Image: Black Sabbath 1970 [Warner Bros. Records]
Black Sabbath have been making music since 1968 - though they only adopted their now-legendary band name in 1969. With their heavy metal and hard rock sound, they influenced and shaped the entire metal genre. The British band, led by Ozzy Osbourne - and at times Ronnie James Dio and other vocalists - have had a long, ever-evolving history. In 2025, they will play their final farewell concert, closing a monumental chapter in metal history.
To get you in the perfect mood for their grand farewell, we’re presenting six of Black Sabbath’s most iconic songs, tracks that remain legendary and belong on every heavy playlist!
Paranoid
A true classic and the song most associated with Black Sabbath. The title track of their 1970 album Paranoid is still played on repeat by fans worldwide.
Fun fact: If their producer Rodger Bain hadn’t suggested that the album was too short, this song might never have been written. It was created in just a few minutes, immediately loved by both the band and their label, and even became the album’s namesake.
Iron Man
Another standout track from Paranoid (1970), thanks to its legendary riff. A fan favorite and an absolute must at every Black Sabbath concert. Some songs simply can’t be left out.
Children of the Grave
Moving forward to 1971’s Master of Reality, "Children of the Grave" is known for driving riffs and a socially critical message. Tony Iommi’s guitar work is once again pure magic - with lasting success.
Black Sabbath
It all started with their self-titled debut album from 1970, which laid the foundation for heavy metal as a genre. The opening track and namesake, "Black Sabbath", was inspired by a 1963 horror film.
Bassist Geezer Butler realized that, while there were plenty of horror movies, there was almost no horror music. The band originally called Earth changed their name to Black Sabbath, and thus, a legend was born.
Heaven and Hell
The title track of their 1980 album Heaven and Hell marked the new era of the band with Ronnie James Dio as their frontman. A defining moment in Black Sabbath’s discography, and according to Dio himself, his favorite recording ever.
War Pigs
Finally, we return to 1970’s Paranoid - because this album just has that much to offer. "War Pigs" is an anti-war song, fitting the hippie era at the time, but its message remains timeless.
At nearly eight minutes long, the track is given the space to develop and say everything it needs to. Despite its length, it even became a traditional concert opener, proving just how beloved it is among fans. A true classic in Black Sabbath’s history.
