244. Black Sabbath - Volume 4

 

Release Date: 1972
Label: Vertigo

It seems that, in their forty-year career, Black Sabbath only released three albums that are worth listening to, and only one of those (Paranoid) is essential. Their debut was on the list because of its importance to Heavy Metal and this album isn't particularly enthused about either.

As always, the lyrics are woeful, but whereas the music made up for the other two albums, unfortunately it isn't that good on here.

Rating: 4/10
Favourite Track: Snowblind

185. Black Sabbath - Paranoid

Release Date: 1970
Label: Vertigo

The second album from the founders of Heavy Metal follows closely on the heels of the first. I suggested there was room for improvement after the first album and this satantic offering fulfilled my theory, especially the first side which features a number of the band's signature songs - War Pigs, Iron Man - and a rather lovely, unexpected song called 'Planet Caravan'.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Iron Man

179. Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath

Release Date: 1970
Label: Warner Bros.

Seemingly included here due to its importance rather than its musical merit, Black Sabbath is considered the first Heavy Metal album. With that in mind, I thought I wouldn't enjoy this. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it sounded. There is certainly room for improvement, but it wasn't the horror I was expecting.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Evil Woman