Classic Rock News

Classic Rock News

Classic Rock News

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Musicians Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath appear at a press conference to announce their first new album in 33 years and a world tour in 2012 at the Whiskey A Go-Go on November 11, 2011 in West Hollywood, California.

Black Sabbath released their second album, Paranoid, in America on September 18, 1970. A bit tighter than their self-titled debut, which came out earlier in the year, Paranoid‘s title track became their biggest radio hit in America. The album also had “Luke’s Wall/War Pigs” and “Iron Man,” But the 41-minute album didn’t waste a second: it’s a perfect album.

In fact, seven of the eight songs made our list that we put together. Here, we decided to stick with songs from the Ozzy eras of the band: 1970’s debut album (and the “Evil Woman” single) through 1978’s Never Say Die! and also 2013’s 13. Yes, we know that they put out two new songs in the ’90s, but those didn’t come close to making this list. Like Paranoid, this list doesn’t waste a moment. The roots of every metal band can be found in these thirty songs.

And yes, Black Sabbath did some incredible stuff with Ozzy’s replacement, the late, great Ronnie James Dio. That’s probably a list for another day. And yes, both RJD and drummer Vinny Appice should have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the founding four members: Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward.

Speaking of the Rock Hall, you should go back and watch Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield’s speeches inducting the band. Hetfield’s speech is particularly great. The Metallica frontman said Sabbath helped a “shy boy” find “his own loud voice.

“Those monstrous riffs lived inside him and spoke the feelings he could never put into words,” Hetfield said. ” … They helped crack the shell he was stuck in.” (He also said scaring his mom and sister was “an extra bonus.”)

Without further ado, here’s our list of Black Sabbath’s 30 best songs from the Ozzy era.

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