Sitting here listening to the full new Black Sabbath album for the first time start to finish. I like much of what I hear but think this will take some time as many of the songs are long and in much of the same tempo. “Loner” seems to be the one track at 4 minutes and a bit more uptempo. Like the production, Tony is the riff king, Geezer rules as always, and Ozzy sounds good on it. In the absence of Bill Ward sounds like Brad Wilk does a great job. It’s obvious the band spent time listening to their first album at the direction of Rick Rubin. They literally rip themselves off at times. “Emd Of The Beginning” is the song Black Sabbath! The end of the album “Dear Father” also sounds like a direct sample of the open of the song “BLack Sabbath” (and makes for a nice way to close what might be their final album, since it opens the first one in 1970) But if the creators of metal can’t borrow from themselves after being borrowed from for decades who can? I’m still digesting this and will have more of a feeling for it after a few listens. But for a band in it’s 43rd year of making records on first listen it’s better than anyone could have expected, especially when you consider the new tracks they did with Ozzy for the Reunion collection which were not strong in my opinion. Also great to see the strong first week sales for this album around the world. Much is being made of this and rightfully so, it’s great to see for the band and metal, but the REAL test will be where the album is chart and sales wise in 3-4 weeks from now. Most legendary classic bands with huge fan bases have great first week or two sales and chart standing. The real test is after the base buys the album what happens? Most drop off the radar quickly. This is due to the lack of any real radio or video support to keep it going and bring in new audiences. This is far from a commercial album so it will be a challenge for the label to keep it alive outside of specialty shows like mine once the first week buzz slows. So let’s hope Sabbath can land a number 1 in the US in week 1. After that it will be virtually impossible. Just a bi product of the music industry today. Hope to have Geezer and or Tony on the radio shows soon to discuss all. They have been frequent guests in the past. MOST important let’s hope Tony continues his recovery to good health! As always we welcome your thoughts and opinions as well!
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27 Responses
I love the Album ive been an Ozzy/Sabbath fan my whole life pretty much since i was about 8 or 9 and own all their albums from both catalogs.I think this Album is Great and its good to see the Masters Of Metal still in top form.You can tell theyre real proud of this Album and it shows in the songs and performances.I agree Eddie on the sales aspect,unfortunately 99% of my fav bands have very strong first and 2nd week showings then fall off after that.Which is sad because some of the newer albums are so good from these Artists that its a shame theres no other promotion behind them.In my opinion i think alot of these bands should keep making music videos for youtube.Youtube seems to be the only way you can get video play nowadays and it lets people know the Record is out.Regadless,Sabbs are back in top form and i wish them all the best,Thanks Eddie for keeping Metal Alive on your Radio Shows and VH1 Classic,you play what ALL Radio Stations wont touch!
Thanks Again
Anthony
I am so glad I got the Best Buy version, because Naivete in Black may be my favorite track. The bonus disc as a whole is great… absolutely a hybrid of the Ozzy and Dio versions of the band…very metal!
I agree with Eddie’s take, that yes, it may be very similar to what they did 40 years ago, but then again, it is SABBATH, that’s who they are, and its sounds better than I had hoped. The last thing I wanted was some cheap knock-off for a band trying to cash in at a last ditch effort for a reunion.
Tony, Geezer, Ozzy… Well done! thank you Rick Rubin!
Sounds like a remastered 70’s album..After being slammed for the production of Death Magnetic Rick Rubin did a tremendous job on 13..each instrument, along with the vocals, are super crisp and do not get lost w/in each other..Lyrically I’ve never been a big Sabbath fan, the “occult” lyrics have often been a bit juvenile and corny.. That being said this, possibly due to the production, is one of my favorite Sabbath albums..
Was not impressed during my initial listening of 13, but we shall see as I listen some more.
BTW, AC/DC didn’t have any problem sustaining sales and tour revenue with Black Ice, so if the music is good and the band kicks ass then an album will sell, and people will go to the concerts. I don’t see much coming from Sabbath…kind of a feeble effort after having been away so long. Too bad.
I am not a big fan of Ozzy…I liked and preferred the Dio era Sabbath….great album musically…the vocals are the weak point…then again it is Ozzy…not the greatest vocalist….Itoo bad H &H could not have done one more…