“Changes” is the rare Black Sabbath piano ballad, basically unique in their catalogue as of its original release on Vol. 4. It was only performed by three of the four members and Tony Iommi doesn’t even play guitar on it. It’s so distinct a song for them, so much more accessible, that it later became the theme song to a TV show, albeit as a cover, something that would have seemed pretty close to impossible for any other Sabbath song as of 1972.
The typical cover sticks to the piano of the original. Jay Buchanan, lead singer of California blues rockers Rival Sons, has taken another approach. He’s been performing the song live occasionally, with just his voice and guitar, a slow, stately version. Now he’s released a studio version with some accompaniment.
For the studio version, he’s joined by fiddle and standup bass. His guitar playing is extremely simple, he merely alters notes. On the chorus, an organ reminiscent of Charles Bradley’s cover (the one that was used in the TV show) is added but it doesn’t take away from the country feel, as it’s pretty deep in the mix. What hasn’t changed from his solo live version is his whistling, which he adds to the chorus in lieu of the original mellotron. At the very end of the cover, martial drums and what sounds like a siren, which seems like a tribute to “War Pigs.”
Making “Changes” properly country gives the song an even more timeless feel. It’s a fitting tribute to Sabbath, whom Buchanan once toured with. Have a listen:
