Black Sabbath--Paranoid (1970)
Rating--8.7
**U.S. Sales Certification--Multi-Platinum 4**

Paranoid--RealAudio
Ask a metalhead which albums have been the forefathers of our trade, and near the top of every list you're likely to find 'Paranoid'. Timeless classics "Iron Man," "War Pigs," and the title track all hail from this epic outing. Iommi's guitar, Butler's bass, and Ward's drums all combine for a cocaphony of heaviness and pure low-E depth that will leave your head reeling. If you don't have this album, shame on you. You call yourself a metal fan? Blasphemy! Hold on... I'll see if I can find your Paula Abdul CDs so you can be happy...
Highlights? Well, "Paranoid," obviously. It's an uptempo, main-riff lead gem that is still getting airplay today. There are more than just the popular three mentioned before on here, as well: "Planet Caravan" is a gloomy masterpiece that engulfes Ozzy's vocals and gives them back to you in a wave of emotion, and the chug on "Fairies Wear Boots" is a shiny example of how the classic metal riff and strut came about. Observe the Sabbath....
TRACK LIST: War Pigs/Luke's Wall/Paranoid/Planet Caravan/Iron Man/Electric Funeral/Hand of Doom/Rat Salad/ Jack the Stripper/Fairies Wear Boots

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