Ozzy Osbourne’s Hall of Fame triumph: Ranking his Black Sabbath albums

No. 2 - Black Sabbath (1970)

Black Sabbath changed the landscape of music forever when they unleashed their self-titled debut record to the world in 1970. Released during an era where psychedelic rock was at the forefront, Black Sabbath helped usher in a new style of music that had never been heard before: heavy metal. The self-titled album features the classic hits "N.I.B," "Wicked World," and the iconic title track which contains one of the heaviest and darkest riffs in the history of music.

The album is raw and full of energy, and although it wasn’t well received upon debut, it has aged gracefully, and it later helped influence the rock and roll and heavy metal scenes in a big way.

No. 1 - Paranoid (1970)

Black Sabbath avoided the “sophomore slump” with their second record Paranoid, released just seven months after their groundbreaking debut album. Paranoid builds on the success of Black Sabbath, with the anti-war protest anthem "War Pigs," "Iron Man," and the title track going on to become some of the band’s most recognizable and critically acclaimed songs.

Paranoid is consistent throughout, and it features Black Sabbath at their absolute best with their trademark dark and doomy sound at the forefront. Combine this sound with the powerful and heavy lyrics from bassist Geezer Butler, and you have yourself not only the best Black Sabbath album of all time but also one of the best rock and metal records in music history.

Ozzy Osbourne is a rock legend and while he is being honored for his solo work, it is important to recognize the monumental impact he had as a part of one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. He now holds the rare distinction of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame multiple times, a true testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft over the past 55 years.

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