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Album Details

• Artist: Black Sabbath
• Album: Technical Ecstasy
• Label: Warner Bros
• Year of Release: 1976
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: gwhill on 2013-02-05

A controversial album for Black Sabbath, this disc found them stretching into new and untried directions. The trademarked Sab metal is still present, but it is joined by other diverse sounds. Black Sabbath’s lineup at the time was the original one of Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, but Gerald Woodruffe joined them on this release.

Some tracks seemed more like the sound people expected from Sabbath by that time than others did. The opener, “Back Street Kids” is one of those. Although it has a rather quirky arrangement, it is a pretty typical Sabbath tune. “You Won’t Change Me” is a rather unique cut, and one of the stronger ones on the disc. A darkly metallic intro featuring effective keys provides the beginning of the cut. The tune has many varied textures and styles from progish elements to straightforward rock and roll. It is a very strong composition, and the later segments feature some wonderful piano work.

One of the most unusual songs (in fact, one of the most unusual songs in Sabbath’s entire catalog) is presented with the third track of the disc, “It’s Alright.” The cut features lead vocals from Bill Ward and really feels more like The Beatles than Sabbath. It’s a good tune, but doesn’t really seem to fit. “Gypsy” brings things more into typical Sabbath territory. A strong metal track, it features impressive drum work. The chorus has quite a catchy groove and other segments include dark progish textures. “All Moving Parts (Must Stand Still” is a killer metal tune with a rather funky bass line. It’s also one of the highlights of the set.

“Rock 'N' Roll Doctor” is essentially a metallic hard rocking piece with honky tonk piano. It is a fun song. “She’s Gone” is actually my favorite tune on the whole album. That said, it’s not a completely typical Black Sabbath tune. A cut dealing with losing a love, the tune is based primarily on guitar and vocals. It is a beautifully poignant ballad with prog sensibilities. It is also very strong. The closing tune, “Dirty Women” is more typical Sabbath and provides a strong conclusion to the album.

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