SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH

For "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (November 1973), the band brought in Yes keyboard player Rick Wakeman on one track, signaling a slight change in musical direction; it was Black Sabbath's fifth straight Top Ten hit and million-seller. Musically, this is a solid album by Black Sabbath and was in fact it was the first album that I listened to in its entirety when the album was released in 1973. The album title track "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" is truly a killing rocker that would definitely attract million rock ears by that time.

The album remarked a sad story in the band's career because their manager Jim Simpson sued them for wrongful termination. The band realized that their manager screwed them out for millions of dollars. The lawsuit went on for two years. As Osbourne said, this "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" album was made to pay their lawyers. Through this album Black Sabbath reflected the brutal realities of the music business. "Killing Yourself To Live" was representing their grievances from the music business.

"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" is for me an excellent album as it has good combination of melody, riff and structure. For those who have never heard the music of Black Sabbath ('coz you Mom did not let you collect their record!) can even start with this album. Keep on rockin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW