What does Paranoid sound like?

A raw and aggressive fusion of heavy riffs and dark lyrical themes that defined a genre. Rooted in hard rock and heavy metal. Start with "Paranoid".

Is Paranoid a good place to start with Black Sabbath?

Yes, Paranoid is recommended as a starting point for new Black Sabbath listeners. A raw and aggressive fusion of heavy riffs and dark lyrical themes that defined a genre. Released on September 18, 1970, 'Paranoid' was Black Sabbath's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. The band was rapidly ascending in the music scene, capitalizing on the success of their first record, which had established them as pioneers of heavy metal.

Paranoid works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Paranoid?

Paranoid has 9 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Paranoid

Black Sabbath · 1970

60 min · 9 tracks · hard rock · heavy metal · doom metal

A raw and aggressive fusion of heavy riffs and dark lyrical themes that defined a genre.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — 'Paranoid' solidified Black Sabbath's reputation and brought them wider recognition in heavy metal.
Themes: apocalyptic imagery· anti-war protest· isolation and revenge
Career context: Released on September 18, 1970, 'Paranoid' was Black Sabbath's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. The band was rapidly ascending in the music scene, capitalizing on the success of their first record, which had established them as pioneers of heavy metal.
Stylistic neighbors: Candlemass· Electric Wizard· Pentagram
If this clicks, go next to: Master of Reality — Continues the heavy sound with deeper themes and more complex arrangements.
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin — Shares heavy riffs and dark themes, blending hard rock with an epic sense of myth and folklore.

Machine Head by Deep Purple — Captures a similar raw energy with aggressive guitar work and existential lyrical themes.

Sad Wings of Destiny by Judas Priest — Explores themes of isolation and revenge while delivering powerful guitar-driven melodies.

New to Black Sabbath? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Paranoid".

1 War Pigs / Likes Wall 7:56
2 Paranoid Start here 2:48
3 Planet Caravan 4:21
4 Iron Man 5:55
5 Electric Funeral 4:44
6 Hand of Doom 7:10
7 Rat Salad 2:31
8 Jack the Stripper / Fairies Wear Boots 6:11
9 Wicked World (From “Live at Last”) 18:50

What to play next

This album is considered a Breakthrough in Black Sabbath's catalog. 'Paranoid' solidified Black Sabbath's reputation and brought them wider recognition in heavy metal.

Listen next

Master of Reality

1971

Continues the heavy sound with deeper themes and more complex arrangements.

Go back to

Black Sabbath

2006

Sets the stage with foundational riffs and dark themes that lead into Paranoid.

Full Black Sabbath discography Where to start with Black Sabbath Artists like Black Sabbath

doom metal hard rock heavy metal

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