Black Sabbath: Ozzy Osbourne (vocals); Tony Iommi (guitar); Geezer Butler (bass guitar); Bill Ward (drums, percussion).
Liner Note Author: Don Kaye.
Recording information: 1970 - 1978.
Black Sabbath's 1975 greatest-hits album, WE SOLD OUR SOULS FOR ROCK & ROLL, may very well be the best single-volume compilation ever released that focuses on a band in its prime . It would seem nearly impossible to top, but Rhino's GREATEST HITS 1970-78 may have done just that. The uninspired title aside, GREATEST HITS is an essential document if for no other reason than, unlike SOLD OUR SOULS, it encompasses the band's entire run with the Ozzman at the helm, featuring songs from 1976's TECHNICAL ECSTASY and '78's NEVER SAY DIE.
While "Dirty Women," Rock 'n' Roll Doctor," and "Never Say Die" can't compete with earlier Sabbath classics (including axed S.O.S. cuts "Fairies Wear Boots" and "Tomorrow's Dream") they're solid tracks that help to create a complete picture of the band up to Ozzy's departure in 1979. In addition to the aforementioned songs, GREATEST HITS also adds VOL. 4's blistering "Supernaut," an undisputed metal masterpiece. While SOLD OUR SOULS will always be the heavyweight champ of hits collections, GREATEST HITS 1970-78 is a can't-miss set for fans of Ozzy-era Sabbath.