Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is a legendary and unforgettable metal album by the band Black Sabbath. It is in my opinion the greatest of their discography and truly deserves recognition on my website considering it is just simply so good. Everyone talks about Paranoid and Master of Reality, but people tend to overlook the talent used in its creation.
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath was Black Sabbath's fifth studio album and was recorded at the Record Plant studio in Los Angeles in the September of 73'. It was produced by legendary producer Tom Allom (who produced albums for Judas Priest and Def Leppard). The record was a commercial success, managing to hit number four on the U.K. Album Chart and number 11 on the U.S. Billboard 200.
The cover of the album was designed by famous American artist Drew Struzan (who was well known for making big-time famous movie posters). The album was originally supposed to be named "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, Saturday Bloody Saturday", but they eventually decided to shorten it. Enough about the album. Let's hear about the songs!
1. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
A legendary self-titled song with strong riffs and even stronger vocals. The transition to the chorus from verse goes from a heavy metal theme to a beautiful and peaceful acoustic vibe which then suddenly ends with a magnificent "Fill your head all full of lies!" and a sudden switch back to the epic metal guitar. Also, don't get me started about the riff switch right before "Where can you run to?". Awesome. Epic album opening - no doubt about it!
2. A National Acrobat
The issue with this album is I can't decide what song is my favorite. This song is filled with a much lower guitar town and lots of harmony done by reverb and the other bandmate's supporting voices. The lyrics are also much deeper, for instance when in verse II Ozzy says "When little worlds collide, I'm trapped inside my embryonic cell, And flashing memories are cast into the never-ending well". Part II of the song switches the tone up completely (around when lyrics "You gotta believe, yead, I'm talking to you" are said). Overall an excellent song filled with a deeper buried meaning at the end, proclaiming "Just remember love is life and hate is living death, Treat your life for what it's worth and live for ever breath, Looking back I've lived and learned, but now, I'm wondering, Here, I wait and only guess what this next life will bring, haha!" (funny joke, because he's explaining that life must be well lived since you only have one, yet he thinks he will be given another, very clever.)
3. Fluff
Many believe (including my Dad) that this song is a "filler" song, which as many know, is a song added to a record in order to meet the length requirement states by the publishing agency, however I disagree. Fluff is not metal, it is very fantasy like and medieval. It is a twist instrumental with a peaceful tone and uplifting tempo. I believe Fluff is an ironic piece of metal genius.
4. Sabbra Cadabra
Who would have thought an album such as Sabbath Bloody Sabbath would have a love song? Well it does, but it's not very romantic. Simply put, (and interpreted by me) this song is about an unhealthy sexual obsession with a woman who gives a man his purpose. The bridge to part II of the song accompanied by a psychedelic keyboard solo after lyrics "Good to know she's all mine" shows Black Sabbath's wide range of talent. The second part of the song consists of persistent guitar playing and a jazzy piano tuning in and out of the song which AGAIN shows their talent. Overall, a very unique and killer jam.
5. Killing Yourself to Live
Many know this song as the most popular song on the album. The range of guitar's tone (switching from a hard and dirty roar to a bubbly, echoey overall trippy riff is absolutely legendary. The song is simply about being burdened hard by the rock and roll / metal lifestyle. Butler (primary bassist and lyricist of the band) was hospitalized for severe alcohol poisoning caused by heavy drinking (obviously). The refrain talks about literally killing themselves day by day because of the mass use of and reliance on drugs during their labored tours. Honestly, the history behind the song is almost sad, but the rock is so awesome that you can't possibly complain.
6. Who Are You?
A very trippy and conclusive song on the album. The song feels almost as though it starts a new type of music, because of the slight lack of guitar and reliance on the unique keyboard sound. The song feels very space-like, almost making the listener feel like they are floating through mars. The suspenseful snare also adds an interesting vibe to the song, almost making you feel like you're marching toward an alien army (what am I even writing lol). Very strange song, probably tied with Fluff for the most unique and unexpected song on the album.
7. Looking for Today
In my opinion, this song is the most rock-esk song on the album. The metal genre is lessened, and the over all rock n' roll flavor is replenished. The riffs are unforgettable, however Bill Ward's drumming is the most impressive part of the song. His tempo is much faster then other songs, and he carries it with pride and consistency through the entire song. Overall an excellent lead into the albums concluding song,
8. Spiral Architect
Though challenging, I'm afraid I simply have to chose Spiral Architect as my favorite song on the album. You can hear every Sabbath song mushed into one in this song. The guitar, drumming, vocals, and bass playing is absolutely incredible. The lyricism rolls from a theme of life and values all the way to fantasy and death. Ozzy simply talks about how he has learned to see the good in the world, and also how the world forces us to be a certain way, but he pushes a message - "Laughter, kissing, love is showing me the way" and "Of all the things I value most of all, I look upon my earth and feel the warmth and know that it is good. You know that I should!" Legendary.
No comments:
Post a Comment