The Most Popular Black Sabbath Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:30
Black Sabbath, an iconic band noted for shaping the heavy metal genre, has a repertoire that resonates with generations of fans. Sorting through their impressive catalog to pinpoint which song stands out the most can aid both new and seasoned listeners in understanding the group's impact and evolution. A ranked list based on fan votes provides an engaging way for everyone to see which tracks have left the most significant mark. By participating in the voting process, fans contribute to a dynamic crowd-sourced archive that not only celebrates the band's legendary status but also offers personal insights into the diverse tastes and preferences within the Black Sabbath community. This aggregated data forms a bridge connecting different perspectives and allows for a deeper appreciation of the band's musical milestones.

What Is the Most Popular Black Sabbath Song?

  1. 1
    77
    votes
    This song is considered Black Sabbath's signature song and is one of the most recognizable and iconic songs in heavy metal history. The opening riff is instantly recognizable and the lyrics are a reflection of the anxieties and paranoia of the time.
    Paranoid is a classic heavy metal song by the British rock band Black Sabbath. It was released as the title track of their second studio album in 1970. Known for its aggressive sound and memorable guitar riff, Paranoid is often considered one of the most influential songs in the heavy metal genre.
    • Album: Paranoid
    • Release Year: 1970
    • Genre: Heavy metal
    • Song Length: 2 minutes and 48 seconds
    • Composer: Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward
  2. 2
    22
    votes
    This song features a heavy, memorable riff and is one of Black Sabbath's most commercially successful songs. It has been covered by numerous artists and has become a staple of classic rock radio.
    Iron Man is a fictional superhero character known for his high-tech powered suit of armor. He made his first appearance in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by screenwriters Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby, and brought to life on the big screen by actor Robert Downey Jr. in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
    • Superhero Name: Iron Man
    • Real Name: Tony Stark
    • First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #39 (March 1963)
    • Publisher: Marvel Comics
    • Abilities: Genius-level intellect, mastery of engineering and technology, flight, superhuman strength, energy blasts, enhanced durability
    Iron Man in other rankings
  3. 3
    23
    votes

    War Pigs

    Black Sabbath
    This song is an anti-war anthem that features powerful lyrics and a driving, heavy riff. It has been covered by many artists and has become a staple of classic rock radio.
    War Pigs is a popular heavy metal song by the British rock band Black Sabbath. It was featured as the opening track on their 1970 album 'Paranoid'. The song is known for its powerful and driving guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and Ozzy Osbourne's distinctive vocals. With its anti-war theme, War Pigs became an iconic protest song during the time of its release and has remained a staple of Black Sabbath's live performances over the years.
    • Album: Paranoid
    • Year: 1970
    • Genre: Heavy metal
    • Track number: 1
    • Duration: 7:55
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    This song features a memorable bass riff and is one of Black Sabbath's most popular songs. The lyrics are about the devil falling in love and have become a fan favorite.
    N.I.B. is a classic heavy metal song by Black Sabbath. It was written by the band members Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward. The song was released as the closing track on their debut studio album, 'Black Sabbath', in 1970.
    • Album: Black Sabbath
    • Year: 1970
    • Genre: Heavy metal
    • Songwriter(s): Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward
    • Length: 6 minutes and 9 seconds
  5. 5
    16
    votes

    Children of the Grave

    Black Sabbath
    This song features a heavy, driving riff and is one of Black Sabbath's most politically charged songs. The lyrics are a commentary on the Vietnam War and the anti-war movement.
    Children of the Grave is a heavy metal song by the iconic British band Black Sabbath. It was released in 1971 as part of their album 'Master of Reality'. The song is known for its dark and powerful sound, combining heavy guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and haunting vocals by Ozzy Osbourne. It has become one of Black Sabbath's most popular and enduring tracks, regarded as a staple of the heavy metal genre.
    • Album: Master of Reality
    • Release Year: 1971
    • Genre: Heavy Metal
    • Length: 5:17
    • Lead Vocals: Ozzy Osbourne
  6. 6
    11
    votes

    Sweet Leaf

    Black Sabbath
    This song is a classic stoner anthem that features a memorable riff and lyrics about the joys of smoking marijuana. It has become a fan favorite and is often played live.
    Sweet Leaf is a popular song by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath. It was released in 1971 as part of their album 'Master of Reality'. The song is known for its distinctive guitar riffs and heavy sound, contributing to the development of the metal genre. The lyrics of 'Sweet Leaf' are inspired by the recreational use of cannabis and the band's experiences with it. The song incorporates Tony Iommi's iconic guitar work, Geezer Butler's heavy basslines, Bill Ward's powerful drumming, and Ozzy Osbourne's unique vocals.
    • Album: Master of Reality
    • Release Year: 1971
    • Genre: Heavy Metal
    • Guitarist: Tony Iommi
    • Lyricist: Geezer Butler
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    Black Sabbath
    Warner Bros. Records · Public domain

    Black Sabbath

    Black Sabbath
    This song is the title track of the band's debut album and is considered one of the first heavy metal songs ever recorded. It features a haunting riff and eerie lyrics that set the tone for the band's dark and heavy sound.
    Black Sabbath is a heavy metal song by the British rock band Black Sabbath. It is the title track of their debut album, released in 1970. The song is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the heavy metal genre. With its dark and ominous sound, Black Sabbath sets the tone for the band's signature style.
    • Genre: Heavy metal
    • Album: Black Sabbath
    • Release Year: 1970
    • Song Length: 6:20
    • Lyrics by: Ozzy Osbourne
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    This song features a memorable harmonica riff and is one of Black Sabbath's most blues-influenced songs. The lyrics are about a wizard and have become a fan favorite.
  9. 9
    12
    votes

    Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

    Black Sabbath
    This song features a complex riff and is one of Black Sabbath's most progressive songs. The lyrics are about the struggles of being in a band and have become a fan favorite.
    Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is a heavy metal song by the British rock band Black Sabbath. It was released in 1973 as the title track of their fifth studio album of the same name. The song is known for its dark and aggressive sound, combining heavy guitar riffs, haunting melodies, and powerful vocals.
    • Album: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
    • Release Year: 1973
    • Genre: Heavy metal
    • Length: 5:45
    • Songwriter(s): Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    Heaven and Hell
    Eetwartti · Public domain

    Heaven and Hell

    Black Sabbath
    This song was recorded with Ronnie James Dio as the band's vocalist and features a powerful, epic riff. It has become a fan favorite and is often played live.
    Heaven and Hell is a song by the British rock band Black Sabbath. Released in 1980, it marked the first song recorded with Ronnie James Dio as the lead vocalist after the departure of Ozzy Osbourne. The track showcased Dio's powerful vocals and introduced a more melodic and accessible sound for the band. It quickly became one of Black Sabbath's most popular and enduring songs.
    • Album: Heaven and Hell
    • Year: 1980
    • Lead Vocals: Ronnie James Dio
    • Guitar: Tony Iommi
    • Bass: Geezer Butler
    Heaven and Hell in other rankings

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Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Chart performance
    Analyzing how a song performed on various music charts can be indicative of its popularity. Songs that have reached high positions on global and regional music charts are likely more popular than those that have not.
  2. Album sales
    Songs that are part of best-selling albums often gain more popularity and recognition. The sales figure of a Black Sabbath album can be an essential factor in understanding the popularity of individual songs.
  3. Radio airplay
    The number of times a song has been played on the radio can also be indicative of its popularity. Songs that received heavy airplay tend to be more popular with audiences.
  4. Streaming numbers
    Modern music consumption often takes place through streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Analyzing the number of streams a Black Sabbath song has accumulated can give an idea of its popularity among fans.
  5. Live performances
    A song's popularity can also be gauged by the number of times it has been played live by the band. Songs that are frequently included in Black Sabbath's setlists are likely to be more popular with fans.
  6. Fan opinions and reviews
    The opinions of Black Sabbath's fan base can be crucial in determining a song's popularity. Online forums, blogs, and review sites can provide valuable insights into the popularity of specific songs within the fan community.
  7. Awards and recognitions
    Songs that have received awards or been acknowledged by music industry organizations can also be considered more popular. Such accolades can enhance a song's reputation and standing among fans.
  8. Covers and tributes
    Popular songs often inspire other musicians to create covers or tributes. The number of covers and tributes a Black Sabbath song has received can be indicative of its popularity.
  9. Cultural impact
    Some songs become iconic and resonate with a specific time or movement in musical history. Analyzing the cultural impact of a Black Sabbath song can provide insight into its long-lasting popularity and influence.
  10. Timelessness
    The ability of a song to remain popular over time can be a crucial factor in ranking its popularity. Songs that are still widely appreciated and listened to years after their release can be considered more popular than songs that have faded from the public's attention.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Black Sabbath song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2120 views
  • 198 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular black sabbath song

Black Sabbath is one of the most iconic heavy metal bands of all time, known for their dark and heavy sound that has inspired countless musicians over the years. Formed in Birmingham, England in 1968, the band consisted of Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass, and Bill Ward on drums. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1970, introduced the world to their unique sound and set the stage for a string of classic albums that would cement their place in rock history. Today, Black Sabbath remains one of the most influential bands in the genre, and their music continues to inspire new generations of fans. So, what is the most popular Black Sabbath song? Let's take a look at some of their biggest hits and find out.

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