Black Sabbath, Vol. 4 (CD - 1972)

While Black Sabbath's 1972 release VOL. 4 didn't contain a renowned heavy metal anthem as PARANOID's title track, "Iron Man," or MASTER OF REALITY's "Sweet Leaf" and "Children of the Grave," for example, it was far from a lackluster effort. VOL. 4 is a consistent, complete album that contains many of Sabbath's most underrated and often-overlooked compositions. Based on the inspired performances throughout the album, you'd never know that the band has considered the writing/recording of VOL. 4 to be its most out-of-control and drug-heavy period.

A pair of long and winding epics open and close VOL. 4.: "Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener" and "Under the Sun/Everything Comes and Goes," each consisting of two separate sections. The reflective, love-lost ballad "Changes" remains one of Sabbath's best, while Tony Iommi's gorgeous acoustic instrumental "Laguna Sunrise" is another low-key standout. But plodding, mega-decibel heavy metal is what Sabbath is known for, and VOL. 4 delivers with such dark rockers as "Tomorrow's Dream," "Supernaut," and "Snowblind," a track warning against the dangers of cocaine. VOL. 4 is one of Black Sabbath's most underrated albums, despite its exceptional quality. minimize