Black Sabbath's seminal second studio album, 'Paranoid', is a groundbreaking masterpiece that continues to shape the heavy metal genre to this day. Released on 18 September 1970, this iconic record showcases the band's refined heavy sound, sharpened to perfection and unleashed upon the world with unrelenting ferocity.
Featuring some of Black Sabbath's most beloved signature songs, including 'Iron Man', 'War Pigs', and the titular track 'Paranoid', this album is a must-listen for fans of metal and rock music. The song 'Paranoid' itself is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time, reaching number 4 on the UK singles chart and leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.
With its dark and thought-provoking lyrics, 'Paranoid' delves into themes of supernatural horror, drug use, nuclear war, and death, cementing Black Sabbath's reputation as masters of the macabre. The album's eight tracks, including 'Planet Caravan', 'Electric Funeral', 'Hand of Doom', 'Rat Salad', and 'Fairies Wear Boots', demonstrate the band's ability to craft songs that are both haunting and mesmerising.
Clocking in at 41 minutes, 'Paranoid' is a concise yet devastatingly effective collection of songs that have stood the test of time. Released via Sanctuary Records, this album has been re-released several times, including in 1996, 2004, and 2009, introducing Black Sabbath's unique sound to new generations of fans. 'Paranoid' is an essential listen for anyone who loves metal, heavy metal, rock, stoner rock, hard rock, doom metal, and classic rock, and its influence can still be felt in the music world today. Black Sabbath's 'Paranoid' is a true classic, and its impact will continue to be felt for years to come.