Classic Album Series

The Classic Album Series highlights records from the past, forgotten, overlooked and cherished alike, selected for their influence, relevance and worth.

In this edition, writer, musician and filmmaker Chris Wade looks at Black Sabbath's landmark record, Paranoid, released in 1970. It was a big seller in its day, though one could perhaps judge it more thoroughly by its influence, longevity and undying power. Featuring landmark songs like Iron Man, War Pigs, Fairies Wear Boots and the hit single title track, Paranoid is as close to perfection as early Heavy Metal ever got, and remains a firm rock classic nearly fifty years later.

This book celebrates the sounds within, from a personal viewpoint, and also looks at the legacy of its eight perfect songs.

Chris Wade is a UK based writer, musician, artist and filmmaker.