The metal scene is buzzing as Black Sabbath’s classic album “Paranoid” has jumped from No. 20 to No. 9 on the charts. This marks the band’s fourth time breaking into the top spots, just weeks after the passing of Ozzy Osbourne. It’s the first time “Paranoid” has appeared on the charts in years.
Sales of the album surged by an impressive 85%, with 5,400 units sold. This boost helped the album climb from No. 32 to No. 14 on the list. Many fans have returned to Black Sabbath’s music following Osbourne’s death in July at the age of 76. He wrapped up his solo career and Black Sabbath shows just two months before his passing.
“Paranoid” is now featured on six Billboard charts. While vinyl sales soared, the album did see some declines elsewhere. It dropped on both the Top Rock Albums and Top Rock & Alternative Albums charts. Additionally, the album experienced a 35% decrease in total weekly consumption, causing its position to fall from No. 27 to No. 90.
Black Sabbath has had some notable successes with vinyl in the past. “Live at Hammersmith Odeon” reached No. 8 in 2011, while “13” peaked at No. 2 in 2013. Last year, their self-titled debut album hit No. 6.
The iconic song “Paranoid” remains a strong contender on the charts, though it slipped from No. 5 to No. 14. It also dropped on both global Billboard lists. The lyrics reflect a sense of struggle: “Finished with my woman, ‘Cause she couldn’t help me with my mind, People think I’m insane, Because I am frowning all the time.”
In contrast, “War Pigs/Luke’s Wall” climbed from No. 6 to No. 5 on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart.
