9. Born Again (1983)

Born Again is a flawed masterpiece. It came together after Dio and Appice left Sabbath, reportedly due to arguments about the mix of the Live Evil album (there were rumors that the pair snuck in to mix the vocals and drums higher). The back stories on the record fueled Spinal Tap and are enough for a book: the decision to have dwarves on the stage; the disastrous efforts to replicate Stonehenge for a tour, and the album cover of a hideous devil baby, which reportedly made vocalist Ian Gillan vomit. The album also birthed a few of the strangest rock videos ever recorded, featuring deformed butlers, farm animals, and drunk driving. Deep Purple vocalist Gillan was an interesting choice for a vocalist, picked as much because of his friendship with the band as for his chops. He wasn’t a wailer like Ozzy and didn’t have Dio’s range but rather a voice suited to classic rock. It works very well on Born Again.

There are strange sounds throughout Born Again and the mix is dreadful. Earlier mixes of the album have since resurfaced. But there’s no denying the power of the songs. “Trashed” is the best song ever about a late-night drinking session and a wrecked go-kart. “Disturbing The Priest” was written after aggravating their chaste next door neighbors in a rectory. There are a few songs that are expendable, like “Hot Line.” But the best song — and a keeper from Sabbath’s long career — is “Zero The Hero.” The riff of Guns N’ Roses'”Paradise City” is remarkably similar to “Zero,” and was once covered by the death metal band Cannibal Corpse.Born Again is a strange album from a bizarre time, but there are plenty of things that make it a memorable listen.