Some bands have a sound so unique, it’s impossible to mistake them for anyone else. Black Sabbath is one of those bands. With their dark, heavy sound, they helped to create the genre of metal and influenced countless other musicians over the years. In this article, we will take a look at 20 of their greatest songs!
Table of Contents
Top 20 Black Sabbath Songs
20. Falling Off The Edge Of The World (Mob Rules, 1981)
This song is a testament to Black Sabbath’s unparalleled ability for constructing an ominous, intense atmosphere through their music. The riffs are powerful and the lyrics are eerie, making this an essential part of any metal fan’s collection. It also features some amazing guitar work from Tony Iommi.
19. Headless Cross (Headless Cross, 1989)
This song is one of the most popular from Black Sabbath’s later years. It features a huge, powerful chorus and some great guitar riffs from Tony Iommi. The lyrics are about overcoming obstacles in life and the song still gets played regularly at concerts today.
18. Sweet Leaf (Master Of Reality, 1971)
This song is a fan favorite and one of the best examples of Black Sabbath’s early sound. It features some amazing riffs from Tony Iommi, as well as Ozzy Osbourne’s classic vocals. The renowned metal song is packed with lyrics that celebrate marijuana, and has become an iconic anthem in the music world.
17. I (Dehumanizer, 1992)
This song is from Black Sabbath’s comeback album Dehumanizer. It features some great riffs and solos from Tony Iommi, as well as some powerful lyrics about standing up for oneself. This time-honored classic continues to be a staple at the band’s concerts, proving that its popularity and relevance remain undiminished.
16. Symptom Of The Universe (Sabotage, 1975)
At the time of its release, “Symptom Of The Universe” was considered one of the heaviest and most influential metal songs ever released. From its instantly recognizable opening riff to its soulful soloing and dynamic drumming, this classic track took the world by storm. Featuring Black Sabbath’s signature combination of thickly distorted guitars, thunderous bass lines and pounding drums, “Symptom Of The Universe” stands as a timeless heavy metal anthem. With Ozzy Osbourne’s legendary vocal performance leading the way, it’s no wonder this song is still widely regarded as one of Sabbath’s finest moments. It has been covered countless times over the years, proving that its influence continues to grow with every generation of rock fans. [1]
15. Die Young (Heaven And Hell, 1980)
This anthem of youthful rebellion was the first single to be taken from Heaven and Hell, the album that marked the return of Ronnie James Dio as lead vocalist. The lyrics urge young people to make the most of their lives while they are still alive, and it has become a classic in the metal world. The song is filled with energy and aggression, and its intense drums, guitar solos, and powerful vocals make it an unforgettable listening experience. Die Young continues to be played live by Black Sabbath today. Despite its nihilistic themes, it is ultimately a call for living life to its fullest potential, making it an essential part of any true metalhead’s playlist.
14. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, 1973)
This heavy metal masterpiece from Black Sabbath is a classic example of the band’s signature wonderfully dark sound and lyrics. The song details the struggles of someone who has no faith in religion, leading them to search for something greater than themselves. Musically, it features a range of different instruments such as electric guitar, synthesizers, drums, and bass. It also contains some powerful vocal harmonies that add to its overall intensity. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath set a new standard for metal music with its hard-hitting riffs and haunting melodies. While it may not be as well-known as some of their other popular songs like “Paranoid” or “Iron Man,” this track has continued to inspire musicians since its release in 1973. [2]
13. Children Of The Sea (Heaven And Hell, 1980)
This song is a great example of Black Sabbath’s ability to create an epic, atmospheric sound. It features some powerful riffs and solos from Tony Iommi, as well as Ozzy Osbourne’s classic vocals. The lyrics are about accepting the inevitability of death, and the song still gets played regularly at concerts today. This is one of the best songs from this era of the band.
12. Fairies Wear Boots (Paranoid, 1970)
This song is one of the most popular from Black Sabbath’s debut album. It features some great riffs and solos from Tony Iommi, as well as Ozzy Osbourne’s classic vocals. The lyrics are about a meeting with a group of mysterious fairies, and the song has achieved legendary status in the metal world. This is a must-have for any fan of heavy music.
11. A National Acrobat (Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, 1973)
This song was the first single taken from Black Sabbath’s fifth studio album, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. It is a hard rock track, with a heavy guitar riff and an eerie, dreamlike vocal delivery. The lyrics tell of a powerful mythical figure who appears in people’s dreams to offer them either hope or despair. The chorus emphasizes how this figure has a profound effect on those who encounter him, as the singer sings “Oh Lord, I’m begging you on my knees/A national acrobat, help me please.” In addition to its powerful lyrical themes and hard-rocking sound, “A National Acrobat” is known for its frequent tempo changes throughout the song, which give it an unpredictable and exciting feel. It has become a fan-favorite among Black Sabbath fans, and stands as one of the band’s most iconic songs.
10. N.I.B. (Black Sabbath, 1970)
This classic track was the fourth song on Black Sabbath’s debut album, and it set the tone for their heavy metal sound. Back then, the title often was interpreted as “Nativity In Black’’, but Ozzy debunked that myth. The song itself is about the devil that fell in love and found himself transformed into a good person. It features some great riffs from Tony Iommi, as well as Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic vocals. The lyrics are about Satan living inside of us, and the song has achieved legendary status in the metal world. This is a must-have for any fan of heavy music. [3]
9. Snowblind (Vol. 4, 1972)
This song was the opening track from Black Sabbath’s fourth studio album, Vol. 4. It is a hard rock/doom metal track, featuring some powerful riffs and solos from Tony Iommi, as well as Ozzy Osbourne’s classic vocals. The lyrics are about struggling with addiction to cocaine, and the song has achieved legendary status in the metal world.
8. Into The Void (Master Of Reality, 1971)
The final track of Black Sabbath’s 1971 album Master of Reality is an eerie and foreboding instrumental piece titled “Into the Void”. This song, in addition to its haunting melody, features a heavy use of a theremin as well as various other sound effects. The slow build-up and eventual climax creates a sense of dread that perfectly matches the dark themes of Master of Reality. “Into the Void” is an example of Black Sabbath’s willingness to experiment with different sounds and genres, and its eerie and heavy presence has become a signature sound for the band.
7. Supernaut (Vol.4, 1972)
From Black Sabbath’s fourth studio album Vol. 4 comes “Supernaut”, an up-tempo hard rock track and one of the band’s live staples for many years. The song features chugging riffs, a catchy chorus, quick and frantic soloing from Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler’s signature bassline. “Supernaut” is a great example of the band’s ability to blend heavy metal, hard rock, and even some progressive elements into their music. This song has become a timeless gem in the realm of hard rock and metal.
6. Children Of The Grave (Master Of Reality, 1971)
“Children Of The Grave” is a hard rock anthem from Black Sabbath’s third album Master of Reality. This track features a memorable, driving riff and powerful lyrics about the futility of war and mankind’s self-destructive nature. The song builds to an intense climax with Ozzy Osbourne’s passionate delivery of the iconic chorus “Oh no, no more crying, there’s not a lot of time.” “Children Of The Grave” is an excellent example of Black Sabbath’s ability to create powerful and memorable songs that still resonate with fans today.
5. Paranoid (Paranoid, 1970)
No list of classic Black Sabbath songs would be complete without the title track from their sophomore album Paranoid. This iconic and instantly recognizable hard rock anthem is one of the band’s most beloved tracks and has been covered countless times by various artists. The song features a simple but powerful riff, catchy chorus, and vocal performance from Ozzy Osbourne that perfectly captures the song’s themes of paranoia and madness. “Paranoid” has become an undeniable classic in the world of hard rock and metal and is a must-hear for any fan of the genre.
4. War Pigs (Paranoid, 1970)
The opening track from Black Sabbath’s second album Paranoid, “War Pigs”, is an epic heavy metal anthem that has gained legendary status over the years. The song features a slow and menacing tempo, powerful riffs, and intense lyrics about the horrors of war. Ozzy Osbourne delivers an unforgettable performance on this track with his trademark vocal delivery and enigmatic lyrics. “War Pigs” is easily one of the band’s most iconic songs and remains a timeless classic in the world of hard rock and metal.
3. Heaven And Hell (Heaven And Hell, 1980)
The title track from Black Sabbath’s ninth studio album Heaven and Hell has become a heavy metal classic since its release in 1980. The song features an epic, soaring riff, powerful vocals from Ronnie James Dio, and intense lyrics about life and death. This track is often cited as one of the ultimate examples of the power and versatility of Black Sabbath’s sound. “Heaven And Hell” is an undeniable classic that continues to captivate fans to this day.
2. Iron Man (Paranoid, 1970)
From Black Sabbath’s epic second album Paranoid comes the classic track “Iron Man”. This song was an astonishing success for the band, and it has earned its place as a timeless classic in hard rock and metal music. The song features a simple but powerful riff, heavy drums, and Ozzy Osbourne’s signature vocal delivery. The lyrics about a man from the future who can’t do anything to save himself are hauntingly prophetic. “Iron Man” is undoubtedly one of the band’s most iconic tracks and remains a timeless classic.
1. Black Sabbath (Black Sabbath, 1970)
No list of classic Black Sabbath songs would be complete without their self-titled track from the band’s legendary debut album. This is the song that started it all and has become an undeniable classic in the world of hard rock and metal. The song features a heavy riff, eerie lyrics, and a moody atmosphere that perfectly capture the spirit of early metal. Not only is “Black Sabbath” an iconic addition to any music fan’s playlist, but it has also become a timeless classic that continues to shape the landscape of rock and roll. [4]
FAQ
Why is Black Sabbath considered to be the first heavy metal band?
Black Sabbath is considered to be the first heavy metal band because of their pioneering sound and influence on the genre. The music they created was characterized by heavy riffs, dark lyrics, and a sense of atmosphere and dread that had not been seen before in rock music. Their unique brand of hard rock has gone on to become one of the most influential sounds in modern music.
Why did Black Sabbath choose their name?
Black Sabbath chose their name because of its dark and ominous connotations. The band wanted something that captured the moody, sinister vibe of their music and was also memorable. The title of their first album only served to solidify the connection between the name and their sound. [5]
Why was Ozzy kicked from Sabbath?
Ozzy Osbourne was kicked from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to his erratic behavior and substance abuse. The band had grown tired of dealing with his unpredictable antics, which caused them to lose focus and miss deadlines for recording new material. Ozzy was ultimately replaced by vocalist Ronnie James Dio, who helped the band continue their success.
Is Black Sabbath religious?
No, Black Sabbath is not a religious band. Although their lyrics often touch on spiritual themes, the band has never claimed to be a part of any organized religion nor do they promote one type of belief system over another. They simply use religious imagery and language to express ideas about life, death, and other topics close to their hearts.
What is the oldest metal song?
The oldest metal song is generally accepted to be “Black Sabbath” by Black Sabbath. The track was released on their self-titled debut album in 1970 and helped to define the sound of heavy metal music for decades to come. It continues to be a classic and an essential part of any fan’s music collection.
Useful Video: Top 10 Black Sabbath Songs
Conclusion
Black Sabbath is a rock music institution that has entertained generations of music fans and injected their signature sound into the world of rock. From the wildly iconic “Iron Man” to the unforgettable anthem “Paranoid,” Black Sabbath have leveraged their undeniable skill to craft timeless classics that are sure to stand the test of time. Not only have such songs solidified them as one of rock’s most iconic bands, but it also helped to usher in an era of unique and unforgettable contrasts and genre mix-ups. Despite all members moving on from the original band, Black Sabbath’s music will never be forgotten. Listeners should take some time out of their day to revisit these timeless hits at least once a week – they really will make your days just a little bit better! So, go ahead and find some new styles with old classics from Black Sabbath – you don’t want to miss out! In conclusion, it’s clear that no matter what way you look at it, Black Sabbath is still one of rock’s greatest musical legacies and for this reason we recommend that all fans should try spinning some great tracks like “War Pigs” or “The Wizard” today!
References:
- https://chinwagstuff.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/symptom-of-the-universe-by-black-sabbath-sabotage-1975/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabbath_Bloody_Sabbath
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N.I.B.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sabbath_(album)
- https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-meaning-and-history-of-the-band-name-black-sabbath/