Black Sabbath – Seventh Star (1986): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in January 1986, Seventh Star is the twelfth studio album by Black Sabbath, originally intended as a Tony Iommi solo project. However, the label insisted on releasing it under the Black Sabbath name, making it a unique entry in the band’s catalog.
Featuring Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze) on vocals, the album departs from classic Sabbath doom metal, offering a hard rock and AOR-oriented sound with bluesy and melodic influences.
Album Overview
Seventh Star is darker and more melodic than traditional Sabbath albums, reflecting Tony Iommi’s experimentation with contemporary 1980s hard rock. Glenn Hughes brings soulful, powerful vocals, while Iommi’s riffs remain prominent but often less menacing than earlier work.
Drummer Eric Singer and keyboard contributions add polish and texture, giving the album a more commercial and modern 1980s rock sound, sometimes alienating long-time fans but appealing to a new audience.
Tracklist – Black Sabbath: Seventh Star (1986)
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In for the Kill
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No Stranger to Love
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Turn to Stone
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Sphinx (The Guardian)
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Seventh Star
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Angry Heart
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Heart Like a Wheel
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In Memory…
Album Review
The album opens with “In for the Kill,” a riff-driven track that mixes bluesy grooves with hard rock energy. “No Stranger to Love” became a commercial highlight, featuring smooth vocals and an accessible chorus, while “Seventh Star” offers melodic riffs and epic atmospheres.
“Turn to Stone” and “Sphinx (The Guardian)” provide darker, more atmospheric moments, balancing the album’s lighter tracks. Seventh Star is less about doom and more about songwriting experimentation, showing Iommi exploring new territory while maintaining subtle hints of classic Sabbath heaviness.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Originally intended as a Tony Iommi solo album, the record was marketed as Black Sabbath by the label.
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• Trivia: Glenn Hughes, previously of Deep Purple, brought a soulful, high-range vocal style unfamiliar to classic Sabbath fans.
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• Did You Know? No Stranger to Love became a minor hit, reaching the Billboard Hot 100.
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• Fun Fact: Drummer Eric Singer would later join KISS, adding a tight, polished sound to the album.
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• Did You Know? Despite its commercial leanings, tracks like Seventh Star and Turn to Stone showcase classic Iommi riff mastery.
Cultural Legacy
Seventh Star remains a divisive but fascinating entry in Black Sabbath’s discography. It highlights Tony Iommi’s versatility and willingness to experiment with contemporary 1980s rock while showcasing Glenn Hughes’ vocal talents.
Though not a definitive Sabbath classic, the album is valued by fans for its melodic experimentation and standout riffs, bridging the gap between traditional metal and 1980s hard rock.
Black Sabbath Full Discography