a teddy bear — my close, personal friend Oz. This is one of the best Rock albums of all time, and I hope it continues to gain recognition as time goes on. This is my “I know ball” album.

If you'd told the me from half a year ago before starting this project that some of my favourite albums and some of the most consistent artists on the list would be metal bands, I wouldn't have believed you. This is my second Black Sabbath album on this list, it's just as great as the first one I got and was a perfect Friday listen.

Man Black Sabbath ruled. This is an exceptionally cool album that sounds so huge. Tony Iommi’s guitar playing and tone hits like a truck.

Great album. Really I can't believe I've passed this album up for so long. Had no idea it went this hard.

This album surprised me a lot. I had a blurry idea of what Black Sabbath is and how they sounded - and while it was kinda close to the actual album, i underestimated them hugely. The minimalism of FX in juxtaposition to the large sounds of the other tracks is striking and beautifully done, it doesn‘t feel out of place. It is essential to the album. The percussion section in Supernaut was such a rush of joy, i don‘t know how i made it through 28 years on this earth without it. The gentleness of Laguna Sunrise and its beautiful guitar melodies hit me completely unexpected and brought me close to tears. Only for St. Vitus Dance to kick into higher gear right again without leaving time to breathe. Overall a great listen!

Very possibly the best heavy band of all-time. This is Sabbath at their coked our best. Monster riffs, slamming drums, Geezer’s brooding and creative bass, and my god, sweet Ozzy. 🤘🏽

Rips

Lite underskattad jämfört med self titled och Paranoid pga avsaknad av hit:ar utöver Changes. Otroliga riff, orimligt samspelat, och några av de bästa sånginsatserna från Ozzy: solklar femma.

Här finns flera av bandets bästa o tyngsta riff, och utvecklingen fortsätter i lite ny riktning från deras två första album. Inte lika klassiskt, men ändå odödligt!

Very beautiful and enlightening look into the early days of metal. You could see exactly what they were going for and they nailed it. Even though the song structure felt a little meandering at times, the quality of the lyrics and melodies made up for it for me.

Excellent

This album might be one of Black Sabbath's best. It's got a good amount of hard metal songs, but also songs that leak into other genres. A very exploratory phase for them. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this, and it might be going in my playlist.

Sludgy and heavy. For me it’s all about those first five albums and this is a banger. 5

Amazing. A classic.

Epic and amazing. Long live Black Sabbath

TS IS FIREEEE

Absolute banger

A classic album, even if it doesn't get as much hype as the first two albums. It had been a minute since I listened to it as a whole album, and I forgot how, which the exception of one track, every song on here is great. Like, I always loved "Supernaut" and "Snowblind", but the beginning and ending tracks are awesome as well. Even departures like "Changes" and "Laguna Sunrise" are cool. My initial thought when I saw this album was an easy 4, but upon relisten, it's pushed that up a smidge.

The type of music you turn on and forget you're listening to because it's so good. Might just be the beer speaking. I'm not sure.

De tre første platene til Black Sabbath er en av de mest imponerende trilogiene gjennom tidene, men det er ingen grunn til å falle av på Vol. 4! Ballehardt (og fine ballader)!

Not a bad song on it.

Impossível não gostar. Destaque para Laguna Sunrise e Changes

I rarely listen to Sabbath, but I enjoyed this.

Ozzy forever, I never understood why everyone called Ozzy the greatest until now, great album, first time listening to this great record

good

This was my first record recommendation on this journey, which is kind of silly because I listened to this record yesterday. Black Sabbath is my favorite band, and this is my second favorite record of theirs. This album has the crunchiest riffs outside of Master of Reality’s “Into the Void.” A standout on this record, regarding Iommi’s layering of monster riffs can be found in “Supernaut.” The ballad, “Changes”, was a nice break. This song went on to be covered by the late-great Charles Bradley, and I was fortunate enough to see him perform this before his passing. If this is how the list goes, I’m excited. What an excellent start. Cheers! Favorite track: “Snowblind.” Least Favorite track: N/A, all gas no brakes.

recorded in ‘72, they experimented a big more instead of staying in the typical metal, resulting in nice sounds overall but not too much cohesion. i enjoyed it a lot, fun to listen to & tbh they’re the best under the sun was my fave

My favourite Sabbath album I think. And that is a tough one to call.

Classic

A really good Sabbath album, full of Toni Iommi riffs, changes of tempo and a great ballad.

The Sabs at their ‘coke’ fuelled best. Live staples Snowblind and Under The Sun shine out on a rock n roll ride fit for any collection and Ozzy is imperious especially for the gorgeous Snowblind. Bass tracks yet again get relegated to the background. Perhaps Geezer was just too heavy? Would be so different if the whole thing was recorded from scratch today.

Birmingham's finest, a banger

Classic. The original and the best.

4.8/5 Favorite Songs: Wheels of Confusion Tomorrow's Dream Changes Supernaut Snowblind Cornucopia Under the Sun/ Everyday Comes and Goes

This is why I love this daily exercise. I would have missed this album. I listened to it 2-3 times yesterday. What a great album

One of the best albums ever

I'd be hard pressed to rate any of Sabbath's first six albums as less than perfect. This is not my favorite of that run and it's still amazing. Supernaut alone is worth the price of admission. Under the Sun is also amazingly good.

By any metrics it's staggering what Black Sabbath achieved in just five years. Between 1970 and 1975 four working class blokes from Birmingham pumped out six albums that were beyond just 'influential', they created entire genres of music whole cloth to the extent that decades upon decades of countlessfuture bands would ape their sound to the point of mimicry. Simply put, no Sabbath, no Metal. This album leans into mid tempo stoner and doom with enough stylistic detours and tempo changes to keep it engaging. Everything sounds elementally heavy and is held together by one of the most iconic and awesome voices in music history. Essential.

I love this album deeply Found it back in 2018 or so. Kinda weak comparatively to their other albums in that time period but still a great album. 8.2/10

Muy bueno

discazo

CHANGES. Ugh. So good. So much more mellow than I expected. 10/10

The antithesis of bland.

OS INVENTORES DO HEAVY METAL Não teria como não descarregar elogios para essa banda, que apresentou um som tão distinto para a época e que ainda carrega em seus braços esse legado contínuo. Dito isso, tem muito mais aproximação a um doom metal, além do próprio heavy. Nenhuma crítica, todas as músicas são muito bem fechadas e marcantes e reconhecíveis. HIGHLIGHTS: CHANGES, Wheels Of Confusion, Tomorrow's Dreams, Supernaut, Snowblind 10/10

Might be my favourite sabbath album

Ooooh yes

This is so, so good. Heavy, grungy, raw with the odd bit of calmness thrown in (Changes & Laguna Sunrise). Wheels of Confusion, Tomorrows Dream, Supernaut & Snowblind are the standouts for me, but I enjoyed every track. So many great riffs coupled with Ozzys iconic vocals. A classic.

Outstanding album. It’s unbelievable the number of superb riffs Tony Iommi comes up with and then uses two or three on the same song! The band had a great way of shaping dynamics too, so that songs never get boring. The most killer riff has to be on Supernaut. Try keeping still while that’s playing! 5

It’s not my favorite Sabbath album but that doesn’t mean it’s not a masterpiece. Snowblind, Supernaut, Tomorrow’s Dream; this album is all killer.

Люблю Black Sabbath, це класика

Legendary wails, iconic vocals, funky beats...the song 'Changes'. Absolutely mental that this album came out 50 years ago because if it came out today it would be just as iconic. Trailblazer for the metal genre. What an absolute dream of an album.

Absolute legend of an album

At times intense and heavy, others just beautiful. Great music, great songs, and great album from start to finish with some incredible riffs.

An exceptional album by the grandfathers of heavy metal. Every piece shows signs of what metal would become in the future.

One of their best.

That opener was so fun

Really loved this, first time listening to a sabbath album

Tosi hyvä levy Sabbathilta. Kaksi edellistä levyä, Paranoid ja Master of Reality ovat kuitenkin vielä vähän Vol. 4:sta parempia. Paljon hyviä biisejä (Supernaut, Snowblind) ja uusia kokeiluja mm. pehmoballadi Changes.

Surprisingly good. Never would have chosen to listen to it but enjoyed and would listen to it again.

Already heard this one. Obvs a classic.

SABBATH. BLOODY. SABBATH.

Fuck yeah! This is a statement that can apply to any of the first 5 (or 6) Sabbath albums, but sometimes this one is my favorite. Vol 4 has the boys expanding beyond the doomy version of blues they invented a few years earlier. More complex compositions, some faster tempos (thanks cocaine!) and more moments of melody (Changes, you and I don't get along but I still respect that you're on this album). They still deliver it all with that signature Sabbath "heavy". The inclusion of Supernaut alone makes this a 5 star album, but let's not forget that Cornucopia basically defined the stoner rock sound and is still being aped today.

Those guys don't have a bad album !

The first true heavy metal band and one of the best. Legendary songs. Superb album. Love every fcking song. RIP Ozzy

A lot more ‘commercial’ sounding than their first 2 albums and not as strong. Great album though and great guitar sound.

I mean superb now we are fucking talking, fuck the Beatles. Long fucking live. Guitar work Down to key changes and the production, and the vocals all just work. I’m here for it. There’s not much else to say really. It does the job.

Wheels of confusion- great opening riff so doom laden and powerful great frantic middle section like the little synth effects going on Tommorows dream - one of my favourite riffs off this album so sludgy can tell it paved the way for bands in the future of this vain like , orange goblin , kyuss, crowbar etc Tony iommi proving he is the riff lord no question Drumming is great playing a cool groove on the ride bell , enjoyed this solo section always thought black sabbath were so bluesy even though even though it’s heavy metal, the solo on this really nice geezer butler layering it well on the bass too Changes - nothing else needs to be said think everyone listening to this album is aware of this classic Fx - aha think there was a bit of experimenting with some class As making this haha Supernaut - a riff that hits you hard in the nuts . Genius rock , bill ward playing the drums with vigour like a swingy jazz crash cymbal groove , can tell he was a jazzer back in his early days Ozzy stands out so much int his album vocals are well up in the stratosphere love the phrasing he uses on this track Snow blind - a classic pure sabbath riffage , makes you want to headbang love the phrasing again from ozzy knows how to shape the melody over the riff Cornucopia - untouchable riffs again so heavy , love some of the gong effects going on too in background Laguna sunrise - who knew iommi could write some classical little acoustic arrangements a nice change on the album St vitus dance - almost countrified probably one of the more upbeat songs on the album haha great riffs again Underneath the sun - doom metal at its finest great racing middle instrumental section , bill ward breaking out the Bonham triplets , love the build to the instrumental bit got a war pigs vibe crushing ending That could open the gates of hell I was toying with giving this a 4 with the bizarre fx section but you know what it was the 70s experimenting was the normal , haha it’s genius and the riffs are untouchable solid 5 for me

Fucking awesome. It's crazy how Sabbath's first 4 albums are basically perfect with no misses at all. Ozzy sounds powerful as hell here. Iommi plays like a maniac. The drums are so loud and Ward plays them like he's trying to punish his kit. Just an incredible album and I don't even like metal.

Rawkus, massive. More ambitious than their (amazing) previous three albums. For me this is Sabbath at the apex, hanging onto the band and their sanity enough to get this done before the walls cave in. Ozzy sounds incredible

Simply brilliant!

Loved this. As much as I like Ozzy, I think the instrumental tracks were the highlight.

GOAT

Beautiful album, peak Sabbath, peak Ozzy!

Tosi hyvää kamaa. Oli ilo kuunnella ja fiilistellä.

I mean its Black Sabbath

Hell yeah

Not sure I've ever listened to a Black Sabbath album before. Was pleasantly surprised - good stuff

What an album. Highlights being Snowblind and Wheels of Confusion. But this is solid throughout. Easy 5 for me.

Every song on here is a classic, with the exception of changes, which has been tainted behind repair. I was going to give a 4 but I don't think you can when you consider this one album spawned multiple metal subgenres and influenced so many bands over the years. Arguably one of the most influential albums in music? A great listen.

Their best album, no doubt!

Can’t deny the run Sabbath went on with their albums. The sound continued to evolve with each one.

It's perfect. Changes favorite song

It's not the Black Sabbath of Paranoids and and Masters of Reality but MAN what a incredible 70's rock album. They just dont make rock like this anymore, i know how that sounds, but legit. There just inst a weak track on the album!

This list is slowly making me realize I’m a Black Sabbath fan. I loved this album. I was head banging and grooving the whole time an when it ended i was like nooo it’s over. I also didn’t realize that the Changes by Charles Bradley was a cover until i heard this album. But the Sabbath version is sooo good. Will be listening to more of them.

Amazing album, but honestly the first 6 or so Sabbath albums are all great.

Total 5 star listen. FX is weird, but not off enough to make me not love the album. This album is an essential listen for any metal head

A classic masterpiece! If I could only give 1000 stars, I would!

Leuk, afwisselend, goede intro's en outro 's

Their best album.

Masterpiece

Sabbath at (probably) the top of their game. Still the raw heaviness of the first 3 albums but with added polish & production I guess. Laguna Sunrise is a beautiful acoustic guitar breather in the middle of the madness.

Y'all just going to let Sabbath come through and wash all y'all? It's always so refreshing when there's just a easy 5/5. Not even a bit on the fence. Black Sabbath rules.

Legendary guitar and great melodies

Great frickin album, I loved it 19/1/26

A real blast from the past for this one, brings back memories of parties in dark and dingy houses with the sweet smell of marijuana heavy in the air and couples making out to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. I do find Black Sabbath music to sound the same, but it was refreshing to listen to some of their softer tracks such as changes. I definitely did enjoy it, Black Sabbath were Pioneers and their music shocked our parents who were more used to the Beatles and Rolling Stones.

Man. This album is a beast. The whole thing feels like getting suffocated by a wall of guitar riffs and ozzy’s wailing, kind of parallel to the amount of drugs these guys were doing. I imagine these songs sound like how they felt. That’s also not to say they aren’t still headbangers, cause they most certainly are. But there’s many times where the riffs slow down and just swallow you ala she’s so heavy by the Beatles. Black Sabbath are one of a kind.

Absolutely classic Black Sabbath album and among their best records ever produced. Every song is amazing in its own way; even FX which is just experimenting with guitar and bass effects. Long Live Vol. 4. 10/10

Shocker, it’s great

Completely unhinged, occasionally brilliant, frequently ridiculous, and powered by substances modern science hasn’t even classified yet. Rock music at its most honest.

Changes

Legendary stuff

Excellent!!

Lordy, 50+ years old and still a banger. I’m going to go do the St Vitus Dance

Fuckin' A, what a great album. Non-stop hits and just straight up beautiful musical arrangements.

Tony Iommi is SO fucking badass!! 5

Please. 5 stars or bust

Kann man überraschend gut hören

прекрасный альбом, с отличными рифами, отличный вокалом и, конечно, превосходный ритм секцией.

4.5 rounded up

Yes

fantastic

Absolutely loved this! Not sure it needed the testing out FX track, but as someone who has never listened to a Black Sabbath album, I now understand why they were massive.

Laying the sludgy foundations for an entire genre ain't an easy thing. It's not my favourite Sabbath album, but it's sick.

Great great album

10/10

Most enjoyable songs ------- * Changes (solo 5 star) * Wheels of confusion * No bad songs all of them are great

Supernaut is one of the greatest things I've ever heard. Actually, the whole run of supernaut to cornucopia gave me an eargasm. It just all sounds so good and meshes together so well. Cut FX and Changes and this is a 10/10, but my goodness this is an amazing album, and makes me wish I listened to more than just Iron Man, Paranoid, and War Pigs in the past. 9.5/10, but for this site it's worth rounding up to 5 stars. Favorite Tracks: Wheels of Confusion, Supernaut, Snowblind, Cornucopia, St. Vitus' Dance Least Favorite: FX, Changes

Seminal stoner metal, great overdriven, psych guitar riffing. Granted its Ozzy singing, but its not the focus really, it's all about them heavy riffs. The albums sequencing leans towards a live show with tracks bleeding into the next and perhaps a concept here. I've never really listened to Black Sabbath and I'm digging it. I'm going to have to get into more stoner metal. Probably a 4.5, but gotta round up here, I'm going to give it a 5.

4.5

amazing

Amazing album.

21st album with group. Another repeat album. Not as great as the first time I listened to it, but it’s still good. The songs drag on a bit, but this is my favorite metal album to date. Good Songs - Tomorrow’s Dream, Changes, Supernaut, Cornucopia, and St. Vitus’ Dance. Bad Songs - Wheels of Confusion, FX, Snowblind, Laguna Sunrise, and Under the Sun.

First album I bought! I have bought it again at least 3 times. Remains one of my favourites. Brilliant.

This hit me. The instruments, man. The feeling is just so perfect.

My second favourite BS album after Master of Reality which was the second album I purchased. Floyd Atom Heart was the first and Deep Purple, Machine Head third. Great album in my opinion

cannot believe this was a first listen for me. wonderful. brilliant

An album I had not heard much but certainly a classic 4.5*

slayed hard very iconic

killer 🤘

Wow, this was excellent.

My favorite Black Sabbath as of right now.... What an amazing listen. Changes was my absolute favorite!

Other than the song, "FX", this is a great listen. It isn't quite as heavy as their earlier releases, but Changes is spectacular and the sound is very good overall. A great listen and the time flew by.

Super, super heavy. Probably the darkest metal album I’ve listened to. The moments of calm (changes, laguna sunrise) are well timed to give a break from the more intense stuff and make it hit even harder. Ozzy’s vocals are excellent. I can def hear the blues rock/acid rock influence (Tommorow’s Dream). The production is also pretty good for the time, fs better than the earlier stuff. There’s some really fun unexpected moments like the drum break in Supernaut or the classical guitar on Laguna Sunrise. Probably at the brink of messiness, but it never actually crosses into that. Overall, it’s not as catchy or sweeping as Paranoid, but almost as good in every other way. More like proto stoner/doom metal and a lot darker overall. I’d probably give it a 4.5 if I could, but it deserves to be rounded up to a 5. Standout Tracks: Tomorrow’s Dream, Supernaut, Snowblind, Laguna Sunrise

Sabbath!!!

I didn’t know I was so into this. 🤘

Oh yeah!

Come on man, I know this album inside out. One of my favourite Sabbath albums. It’s got Changes on it man, it’s a legendary album! This has to be one of the top, if not my most favourite Black Sabbath album covers. Maybe second best after Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. As an album this would definitely make my top 5 for sure. The whole albums feels like a bridge between classic heavy metal and more exploratory psychedelic metal. Sludgy doom riffs, piano ballads, drugged-out interludes. The album is heavy and intense, but at times it also has some really beautiful moments. Black Sabbath laid the groundwork for so many metal subgenres with the songs in their early catalog, cosmic psychedelia on one track, symphonic accompaniment on the next, and sludgy, downtuned riffing right after that. If the theory is that Sabbath predicted most of metal, then Vol. 4 represents the earliest ancestry of doom metal, as one of the band’s darkest and most confused early documents. The three albums before 1972’s Vol. 4 weren’t short on doom but their heavy blues-rock influence were kept from collapsing by relatively tighter production and a bit of pop accessibility. By the time of Vol. 4 the band were already rock stars, indulging in drugs and partying on an extreme level. Those excesses are reflected in the album’s sound, its themes of losing your grip on reality, and its weird stylistic songs from experimenting with delay, to a beautiful instrumental song built on Tony Iommi’s classical guitar with full orchestral backing. All the tracks are my favourite. I don’t need to list every single one. RIP Ozzy!

That famous record where the cocaine budget was higher than production costs. Black Sabbath were off their tits on the stuff recording 'Vol. 4', but much like marijuana usage fuelled the stoner metal masterpiece that is 'Master of Reality', the heavy coke usage pushed Black Sabbath to expand and diversify their sound further on 'Vol. 4.' 'Vol. 4' was Sabbath's first record recorded entirely in America, and was put together in the backdrop of a Bel Air mansion where speaker boxes of cocaine were a regular sight. But still, Sabbath created their most explorative album to date, with guitarist Tony Iommi handling production duties for the first time. 'Vol. 4' is prime Sabbath. The album opens with the crushing one-two punch of 'Wheels of Confusion' and 'Tomorrow's Dream', and later continues into the epic 'Supernaut' and cocaine anthem 'Snowblind'. All aforementioned songs showcase what Sabbath did best: the eerie shrieks of Ozzy Osbourne, the sledgehammer guitar riffs of Tony Iommi, the unbelievable versatility of Geezer Butler on bass, and the hard-hitting drums of Bill Ward. But there are some surprises on this album that take you off guard. 'FX' is Iommi tinkering with eerie signal-like tones and 'Laguna Sunrise' showcases a pretty Iommi riff that could be symbolic of a relaxing come-down from a heavy night of partying. The biggest shock on this album, however, is 'Changes'. I was simply stunned when I first heard this song and realised it was by Black Sabbath. Beautiful yet melancholic piano and mellotrons played by Iommi and Butler accompany Osbourne's heartfelt, sombre and self-lamenting lyrics. When you hear that "I'm go-ing through changeeees" line, it hits so close to the chest that you cannot help but get all emotional about your own situation. It's honestly up there with David Bowie's 'Heroes' and Pearl Jam's 'Black' for me there in terms of emotional intensity. It's easily my favourite song on this record, and it was the first time anyone saw Ozzy's capabilities as a heartfelt balladier, which would reemerge many times in his solo career. 'Vol. 4' isn't a perfect record, and if I had to pick the weakest record of Sabbath's legendary 'first 5', it's probably this one, but the daringness to try new things and still produce a record of such finesse despite all the coke usage is a testament to Sabbath's undeniable penchant for exciting headbangers.....and the odd touching moment. Best song: Wheels of Confusion, Tomorrow's Dream, CHANGES (in caps, because this song is God Tier), Supernaut, Snowblind, Under the Sun

Nothing else to say

Love this record. Supernaut is a banger

Greatest album of all time. Love this album so much, made me a huge fan of Black Sabbath. No skip album. 10/10

Now THIS is a classic. The fourth in an unparalleled six-album run of masterpieces that laid the groundwork for the entire metal genre, it is packed full of excellent metal songs such as "Snowblind" and "Supernaut". However, it also shows plenty of sonic variation with "Changes" and "Laguna Sunrise" being more mellow tracks that serve to counterbalance the album's heaviness well. "FX" is nothing, but at least it's fairly short.

I think it might be a weird decision to some that this album’s on the list and not Master of Reality. But while I agree that album’s a classic, I’m a little inclined to prefer Vol. 4 over it. Maybe it’s because it’s a little different from the band’s other discography or maybe classic rock radio made me a little sick of Sweet Leaf. The album’s a little disjointed, but it doesn’t matter. I’d fuck with Supernaut and have room for Changes, which might be one of my top 5 Black Sabbath songs. Kind of love how a band considered to be controversial at the time produce one of the most beautiful songs I ever heard. Like Rick James said: Cocaine’s a hell of a drug. It’s really sad I got all the Black Sabbath albums on the list after Ozzy’s death. So here’s one last RIP to a real legend. Favorite track: Changes and Supernaut (they tie) Other hits: Wheels of Confusion, Snowblind, Cornucopia, Under the Sun, Laguna Sunrise

Part of Sabbath's early run of magnificent albums, Vol. 4 invents the entire genre of sludge-infused doom metal. Filled with terrific riffs and Ozzy at his arguable finest, it's a great listen from start to finish and one of the greatest hard rock / metal albums of all time.

Classic metal

First Time Listening To Black Sabbath And Its Awesom

When you look up perfection in the dictionary, this album is the cover photo.

Classic metal, Black Sabbath is always a good listen. This album shreds.

Rock and Roll at its Finest

God they just didn't mess about did they

Black Sabbath 4 doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s a near perfect heavy metal album. They did what they did better than anyone else. Even the sequencing tropes of having one ballad and one instrumental was standard for the genre for years to come.

one of the greatest albums of history

a classic, the beginnings of that well-known raw and hard sound. cornucopia one of my favourite songs by them. a very good listen, would recommend

Classic Sabbath great album

Another great Sabbath album. These guys just put out good tunes. Vol. 4 seems a little less heavy than previous entries but it's no less fun. It starts strong and carries through the whole album. I can't find much to fault on this album. The ambient track "FX" is kinda dumb, but it's so short who really cares? The songs are all catchy, the lyrics are pure Black Sabbath, the band is killing it, it's all great. The piano/acoustic guitars/mellotron are a really cool change of pace and work well with in the slower songs. Standouts were "Wheels of Confusion" - those verses are just, chefs kiss - "Changes," and "Supernaut" Another 5. It's a cool metal album with a lot of nice variance track to track. The whole thing feels well thought out. RIP Ozzman

Rocking album!

Tälle levy pystyy antamaan ainoastaan viisi tähteä, koska Black Sabbath. Levyn parhaimmistoa on ”Supernaut” ja ”Changes”. Toimii!

RIP Ozzy

🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

I realise, hearing it again after a fair few years, that this album means a lot to me.

I thought that was excellent. My favourite Sabbath offering so far. I enjoyed it way more than the vast majority of 4s that I’ve given. So, although it’s probably a very high 4, it deserves a 5 to separate it from the pack. Can’t wait to review Black Sabbath 23 in 2029.

Rock on brother 🤙It's not quite Paranoid, but even on first listen wow is it close. A lot of nice touches outside the pure heavy metal sound too.

Grungy, greasy, dark, heavy amazing music from the metal masters.

Great workout album!

Great stuff. RIP Ozzy

This was amazing. An absolute 10/10. But in this case, 5/5. I saved “Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener,” “Changes,” “Supernaut,” “Snowblind,” and “Under The Sun/Every Day Comes And Goes”. Every other song that i didn’t favorite was still great.

Favourite Sabbath album

I've already listened to his album (23). Canonical Black Sabbath.

Great

One of the best albums of all time. The peak of Sabbath songwriting. Wheels of Confusion and Tomorrow's Dream are great, Under the Sun might be my favorite. Absolutely stacked track list. FX still sucks.

1. I fucking love Black Sabbath. They have been an important part of my musical life since I was in middle school. 2. I also love that this is now my 3rd Sabbath album on this list. Given how much shit there is, it's refreshing to see a band that really deserves multiple entries is getting them. 4. RIP Ozzy 3. 5 stars bitches.

Never thought much of Black Sabbath, but this album was GREAT! 🤯Best songs: Changes, Supernaut

As Henry Rollins says “You can only trust yourself and the first six Black Sabbath albums” I’d expand that to include at least the Heaven and Hell record but I digress. It’s undeniable how bulletproof the 70’s Sabbath catalog is, Vol. 4 being no exception. While not my absolute favorite of the catalog, it’s one of the best albums they ever made. Sabbath is so foundational to my musical upbringing, reviewing an album is akin to making pros and cons lists about my own genetic code. What I think about it is irrelevant. It’s in me all the way down to the core. The crushing groove of “Wheels of Confusion” starts the record off in true Sabbath form. It’s impossible not to rock out on the blistering solo/instrumental section dubbed “The Straightener”. Changes is such a simple yet underrated ballad. The way Ozzy delivers the message with his emotional vocals proves what range he had as an artist. The lyrical pendulum swinging from this wistful tune into the depths of cocaine madness on “Snowblind”; one of the heaviest songs of all time. You don’t have to be mired in 70s excess to feel Ozzy’s pain on this song. It’s raw, vulnerable, with his still beating heart pinned to his sleeve. The whole album is a masterclass in guitar work. From the monster riffs like “Supernaut” to the delicate arrangement of “Laguna Sunrise”; a tropical island doober jamboree. Lest we forget Bill Ward’s ripping drums of thunder on Under The Sun. Throw it on driving through the desert at top speed. You won’t regret it.

Sabbath's early records, before the drugs took over and the creative spark faded, were special. They created a genre, taking much from what had come before, and before that new genre took off they went and created a couple of off-shoots. No content with creating Heavy Metal, this album saw them move further from Doom Metal and into sludge territory. People forget, or may not be aware just how great the musicians in this group were, effortlessly flowing from jazz to heavy rock to funk in their own demented way.

The primordial soup of perfect riffs

One of the best made metal albums of all time. Everything to the guitars and vocals make this a perfect album.

Excellent metal.

Great metal album from one of the best. RIP Ozzy!

FANTASTISKT ALBUM. VARFÖR ÄR VARENDA LÅT BRA.

Favorite Sabbath album. Along with Master of Reality, practically defines doom/stoner sound.

Banger album, how did I not realize Changed was BS?

Не самый мой любимый альбом BS, но все же это величайшая группа. Странно для меня, что он стал культовым в среде дум-металлистов, как по мне и Black Sabbath, и Paranoid звучат гораздо более дум-металлично и мрачно, а этот больше уходит в хэви-метал. Энивей, заценить все равно стоит, Snowblind, Cornucopia и Under the sun это просто шедевральные треки. Однозначный лайк.

Just Amazing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The third and final Black Sabbath album for our listening group. I'd definitely have been up for more; all three albums were excellent. No songs I recognized on here, and some of the stylistic departures from the previous albums ("Changes") were surprising.

I was not expecting the "Changes" cover! Followed by a fascinating experimental piece in "FX". Wow, I have a newfound respect for Black Sabbath.

So good

They're incredible. Osbourne, Butler, Ward, and Iommi we're at one brief point each top 5 in the world at their respective craft. They captured magic in those early years.

Sabbath defined a genre…

Good, classic, heavy stuff. You can hear bits of this in just about every metal band that came in the decade or two to follow. I kind of miss the underproduced charm of their previous three albums, but this album marks a step in a new direction that really set the path for other acts to follow.

I’m not bothered by Roger Waters’ weirdo subversive politics. Someone’s gotta do it. But I read that recently he started talking a bunch of shit about Black Sabbath? Listen buddy, all of the Pink Floyd albums put together aren’t as good as Vol 4, and Vol 4 isn’t even the best Sabbath record. What a geek.

Just brilliant. Some excellent riffage and the mellow moments don't sound forced or out of their depth.

Is this the birth of stoner metal? Kyuss and Queens vibes.

Aw man, what can I say? Enough doom riffs to power a small city! From Snowblind to Changes, a heavy, trippy, tender and unhinged album

Snowe

Has two of my favourite Black Sabbath songs... and this is just before Ozzy started going off the rails.

I can't believe I liked this as much as I did. Rock and roll!

Black Sabbath at their best. Contrast of longer instrumental sections in songs and classics like Changes and Supernaut.

awesome!

Is there anything to say about this album that hasn't been said? One of my stable records in my collection, and my favourite next to Sabotage, this album is Black Sabbath at their finest, with "Supernaut", "Snowblind" and of course, "Changes" (now immaculately covered by Yungblud on his tribute and final live performance) as my favourite songs. But that doesn't do right to any of the other songs, where Vol. 4 pushed heavy metal into new territories. The production is heavier, the songwriting more adventurous, and you can hear them influencing everything from doom to stoner rock. Long live Black Sabbath, R.I.P Ozzy! \m/ 5/5 what else?

So many great heavy riffs. Still proving that they are the foundation of every metal band out there. Changes is such a beautiful song. The band is still full of great new ideas. What the hell is FX? Probably an entire genre sprouted from that too. Obvious 5/5

Never going to complain about a Black Sabbath album on a Friday morning. Maybe not their best album, but Changes is one of my favorite songs of theirs.

Encore sous un élan nostalgique, je me ferme les yeux et je me vois, presque ados, en admiration devant mes cousins et leurs amis plus vieux, qui viennent de tourner 20 ans. Le mullet au vent, jeans courtes et en camisole avec le paquet de Mark Ten sous la bretelle!!! Ils écoutaient sans cesses les albums de Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica et autres rock heavy metal des années ‘70/‘80, accotés sur le hood de char en comparant celui qui avait le meilleur système de son (qui valait surement 2 fois le prix de leur char)! 🤣 Un idéal était né, mais heureusement, je m’en suis tenu qu’à la musique!! Laguna Sunrise me paraît être une sorte de genèse pour One de Metallica? Une guitare lourde et harmonieuse… qui m’a fait regretter ma calvitie, car headbanger de l’air c’est moins glorifiant! 😅😅😅

J'adore les 8 premiers albums de Black Sabbath avec Ozzy, même Never Say Die, ainsi que 13. C'est sujet de discussion avec mon frère Gerry Love mais j'adore aussi la période de Black Sabbath avec Ronnie James Dio.

Je découvre à travers ce projet musical à quel point j’aime Black Sabbath! Incroyable! C’est lourd, c’est lent, ça groove. Je débat encore si je préfère Paranoid ou Vol.4, mais je penche pour celui-ci. Supernaut: incroyable avec le tempo plus rapide que le reste de l’album. J’ai envie de heandbang!

FX into Supernaut is one of my favorite chunks of music on any album, ever. Pure rock fury, before Clutch coined the term. RIP Ozzie. Rest of the album is pretty damn good, too.

Very cohesive album that showcases Sabbath at their prime, the band is tight and Ozzy sounds great. Best tracks: Changes (Really shows of their versatility) Supernatural Snowblind Cornucopia (This was my favourite riff)

Listens: 5 Standout Tracks: Changes, Supernaut Second Black Sabbath album on the List. Definitely not as good as Paranoid, but still an great entry. This album has a lot of highs and lows in it; by that I mean not the quality of the songs but rather, some very heavy metal forward tracks and then some super chill ones that I would say are more in the realm of just being classic rock songs. Changes in particular is so mellow compared to like, Iron Man or War Pigs. It's more in line with how Paranoid sounds. Unlike, Paranoid, there aren't as many standout tracks for me, despite 5 listens. The album goes by fast, and is easy to listen to in a variety of settings: biking to and from work, at work, in the evening getting ready for bed. Just put it on and let it ride for 42 minutes. Edit: Retroactively bumping this up to a 5. This album, along with Paranoid have become mainstays in my album rotation.

As the kids say - this slaps.

This is a fantastic album and I’m struggling between 4 or 5 solely because their debut and Paranoid are slightly better…I feel this need to separate. Tomorrow’s Dream, Supernaut, and Snowblind are favorites as are Changes and Laguna Sunrise which show well the range of this heavy metal band. Sabbath as a group - particularly the guitar solos and interludes like the back half of Under the Sun - are much better than Ozzy ever was as a solo artist...props to Tony, Bill and Geezer. 5/5

Великолепный альюом хоть мне и понравилось 90 его процентов, но по моему мнению на 72 год это что то с чем то во первых трек fx который музыкально из себя ничего не представляет но технологически это прорыв на то время, так как он представляет из себя что то типо ранней формы эмбиента, все остальные композиции имеют каждая свою атмосферу из за приложеных как усилий музыкантов так и звукорежиссеров.

RIP

This album rocks so hard

I enjoyed every minute of it. It might be sacrilege, but to me the album itself felt very Zeppelin-esque I mean it as a compliment but the bands

Listened before and love it

clássico da infância na praia grande! obrigado mãe!

goil, zweites sabbath album, banger songs und guitar lines, mehr davon plssssss, first listen 4/4.5

Cocaine fueled Sabbath

Banger

Fantastic fuzz with a heart wrenching ballad

This was awesome!

A Classic.

#DÍA 10: 1001 Discos Que Hay Que Escuchar Antes De Morir (English Translation Below) D.E.P. Ozzy Osbourne Casualidad o destino, tras el fallecimiento del bueno de Ozzy me ha tocado escuchar el cuarto álbum de Black Sabbath, y ha sido fascinante. Escuché Paranoid al comenzar este desafío y me encantó, fue genial ver muchas ideas del metal en un estado tan prematuro pero con tantísimo encanto. Ahora, en el Vol. 4 encuentro cómo las propuestas que Black Sabbath presentaban anteriormente aquí se vuelven más sólidas y, en mi opinión, mejor ejecutadas. Puede que la lista de canciones sea algo incoherente, por la presencia de temas como Changes, FX o Laguna Sunrise, pero pienso que en su mayoría juegan a favor de una experiencia particular de la banda. El tono de bajo y guitarra son bastante más pesados y crujientes, los tonos más graves suenan a la pura oscuridad del infierno, mientras que los agudos de los solos y melodías de Iommi parecen quemar tu alma. Todo esto se presenta a la perfección en la canción de apertura, dividida en dos partes que encarnan la calidad compositiva de Back Sabbath, con un épico final que te hace entrar de lleno en el viaje pagano que es este álbum. Desde la impresionante producción de Tomorrow’s Dream, la belleza melancólica sin filtros de Changes, los riffs quebranta-cuellos de Supernaut, hasta los el diabólico ritual con el que comienza Under the Sun. Es increíble que un disco de metal con más de 50 años suene así de pesado y atmosférico a día de hoy, casi me saca las lágrimas. Favoritas: Wheels of Confusion / The Straightener, Tomorrow’s Dream, Changes, Supernaut, Snowblind, Cornucopia, Under the Sun Menos favorita: St. Vitus Dance #DAY 10: 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die R.I.P. Ozzy Osbourne Whether by chance or fate, following the passing of the great Ozzy, the album that appeared for me to listen to today is Black Sabbath’s fourth album — and it was fascinating. I had listened to Paranoid at the start of this journey and loved it; it was amazing to hear so many metal ideas in such an early stage, yet already so full of charm. Now, with Vol. 4, I find that the ideas Black Sabbath had introduced before become more solid and, in my opinion, better executed. The tracklist might feel a bit incoherent at times — with songs like Changes, FX, or Laguna Sunrise — but I think they mostly contribute to a very particular experience the band wanted to create. The bass and guitar tones are heavier and crunchier; the low-end sounds like the pure darkness of hell, while Iommi’s solos and melodies in the higher registers seem to burn your soul. All of this is perfectly encapsulated in the opening track, split into two parts that embody Black Sabbath’s compositional strength, with an epic finale that draws you fully into the pagan journey that this album represents. From the stunning production on Tomorrow’s Dream, the raw melancholic beauty of Changes, the neck-breaking riffs of Supernaut, to the demonic ritual that kicks off Under the Sun — it’s incredible that a metal album over 50 years old can still sound this heavy and atmospheric today. It nearly brought me to tears. Favorites: Wheels of Confusion / The Straightener, Tomorrow’s Dream, Changes, Supernaut, Snowblind, Cornucopia, Under the Sun Least favorite: St. Vitus Dance

Very timely to give me Vol. 4 today, a day after Ozzy Osbourne's passing. My real introduction to Black Sabbath was through 1997's "The Ozzman Cometh" which contained only two Black Sabbath tracks from a 1970 John Peel session, for this my introduction to the band and their back catalogue was a bit backwards. And maybe because of this, I tend to reach for a compilation rather than a specific album. For me personally, Early Black Sabbath always felt very prog, they took what was being created and took it further and I think this is even more evident on Vol 4. The whole album feels a little more experimental, whether this is because of the band trying new things and pushing musical boundaries, Iommi's production or the copious amounts of cocaine they were taking at the time, it created something that became a blueprint for so many branches of metal as we know it today. The album is unmistakably Black Sabbath but jumps in style from the blues opener or Wheels of Confusion to the jazz inspired Supernaut. I love Snowblind as the opener to side B, I could listen to this one track on repeat. Although tracks like FX and Laguna Sunrise seem oddly placed, they work as perfect stylistic breaks in the album. FX being 1:39 of avant-garde noise between Changes and Supernaut and Laguna Sunrise providing a musical break between the slower pace of Cornucopia before St Vitus Dance changes the pace again. Under the Sun / Every Day Comes and Goes is a perfect example of Bill Ward's skill as a drummer, showcasing his ability to switch styles and time signatures. Personally I think that Vol 4 more shows the influence over metal as a genre that the previous three albums had started to inspire. Could the production be a little better, maybe. There are times where I think some of it feels a little flat, but it is a masterpiece of an album. It's hard not to review it without the lens of what came next and what Black Sabbath started. But just stacked against the existing catalogue at the time, Vol 4 is different, it stands out and is deserving of no less than 5/5.

RIP Ozzy

RIP Ozzy

This album came up for review the day after Ozzy Osbourne passed away. I am very familiar with the Black Sabbath and Ozzy solo catalogue. For those interested in exploring further, any of the first six, Ozzy fronted, Black Sabbath albums are worthy of inclusion in this list, as are his first two solo albums. Black Sabbath Vol 4, with its iconic album cover, is one of the best of those first six albums. Vol 4 is a diverse, progressive and heavy album. Yes, in places, this album is supremely heavy, with great riffs abounding. But, there is light and shade too, something that Black Sabbath are not given enough credit for. Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler are fantastic, and rightly lauded for being icons of their respective instruments. But for me, Ozzy Osbourne never got enough credit for his vocal abilities. It is hard to imagine anyone else singing these songs as well as him. His vocal melodies are great on this album. Bill Ward also doesn't get enough credit for his drumming, for me he is up there with the great Rock drummers of this or any other era. This is a wonderful listen. If you can, play loud. This is a 5 ⭐ album. Would I listen to this album again? I do, regularly. Would I buy this album? I did. 1. "Wheels of Confusion"- This has dynamics and was/is very progressive sounding. - 5 ⭐ 2. "Tomorrow's Dream"- A crushingly heavy riff. This is in my top 10 Black Sabbath songs. Oh, and it grooves mid way through, before the riff kicks back in. - 5 ⭐ 3. "Changes"- This song brings variety and shade to the album. This song is now getting the recognition it deserves. When I first listened to this album, many years ago, this was a surprise, an odd surprise. Now I see it as a delightful song. Just wonderful. - 5 ⭐ 4. "FX" (instrumental)- It was not all crash, bang, wallop and crushing riffs as the preceding track and this track testify to. The calm before the storm - 5 ⭐ 5. "Supernaut"- What a riff. Bill Ward's drumming is excellent. What a great groove. - 5 ⭐ 6. "Snowblind"- 'Stoner Rock' before Stoner Rock was coined as a phrase. Brilliantly heavy. - 5 ⭐ 7. "Cornucopia"- This song has a number of excellent riffs and tempo changes. Even a gong! But in places it's jaunty, almost jazzy. - 5 ⭐ 8. "Laguna Sunrise" (instrumental)- And again we have a nice change in mood, with some delicate acoustic guitars in this instrumental. - 4 ⭐ 9. "St. Vitus Dance"- Interesting, poppy, 60's style hook. 4 ⭐ 10. "Under the Sun"- 'Doom Metal' before Doom Metal was coined as a phrase. Superbly heavy, with great changes in tempo. - 5 ⭐ Total - 48 Average - 4.8

Sad world we live in now, without Ozzy. A good, not great, Sabbath album. But compared to Linkin Park, it goes to 11. This will get 4 stars

Rip Ozzy, great album though, great drums, great mood 5/5

Very nice

this is great!

incredible!

This album has some bangers on it. Supernaut, changes,tomorrow's dream, snowblind! Is it a 5 star album? Probably closer to 5 than to 4.

Beautiful heavy album. Reign in Power Ozzy.

This is the 172nd album I’m rating. Generally I hate metal but I've always had a soft spot for Black Sabbath. Adding to my Playlist - Wheels of Confusion, Tomorrow's Dream, Changes, FX, Supernaut, Snowblind, Cornucopia, Laguna Sunrise, St. Vitus Dance, and Under the Sun Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. All in all I liked 10/10 songs. Black Sabbath is the one good metal band that I've listened to.

I had a Beach Boys album the day after Brian Wilson died, now I have a Sabbath album the day after our beloved Ozzy passed. My original review still stands: "Arguably their best album. Ozzy is phenomenal. Instant 5, just add volume." Additions: Ozzy rules, no question. I had this on repeat in his memory. Worth every minute of my time. The godfather of metal he shall forever remain.

RIP Ozzy this was a banger album

Honestly what is there to say? Black Sabbath has one of the greatest debut streaks of all time. Their first four albums have zero skips and are completely original and inspired. They literally invented a genre of music while also perfecting it. I adore Ozzy’s solo career, like a lot, but there’s truly something special about his musical chemistry with Toni Iommi. They were just born to play together cause they each make the other sound even better than they already are. Honestly I could go on and on about this album, but if you need any further convincing, this album contains OZZY’s most emotional and hard hitting songs that actually ages like fine wine (changes). Seriously this album is amazing!

Sexiest guitar tone ever

RIP Ozzy.

Damn, with the news about Ozzy's death (RIP legend) I expected that I'd get a sabbath album (like probably most people) and Vol 4 is probably my favorite out of Sabbath's discography (that I've heard thus far). It's been a bit since I heard it last but this is probably my favorite as an album experience, both because all the songs come together wonderfully but also because Supernaut is my favorite Sabbath song and I could just hear it on a loop, but the other songs aren't too far behind it either which avoids one of those things with albums with songs I love but I just sort of ignore the rest. Just, so many catchy and genuinely still heavy/cool riffs, memorable for every song, and even them trying something new and different works to the album's benefit (like Changes or Laguna Sunrise), it's an album that I can see myself always be able to return to and have a good time and for that, it's my fave by them. I hope Ozzy rest easy, because man what a legacy

Gave this and Paranoid a spin last night after I heard about the Great Man's death. What a way to go out - having an insane last performance and raising a shit ton of money for charity in the process. This one is my favourite Black Sabbath record. I could never make my mind up between Paranoid, S/T, Heaven and Hell, or Master of Reality, but I've settled for this one. Vol 4 has Butler's best basslines and Iommi's best riffs and solos, with my favourite one being at the end of Under the Sun. Vol 4 even has their best ballad too. Fuck, listening to Changes last night and again today was gut-punching. Ozzy's voice is consistently phenomenal throughout his time with Black Sabbath, but Changes just hits even harder. I could probably go on about each track individually and point out what makes them so good - like Supernaut and it's main riff, or Wheels of Confusion, and it's ending solo - but I fear I would be here until next week. Rest In Peace Ozzy.

This is what heavy metal is all about. The bass is thick and punchy, the guitar sound is fuzzy and sludgy and Tony Iommi produces some absolutely meaty riffs. The opener 'Wheels Of Confusion' has the best riff in my opinion which just makes you want to headbang but the whole album is filled with them. Sabbath were never afraid to do something different though. I remember listening to my dad's old iPod Shuffle which had no screen so I was often unaware what artist or song was playing. There was a lot of Sabbath on there but I wouldn't have guessed it. 'Changes' is a nice change of pace and a lovely track and 'Laguna Sunrise' is such a gorgeous sounding piece of music. You could tell that Ozzy loved The Beatles because the opening riff to 'St. Vitus Dance' sounds just like them. It's not Black Sabbath's best in my opinion. But I'm a metalhead at heart and this is so metal.

Ozzy passed away yesterday. What a legend. RIP.

feels in a way like all the tricks of heaviness and shape that were honed on paranoid/mor being taken back and reimplemented into the more winding and fantastical vibes of the debut, less b-horror movie this time but still a bit of that mario bava swag. the song style they honed on the last two records are essentially still recognizable as Riff Rockers (even if in the process they were writing the beginnings of the playbook for metal song composition writ large), everything is a bit more colorful and complicated here...maybe the most Accomplished songs of the first four records. for all its relative monotony tho i do prefer master of reality slightly, and i think part of it is how that record just totally nails its pacing to place every track in the most flattering possible light. theres only two "outlier" tracks on here, a ballad and a weird experiment, and while i dig them, i kinda wish there were more of them and they were more dispersed thru the whole album rather than just being lumped together at the end of side 1. maybe slightlyyy less than the sum of its parts for me in that perspective, but this rly is their most structurally and melodically vibrant material to this point. ive yet to fully revisit the next two albums, but ive been happy to take ozzy's memory as a chance to re-familiarize myself with sabbath's classic records, which on the whole are even better than i remember

I am listening to this just days after Ozzy died. What an album.

10

RIP Ozzy. Can't believe I get this on the day of his death. What a statement these boys made, what an impact on music. Sad day. I've been ripping this one & s/t.

I got recommended this album the day after Ozzie died. The album is a legend from my childhood, but I suppose I never stopped to appreciate why I loved it so much. Each song is a journey, the whole album shows more dynamics than an entire symphony, it explores multiple genres whilst still feeling completely tight. It really is the perfect example of how to write ~an album~.

RIP Prince of Darkness

Лучший альбом группы после Параноид. РИП :( Лучшая песня - Wheels of Confusion / The Straightener.

Part of the original canon of 6, a classic of metal

Classic. Rest in peace, Ozzy.

Like many of us doing this project, I got this the day after Ozzy died. What a legend! Vol. 4 is probably the Sabbath album from their early period I’ve spent the least time with, and I’m glad I got this one to honor Ozzy because it’s pretty fantastic. It’s a broader range of sounds than previous albums, especially with the ballad Changes. Supernaut was another highlight for me. Snowblind is great (about cocaine?), and I loved the closer Under the Sun / Every Day Comes and Goes. A killer offering from a killer band.

- there is nothing else to say except Rest In Power, Oz -

Meilenstein der Rockgeschichte!

Classic Metal, thank you Oz!!

Ozzy

Gear: HEDD Audio HEDDphone Two Artwork: ✌️🧑‍🎤✌️ Production (2021 Remaster): 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🌨️😵‍💫🌞 Rating: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️/5

I have never listened to a Black Sabbath album, and honestly never paid much attention to Ozzy Osborne. But I’m hearing that everyone on this site got a Black Sabbath album today in memory of Ozzy Osborne’s passing. This is one reason this thing is so cool, I never would’ve picked up a Sabbath album otherwise! My favorite songs on this album were Changes and Cornucopia.

Day after Ozzy's death and I get this gem. Likely on purpose from the author of the project, but I want to think it's the universe giving me this today. This album showcased the artisty of the band as they branched out to ballads and acoustic numbers. Epic riffs that set the stage for sludge and stoner metal.

Veldig bra rock n' roll bby

Great

4.5

Opening with a cracker of an 8min opening track and not letting down from that moment this is a fantastic album filled with brilliant tracks. Shame I can’t give it 6 stars.

Perfection at every level.

This came up at a time i needed to hear it but unfortunately also when the lead passed so it was kinda nic3 and sad but very great listen

Some softer moment but still a masterpiece

Fuck yeah it’s Sabbath, and timely.

Excellent album, very enjoyable. Rest in peace, Ozzy.

Amazing steps into metal. Not my thing for daily listening, but a great work to go back to once in a while.

This album is one of the greats! With the passing of Ozzy Osborne, it will get a lot more airplay. Great album.

🤘

Now I know what all the fuss was about.