Music Ranking

Really great music. All the songs are very similar but really great. Listening to this, I am not totally sure if the satanic panic was at all sensible. The music can be at times kind of “occult-y” but relatively tame. I have to give credit to the song titles though. “Rat Salad” is gnarly.

8.75/10

Album Art Ranking

I really love the font they use. Also the spaceman-laser-sword guy is really neat looking. 

8/10

Music Ranking

I think this is the first time I actually listened to a Black Sabbath album. Things that I notice are that the music is simple. The Guitar, Bass, and Vocals usually are in the same melody. The lyrics are often haunting, pointed and it is clear that the album title reflects the topic explored in the album, the descent into madness. They use call and response frequently with substantial repetition in the melody that the lyrics are sung  and then a repeating response. This gives the music a poetic rhythm, and I also think helps drive the feeling that through the album there is continuous movement (in this case towards insanity). Really great album and it is clear why this has stood up to the test of time. If you do something that is inherently simple - do it well and it will work. 

7.9/10 

Album Art Ranking

A bit weird.

7.0/10