Black Sabbath - Paranoid

Year Released: 1970
Genre: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

Description:

“Paranoid” by Black Sabbath was issued as a 7-inch single in August 1970 on the Vertigo label (catalogue number 6059 010 in the UK) and later released in multiple international editions. The track became the band’s first major chart success, reaching No. 4 in the UK and No. 61 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, establishing Black Sabbath as a defining force in the emerging heavy metal movement.

Rooted in the dark, riff-driven sound that would become their signature, “Paranoid” features Tony Iommi’s blistering guitar work, Geezer Butler’s driving bass, Bill Ward’s thunderous drumming, and Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocal delivery. According to the band, the song was written in a matter of minutes—intended merely as filler for the album—but its raw energy and memorable hook made it one of the most iconic rock tracks ever recorded.

The single’s B-side, “The Wizard,” further showcases the band’s blues-influenced roots, complete with harmonica and a heavy groove. With a concise runtime of around 2 minutes 48 seconds, “Paranoid” captured the intensity of Black Sabbath’s sound in its purest form and helped define the sonic blueprint for heavy metal that would follow.

Original 1970 pressings of the 7″ single—particularly those issued on Vertigo in the UK—are now prized by collectors. Subsequent releases appeared on Warner Bros. in the U.S. and other labels worldwide.

“Paranoid” remains a cornerstone of Black Sabbath’s legacy, a timeless anthem of urgency and alienation that continues to influence rock and metal musicians more than five decades after its release.