13 [Best Buy Exclusive] [CD]

Sabbath doesn't reinvent the wheel here; there are plenty of songs that will remind you of older, often better classics. But this album sounds exactly like you would want it to: it has the classic Sabbath sound yet it fits comfortably in the modern age. It's also worth mentioning that while I do wish Bill Ward was here, Brad Wilk does an admirable job in his place. If this ends up being the last Black Sabbath album ever, they're definitely going out with a winner. And, yes, the bonus tracks on the deluxe version are worth the extra money.

This is the first studio Black Sabbath with Ozzy Osbourne sense the 1978 album Never Say Die and sounds 98% like the old classic Black Sabbath and sounds little like their first debut 1969 album "Black Sabbath" and the guitars and the bass guitars on this album are great and the only thing that is bad about this album is that their original drummer Bill Ward is not with em on this album but it's still a great album and it sounds a lot like the old Black Sabbath when the first started and would recommend this CD to any Black Sabbath fan or any Ozzy Osbourne fan and would still give this album a 5 Star rating.

Tremendous effort form 3 of the original band members. Bill Ward for whatever reasons is not a participant. Sound quality is fantastic. The riff structures employed are throwbacks to Vintage era Sabbath. The Best Buy exclusive second disc is an absolute must have for Sabbath fans. in fact, it is hard to understand how they did not make the cut for the official issue group of tunes. Echoes of the early albums abound. From Black Sabbath to Planet Caravan and others you will definitely grin at the the new twists. Get this version. It will remain in your player for quite some time.

Many years since Black Sabbath have recorded together. I wasn't sure what to expect with Ozzy back on board, I am more of a Ronnie James Dio era fan. I went in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the recording. It captures the dark, brooding nature of early Sabbath releases without being a copycat of their 70s period. It definitely shows their years of experience and maturity. Highly recommend that any Sabbath fans pick up this release. I recommend the deluxe edition as the bonus tracks are equally as good as the main disc.

This may not become a classic album, yet it does have many moments compositionally that are stylistic of the first 3 Black Sabbath albums. The sound & soul of Black Sabbath are here. Ozzy, Tony and Geezer are here, but missing is original drummer Bill Ward. Only Bill can orchestrate the Sabbath drum parts as he was the original "designer". Bill's absence makes a difference and the reason I give it 4 of 5 stars. Brad Wilk is an amazing drummer in his own right and deputizes here. For Black Sabbath fans, you will love it. The guys did it and did well. Of course, marketing made sure Best Buy has their version with a exclusive extra track.

Full Disclosure: I'm a HUGE Tony Iommi fan. I have everyting he's ever done. Same with Geezer. Same with Ozzy. This reunion was inevitable after RJD's passing and, ironically, makes me miss him even more. The last Heaven and Hell CD was brillliant. This one, not so much. But we'll take it, right? The alternative would be the bigger disappointment. The music is solid. The swing is there, but you have to look for it. The time signatures are predictable but welcomed. The lyrics are a bit tepid and not as angry as TDYK (RJD RIP). Ozzy is Ozzy: take it or leave it. I'll take it. All in all a decent effort.

To start this off, I am a pretty big fan of Sabbath, liking all the line ups they had over the years. 13 to me is a great accomplishment from the band, they sound similar to the 70's Metal. Thats a great thing actually, Tony's guitar riffs are still catchy and bluesy, Geezers Bass is still crunchy and groovey at the same time, Ozzy still sings pretty well, he can't get the high notes like he could on past albums like Sabotage and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, but he sings very well in the range he has now. Very clear, and the lower pitch actually goes along really well with the heavy bluesy music of this album. All the tracks are great and while I have favorites, they are all strong in their own way, the bonus tracks on the BB exclusive version are also great and worth the extra purchase. All in all, alot of 70's bands combacks have been lukewarm, while Black Sabbath has proven that they can release something that rivals their old works in todays industry. Good music will never die, and if this is to be Sabbaths last album, is a really great one to end it on.

Good solid performance on all tracks. Music is tight with the flow of what made Black Sabbath great in the day. The long tracks deliver and one can tell how much work went into each song. If you're looking for a trip back to the early days the album does represent that well. However the more modern tracks are also just as interesting. Highly recommended for any fan.