After releasing 3 of the most important albums in music history (Black Sabbath, Paranoid, Master of Reality), the almighty Sabbath released Vol. 4, and it stacks right up with their first 3 albums. This album is a bit different from MoR, being that it's not as dark and gloomy, and it throws in a hint of psycadelia. Not that that's a bad thing though, it works great. Things kick off with "Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener", a perfect opener. This song is so catchy, and Ozzy's vocals are flawless. The second part, The Straightener is just a kickass instrumental. The song that caught people off guard is "Changes". A Sabbath ballad you ask? Yes, and IMO, it's not bad at all. Once again, great vocal work by the Ozz. "FX" is just a filler track and it's nothing but a bunch of weird noise, but it brings you to "Supernaut". Awesome riffage from the riff god Tony Iommi, and one of Bill Ward's best performances on the drums. There isn't really much to be said about "Snowblind", other then it's a Sabbath classic. "Cornucopia" is a sweet bluesey headbanger, in the vein of Ferries Wear Boots. To me, those tracks are the highlights (with the exception of "FX") but the rest of the album is great as well. Another classic album from Sabbath.
10/10
10/10
