The 50th Anniversary Of PARANOID (An Enduring Metal Legacy)

Back when mainstream record stores were a thing, I purchased a cassette tape (look it up, kids) containing two Black Sabbath albums. One was 1970's PARANOID and the other was 1980's HEAVEN AND HELL, both classic albums from the great granddaddy of heavy metal, Black Sabbath. 

I was so jazzed, leaving Sam Goody (again, kids...look it up) with a great deal. Two albums from one legendary band that paved the way for my ongoing adventure into the world of heavy metal.

I had already heard a handful of songs from the album on classic rock radio (including their two most popular hits "Iron Man" and the title track) and since I loved those tracks I was almost certain I would love the entire thing. And you know what? Sitting through that album was one of the great moments for me as a music lover. With Ozzy's signature wail, Tony Iommi's legendary riffs, Bill Ward's furious drumming, and Geezer Butler's head spinning bass playing, the album not only lived up to my expectations. It cemented itself as one of those 'old reliable' albums that you can never be disappointed with if you hear partially or in it's entirety. 

Now, 50 years later, the album STILL rocks, STILL gives me great joy listening to, and STILL ranks among the all time great metal/rock albums. It can be put with any great album from any great metal artist, whether you think it tops the list or not. 

Truly a magnificent feat in songwriting and instrumental execution. Three cheers for PARANOID!