Black Sabbath - Paranoid

When it comes to Black Sabbath, it is almost impossible to create a ranking of the best albums. It makes much more sense to analyse and rate the individual phases of the band separately. For me, it was clear that a record from the classic era with Ozzy Osbourne behind the mic had to appear in this top 100 list. After some back and forth, my choice fell on Paranoid (1970), although I hold both the self-titled, groundbreaking debut (also 1970) and Master of Reality (1971) in high regard.

I think every metal fan has the unfortunately ever-relevant anti-war anthem “War Pigs“, the band's signature hymn “Paranoid“ and the genre-defining sci-fi hit “Iron Man“ in some self- compiled best of playlist. Any album that has such immortal, timeless songs can be categorised as a milestone. If you take a look at the database at Setlist.fm, you will also realise that Tony Iommi and Co. have played these three tracks live most often in their career.

However, Black Sabbath have much more to offer on their second studio release: With the gloomy “Electric Funeral“, the band makes an impressive statement about the acute nuclear threat at the time. Anyone who says that metal is rarely political should urgently study the lyrics by bassist Geezer Butler. But also a drug-inspired number like “Fairies Wear Boots“, which, thanks to Ozzy's lyrics, represents a remarkable contrast to the aforementioned compositions, has rightly become an immortal classic of the band. According to Setlist.fm, the tune ranks 12th in terms of the number of live performances.

Paranoid is an album that every fan of heavy electric guitar music should have in their collection, as we are dealing with one of the most important (proto-)metal releases of all time that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of quality. The interplay between the band is excellent, with Tony Iommi's heavy riffs naturally outshining everything - even the quirky but irresistible performance by Ozzy, who may not be my favourite Black Sabbath singer, but whose voice fits the music here 100%.

Note: As part of this special, I am posting my 100 favorite records. Full-length albums, compilations and EPs are all included. Live albums will be considered in another special. The first 75 records will be posted in no particular order. The top 25 will be ranked.