Black Sabbath is an English rock band that formed in Birmingham in 1968. The band is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of heavy metal music, with their dark and heavy sound influencing countless bands that followed.
The band’s original lineup included Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass, and Bill Ward on drums. Their early albums, such as “Black Sabbath” and “Paranoid”, are considered classics of the genre, featuring a mix of crushing guitar riffs, thundering drums, and haunting vocals.
Black Sabbath’s music often dealt with dark themes, including death, war, and the occult. Their music was also characterized by its use of unconventional time signatures, intricate guitar work, and extended instrumental passages.
Over the years, Black Sabbath experienced several lineup changes, with Ozzy Osbourne leaving the band in 1979 and being replaced by Ronnie James Dio, among others. The band continued to release albums and tour throughout the decades, cementing their status as one of the most influential and enduring bands in rock music.
Overall, Black Sabbath’s impact on heavy metal and rock music cannot be overstated. Their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans, and their legacy as innovators and pioneers of the genre is secure.
1. “Iron Man”
“Iron Man” is a classic song by Black Sabbath, featured on their 1970 album “Paranoid”. The song features a distinctive, heavy guitar riff and powerful vocals from Ozzy Osbourne. The lyrics tell the story of a man who travels through time to the future and sees the end of the world, before being turned into a metal monster known as “Iron Man”. The song is characterized by its dark and heavy sound, and has become a classic of the heavy metal genre. “Iron Man” remains a favorite of fans of Black Sabbath and heavy music, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
2. “War Pigs”
“War Pigs” by Black Sabbath is a heavy metal classic that has become an iconic protest song against war and corruption. The track features a thunderous and ominous guitar riff, backed by a pounding rhythm section and Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals. The lyrics are filled with vivid and evocative images of warfare, political hypocrisy, and the devastating effects of war on human life. “War Pigs” is a standout track on Black Sabbath’s album “Paranoid”, and remains a beloved classic of the heavy metal and hard rock genres, and a testament to the band’s enduring legacy as pioneers of heavy metal music.
3. “Supernaut”
“Supernaut” is a song by Black Sabbath, featured on their 1972 album “Vol. 4”. The song is a hard-driving rocker with a powerful groove and memorable guitar riffs. The lyrics are cryptic and surreal, with singer Ozzy Osbourne delivering lines about a range of strange and fantastical scenarios. The instrumental sections of the song are marked by Tony Iommi’s searing guitar solos and Bill Ward’s thunderous drumming. “Supernaut” has become a fan favorite and a classic example of Black Sabbath’s unique and influential approach to heavy metal music.
4. “Symptom of the Universe”
“Symptom of the Universe” is a song by Black Sabbath, featured on their 1975 album “Sabotage”. The song features a powerful riff and driving rhythm section, with Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals soaring over the top. The lyrics deal with themes of personal turmoil and societal decay, with Osbourne singing about the challenges of modern life. The instrumental sections of the song are marked by Tony Iommi’s virtuosic guitar work, which incorporates elements of both heavy metal and progressive rock. “Symptom of the Universe” is a classic example of Black Sabbath’s unique and influential approach to heavy music, and remains a favorite of fans of the genre.
5. “Black Sabbath”
“Black Sabbath” is a haunting and groundbreaking track by British rock band Black Sabbath, released in 1970 as part of their self-titled debut album. The song features the band’s eerie and atmospheric sound, with Tony Iommi’s slow and ominous guitar riff setting the tone for Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals. The track’s dark and sinister lyrics and its use of horror movie imagery created a new subgenre of rock music known as “doom metal”, influencing countless bands and artists over the years. “Black Sabbath” is a classic of heavy metal and a testament to the band’s musical innovation and artistic vision, making it a fan favorite and a cultural touchstone.
6. “Fairies Wear Boots”
“Fairies Wear Boots” is a song by Black Sabbath, featured on their 1970 album “Paranoid”. The song features a heavy, blues-inspired riff and powerful vocals from Ozzy Osbourne. The lyrics tell the story of an encounter with some menacing “fairies” who turn out to be violent and dangerous. The song showcases the band’s trademark sound, with Tony Iommi’s guitar work providing the backbone of the song’s heavy and ominous atmosphere. “Fairies Wear Boots” has become a classic of the heavy metal genre, and remains a favorite of fans of Black Sabbath and heavy music in general.
7. “Paranoid“
“Paranoid” by Black Sabbath is a heavy metal classic that has become one of the band’s most popular and enduring songs. The track features a driving and relentless guitar riff, backed by a pounding rhythm section and Ozzy Osbourne’s powerful vocals. The lyrics explore the feeling of paranoia and anxiety that can often come with living in a world that is filled with uncertainty and danger. “Paranoid” is a standout track on Black Sabbath’s album of the same name, and remains a beloved classic of the heavy metal and hard rock genres, and a testament to the band’s enduring influence and popularity.
8. “Children of the Grave”
“Children of the Grave” by Black Sabbath is a heavy metal classic that has become an anthem of rebellion and defiance. The track features a driving and powerful guitar riff, backed by a thunderous rhythm section and Ozzy Osbourne’s signature vocals. The lyrics explore the idea of a youth uprising against the establishment and the powers that be, and the need for young people to stand up for their beliefs and fight for change. “Children of the Grave” is a standout track on Black Sabbath’s album “Master of Reality”, and remains a beloved classic of the heavy metal and hard rock genres, and a testament to the band’s enduring influence and impact on music.
9. “God Is Dead?”
“God Is Dead?” by Black Sabbath is a heavy metal track that deals with themes of existentialism and spirituality. The song features a slow and ominous guitar riff, backed by a heavy rhythm section and Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals. The lyrics explore the idea of the death of God and the search for meaning in a world that is seemingly devoid of spirituality. The track is a departure from the band’s earlier work, which focused on themes of horror and the occult, and showcases their ability to explore more complex and philosophical themes. “God Is Dead?” is a standout track on Black Sabbath’s album “13”, and remains a powerful and thought-provoking work in the heavy metal genre.
10. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”
“Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is the title track of Black Sabbath’s 1973 album. The song features a driving, heavy metal riff and powerful vocals from Ozzy Osbourne. The lyrics deal with themes of violence, paranoia, and social decay, with Osbourne singing about the horrors of war and the breakdown of society. The instrumental sections of the song are marked by Tony Iommi’s virtuosic guitar work, which combines crushing power chords with intricate solos. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is a classic example of Black Sabbath’s dark and heavy sound, and remains a favorite of fans of the genre.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
