133. Black Sabbath / Black Sabbath. 1970. 4/5.

When attempting to review or rate an album such as this, which is one of the most important albums ever recorded in the heavy metal genre, it is easy to get caught up in it all, and automatically throw a 100% rating at it and be done. But I can't do that. Because even this album has some flaws, at least to my ears.
"Black Sabbath", the song, is one of the most remarkable Album 1, Side 1, Track 1 songs of all time. It must have been a buzz when it was released to put it on and try and absorb it. The sound of rain falling before the start of the track has become synonymous with the songs and the album, and the lyrics and heavy guitars bring goosebumps every time you hear it. What an amazing song to set off on a recording career with.
This is followed by "The Wizard", which is initially dominated by the harmonica and is the hallmark of the song. A terrific song where Bill Ward's drumming is also highlighted. "Behind The Wall Of Sleep" is the slower, more 60's oriented calmer song (mostly for those that are tripping out over the first couple of songs)., "N.I.B." returns the album to its groundbreaking best, with more lyrics invoking the devil and hammered by that guitar and bass riff that thuds into your chest as you listen.  "Evil Woman (Don't You Play Your Games With Me)", a cover version of a song done by a band called Crow, almost bounces along with a jaunty heavy riff, with Ozzy almost playfully singing out the lyrics.

As we approach the end of the album however, is the point where we hit a speed hump. I'm sure there are people out there who will tell me that "Sleeping Village" and "Warning" are great songs, and important pieces of the Black Sabbath legacy. I strenuously disagree. I know this album was written in a different age, when 'flower power' was still strong, and this type of musical writing was popular, mainly to allow people who don't mind indulging in some drug additive to trip out to the music. "Warning" is in fact another cover song of this era. But they just don't do anything for me. I always stop the album before these songs come on. I do think they detract from an otherwise superb album.

Yes, this was a groundbreaking album, paving the way for all of those that came after them. For the heavy metal genre, there are two major songs here that kick off that sound for the coming generations, those being "Black Sabbath" and "N.I.B.". However, Black Sabbath's follow up album, Paranoid is probably the most cited influence, with a more refined and destructive heavy sound than parts of this album.