Geezer Butler shares his favorite albums of all time. Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler is a famous bass player who adds different bass parts to his melodies for Black Sabbath. In this article, we will detail the 5 albums that Geezer Butler named as his favorite of all time.

Geezer Butler, the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath‘s bassist and lyricist, has influenced rock and heavy metal music. Geezer Butler, born Terence Michael Joseph Butler in England on July 17, 1949, played an essential role in creating the foundation of heavy metal and Black Sabbath’s place as a genre pioneer.

And Geezer Butler as a founding member of Black Sabbath alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward, made groundbreaking contributions to the band’s sound. His skills in creating complex bass lines that praised Tony Iommi’s famous guitar-playing style gave the band’s music unique songs and albums. 

Tracks like “N.I.B.,” “War Pigs,” and “Iron Man” and this songs also featured Geezer Butler’s bass lines, which not only provided a backbone but contributed to Black Sabbath’s specific melancholy atmosphere.

Geezer Butler contributed lyrical and musical contributions to Black Sabbath‘s iconic albums, including the classic “Paranoid,” “Master of Reality,” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.”

His contributions to the band’s path for heavy metal in the music industry on the Black Sabbath’s position as a heavy metal legend. While Black Sabbath disbanded and reunited a few times, Geezer Butler’s commitment to the band’s history never changed. His contributions extended through the band’s later albums, such as “13,” a triumphant return that displayed the band’s continuing creative talent.

Before mention about his favorite albums, he already revealed the worst Black Sabbath album and said:

“I will say that ‘Never Say Die!‘ is easily the worst album we did. The reason for that is we tried to manage ourselves and produce the record ourselves. We wanted to do it on our own, but in truth, not one of us had a single clue about what to do. By that point, we were spending more time with lawyers and in court rather than being in the studio writing.

It was just too much pressure on us, and the writing suffered. The thing is, we were trying to progress too much musically. We completely lost the plot, I think. We stopped doing the things that made Black Sabbath what it was and began going from more melodic stuff, which was a mistake looking back.

Ozzy Osbourne always wanted to still sound like the old version of Sabbath, while Tony and I wanted to expand musically. Looking back, Ozzy was probably right because our expansion caused us to lose what Sabbath was supposed to be about.”

However, let’s learn about the albums Geezer Butler named his favorites.

Geezer Butler’s Favorite Albums of All Time

Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler has shared his respect and was influenced by other musicians. Butler picks his favorite albums of all time. However, many genres from blues, classical rock, jazz, pop-rock, and metal inspired him, but he also likes to listen to many different music genres.

Which albums does Geezer Butler listen to?

• The Times They Are A-Changin’
• We’re Only in It for the Money
• Billie Holiday
• Revolver – The Beatles
• Axis: Bold as Love

In an interview with SPIN, Black Sabbath‘s bassist Geezer Butler shared the Top 5 Albums of All Time. Check out Geezer Butler‘s favorite albums below!

1. The Times They Are A-Changin’

The iconic singer-songwriter Bob Dylan‘s song and album “The Times They Are A-Changin’” is a song of social chaos and development. The album, released in 1964 as the title track of his third studio album, captures the attitude of a generation questioning established norms, demanding justice, and looking forward to a new era of progress.

“The Times They Are A-Changin'” became an anthem of the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and a broader demand for cultural and political change thanks to its simple yet powerful tune and Dylan’s distinctive vocal delivery. The song’s lyrical lyrics describe a world in flux, asking fans to observe history’s shifting tides and encourage the winds of change.

“The Times They Are A-Changin'” remains one of Bob Dylan’s most memorable works decades after its publication. Its influence is a monument to music’s ability to inspire social change, challenge the status quo, and unite people around a shared vision for a better society. As the song’s legacy endures, its message continues to serve as a rallying cry for individuals who believe in the power of collective action to construct a better future.

Geezer Butler talks about why he likes “The Times They Are A-Changin” by Bob Dylan as one of his favorite songs of all time:

“‘With God on Our Side’ is still, to me, the greatest anti-war song ever written, and inspired me to write the lyrics for Sabbath’s War Pigs song.”

2. We’re Only in It for the Money

“We’re Only in It for the Money” is the third album by the Mothers of Invention which we know as Frank Zappa’s project released by Verve Records on March 4, 1968.

“We’re Only in It for the Money” questions cultural conventions, materialism, and the monetization of resistance in response to the counterculture movement and the time’s idealism. The album’s cover, which mimics The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” foreshadows the album’s provocative content.

“Flower Punk,” one of the album’s highlight tracks, disapproves of the flower power movement’s superficiality and the counterculture’s commercialization.

“We’re Only in It for the Money” also features spoken word recordings, sound collages, and experimental portions pushing traditional song forms’ boundaries.

The album received mixed reviews at its initial release. Some fans honored their daring and social insight, while others were shocked by its irreverence. However, “We’re Only in It for the Money” has been considered a seminal work that foreshadowed the following artists’ sarcastic and deconstructive approaches.

Geezer Butler speaks about why he likes “We’re Only in It for the Money” by Frank Zappa as one of his favorite songs of all time:

“I love the first three Mothers albums, Freak Out, Absolutely Free, and this album, so any one of them could fill this spot. No doubt about it, Frank Zappa was a genius–how he recorded these albums is beyond me, they seem to have recorded his brain!

His lyrics were so cynical and contemptuous of American life, both older generation and then current generation. They could make you laugh, question, debate, or despair of what the hell was happening in the world.”

3. Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday, also known as “Lady Day,” is an iconic personality in jazz history and a symbol of determination and artistry. Eleanora Fagan was born in Philadelphia on April 7, 1915.

Billie Holiday is Billie Holiday’s third 10-inch LP album of original material, published by Clef Records in 1954. The recordings were made between 1952 and 1954. Her final album was also given the same title before being altered to Last Recording.

A unique blend of pain and strength defined Holiday’s singing style. Her ability to communicate a profound depth of emotion through her singing grabbed crowds and struck a deeply emotional chord with listeners. Songs such as “Strange Fruit,” a melancholy anti-lynching protest song, demonstrated her bravery in addressing complex societal concerns through her art.

Her work with jazz greats like Lester Young, Teddy Wilson, and Count Basie secured her place in jazz. In particular, Holiday’s chemistry with Young produced some of her most memorable recordings, expressing a sense of intimacy and musical telepathy.

Despite personal problems and societal challenges such as racial discrimination and addiction, Billie Holiday incalculably impacted music. Her recordings of “God Bless the Child” and “Fine and Mellow” showed her skills to communicate a spectrum of emotions, from heartbreak to joy.

Holiday’s vocal phrasing, distinguished by her excellent sense of timing and the way she stretched and bent notes, made an unforgettable imprint on following generations of singers. Her impact may be heard in the work of numerous artists from jazz to R&B to pop and beyond.

Billie Holiday’s life and career have been depicted in cinema, literature, and documentaries, securing her place as a cultural icon. Her skills to connect deeply with fans and her impact as a pioneer of emotional realism in music secured her position as one of jazz’s best and most enduring voices.

Geezer Butler speaks about why he likes “Billie Holiday” by Frank Zappa as one of his favorite songs of all time:

“There are quite a few Billie Holiday albums with the same title, but this is the 1947 one on the Commodore label, which contains her most controversial song, “Strange Fruit.” She fought hard to have this song recorded, as it was about the lynchings in the deep southern states.

I discovered Billie Holliday quite late on–in the 1980s–and immediately fell in love with her voice. So much emotion and feeling, and completely unique. I like the range of songs on this album, from standards to “Strange Fruit.” But her interpretation of them is magical. I never tire of listening to this album.”

4. Revolver

The Beatles‘ seventh studio album, Revolver, was released in 1964. It was released on August 5, 1966, with the double A-side single “Eleanor Rigby” / “Yellow Submarine.”

The album was The Beatles’ penultimate recording project before retiring from live performances, and it marked the group’s most overt use of studio technology to date, building on the achievements of their late 1965 LP Rubber Soul. It has subsequently been hailed as one of the best and most innovative albums in popular music history, with acclaim focused on its various musical styles, unique sounds, and lyrical content.

The album’s sound range shows The Beatles’ artistic growth. From the dreamy and introspective “Eleanor Rigby” to the psychedelic exploration of “Tomorrow Never Knows” to the experimentation of “Yellow Submarine,” “Revolver” pushed the boundaries of popular music.

“She Said She Said,” one of the album’s best songs, defined the band’s ability to combine introspection, invention, and The Beatles’ composing and songwriting process.

“Revolver” was also a watershed moment in production, with the band and producer George Martin embracing studio technology to create novel soundscapes.

The album received essential acclaim and financial success upon its debut, securing its position in music history. “Revolver” proved that popular music could be both aesthetically and financially innovative, opening the door for subsequent musicians to experiment with sound and push creative boundaries.

Decades after its first release, “Revolver” is still regarded as an essential work that impacted generations of musicians. Its influence may be seen in the evolution of rock, pop, and experimental music, and its songs continue to be relevant and essential today.

Geezer Butler reveals why he likes “Revolver” by The Beatles as one of his favorite songs of all time:

“All the Beatles albums could easily fill my top five, 10, 20 albums I can’t live without, but in 1966, when I rushed out to the local record shop and bought this album, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing—it was revolutionary.

From “Eleanor Rigby” to “Tomorrow Never Knows,” the world of “pop” music had taken a giant leap forward. The Beatles were here to stay, and this album established their importance in/to British culture.”

5. Axis: Bold as Love

“Axis: Bold as Love,” The Jimi Hendrix Experience‘s second studio album, is a bright and visionary effort that secured Jimi Hendrix’s status as a revolutionary guitarist and true musical trailblazer. The album, released in 1967, explores psychedelic rock, soulful blues, and Hendrix’s skill.

Following the success of their debut album, “Are You Experienced,” Hendrix and his bandmates, Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums, proceeded to push the limits of rock music with “Axis: Bold as Love.”

“Axis: Bold as Love” is remarkable for combining many musical elements. Tracks such as “Spanish Castle Magic” and “Little Wing” highlight Hendrix’s soulful voice and ability to incorporate blues and R&B influences into his psychedelic style.

“If 6 Was 9,” one of the album’s finest tunes, shows Hendrix’s particular lyrical approach, which reflects his countercultural views and questioning of society’s standards. “EXP,” the album’s instrumental tune, combines avant-garde elements with experimental studio techniques.

The album featured a variety of musical styles, and many perceived it as showcasing Jimi Hendrix’s maturation as a songwriter. It debuted “Spanish Castle Magic” and “Little Wing,” two Hendrix pieces that drew on his background in rhythm and blues bands and remained in his live repertoire throughout his career.

Axis: Bold as Love was a commercial triumph, earning platinum in the United States and silver in the United Kingdom. It was ranked 147th in Colin Larkin’s All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000). Rolling Stone listed it 92nd on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2020.

Geezer Butler shares why he likes “Axis: Bold as Love” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience as one of his favorite songs of all time:

“This was a tough decision, Hendrix or Cream, both major influences on my future career in music. If there was a 4th equal album choice, it would be Fresh Cream, by Cream. But seeing Hendrix on Top of the Pops for the first time left me gob smacked. His appearance alone was enough to make me an instant fan, never mind all three musicians had this new “Afro” style hair, and left-handed Jimi was playing a right handed Strat upside down! And soloing using his teeth!

So obviously I rushed out and bought the first album and bought a ticket to see them at the Birmingham Odeon. Axis: Bold as Love contains three of my all-time favorite Hendrix Experience tracks: “Spanish Castle Magic,” “Little Wing,” and “Castles Made of Sand.” Quite a departure from the first album, and showing Hendrix’s growth musically and sensitivity.”

What are your thoughts on Black Sabbath‘s bassist Geezer Butler‘s favorite albums of all time? Let us know in the comment section!

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