Black Sabbath – Paranoid (1970): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in September 1970, Paranoid is the second studio album by Black Sabbath and one of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time. Recorded in just a few days and produced by Rodger Bain, the album helped define the sound, imagery, and attitude of heavy metal, shaping generations of rock and metal bands.
What started as a quick follow-up to their debut unexpectedly became a genre-defining masterpiece, blending doom-laden riffs, dark lyrical themes, and raw power.
Album Overview
Paranoid sharpened everything introduced on Black Sabbath (1970):
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Heavier riffs
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Darker themes
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More focused songwriting
Tony Iommi’s down-tuned guitar work dominates the album, while Geezer Butler’s lyrics tackle themes like war, mental illness, paranoia, and social alienation—topics almost unheard of in mainstream rock at the time.
Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocal delivery adds an eerie, unsettling atmosphere, while Bill Ward’s dynamic drumming brings swing and groove to the darkness.
Tracklist – Black Sabbath: Paranoid (1970)
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War Pigs
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Paranoid
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Planet Caravan
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Iron Man
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Electric Funeral
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Hand of Doom
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Rat Salad
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Fairies Wear Boots
Album Review
The album opens with “War Pigs,” a slow-burning anti-war epic that builds into one of the most iconic riffs in metal history. Its political lyrics and crushing finale set the tone for the entire album.
“Paranoid,” written almost as an afterthought, became the band’s biggest hit, featuring a fast, punk-like energy that contrasts with the album’s darker moments.
“Iron Man” stands as a monumental metal anthem, driven by its legendary robotic riff and sci-fi narrative. Meanwhile, “Electric Funeral” and “Hand of Doom” delve into apocalyptic imagery and drug addiction, adding depth and menace.
The album closes with “Fairies Wear Boots,” blending blues roots with proto-metal aggression, showcasing Black Sabbath’s ability to mix groove with heaviness.
Despite its short runtime, Paranoid is relentless, influential, and timeless, laying the foundation for doom metal, stoner rock, and heavy metal as a whole.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: The title track “Paranoid” was written in less than 30 minutes to fill album space.
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• Trivia: The album was originally planned to be titled War Pigs, but the label feared political backlash.
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• Did You Know? Paranoid reached #1 in the UK Albums Chart and stayed there for six weeks.
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• Fun Fact: Planet Caravan features Ozzy’s vocals run through a Leslie speaker, giving it a dreamy, psychedelic feel.
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• Did You Know? Paranoid is often cited as the album that officially birthed heavy metal.
Cultural Legacy
Paranoid is consistently ranked among the greatest albums of all time and remains a blueprint for heavy metal riffing, aesthetics, and lyrical darkness. Its influence can be heard in bands ranging from Metallica and Slayer to Soundgarden and Sleep.
Black Sabbath Full Discography
