Black Sabbath - Paranoid (1970)

Paranoid is the Second Album by the English Psychedelic/Heavy-Metal Band Black Sabbath. Just a couple of months after the release of their Debut in 1970, Black Sabbath were already inside the Studio preparing the follow-up, with their just gained success they had to capitalize on the attention the Public was giving them (The Critics however bashed them every chance they got). The Second Album was intended to have a strong Anti-War slant, with the Single being “War Pigs” (Also the intended Title), but Warner Records thought it was not such a good idea to criticize the Military in the middle of the Vietnam War, fearing Pro-War (Pigs) would protest the LP. There was therefore a necessity to create a Single to help the Release, and thus “Paranoid” was created in the middle of the Studio, supposedly not taking more than 20 minutes to compose and write the lyrics. The Single released in September 1970, reached the number #4 Slot in the U.K. Warner decided then to release the Album right then, while the memory of the Single was still fresh, and in October Paranoid was freed on the masses. In the United Stated however it was postponed until January 1971, as their Debut was still on the American Top.

Best Tracks - “War Pigs/Luke's Wall”, “Paranoid”, “Planet Caravan”, “Iron Man”, “Electric Funeral”, “Hand Of Doom”, “Rat Salad” and “Jack The Stripper/Fairies Wear Boots” (all the Songs in the Album, yes). One of the First Rock Albums I ever heard, during the time I was listening to the likes of Led Zeppelin and Nirvana. I am of the opinion that their early work is almost as Hard-Psychedelia as it is Heavy Metal. Some fantastic Songs, memorable Riffs and Solos all condensed to make an exceptionally Powerful Record.

Black Sabbath:

- Ozzy Osbourne – Vocals.

- Tony Iommi – Guitar, Flute.

- Geezer Butler – Bass.

- Bill Ward – Drums.