Black Sabbath – Vol. 4 (1972): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in September 1972, Vol. 4 is the fourth studio album by Black Sabbath and one of the most experimental and unpredictable records in their catalog. Created during an intense period of touring, fame, and excess, the album reflects a band pushing its sound beyond traditional heavy metal while still delivering crushing riffs.
Often described as chaotic yet brilliant, Vol. 4 bridges the gap between Sabbath’s doom foundations and more adventurous songwriting.
Album Overview
Unlike the focused heaviness of Master of Reality, Vol. 4 explores contrasting moods and styles. The album balances massive riffs with piano ballads, acoustic passages, and layered production, showing a band unafraid to experiment.
Tony Iommi’s guitar work remains dominant, but Geezer Butler’s bass takes on a larger melodic role. Bill Ward’s drumming becomes more expressive and jazzy, while Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals range from haunting whispers to full-throated wails.
Tracklist – Black Sabbath: Vol. 4 (1972)
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Wheels of Confusion / The Straightener
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Tomorrow’s Dream
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Changes
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FX
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Supernaut
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Snowblind
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Cornucopia
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Laguna Sunrise
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St. Vitus Dance
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Under the Sun / Every Day Comes and Goes
Album Review
The album opens with “Wheels of Confusion,” a multi-section epic that shifts from slow, ominous riffs to energetic hard rock, setting the experimental tone.
“Supernaut” is one of Sabbath’s most celebrated tracks, driven by Bill Ward’s thunderous drumming and a groove-heavy riff that has influenced artists from Led Zeppelin to Frank Zappa.
“Snowblind” directly references cocaine use, capturing the haze and excess of the era, while “Changes” stands out as a fragile piano ballad—one of the band’s most unexpected moments.
The closing track “Under the Sun” delivers crushing heaviness and anti-religious themes, ending the album with one of Sabbath’s most aggressive performances.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: The album was originally planned to be titled Snowblind, but the label rejected it.
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• Trivia: Vol. 4 was recorded in Los Angeles during a period of extreme drug use.
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• Did You Know? Supernaut is frequently cited by musicians as one of Sabbath’s grooviest riffs ever.
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• Fun Fact: Changes features no guitars or drums, a rarity for early Black Sabbath.
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• Did You Know? Bill Ward considers Vol. 4 his favorite Black Sabbath album.
Cultural Legacy
Though initially divisive, Vol. 4 has grown into a fan and critical favorite, praised for its ambition and emotional range. Its blend of heaviness and vulnerability paved the way for progressive metal, alternative metal, and grunge.
Today, it’s viewed as Black Sabbath’s most human album—flawed, daring, and deeply influential.
Black Sabbath Full Discography
