Original vocalist Ozzy Osbourne's subsequent final two albums with the band, 1976's Technical Ecstasy and 1978's Never Say Die!, are represented by one and two songs, respectively.

The compilation closes with a song from 1983's attempted rebirth, Born Again, former Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan's sole album with the band.

The Best of Black Sabbath does not include any later material with vocalists Glenn Hughes (1986's Seventh Star), Tony Martin (1986–96) or the returning Dio (1992's Dehumanizer).

(1978); 14 is from Heaven and Hell (1980), 15 from Mob Rules (1981); and 16 from Born Again (1983) The album cover features in the foreground four water-filled stone-hewn graves, dating back to the 11th century.

On the back of the booklet (which contains extensive liner notes, penned by Hugh Gilmour, and credits) there is a silhouette of Geezer Butler playing in the moonlight.