11 Underrated Black Sabbath Songs: Sabbath Secrets

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, your go-to DJ and music aficionado. Today, I’m super excited to share something special with you all – a list of 11 underrated Black Sabbath songs. As a DJ and a die-hard fan of rock music, I’ve always been captivated by the raw energy and pioneering spirit of Black Sabbath.

But beyond their famous hits, there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known tracks that often fly under the radar. I decided to dive deep into their discography to unearth these hidden gems.

Why?

Because every song tells a story, and these tracks are no exception. They showcase the band’s versatility, creativity, and the sheer power of their music. So, whether you’re a long-time Sabbath fan or just getting into their sound, join me on this journey of musical exploration.

Let’s rock!

Here are the underrated Black Sabbath songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Black Sabbath Songs

Underrated Black Sabbath songs in a list format:

1. “Wheels of Confusion” – Vol. 4 (1972, Warner Bros. Records)

From the album Vol. 4, released in 1972 under Warner Bros. Records, “Wheels of Confusion” is a testament to Black Sabbath’s ability to blend heavy riffs with introspective lyrics. Authored by the classic lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, this track is a journey through the complexities of the human mind. Its shifting tempos and Iommi’s masterful guitar work make it a standout piece. I chose it for its experimental edge, showing Sabbath’s willingness to push the boundaries of heavy metal.

2. “Megalomania” – Sabotage (1975, Warner Bros. Records)

“Megalomania,” from the 1975 album Sabotage, is a Black Sabbath epic. Authored by the band’s original lineup, this song is a rollercoaster of emotions, starting with a haunting, slow melody that gradually builds into a heavy, riff-driven climax. The song’s exploration of themes like power and delusion, combined with Osbourne’s passionate vocals, make it a powerful listen. I included it for its dramatic structure and the way it encapsulates the band’s ability to tell a story through music.

3. “Johnny Blade” – Never Say Die! (1978, Warner Bros. Records)

From their 1978 album Never Say Die!, “Johnny Blade” is a hidden gem. This song, penned by the original members, is a gritty narrative set to the backdrop of a synthesizer-infused melody, a departure from their usual style. The song’s portrayal of a street tough character, Johnny Blade, is both vivid and compelling. I chose this song for its storytelling prowess and its unique blend of synthesizer and traditional heavy metal elements, showcasing Sabbath’s versatility.

4. “Air Dance” – Never Say Die! (1978, Warner Bros. Records)

Also from Never Say Die!, “Air Dance” stands out for its jazz-infused style, a rarity in the Sabbath catalog. Written by the original lineup, it features a softer, more melodic approach, with a standout performance by Bill Ward on drums. The song’s poetic lyrics and the experimental fusion of genres make it a unique piece in their discography. I love “Air Dance” for its unexpectedness and the way it shows Sabbath’s range beyond heavy metal.

5. “Back Street Kids” – Technical Ecstasy (1976, Warner Bros. Records)

“Back Street Kids,” from the 1976 album Technical Ecstasy, is a high-energy track that captures the essence of the band’s roots. Authored by the original members, it’s a tribute to the working-class youth, with a straightforward, hard-rocking sound. The song’s raw energy and relatable lyrics make it a standout track. I included it for its unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll spirit and its connection to the band’s early days.

6. “Gypsy” – Technical Ecstasy (1976, Warner Bros. Records)

Another track from Technical Ecstasy, “Gypsy” showcases Black Sabbath’s ability to weave a narrative with their music. Written by the original lineup, the song tells a story of a mysterious woman, set to the tune of heavy riffs and haunting melodies. The song’s atmospheric quality and the storytelling aspect make it a captivating listen. I chose “Gypsy” for its narrative depth and the way it highlights the band’s songwriting skills.

7. “Wicked World” – Black Sabbath (1970, Warner Bros. Records)

“Wicked World,” a lesser-known track from their debut album Black Sabbath, released in 1970, is a raw and unfiltered look at societal issues. Authored by the band’s original members, its lyrics are as relevant today as they were then, discussing themes like war and poverty. The song’s gritty sound and socio-political commentary make it a powerful piece. I included it for its timeless message and its representation of Sabbath’s early sound.

8. “After Forever” – Master of Reality (1971, Warner Bros. Records)

From the 1971 album Master of Reality, “After Forever” is a pioneering track in the world of Christian metal. Written primarily by Geezer Butler, the band’s bassist, it’s a bold exploration of faith and spirituality, a theme rarely touched upon in heavy metal at the time. The song’s heavy riffs and thought-provoking lyrics make it a standout track. I chose “After Forever” for its groundbreaking subject matter and its powerful musical execution.

9. “Solitude” – Master of Reality (1971, Warner Bros. Records)

Also from Master of Reality, “Solitude” is a departure from Black Sabbath’s typical sound. This haunting ballad, penned by the original lineup, showcases a softer, more introspective side of the band. With its melancholic flute melody and reflective lyrics, it offers a moment of calm in their otherwise heavy discography. I love “Solitude” for its emotional depth and the contrast it provides within their body of work.

10. “A National Acrobat” – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973, Warner Bros. Records)

“A National Acrobat,” from the 1973 album Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, is a song that delves into the mysteries of life and creation. Authored by the original members, it combines philosophical lyrics with intricate guitar work, creating a thought-provoking and musically complex piece. The song’s exploration of existential themes, paired with its musical excellence, makes it a hidden masterpiece. I included it for its intellectual depth and its showcase of the band’s musical prowess.

11. “The Writ” – Sabotage (1975, Warner Bros. Records)

Finally, “The Writ” from the album Sabotage is a deeply personal song, reflecting the band’s struggles with management and legal issues at the time. Written by the original lineup, it’s a raw and emotional expression of frustration and betrayal, set to the tune of powerful riffs and dynamic vocals. The song’s personal nature and its intensity make it a compelling listen. I chose “The Writ” for its honesty and the insight it provides into the band’s history at a tumultuous time.

Fun Facts: Underrated Black Sabbath Songs

“Wheels of Confusion” – Vol. 4

• Extended Solo: “Wheels of Confusion” features one of Tony Iommi’s longest guitar solos in Black Sabbath’s discography, showcasing his innovative playing style.
• Multiple Sections: The song is known for its multiple sections, changing tempos, and moods, making it a mini-epic within their catalog.
• Innovative Tuning: Iommi’s use of C# tuning, a semi-tone lower than standard, contributes to the song’s heavy and unique sound.

“Megalomania” – Sabotage

• Dynamic Range: “Megalomania” is notable for its dynamic range, starting with a haunting, quiet intro and building into a heavy, powerful climax.
• Lyrically Complex: The song’s lyrics delve into themes of power and delusion, reflecting the band’s state of mind amidst legal battles and internal tensions during the recording of Sabotage.

“Johnny Blade” – Never Say Die!

• Synthesizer Experimentation: This track is one of Black Sabbath’s early experiments with synthesizers, adding a new dimension to their sound.
• Character-Based Narrative: The song tells the story of a fictional character, Johnny Blade, marking a foray into more narrative-based songwriting for the band.

“Air Dance” – Never Say Die!

• Jazz Influences: “Air Dance” stands out for its jazz influences, a rare element in Black Sabbath’s music, showcasing their versatility.
• Poetic Lyrics: The song features some of the band’s most poetic lyrics, adding to its unique and softer appeal in their catalog.

“Back Street Kids” – Technical Ecstasy

• Tribute to Roots: The song is a tribute to the band’s working-class roots in Birmingham, England, reflecting their connection to their origins.
• Straightforward Rock: Unlike many of their other songs, “Back Street Kids” adopts a more straightforward rock approach, emphasizing raw energy over complexity.

“Gypsy” – Technical Ecstasy

• Narrative Storytelling: “Gypsy” is an example of Black Sabbath’s storytelling prowess, weaving a tale about a mysterious woman.
• Musical Complexity: The song features complex arrangements and tempo changes, showcasing the band’s musical skills.

“Wicked World” – Black Sabbath

• Socio-Political Commentary: One of the band’s earliest forays into socio-political commentary, discussing themes like war and poverty.
• B-Side Rarity: Originally released as a B-side to the “Evil Woman” single, “Wicked World” was not included on the UK version of their debut album.

“After Forever” – Master of Reality

• Christian Metal Pioneer: Often cited as one of the first Christian metal songs, it was groundbreaking in its religious subject matter.
• Geezer Butler’s Influence: Written primarily by bassist Geezer Butler, the song reflects his Catholic upbringing and personal beliefs.

“Solitude” – Master of Reality

• Flute and Mellotron: The song features a flute and mellotron, unusual instruments in heavy metal, contributing to its unique sound.
• Emotional Depth: Known for its emotional depth, “Solitude” showcases a different, more introspective side of Black Sabbath.

“A National Acrobat” – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

• Philosophical Themes: The song delves into deep philosophical themes, exploring the mysteries of life and creation.
• Musical Intricacy: Noted for its intricate guitar work and complex arrangements, it’s a testament to the band’s musical evolution.

“The Writ” – Sabotage

• Personal Struggles: The lyrics reflect the band’s personal struggles with management and legal issues, making it one of their most introspective songs.
• Raw Emotion: Known for its raw emotional intensity, “The Writ” provides a glimpse into the band’s state of mind during a tumultuous period in their career.

And there you have it, rockers! A deep dive into the lesser-known tracks of Black Sabbath that deserve more spotlight. These songs are not just music; they’re stories, emotions, and innovations that shaped rock history. Keep exploring, keep rocking, and remember, there’s always more to discover in the world of music.

Thanks for reading.

TBone