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"In spite of a dated production, "Paranoid" remains an inescapable album which joins the great "In Rock" and "IV" of its august colleagues in the firmament of Hard Rock."
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5/5
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In 1970, Black Sabbath is already famous for having delivered with its eponymous album a cornerstone of rock and for having practically invented a genre that came from nowhere: Metal. Indeed, Black Sabbath plays a precursory role in one of the musical trends that will generate the most passion during the following years and still today.
"Paranoid" opens with "War Pigs", originally named after the war in Vietnam, a devilishly effective composition. The famous tortured voice of Ozzy Osbourne adds considerably to the creepy atmosphere. However, in addition to the usual elements, namely the dark and slow riffs and the high voice, it is interesting to linger on the work of the rhythmic section. Indeed the bass sounds very acoustic, sober and groovy, while Bill Ward delivers a varied drumming, sometimes close to Jazz. This alternation between very varied influences for a metal band and a fast and powerful playing, as in "Paranoid", gives a very positive global impression. Even with the inclusion of less heavy elements ("Planet Caravan"...) the dark tone is kept and the coherence is excellent. Without presenting all the tracks, let's mention "Hand Of Doom" or "Iron Man" which give their letters of nobility to Black Sabbath and to Metal, while the others are simply little gems full of inventiveness and sincerity.
The only thing that can be reproached to this album is its release date. A vintage from 1970 (1971 in the USA) doesn't always age well, and in Metal, the numerous progresses are linked to more powerful playing, especially in guitar, served by technology... However, sometimes, the sound of Paranoid can seem outdated. The drum sound is a good example, sometimes too weak, especially because of the playing style. The depth comes mainly from Tony Iommi's guitar, giving to the music a strange and paradoxical rhythmic lightness in some tracks, like "War Pigs" or "Jack The Stripper", which will perhaps confuse the fan of heavy and hammered metal.
Obviously, we have here a work of an uncommon quality, which will influence many bands later on. In spite of a dated production, this "Paranoid" remains an inescapable album which joins the great "In Rock" and "IV" of its august colleagues in the firmament of Hard Rock. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. War Pigs/Luke's Wall - 7:55
02. Paranoid - 2:47
03. Planet Caravan - 4:24
04. Iron Man - 5:53
05. Electric Funeral - 4:47
06. Hand Of Doom - 7:07
07. Rat Salad - 2:29
08. Jack The Stripper/Fairies Wear Boots - 6:13
LINEUP:
Bill Ward : Batterie
Geezer Butler: Basse
Ozzy Osbourne: Chant
Tony Iommi : Guitares
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READERS
4.2/5 (10 view(s))
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STAFF:
4.5/5 (15 view(s))
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT BLACK SABBATH
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