Paranoid

War pigs, best introduction to an album you can have, Paranoid is a good but basic song, a classic Planet caravan really surprised me, it's really far apart from the rest of the songs but it's comforting in its own way The next few songs are more of the same from before, but the intensity and quality of sound is absurd for its time, I guess this album shows that if you the simple things right you can also create something great, there aren't overly complex solos or intricate baselines, but the instruments all work very well together and do their job perfectly Still to this day Iron Man has the most surprising story being told in the lyrics that few people seem to notice Great album, not the best but maybe if it weren't for this one we wouldn't have the heavy metal scene that we have today

That's the stuff!

solid. 10/10 smash heard it a lot before and love it

Love this album

Great songs and some iconic riffs

1/5 - never listening again 2/5 - its decent but not for me 3/5 - would listen again 4/5 - I love it 5/5 - going in my playlist No. Title 1. "War Pigs" 4/5 2. "Paranoid" 5/5 3. "Planet Caravan" 2/5 4. "Iron Man" 3/5 5. "Electric Funeral" 2/5 6. "Hand of Doom" 3/5 7. "Rat Salad" 1/5 8. "Fairies Wear Boots" 2/5 This album was not for me. War Pigs and Paranoid are bangers though. Album: 2.75 - would listen again (first half mostly)

4-4.5

I have always been a fan of Black Sabbath, so this album was right at home. Have heard most of the songs before listening to the album.

- better than seeing them live (saw them live in Wacken and they are just too old for this) - still old man metal, not mine

Solid album, really like the instrumentals

One of the best listening experiences I've gotten from an album on this list so far. Can't even describe how amazing this sounded but all I can tell you is in immediately running this back as soon as I finish this review. This what metal sounds like at its absolute peak. 5 out of fucking 5 motherfucking stars.

Just classic and nice rock. Very nice and clean sound too. I'll pretend I understand good mixing, cause this seems to crystal clear too.

this album fucks !

A classic album and the apex of Black Sabbath. Nearly every song on this album can be heard on classic rock stations today. Tony Iommi’s signature guitar sound is fully realized, Bill Wards drumming, while fainter and set back further than a modern production would choose, complements the songs perfectly, and of course Ozzie’s vocals are why he’s a metal icon. While I’m not a Sabbath super fan or anything, I surprised myself with how much I was enjoying listening to this in the car.

Love it

Was actually really good, good background music, the songs all had the same sort of rythm/vibe but it was good, fav song was iron man

Absolutely a classic classic rock album, very nice all around and with plenty of individual heavy-hitters. Big fan of War Pigs already but Electric Funeral and others surprised me. Should've listened to the whole album sooner

Metal Rules!

Classic pizza party songs. Intensity personified.

Duh duh

Fire Paranoid is my favorite Honorable mentions: war pigs, iron man, planet caravan, electric funeral

Suprassumo do rock n roll. Me lembra muito vibes role com os parceiros no Bovary, puta saudade dessa vibe, pqp… Voz foda, guitarra da hora, bateria bem marcada Nossa senhora, feels quando passou pra musica 2, veio a adolescência jogando guitar hero na hora, pqp… Que que ta acontecendo na terceira música? Spotify ficou no aleatório do nada? Agora sim heueheue. Agora olhando essa musica com um olhar mais critico, da pra entender que ela parece ser bem simples, pelo menos antes do solo, uma musica perfeita pros merdao metaleiro sem ritmo gravar e colocar no youtube pra ser zoado, achando que tao abalando. Musica melhora no meio, mas tá naquele esquema do álbum começar foda e depois ficar normal No geral vibe muito foda do ROCK N ROLL GALERAAAAA. Quem não for do ROCK pode sair desse grupo já.

Ah lá, estrutura igualzinha ao IV lá do Led Zeppelin. Abre com duas clássicas do rock, pula uma e vem a terceira clássica. War Pigs classicona do Guitar Hero, começa daquele jeito um pouco arrastado, mas logo já fica daóra, entra nos vocais, riffs e solos clássicos e nas viradas fudidas de bateria. A letra também é excelente, crítica fudida. Paranoid é a melhorinha, nostalgia já vem na voadora pelos anos de Rock & Roll Racing. LET THE CARNAGE BEGIN! Baita riff. Planet Caravan não rolou pra mim. Achei chatona. Talvez com a droga certa faça sentido kkkk Iron Man também classicona. Será que os filmes da Marvel deram uma revigorada na popularidade dela na época, igual Stranger Things fez com Master of Puppets? Apesar de ser uma daquelas músicas que muitos já cansaram um pouco, de tanto que já tocou em tudo quanto é canto, não deixa de ser baita foda. Riffzão clássico. No meio da música, a mudança pra entrar no solo é muito animal, a música fica momentaneamente mais enérgica, daóra isso. Final mais agitado também pra encerrar. Electric Funeral tava me gerando estranheza no início, tava sentindo que iria enjoar quando vi a duração, mas aí na metade mudou completamente aí deu uma renovada. Mas definitivamente não se destaca no álbum. Hand of Doom tem uma estrutura meio doida, não me capturou muito não, mas tem uma parte ou outra que são daóra. Rat Salad é pros instrumentos meterem o loko, pro Ozzy ir tomar uma água enquanto o baterista destroça. Fairies Wear Boots eu até que curti, gostei do baixo, bem presente e melódico. Achei a vibe dessa música mais alinhada com as clássicas desse álbum. Fiquei em dúvida entre 4 ou 5 estrelas, mas acho que as clássicas são clássicas o suficiente pra segurar 5 estrelas. Apesar de não achar todas excelentes, a única que eu achei realmente ruim foi a Planet Caravan mesmo. Mas na minha opinião o álbum ainda segura 5 estrelas pela importância.

A classic. Every song is good.

Iconic

I hate admitting that this really is a banger because I think so much of the lyrics feel like they're forced into attempt to work with the music, but knowing how many drugs Ozzy was likely doing, you kinda have to let that go and just run with it.

A heavy metal classic.

All timer. It’s so easy to hear their sound influencing so much music ever since. Rating: 4.8

Mwah not my type of music. Very long songs. Nice solos though. Too metal for me

If you'd spent the past 10 years wearing flowers in your hair, dreaming about California on a winters day or picking up good vibrations then............ well, this would have come as a shock right? Testament to the impact and longevity is that (a) plenty of people born post '70 still have this as one of their top albums to this day and (b) the fact that "metal" / "hard rock" was pretty mainstream by the time I was growing up in the late 80's. 4.49 out of 5. Doesn't quite get to the magic 5 because it doesn't give me the "feels" but it gets pretty darn close.

As a lover of Black Sabbath, this has to be one of their most iconic album. It hits all the notes from the begining. Honestly all of the songs on this album are stand out tracks. I think War pigs, Paranoid and Iron man are my favourites though.

Heard before: Yes Favourites: War pigs, Planet caravan, electric funeral And back to the 5 star albums that I've already heard before. This was probably the easiest 5 star so far.

Brilliant album through and through

War pigs, etc Classic album

Classic

Very short but very enjoyable

This was cool. It's definitely a notable sound for 1970. I already knew I liked the popular stuff, but some of the deeper cuts were nice as well. Not my highest 4, but a 4. My favourite song was War Pigs.

Really thoughtful order of album. The songs were made to go after each other - really cohesive.

Good early metal album. A little over the top, a little juvenile, a little big trying to sound scary and important. Ozzy in fine form.

If hard rock/metal music is a spectrum, stuff like Anthrax is on the far left and this is about as far right as you can get. Izzy’s voice fits well, Iommi is a great riff writer. Lot of good and unique stuff on this. Album cover is hilariously ill-fitting of the tunes contained within.

This is one of the best albums ever made. Period, end of story. I'm a bit jealous of anyone who discovers this record through the 1001. I spent a summer listening to this album over and over...

Her kendte jeg flere af sangene på forhånd. Jeg var især vild med war pigs og paranoid. Men igen, jeg skal nok lytte til det album flere gange for at synes alle numrene er lige fede. Jeg mangler lige de tre sidste numre.

Meh

Great metal album, I took off a star because they’re British :(

Probably one of my favorite albums. Two absolute bangers, followed by a mellow comedown track, followed by probably one of Black Sabbath's most famous songs. Phenomenal

Hadn’t listened to this all the way through for quite some time but it’s just very good. While the three big singles are the main ones I remember, it’s really consistent front to back, all eight tracks hit perfectly

I can’t not think about Jack Black singing this

Fuckin' wow. There's a Jazz solo at the end of the album? Easy 5-star

Heavy metal classic

Rad album. Never listened to hand of doom before. The end was awesome with the dynamics. PUSH THE NEEDLE IN FACE THE SICKLY GRIN HOLES ARE IN YOUR SKIN

Never listened to this the whole way through but really enjoyed it. A big step forward from their first album released in the same year.

The heavy feel of the songs is something I always enjoy. Great listen

Not single bad song on the album. Incredible stuff.

Already loved it. Blues forward Heavy Metal. Drumming is amazing, thonky and groovy.

A real middle school album right here. One that's still awesome and not cringy. I sure had good taste

There's a bit of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, ugh Black Sabbath is the best. Fairies Wear Boots AWESOME. War Pigs and Paranoid, iconic as always. This is definitely one of my favourite albums ever - Black Sabbath, what an amazing band. The basis for most (if not all) heavy metal music today. 10/10

So hyper, insane yas rock

definitely is a classic but overrated well is not all this

How can this get anything but 5 stars?

I knew it would be good. But not this good!

War Pigs, Paranoid, and Iron Man are boys. The rest are a good vibe.

Solid. Great vibe. Not too much of anything. Some very surprising moments.

Rhyming masses with masses straight out the gate is something I would usually hate, but here it feels like such a power move. What a glorious album.

The apex of metal.

I liked paranoid. It is probably my favorite of all Black Sabbath albums out there. Warpigs as the first track really set off the mood for the album and its always a kickass track. Same with the title track. Both of them are great. Cant say the same about the rest of the album though. Kind of forgettable

this album art is so sick. First two tracks are two of the best heavy metal tracks ever. and then we get led into the sexy and seductive sounds of Planet Caravan...phenomenal. THEN IRON MAN TOO LOL. this album is STACKED.

CLASSIC

This album is pretty great, and is the first Sabbath album I became super familiar with. It's pretty dynamic throughout, though loses some steam in the last few songs for me. 3.5/5

Somehow I ignored Black Sabbath albums for most of my life, probably assuming it'd sound too "old" or something. However, this album is just very good. I really enjoyed it. 4/5

I’ve always been somewhat conflicted on Paranoid, especially after years of spinning it. I think the first side is ridiculously overplayed and I can go the rest of my life without hearing any of it, aside from “Iron Man”, which in the right moment still shakes me to my core. But side B? That’s as perfect as metal gets. The oversaturation makes the album feel overrated to me. Give me Master of Reality or the Dio stuff any day. But this is still as essential as you can get. A-, just missing the 5 star threshold

"Paranoid" by Black Sabbath is an undisputed masterpiece of heavy metal and rock music. Released in 1970, it's a landmark album that defined an entire genre and continues to inspire generations of musicians. Tracks like "War Pigs," "Iron Man," and the titular "Paranoid" are not only iconic but also the very foundations upon which heavy metal was built. The album's production, driven by Tony Iommi's crushing guitar riffs, Geezer Butler's thunderous bass, Bill Ward's powerful drumming, and Ozzy Osbourne's haunting vocals, set a new standard for heaviness. "Paranoid" is a flawless album, filled with unforgettable hooks, dark and introspective lyrics, and a raw, unfiltered energy. Its influence on the world of rock and metal music is immeasurable, making it a deserving recipient of a perfect 5/5 rating. This album remains an essential cornerstone of rock history and a must-listen for any music enthusiast.

Shiiit. What can I say? We’ve got MASSIVE timeless hits here that make up an amazing genre-defining album with political themes that are still relevant today. Incredible. Black Sabbath at their best.

Cat: excellent. Best Black Sabbath. Just enough rock to balance out just enough evil. AJ: 🤘🏻

Class, can't believe I haven't listened before

Kinda cool ig

Amazing Album that I can now see why helped kick-start one of my favourite genres. Standouts are: Paranoid, Planet Caravan, Hand of Doom, Fairies Wear Boots.

It was pretty good, I had never heard it

Jättebra skiva, inte deras bästa dock.

- It's a great album. Just front-to-back jams. - The title track might be the best metal song of all time? Maybe not. But when I'm listening to it, it feels like it is. - Jack the Stripper is underrated. - This coming out in 1970 is so bizarre to think about. I never think about how this is kind of a response to the counter-culture, but it really is: a burn-the-house-down fuck you to the Woodstock era of peace and love. I can't imagine how heavy this must have sounded when it was first released.

Amazing, 2 songs saved

First time hearing the album fullely. In my opinion the classics are still the biggest highlights of this project but the other songs have some really good Jazz licks wich dosen't really match with the rest of the album but still decent. War Pigs is a really good opener. Although the rest of the album is not as heavy as some of their other projects, it's still a good indicator of how the sound was developping at the time and shows how it's evolved to what the heavy metal sound is today.

Solid album with an amazing cover.

Back2back bangers

First two tracks are absolute bangers. All-timers. Track 3 coming in slower, calmer.

Phone, office, not first listen, not single sitting, FT: Planet Caravan

Like a greatest hits album but better

Dark and real. Just as relevant today as it was then

Awesome album to introduce someone to it. Clear sound for what it does, and it does plenty, not just fast noise.

Hmm. Some really cool guitar riffs, but the songs themselves lean more into the sounding all the same category. That guitar riff in “Iron Man” has elevated my love for School of Rock even more now, though. 3.5/5 Fav Songs: Paranoid, Planet Caravan, Iron Man (simply for that guitar riff) Least: The second half of the album if I’m being honest

Gewoon een ultiem goed album! Vette nummers en genrebepalend.

It's fucking banger after banger. Sure, the lyrics are a little silly; but this doom-driven morose metal music makes me so damn dancey and happy. How about that?

5 / 5 going into this one. Best album by one of the greatest metal bands to grace us with their presence. Has two of my favorites -- War Pigs and Fairies Wear Boots -- along with certified classics of the genre: Paranoid and Iron Man. --- War Pigs is such a jam. The drum breakdowns always get me. I'm also a sucker for anything that can span 8 minutes playtime and finish tight. Paranoid is pure energy. One of those songs that just sprints out of the gate and never loses steam. Then there is Planet Caravan, which pulls the rug out into a tripped out psychedelic journey. Ozzy's vocals are buried in effects that make him sound as though he's speaking to us through liquid rainbows while a bass line wanders along with some bongos. Doesn't really go anywhere, but I appreciate the song no less. Iron Man pulls us back out of the stupor that is Planet Caravan by smacking us in the face with one of the nastiest riffs known to man. Song is fire end to end. Lyrics are wild, drums slay, and of course the frets are on fire. There are some songs that you regret defining a band; this is not the case. I love Electric Funeral. Epitome of doom metal. Love the sludginess and how midway through it just breaks apart into what is effectively a jazz-rock interlude. Rat Salad is a short and sweet little instrumental. I'll never be disappointed when a band gives room for the man to hit the cans well. This also sets the stage for Jack the Stripper / Fairies Wear Boots, which is a great outro to an already great album. So much bass to sink your teeth into, and love the way that the song keeps you guessing during the intro and separating sections. Once again, this is more jazz than metal.

This album really starts out with the bangers that are associated with Black Sabbath. Great early heavy metal, no real low points in this one. Lots of highs. I'm sure lots of people will give this one a 5, but it's a 4 for me!

Maybe one of the most iconic albums in history. I can't believe they made this whole album in 3 days and the title song Paranoid only took them like 45 minutes. War pigs is such an epic song to lead it off. Iron man probably had one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time. Ferries wear Boots is such an underrated song and absolutely hilarious song name. I've listened to this album so many times that it is impossible to give it anything else but a 5

That was pretty good!

This is what I think of when I think of 70s rock. War Pigs and Paranoid are soo good.

Ok Ozzy you get points for "Paranoid."

This album is a lot better than their first one. It has great songs like War Pigs and Planet Caravan, but it also has the atrocity that is Iron Man. Not a big fan of the titel track either. Favorite song: war pigs

ozzy <3

Great album with a lot of their biggest and best hits. Not a bad track on the album, and if flows together very cohesively.

Sympa y'a des gros classiques dessus.

A classic.

Pretty cool !

Very very good, but it felt like every song followed the exact same template and Ozzy's voice isn't exactly one of my favorites. Everything else was solid.

Amazing album, start to finish

Too dark but the guitar work is amazing.

3.5

Planet Caravan is stunning, nearly lost my mind with everything else.

A classic.

This was loads better than I expected. But then my expectations were extremely low. As a start point for the Project, a very positive one.

I appreciate this album for what I imagine it did for music. It encouraged the moody boys the crank up the distortion and to tighten those drums and hit a little bit harder. It can be seen as the mutated species that decides to step onto land for the first time and into the new world outside and spawned everything after, for better or for worse. Ozzy was a maverick. This album has some wicked guitar work and his voice shines as the premier attraction. War pigs is an exceptional song.

tremendo album. canciones favoritas: war pigs, paranoid, iron man, planet caravan, electric funeral. 10/10

overall rating: 8.5/10 favourite song: fairies wear boots ( 8.5/10 ) runner up favourite: paranoid ( 8.5/10 ) least favourite: planet caravan ( 5/10 ) album cover: 9/10 vocals: 8/10 instrumentals: 8.5/10 would i recommend ? : YES other: i have heard a few songs from this album before. i think the creator of this website really like black sabbath.

clássico por um lado nostálgico por lembrar das jogatinas de rune da infancia, muito bom o som, grande referencia

partly clouded by the records fixation with the vietnam war, while i felt paranoid planet caravan rat salad and jack the stripper all carried the energy. i understand this was released in the 70’s but this is an opinion journal not a critical review so i get to say i don’t especially care for the vietnam war as a topic of mainstream art and rock

Not for me

This was my first time listening to an entire Black Sabbath album, and Paranoid was fantastic. The songs all manage to stand alone on their own, but they all feel cohesive with the rest of the songs on the album. I really enjoyed that there was such a diversity of sounds on this album; not everything had the tempo of the title track, but not every song had the slow heaviness of "Iron Man" either. Black Sabbath really earns their place as founders and pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock. Instrumentally, the guitars take center stage, but the drumming is tight and compliments the guitars perfectly. Hell, I think Ozzy sounds great on this album too, and I know he's not known as a great vocalist. "War Pigs" is far and away the best track on the album in my opinion. With its great guitar parts and politically charged lyrics, it's the perfect opening track for this album, and does a great job of establishing the tone. I've never been into Black Sabbath very much, so I was shocked at how much I enjoyed this album.

Hard to listen to this album without thinking of the cartoon character Ozzy became later in life, but this is still pretty great.

I liked it.

Pinnacle metal. If this doesn't get you into the genre, nothing will.

Iconic album. Heavily stylised and dark; somehow leans more towards aesthetic than substance, which isn’t always a bad thing. It basically became a prototype for a whole new sound which is an undeniably incredible achievement!

Masterpiece From the gigantic riffs of Tony Iommi to the iconic vocals from Ozzy, the album keeps you engaged throughout and craving more upon finishing. Genius song crafting. Incredible to think it was released 50+ years ago.

Best thing to come from Brum (other than Brum).

For some reason I had it in my head I wasn't keen on this album. Completely wrong. Will be a regular now. I love the heavy stuff but Planet Caravan is a revelation.

70s hard rock

War pigs brilliant opening track, 🔥🔥

100% a classic. This is a total fucking banger.

Great

Didn't know what to expect going in. The music was really good, and the lyrics were very political and hard-hitting. Not something I would usually listen to, but it really gave an epic soundtrack to my daily life.

Fucking amazing album, been a fav of mine my whole life

Really good

Knew about Black Sabbath and this album beforehand, so going into this, i already knew it's gonna be a good time. Easy 5 star for me. Just love the sound of this whole album.

I never knew how much I enjoyed black sabbath before this!

Super cool

War Pigs is elite. The rest kind of lost me a little

Great album

nahhh this was so underwhelming

3.6 good, black sabbath is probably my favourite metal band faves: planet caravan, war pigs

pretty good

I could take or leave Ozzy, but this is great album.

Actually perfect. Love this album so much!!!

10/10

It is a 5, it is one of the best albums ever from a more objective perspective, it’s just out of my comfort zone. I think I was born 20 years too late for it, I loved the guitar, the riffs were legendary but it just didn’t have enough lyricism for me. That being said, I did enjoy it and if I listened to it enough it’ll grow into the 5 it should be.

Dark and ominous, heavy as a hammer. This is the best Black Sabbath album, hands down, with several of the band's best songs. Sabbath somehow managed to create an entirely unique musical language that no one has truly touched, even as dozens of bands have tried to lift their sound over the years. This isn't just music, it's a world building and genre defining sound that has not lost one bit of its haunting power over time. The dark musical soundscapes of Tony Iomi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler... the pleading, searing vocals of Ozzy Osbourne... the surprising lyrical depth, touching on themes like war, drugs and mental illness. This is a total package of a band playing at the height of their powers and the album is simply perfect. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Paranoid, Iron Man, War Pigs/Luke's Wall, Fairies Wear Boots, Electric Funeral, Hand of Doom, Rat Salad, Planet Caravan

this album is iconic for a reason. although i went into this album with expectations to not like it (im not much of a rock fan, although i do like queen) this album impressed me. it didnt fail to catch my attention, something i struggle with upkeeping while listening to albums. the electric guitar was really good in this album. it went from being loud and harsh to soft and mellow throughout the project. an example of this is the contrast between the guitars of ''Paranoid'' and ''Planet Caravan.'' The vocals of the singer were also pretty good. I will do some more research on the band itself, as i am now interested in exploring their discography. My fav tracks are Planet caravan, electric funeral and war pigs. im glad that im starting to open up to some more genres than just hip hop in an enjoyable way. this album is a 9/10

All time classic, a little over-played but for good reason

Didn’t hate it.

This is the kind of metal that makes me understand why my metal friends like the genre.

Everyone growing up in the 70s knows Black Sabbath. War Pigs and Ironman were Hugh hits and staples at most high school parties. Good to reminisce while listening to this album.

Highlights: Paranoid, War Pigs Leave Em's: Rat Salad Overall Thoughts: Hard rock executed really well. The album doesn't stretch out for too long and contains some absolute gems in its forty minutes. The group demonstrates their musical prowess with long rifts between lyrics and verses which is unique. This album makes me want to drive in a loud and fast classic muscle car which is an aesthetic that has always appealed to me. Black Sabbath like most of this project is before my time but I imagine they would have been one of my favorites if I grew up in the 1970's. Score Breakdown: 4.125 & 5 -> 4.563

This is the first time I’ve heard Black Sabbath outside their singles, and it’s great. So much better than I ever gave credit for - I thought they’d be the ‘Ozzy Show’, but they’re so much more than that. I used to be obsessed with Stoner rock / sludge / doom when I was a teen, and I could never understand why Black Sabbath were always cited as a key influence on those genres. I get it now. Tony Iommi has a way bigger legacy than his peers. I remember watching a documentary on him when I was a kid and that very distinctive guitar sound he has is because he lost the tips of his fingers working in a factory, and has metal tips. Must’ve been a right bastard to have that happen to you; but it worked a treat. Not half as cliche as I expected, and so much more than the singer. In fact his role is minimal. The whole record almost sounds like it was created in a 70s Birmingham factory. 4.5

Full of tunes, production is brilliant, captures a 'live' sound perfectly. Flew by. Wouldn't really consider myself a black Sabbath fan but that's two five star albums now so guess I am.

Planet Caravan and Paranoid are great. I initially was hesitant to listen to this album, however it was a very fun ride. Never boring, sometimes daft, but quite well-made with a great overall sound.

Don't think I had listened to a whole Black Sabbath album before but I really enjoyed this. I'm not sure that I like Ozzy's voice that much but the instrumentation is amazing. First half has the better tracks but overall a good album. Highlights: War Pigs Paranoid Iron Man

Much more familiar with this album, than the previous vol 4 album we had. I do think it's quite good, but some of the lyrics are laughably basic. Particularly in iron man. Cool guitar, cool drums, often questionable lyrics and voice. Maybe I'm missing something and it's meant to be. War pigs is a great track though. Paranoid is good too. Not really my thing overall. 3.5 but closer to 3

Classic. First two tracks are belters, worth 5 stars alone

No notes. Perfect.

Not what I was expecting. Far more experimental and moody. Really interesting listen, given my preconceptions.

I had forgotten just what an AMAZING album this is, its a 5 star from me. Just so tight, bluesy and every moment of the music feels right. Paranoid the song has a special place in my heart, having listened to it just SO many times when my brothers teenage bad Phantazyz would perform it. Thinking back to Steve Ellis aged 14 singing 'Finished with my woman cos she wouldn't help me with my life' is genuinely hilarious to think back on. I didn't think much of it at the time, but honestly I wonder what the adults though at the various gigs they played. Very sweet though. I loved this album, I couldn't help but swing my head whilst listening to it

Chole's right this is an absolute banger.

The doom, the riffs, the distorted vocals <3

Imagine releasing a genre defining debut album and half a year later think: “Nah, we can do one better.” Paranoid is perfection from start to finish and you can still hear its concepts flowing through the genre to this day.

Magnificent. Full of chips. Even the drum solo doesn't detract from the greatness of this album. Loved it.

Solid

Toh, 5 stelle sulla fiducia. War Pigs, Paranoid, Iron Man! di cosa stiamo parlando?!

easily …. EASILY one of the greatest compositions of all time. not only cohesive as an album, with every track being absolutely killer and complimenting the next, but being so memorable in its writing and so extremely influential. this album paved the way for so many bands. every single note is is absolutely iconic. ozzy’s distinct timbre, tony’s unique riffage, and that goddamn bass that throbs like a fat fucking cock. fucking amazing and if you rate it anything less than five you’re so fucking unbelievably dumb.

Grandfathers of metal in full glory. It's not an album I would listen to, even occasionally, but I guess it has to be appreciated for taking a new direction in music, and all of that in 1970. Easily the place in history books is booked. Also, "Paranoid" main riff will be forever used by all 12 year old metalheads when they will first try the electric guitar (not that it's a bad thing).

7/10 pretty cool, a few good songs but nothing really special

Dedicating this 4 star rating to Nolan. Ty Nolan

I mean how can you not give this a 4. The first two songs alone are enough to give a 4. It doesn’t have a 5 bc honestly i don’t love it front to back. but there’s enough meta here for get a 4

If anything this tells us that a man can be turned to steel by a great magnetic field, which makes him iron.

IM POPEYE THE IRON DOOOOOOM MASK MAN

Some of the greatest heavy metal ever in my opinion.war pigs-electric funeral is one of the strongest runs on an album ever.Sure the last three tracks aren’t absolute bangers but they’re still good.Tony’s riffs are so heavy and memorable and Ozzy’s vocals are so harrowing.Just an amazing album.Makes sense it influenced so many musicians after its release.

Cool album very good excellent I likey

This was my first exposure to Black Sabbath's music and it definitely wasn't what I expected. I can see now why Ozzy is such a huge star - his vocals are unlike anything else I've ever heard!

When heavy rock was a groovy thing..

if I don't rate it a 5/5, Ozzy Osbourne will hunt me in my sleep. am I being paranoid?

Can't believe I needed to wait 80 albums for some good, proper metal

Out of all albums that I love this is one of the most pesimistic when it comes to lyrics. Great, dynamic, atmospheric music with hypnotizing Ozzy's vocals make perfect match. Depressing lyrics make this whole experience hit different. One moment You want to jump to great riff, couple of seconds later you are dragged to the bottom with apocaliptic visions. One of my favourites. 6/5

Wow, I could've sworn I'm not familiar with this music, but I know almost every track. Every one is a massive hit!

I am not a huge fan of hard rock and many of the themes in more prog-hard rock such as Black Sabbath displayed a bit here. This is a great album though and absolutely must be heard, even if you don't like heavy rock sounds. Planet Caravan's placement has always bothered me though. Feels like the sequencing slows down a bit too much going into "Iron Man," though that could be intentional.

Often seen as one of the greatest metal albums of all-time, and I'd be hard-pressed to argue. Often seen as their best album (though not personally my favourite), I can't deny it holds some of the greatest, simplest, heaviest rock riffs of all-time. Side A alone has "War Pigs", "Paranoid" and "Iron Man". I needn't say more.

Love it. Only song which was not top notch was Electric Funeral.

The definition of the most distinguished subgenres of rock music named Heavy Metal, particularly "dark-gloomy-sounding" side. Fav Track: Iron Man

Wow. This would be a gut punch of a record but it's got too much artistic finesse. Black Sabbath have long been in a metal box that I haven't opened. What a listening experience this was. The riffs are big, roaring and relentless but also varied. This isn't just heavy for the sake of it. Planet Caravan is the best example here - an unexpected ambient prog rock interlude - those sort of shifts appear in shorter sequences across the record. Ozzy's vocals adds here too, they're tough but also sort of soft, reminded me of a screamier Jagger or Plant. Big. Very big. That this came out in 1970 makes it even more monumental.

This rocks. Pure and simple. That damn bass line travels through multiple zip codes!

I was really entertained by this all time classic metal album, got a few absolute bangers. Although it's a bit lacking, so not an outright 5 for me, but looking at this list, I feel like I have to be benevolent in my "close to a 5" ratings and just hand those 5s out.

4.5

What can I say about this album that hasn’t been said before? A pillar in which metal music was built on. To this day, Planet Caravan is one of the greatest songs I’ve listened to and still part of my funeral playlist.

Hail satan, listen to Sabbath! The riffs are revolutionary and the rock is unquestionably badass.

I knew I wasn't a fan and I'm still not convinced to become one.

Nice album, probably my favorite Black sabbath album

Black Sabbath keeps surprising me with listenable music

Surprisingly enjoyable!

Timeless metal. Remains in the zeitgeist for good reason

Amazing. This rocked.

Big fan.

Easiest 5 so far. Prime Sabbath

one of my all time favorite albums

boring

This is one of those albums that is so good it stuns me into silence, and it's a struggle to think of anything to write. How can I do it justice with my commentary? Well, here goes. Mass destruction, mass death, and mass brainwashing are the order of the day. Mix mechanized slavery and the Bomb into this, and you have a recipe for mass drug use to numb ourselves from the bleak reality of this dystopia we're all living in. I mean, what's worth living for anymore? That's the societal commentary here. But you know what? That music! So beautiful and calming. Let it sweep your paranoia and sadness away. "Our tragedy today is a general and universal physical fear so long sustained by now that we can even bear it. There are no longer problems of the spirit. There is only the question: When will I be blown up?" --William Faulkner, 1950

Epic

Not as heavy as expected, definitely rambly

I ALREADY RATED THIS YOU IDIOTS

Genius, 5 stars, no notes.

Signature songs, riffs galore and great vocals. A classic.

Fantastic album and has aged really well. Heard Planet Caravan for the first time around 10 years ago and opened up new world of music to me. Returning for the full album has not disappointed - there's a great variety here and every instrument has an opportunity to shine, e.g. the drum fills on Fairies Wear Boots. The driving riff on Electric Funeral might be my favourite but it's tough to call.

I'm like a 3.6 so I guess I'll round up

Incredible riffs in every song, very catchy, I find it so easy to listen to

Black Sabbath! Their first four albums are all straight bangers with no bad songs. This one probably has the most recognizable ones though.

This was a surprise 5. I knew I liked early Sabbath, but listening to this front to back and giving it a critical ear, I found I was head-bobbing and foot-tapping more than I expected. It barely squeaks into 5-star territory, but overall I think it makes it. A really solid record with a lot of great tunes, plus it's historically important.

Great album, classic, again, genre doesn't do much for me, but can't deny that it is a fantastic album.

The perfect metal album.

A classic.

Like a greatest hits. Much more to it than Vol. 4

Estabeleceu um momento crucial da História, a era do Metal. A habilidade do quarteto para extrair, fundir e moldar os sons transformou o rock continuamente e para sempre. Uma força brutal que transformou o sofrimento em arte da contestação.

I arrived surprisingly late to the party on this album. I don't really know why I missed it so entirely in my teens when I was really into what we now call classic rock. My hunch is I had a negative association in my mind between the band and some people I knew back then, or that I mistakenly assumed the band played hardcore doom metal or something like that because of the name and Ozzy's public image. But, hey, better late than never and I'm glad that a few years ago I listened to this album and still absolutely love it. So many great tracks on this record, and this band is full of genuinely superb musicians. And I honestly could listen to an hour-long version of 'Planet Caravan'. Tony Iommi's guitar work on that song is stunning.

Songs are either too meandering or overplayed to me or both. It oftentimes seems like I'm listening in on the band being in the process of creating new songs and testing sounds, but there is just no structure to entire or part of most songs. Ozzy's wailing has always been devicive but here I could do without it. I'd much rather listen to the self-titled debut over this one.

Classic

Few top songs. Not my favorite band but much better than others 4s. Need to check all albums.

I’m not sure whether I’ve had an undetected lobotomy recently, or I’m in an episode of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but whilst I could not stand the first Black Sabbath album, this one has had a weird effect on me. I still don’t particularly like Ozzy Osbourne’s voice, but it did not sound as hateful to me on this album as the first. This album actually sounded like music, with hooks and melodies and all. I think I’m in shock. This is actually a good listen.

As I mentioned in the first Sabbath review (I assume you all remember that?), there was always something inhibiting me from liking this band as much as I thought I was supposed to, being a rock and roll guy and everything. That first album did indeed change my perspective on the musical abilities of the players, and Bill Ward on drums in particular, and I scored it a 4 because I really did gain an appreciation for what these guys were able to build right out of the gate. So... Paranoid. Classic album. Lots of fabled songs on the playlist. And... I didn't love it. Hearing the patterns in the vocals following the guitar lines on various songs got to be less than inspiring. And somehow, it always sounds to me that the band is just learning how to play. There's no doubt they possess an insidious ability to craft riffs and melody lines (again, often one and the same) that stick, but the execution is on the verge of amateur. It's like they play below their abilities on purpose. Whatever it is, I don't love it. But "War Pigs" does stand as an all-time classic, and Bill Ward's drums really are damn good. So, a 3 for this one. I'm just so caught in the middle with this band.

Yeah, man, great stuff. So why only 4 stars? Dunno really. There's something a little ridiculous about this one, which is also part of it charm, but is also a little much. It's hard to argue against an album as influential as this one, brimming with all-time classics like War Pigs, Paranoid, and Iron Man. Though at the same time, the lyrics annoy me on this one in a way that they don't on their first album. I still love Hand of Doom and Faeries Wear Boots, though.

Definitely the best Black Sabbath album.

Great another UK rock group. Kidding! I don't remember what my birthday album was last year, but this is a pretty great one for this year. Paranoid is an excellent album with some of Sabbath's best on it. War Pigs/Lukes Wall, Paranoid, and Iron Man are all stone cold classics. Generals gather in their masses, just like witches at black masses...what an opening lyric. Listening to this today, and on my bday, I'm falling more in love with this album. Especially the songs I didn't know as well like Hand of Doom and Planet Caravan. While I would still put their debut above this, it’s nipping at its heels.

It's feels like it's been ages since I opened this website and breathed a triumphant sigh of relief. It feels longer than it's actually been, due to so many non-essential duds lately, but not today! This is our third from Sabbath, and not too far after their Vol. 4 that we had, but this is the one Sabbath album that I knew prior to doing this project. Only eight tracks on this album, and the first four are just unbelievable. An insane run, I had to look up the opening run on Nirvana's Nevermind, I know that is a great one too. That's three tracks, this one wins on volume alone, but also variety. Side B doesn't stand a chance against Side A, but there are still some great songs there too. I think I might slightly prefer the debut overall (which I'm shocked to be saying), but this album is exceptional and proves that Black Sabbath is the real deal. GOATED. Not only do I have it on vinyl, I had a second copy and gave it to Alex. Happy birthday with this one, what timing! Favorite tracks: War Pigs, Iron Man, Planet Caravan, Paranoid, Electric Funeral, Hand of Doom, Rat Salad. Album art: Not as scary as the debut, but still kind of terrifying right? Is this one guy or three guys? Some wacked out knight in attack mode, coming at you through a forest of infinite darkness. I love the color contrast. Fun story: one time in college I got high and listened to "Planet Caravan" while watching the iTunes visualizer, and I bore witness to the progression of life in the universe and on earth, up to and including these sword-swinging infantrymen. Core memory. 5/5

This is what you could call the definitive metal album. Certainly the first side of the records is an abundance of classics with a lot of variation in the songs.

This made me angry in all the right ways

The back half of this is really weak compared to the front half. But it doesn't matter. It's metal being born.

8th May 2023 Listened during the morning on Bank Holiday Monday. Rec with Js and boys and back to theirs for tea. Jen with peanuts. Pizza and taskmaster in bed. Love this - relentless pounding and energy, Ozzy's dark wail's soaring over all of it.

Mid

I often wonder what it must have been like to hear an album that is so unlike what has gone before. I'd love to go back to 1970 and see

Black Sabbath have always been a band that I can appreciate for being revolutionary at the time, arguably inventing heavy metal, but they’ve never been a band that really clicked for me personally. Still, I’ve never heard an album in full so let’s see if my mind can be changed today. Songs I already knew: War Pigs, Paranoid, Iron Man Favourites: Paranoid Unfortunately, listening to this album confirmed what I expected. Most of the songs weren’t bad by any means, but also weren’t that good. I will say something that I suspect might be controversial, but I think Iron Man is a bad song, and easily the worst song on this album. I can’t wrap around why that song is so loved, especially when every other song on this album is significantly better. That’s just me though, feel free to disagree!

Memorable riffs for days form a potent rebuttal to the flower children, direct from England’s industrial wastes. While this LP misses some of the tenderness that would come with later records, it’s a cohesive and thrilling statement by an incredibly young band.

отличный альбом мне не хватило плотности звука местами, хотелось больше и жирнее в остальном -- супер

можно я скажу, что классика и просто пойду дальше?)

Единственное соприкосновение с хэви-металом в юности, которое мне действительно понравилось. Не знаю почему: то ли из-за вокала Оззи, то ли из-за цепляющихся рифов. Здесь нет какой-то гонки, которая присуще иногда металлу. Здесь есть что-то своё, что даёт тебе атмосферность, а не съедает твои уши смесью гитарного перегруза и скрима. Короче это можно спокойно слушать, не боясь за свою психику. В целом, как будто я к Металике отзыв написал. Но Ульрих реально сосёт на барабанах.

I was never really a fan of Black Sabbath but you gotta appreciate this awesomeness

🤟🤟🤟🤟

Listened Before? Y What can I say about this one that hasn't already been said? It's probably one of the most classic hard rock/metal albums of all time. It's front-to-back good songs and it's simple. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Iron Man

The track listing is clearly, in part at leas, the inspiration behind some of Spinal Tap - hilarious in places. I'd never really listened to most of this before - beyond the obvious track - and it was a fun listen on the whole. I liked it more than the easy Deep Purple I had a little while back and it seemed a bit more straight down the line. Perhaps it's the organ on Deep Purple stuff? An enjoyable listen. Yes, there's a drum solo but it's not quite as obnoxious. Might have scored a five without it though.

4,5

Less great than 1 and 4, but side A is stacked.

Three great classics, but the rest is good too. Hard to believe this album is so old! Barely out of the sixties!

Excellent

Perfect!!!!!

Slight dip in the middle but very very good album

Satan laughing spreads his wings.

LP

brilliant album, not much of a metal person, but this is fantastic

I had never heard this album entirely, but I'm glad I finally did. It didn't really fit my image of heavy metal as I felt a lot of blues/rock in it (which is probably why I liked it so much). Awesome guitar riffs.

Fun!

Between songs like the title track and Iron Man, one could easily think this is a milestone of a classic album. This is further supported by the absence of duds, as well as a fairly mild aging effect (plus, let’s face it, although the album is considered “metal” it’s nothing like what passes for metal these days). I Therefore argue one is absolutely right.

So much for a sopohmore slump! This album should come with a warning that you may end up with a fucked up neck from all the headbanging. The first track just blows the doors off and even manages to rhyme "masses" with "masses" and then the album continues to bludgeon you from then on. Riffs for days, weird lyrics and Ozzy's awesome vocal. I love this album. Best Tracks: War Pigs; Iron Man; Fairies Wear Boots

4/10. Not a classic.

A classic

I really really dig it

5ish, but not quite.

Classic

A great album that is such an inspiration. While I wouldn’t give it a 10, a good 9 for me goes here, it just does so much musically and personally

Discazo de rock de los grandes pioneros del heavy metal. Excelentes temas, voz inconfundible y riffs de guitarra poderosos y con un estilo muy definido.

It’s fucking Sabbath

Absolute classic. I love Sabbath so much.

One of my favorite Black Sabbath albums.

Rich album. Worthy.

absolute classic, hard to argue.

bad

Oh hell yes!! This is 5 stars before I even spin the record today! What an excellent album to get on a Friday. High energy to bring me into the weekend!! I am very familiar with this record! I've listened to it many times before, and can't wait to listen again. This is another of those rare "perfection on tape" albums where literally every track is stellar!! First off, what an amazing band lineup! Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward!! Ozzy's voice was so unique, and at this time was so strong! The band is one of the few accredited with starting the heavy metal genre. These bands used an almost shock rock approach to their sets by having religious imagery on stage while they played what was called "heavy satanic music". Sabbath was known to burn crosses on stage as part of their shtick, plus they dressed in dark colors. All this hype thrust them into the forefront of music that rebelling teenagers gravitated to. Sabbath's sound was also heavier, spookier, and commonly featured the "tri-tone" guitar note, commonly referred to as the "Devils note". Of course, all of these allegations of satanic worship etc were completely unfounded, it was all just an act, and man the things that this started is insane. I absolutely adore this album, and this band! Just a perfect album cover to cover! I was so happy to see this come up today! I will 100% be listening to this album many more times! Favourite songs: Iron Man, War Pigs, Paranoid, Fairies Wear Boots, Electric Funeral, Hand of Doom Least favourite song: if forced to pick, Planet Caravan 5/5

Pioneers of heavy metal and still arguably the GOAT of the genre. This album contains four of Black Sabbath's most iconic tracks (War Pigs, Paranoid, Iron Man, and Faries Wear Boots), which make up half of the album. The other half of the record accompanies those classics perfectly. Rating: 5/5 Playlist track: Paranoid Date listened: 24/03/23

Haters gonna hate but Sabbath slaps. Is it dated? Yes. Does it matter? No. It slaps front to back.

Has some nice tunes but they are buried under layers of the same shit

decent for boomer rock space caravan is a nice track ive listened to it for a few years

This album is an easy 5 for me. You can hear the influence on so many bands and artists. The band show their a great metal band yet also show their versatility, like on “planet caravan”. The whole band is great, but I think Bill Ward is the MVP on this album. Metal has changed in so many ways since this album, but there’s a reason it’s still regarded as one of the greats.

GENERALS GATHERED IN THEIR MASSEEEEEEES JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIIIIIIIIIS This album is flawless. Every song bangs, every idea works, no second is wasted. Here's a fun one for the zoomers in the audience: Notice how the song "Rat Salad" sounds like the "Among Us Drip" song. People who know what I'm talking about are now crying into their pillows.

10/10 - Brilliant album, undeniable classic

Classic and great album. Inspiration for many rock & metal songs to come and lots of songs I love. 9/10

Hard to go wrong with some of the most iconic songs in music.

The good songs are masterpieces. The rest I can live without.

Amazing album! 5/5

A true metal masterpiece that laid the groundwork for future bands in the genre. So many of its themes still ring true 50 years later.

Eh

Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiet I love Black Sabbath. War Pigs, Paranoid, Iron Man, Electric Funeral, Fairies Wear Boots, what else do I have to say? Also Hand of Doom is up there with Another One Bites The Dust for some of the best bass lines ever.

Killer album with fantastic everything... vocals, percussion, and guitars all come in so crisp. This album has some of their biggest hits of course and it's such a quick and easy list. Easy five stars. 9/10.

First 5-star review. Brilliant. It starts of great and you’re waiting for the quality to take a dip but it just keeps on going, track after track, of awesomeness. Will definitely listen to again.

Oh, to have been a kid in the '70s, listening to this album for the first time. Pioneering an entire genre is no easy feat, but Black Sabbath made it seem like a piece of cake. Admittedly though, it's not my slice of cake (or cup of tea, but let's keep with the cake references). There's no denying the talent and innovation that went into creating this. The spark that it ignited on a bunch of kids who found music that was different, that resonated with them. The influence that it left on music. All cool stuff, but it's not entirely my thing. I like my rock music to have a bit more rhythm, melody, and variety. But kudos boys! Standouts are Paranoid, Fairies Wear Boots, and Electric Funeral.

Jackson Pollock Ideas: Now Black Sabbath I can get into. This is so much better than other bullshit heavy stuff. Planet Caravan has me feeling some type of way. I'm loving the variation, it doesn't feel like I'm getting punched in the face over and over again. I'm ready for Iron Man to be punchy now. Boomfa left hook. Ok it was good for a metal, but definitely not enough for a 5. Also need to listen again for fav and least fav tracks, good sign that I didn't hate any tracks. Favourite Tracks: Planet Caravan Least Favourite Tracks: Overall: Thought it was pretty good maybe like a 7.5 on first listen, really good for a metal as I'm no fan. Had more respite from the heavy instruments then some current stuff I have heard. Still can't say I loved the heavy moments. Had some very cool instrumental moments, and the lyrical content sounded passionate. I feel like this rating could vary a lot with further listens. But its a low 4/5. (~7.5)

I enjoyed this!

3rd time listening.

ok this album rules!

Great jazz Influence. Great album to strip to

Once again an all time classic just not really my thing

I listened to this album nonstop on vinyl as a kid. Nostalgic, perfection. 5 star

Absolute peak, band has such good energy. Not a single miss on this album and every single riff is absolutely legendary 4.8/5

Iron Man was the first Sabbath song I heard and 30+ years later it's still their best song. Does it need Planet Caravan or Rat Salad? Who cares when the rest of it's so bloody good.

Expected to like this more :\

Classic

No brainer

Zo veel invloed gehad. Planet Caravan is mijn favoriet.

Good, old fashioned hard rock! But it doesent quite carry the earwormy melodies of similar bands of its era.

Slay