“Paranoid” – Songs Ranked

I always knew “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath was considered a classic, especially since I love a few of the famous tracks dearly, but it’s only after sitting down and listening to the whole thing that I finally appreciate it fully.

There are so many bangers, and even the “worst” songs have charm … but how would I rank them all?

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OK

8 – Rat Salad

“Rat Salad” is a chance for Bill Ward to showcase his drumming. Good for him, I guess.

Decent riff, decent solo, but clearly the most skippable song on the album.

Good

7 – Electric Funeral

For a second I thought “Electric Funeral” was going to be the most underrated song on the album … until the chorus hit.

It starts so heavy and dirty, but the out-of-place “electric funeral” chants are very off-putting.

6 – Hand of Doom

I quite like “Hand of Doom”, but it’s a little too long.

5 – Planet Caravan

“Planet Caravan” is quite a step down from the first two songs on the album, both in terms of quality and pace.

I still like it, though, and it serves its psychedelic purpose well.

Great

4 – Jack the Stripper / Fairies Wear Boots

My pick for “most underrated” song on the album would easily go to its closer, “Jack the Stripper / Fairies Wear Boots”.

The riffs and switch-ups are fantastic, and Ozzy’s paranoid (heh heh) lyrics wrap up the album’s story.

Amazing

3 – Iron Man

That slow, prodding riff has been stuck in my head for days.

“Iron Man” has such a raw and crunchy production. It’s almost as if you can feel the weight of his iron fist crashing down.

All-Time Great

2 – Paranoid

I know what you’re thinking – “Paranoid”, Black Sabbath’s most legendary song, only at number two?!?

It’s still an all-timer, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s very one-note compared to my top pick. It chugs along at feverish pace and is guaranteed to get your head banging.

1 – War Pigs / Luke’s Wall

One of the best intros to any song I’ve heard, one of the best album openers I’ve heard, and easily one of my favourite Rock songs of all time.

It hits hard throughout, and the foreboding atmosphere is impeccable. “War Pigs” is better than “Paranoid” and I’ll die on that hill.

Aaaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below: