Paranoid Songs Ranked

Paranoid is the second studio album by the English rock band Black Sabbath, released in September 1970 through Vertigo Records in England and Warner Bros. Records in the US. It contains several of the band’s signature songs, including “Iron Man”, “War Pigs” and the title track, which was the band’s only Top 20 hit, reaching number 4 in the UK charts. It is often cited as an influential album in the early development of the heavy metal genre. Paranoid was the band’s only album to top the UK Albums Chart until the release of 13 in 2013. Most of the songs on Paranoid evolved during onstage improvisational jams. In the Classic Albums documentary on the making of Paranoid, guitarist Tony Iommi recalls that “War Pigs” came from “one of the clubs” with Butler adding, “During the song “Warning” we used to jam that out and that particular night when we were jamming it out Tony just went da-dum!” In the same documentary, Iommi demonstrates his approach to the guitar solo in the song, explaining that “I always tried to keep the bottom string ringing so it fills it out nicely.” On “Planet Caravan”, Osbourne sings through a Leslie speaker, with the singer telling Mojo in 2010, “Then Rodger Bain used an oscillator on it – whatever that is. It looks like a fridge with a knob on.” Here are all of the Paranoid songs ranked.

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8. Rat Salad

“It may be one of the weaker songs on the album, but it still is a goddamn legendary song. Even being a short instrumental for Bill Ward to show-off his drumming skills, it doesn’t fall short of amazing.”

7. Planet Caravan

“This is quite a weird choice for an album like this. A psychedelic-esc slow burn of a song that’s pretty decent doesn’t really go with an album of fairly heavy songs. I want to ignore it’s questionable placement and just rate it based on it’s other qualities, but that just seems impossible honestly.”

6. Hand of Doom

“Easily the darkest song on the album, Hand of Doom is another great song that really emphasizes how talented the band members behind Black Sabbath really are. This song also really shows their song writing talents.”

See more: Black Sabbath Albums Ranked

5. Fairies Wear Boots

“Fairies Wear Boots is a solid closing track with a really interesting weaving in-and-out sort of structure. My only issue is that compared to the previous three tracks it feels somewhat underwhelming. It’s a great song, though.”

4. Electric Funeral

“This is the best song on the album and no one can change my mind. Laying down the template for all doom metal to come, the sheer power that this song has mixed with the morbid lyrics just makes for a perfect song. That isn’t to mention that this song blows pretty much every other doom metal band that came after out of the water.”

See more: Black Sabbath Songs Ranked

3. Paranoid

“I would dare to say this is one of the most overrated songs of all time. Don’t misunderstand me, it’s a fine song. Quite good, actually. But that’s all it is. It isn’t some absolute master piece of a song. If anything, Electric Funeral should be the song on here getting all the credit.”

2. Iron Man

“Back on track, Iron Man is rightfully considered a rock song staple. From Geezer Butler’s instantly recognizable bassline to Tony Iommi’s heavy-as-ever guitar work and even Bill Ward’s outstanding drumming; this song just shines. But, I feel like the member that stands in the spotlight the most is none other than Ozzy himself. His vocals just really shine through on this one.”

1. War Pigs

“An absolute classic that I would dare say wanders in the pathway of a progressive rock style. Osbourne’s heavy vocals mixed with the unforgettable guitar work of Tony Iommi just makes for an absolutely amazing song that makes a great start for one of the best Black Sabbath albums.”