TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - With the youth of rock music starting in the 1950s, few figures have shaped it as profoundly as Ozzy Osbourne. From his look and sound to his attitude and themes, Ozzy defined what heavy metal became in the 1970s with his band Black Sabbath.
Over time, Ozzy remained its most iconic figure through both his work with the band and his solo career. And, in his passing, tuning into some of the top Black Sabbath songs is a heartfelt way to honor his influence.
Billboard highlights some of Black Sabbath’s most defining tracks, including War Pigs/Luke Wall (1970), Iron Man (1970), and Black Sabbath (1970). With only three mentioned, you may be wondering, “What more do I need to hear to honor the force Ozzy Osbourne was in rock and metal?”
1. War Pigs/Luke’s Wall (Paranoid, 1970)
Originally titled Walpurgis, War Pigs is undoubtedly one of the top Black Sabbath songs. A scathing anti-war anthem, specifically towards the Vietnam War, this song showcases Ozzy’s raw, accusatory vocals aimed at political and military corruption. As influential as the whole song, its timeless instrumental outro, Luke’s Wall, is also consistently ranked among the greatest in rock history.
2. Iron Man (Paranoid, 1970)
Although many people often associate Black Sabbath’s Iron Man with the classic Marvel superhero, that’s actually never the case. The title came from guitarist Tony Iommi’s heavy, plodding riff, which Ozzy Osbourne said sounded like “a big iron bloke walking around.” With sci-fi-based lyrics, Ozzy’s haunting vocals and the crushing guitar work paired perfectly to deliver the tragic tale of revenge.
3. Black Sabbath (Black Sabbath, 1970)
As the title track from the band’s debut album, Black Sabbath is arguably the first true distorted heavy metal song ever recorded. Opening with thunder, rain, a tritone riff, its slow, heavy sound laid the foundation for what would become doom metal.
Ozzy’s echoing voice, like the moans of “Oh nooo” and “Please God help me,” is simply haunting and chilling. Clocking in at over six minutes, it set the tone for everything that followed—for both the band and the genre.
4. Paranoid (Paranoid, 1970)
Paranoid has always stood out among top Black Sabbath songs for so many good reasons. At a time when heavy metal was largely dismissed by the music industry, Black Sabbath released Paranoid as the lead single from its second LP, and it unexpectedly became a global hit, peaking at four in the UK and 61 in the U.S. Remarkably written in just 20 minutes by bassist Geezer Butler, the song tells of his teenage struggles with depression and fears of losing his sanity.
5. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, 1973)
Having one of Sabbath’s famous riffs, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath captures nearly every up and down the band has gone through. This song features a complex structure, layered guitars, and varied moods that support Ozzy’s anguished vocals. Lyrically, it tells about the harsh realities of the music industry, exposing how it draws in manipulative individuals. Musically, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath marks a turning point in the band’s evolution as they branched out with a slower and smoother tempo.
6. Sweet Leaf (Master of Reality, 1971)
Openly talking about drug experiences, Sweet Leaf quickly draws listeners in with Tony Iommi’s tape-looped cough at the beginning. It’s also quintessential in the stoner rock genre, which undoubtedly Black Sabbath takes part in innovating. Overall, Sweet Leaf is characterized by its heavy, sludgy guitar and a distorted, distinctive sound.
7. N.I.B (Black Sabbath, 1970)
As hypnotic as any Sabbath masterpiece, N.I.B blends a blistering guitar line, funked-up bass, and a melodic vocal. Told from the point of view of Lucifer, this song continues the Satanic imagery that would follow the band members for much of their career. It opens with an iconic bass intro by Geezer Butler and unfolds into a devilish love story.
8. The Wizard (Black Sabbath, 1970)
The Wizard particularly stands out for its harmonica intro, showcasing another of Ozzy’s musical genius. According to Genius, quoting Mr. Terrence “Geezer,” The Wizard was partly inspired by Gandalf from Lord of the Rings.
9. Snowblind (Vol.4, 1972)
A hauntingly honest portrayal of cocaine addiction, Snowblind is frequently cited as one of the top Black Sabbath songs. Featuring classic Sabbath riffs, the song’s chilling lyrics and Ozzy’s delivery successfully reflect the band’s own battles with the white powder.
10. Children of the Grave (Master of Reality, 1971)
Continuing the same anti-war themes explored in hits like Electric Funeral and War Pigs, Children of the Grave calls for a change to the youth, urging them to spread peace and love, as well as stand against the corrupt politicians.
The lyrics strongly resonate with the fear of nuclear war, a looming threat during the height of the Cold War in the 1970s. Musically, the song features driving riffs, thick power chords, a relentless bassline, tribal-style drumming, and, of course, Ozzy’s haunting vocals.
Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy lives on not only in memory but in sound. Revisiting these 10 of the top Black Sabbath songs allows listeners to, once again, experience the raw energy, eerie storytelling, and genre-defining power that made him the icon of heavy metal.
BILLBOARD | ROLLINGSTONE | VARIETY | GENIUS.COM
Editor’s Choice: Ozzy Osbourne Health History, from Parkinson to Spinal Injury
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
