So I have been spending a lot of time lately listening to the Ozzy era of Black Sabbath. While laying in bed last night, not being able to sleep once again, I decided I should make a list of my favorite songs as of this moment. Of course this list may change but I doubt it. These are the songs that I've always been drawn to and go nuts for every time I hear them. So in particular order:
"N.I.B." from the album "Black Sabbath"
First off, fucking bass solo. I dare you to say one bad thing about Geezer's bass playing. Lyrically, it's written from Satan's point of view as he tempts another soul. What really sells it for me is Ozzy's voice, which I would like to point out never sounds the same on any of the songs. They may sound close but close doesn't count. Instead of coming off sinister and evil Ozzy gives us another perspective, his voice sounding as if he is pleading, begging almost for the soul that he is tempting. This was also one of the first Black Sabbath songs I learned to whistle with "The Wizard" being the next.
"Children of the Grave" from the album "Master of Reality"
The drumming on this album is what initially attracted me to it. At points, such as the intro, it sounds like Bill Ward is hitting a trash can. This is the album that where Tony Iommi started to tune down heavily, giving the album a much darker sound and this song stands out to be as the darkest. The ending is also very creepy with Children of the Grave being repeated over and over again till it fades out.
"War Pigs" from the album"Paranoid"
Yea, yea I know everyone loves this song. Honestly it is one of those songs that reign true no matter what generation you come from. The theme of those in charge starting wars and sending the poor out to fight hits home whether you are from the Vietnam era or the Iraq war era. The way that Ozzy delivers the song and especially when he sings with no music backing him gives me the mental image of a preacher spitting fire and brimstone at his transfixed audience. His message loud and clear and instead of a choir throwing out "AMEN!" behind him, we have Geezer and Iommi's guitar playing along with Bill Ward's cymbal taps. Plus the mental image of "SATAN LAUGHING, SPREADS HIS WINGS, OH LORD!" is enough to make you understand why so many people were scared shitless when Black Sabbath originally came out.
"Paranoid" from the album "Paranoid"
Yea, yet again a staple Black Sabbath song but what grabs me by the balls is the songs tempo. Every time I hear it, I want to start a fire and immediately start circle pitting around it while people are being sacrificed behind me. Iommi's guitar solo is fucking awesome and it is one of the most covered Black Sabbath songs for a reason.
"Symptom of the Universe" from the album "Sabotage"
This song is heavy. Honestly the opening guitar riff in my opinion is one of the heaviest fucking riffs Iommi has ever written. I have a hard time describing the feelings I have for this song, so I am going to make my best attempt right now. If I am ever involved in some sort of riot or anarchist violent acts, I want this song to be the soundtrack. Vikings wished they had this fucking song playing in the background as they raped and pillaged. Even when the tempo changes at 3:34 and then goes into the solo it's still heavier than some of the bullshit that passes as metal today. While the lyrics completely contradict how this song makes me feel, it doesn't take away from how heavy this song actually is.
So yea everyone should go smoke a bunch of weed and listen to Black Sabbath now. I demand it of you.
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