Artist: Black Sabbath Album: Born Again

Year: 1983
Duration: 41:07

Born Again: A of Black Sabbath's Album

Black Sabbath is one of the most influential rock bands in history. With over 50 years of music making, numerous line up changes, and countless classics, the band has rightfully earned their status as legends. In 1983, Black Sabbath released their eleventh studio album, Born Again. The album's release came with significant anticipation as it marked the return of vocalist Ian Gillan, previously of Deep Purple. However, the album received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. This post will take a closer look at Born Again, diving into its brief history, music genre, best songs, and innovative parts while also critiquing it.
Born Again is a heavy metal album, which means it involves distorted guitars, fast tempos, and powerful vocals. However, unlike many of Black Sabbath's prior works, Born Again emphasizes speed and energy over catchiness. The tracks are rawer and more aggressive than any of the preceding albums, and this aesthetic makes the album stand out from other releases in the metal genre around the same time. Born Again is not an album attempting to flatter fans. It is loud, fast, and somewhat abrasive, making it a risk for Black Sabbath, who was already well-established in the industry.
Of the eight tracks available on the album, Zero the Hero and Disturbing the Priest are among the best. Zero the Hero is an epitome of the tone and style of the album. The opening heavy riffs are crushing, making it an instant classic. Disturbing the Priest, on the other hand, demonstrate Ian Gillan's monster vocal capability and vocal range. His unique style is a clear contrast to the typical Ozzy Osbourne sound in previous Black Sabbath albums.
The most innovative and electrifying part of the album is likely the drumming of Bill Ward. It's impossible to ignore his driving fills and double bass playing. His impeccable timing in the album revolutionized the sound and direction of Black Sabbath during that era. His ability to stay in the moment and move along the tracks in unpredictable ways gave their sound a new sense of excitement.
While Born Again has some great tracks, though, as a whole, it's significantly flawed. The album feels disjointed, sometimes meandering aimlessly from track to track, and the production quality has been widely criticized. One could hear the music as dirty and muddy, causing the tracks to become boring after several listens. However, it is worth noting that the rough sound of the album could have been intentional by the band to make the album stand out even more than their previous releases.
Born Again is not without its flaws, but it remains a reasonably enjoyable listen. The record is a product of an era when Black Sabbath was trying to reinvent its sound, and the album's rough feeling is a clear departure from the band's earlier styles. It was a risk in its time, and while it may not have lived up to some fans' expectations, it's a fascinating addition to the Black Sabbath discography. The album marks the beginning of Black Sabbath's attempt to evolve their sound, which they would continue to do in subsequent records, cementing themselves as one of the heavy metal pioneers. Therefore, Born Again serves as a cornerstone in the band's history and provides an insight into their attempts to remain relevant.