Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, is a legendary British singer, songwriter, and television personality. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the influential heavy metal band Black Sabbath before embarking on a successful solo career.
As the frontman for Black Sabbath, Osbourne helped define the sound of heavy metal music in the 1970s. His haunting vocals, combined with the band’s dark and heavy instrumentation, created a unique and powerful sound. Black Sabbath’s songs, including “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs,” became anthems of the genre, earning them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
After leaving Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne embarked on a highly successful solo career. His solo albums, such as “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary of a Madman,” showcased his distinctive voice and songwriting abilities. Hits like “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “Bark at the Moon” solidified his status as a solo artist.
Osbourne’s live performances were known for their high energy, theatricality, and sometimes controversial antics. His larger-than-life stage presence and memorable performances endeared him to fans worldwide.
Despite personal challenges and struggles, Osbourne’s impact on the world of rock and metal music is undeniable. His influence on subsequent generations of musicians is evident, and his contributions to the genre have earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath.
Beyond his musical career, Osbourne’s colorful personality and personal life became a subject of fascination, thanks in part to his reality TV show, “The Osbournes,” which provided a glimpse into his family life.
Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy as a pioneer of heavy metal, his unique vocal style, and his larger-than-life persona have made him an enduring figure in the music industry. His music continues to resonate with fans old and new, and his influence on the genre remains significant.
1. “Road To Nowhere”
This popular Ozzy Osbourne song, "Road To Nowhere" captures the artist's signature soulful power ballad style. The lyrics showcase hopeful and reflective themes of beginning anew and finding one's path. With its infectious melody and heartfelt delivery, fans find it as a timeless classic to revisit. This track reflects Ozzy's creative versatility, making it an excellent addition to any listener's playlist.
Furthermore, "Road To Nowhere" proves Ozzy can deliver more than just heavy metal riffs. Produced by John Shirley and Duane Baron, this track is a testament to their collaboration's success in creating a sentimental masterpiece that lasts until today. Fans often consider this song as quintessentially Ozzy – raw emotion wrapped in a comforting melody.
While not typical of Ozzy Osbourne's usual style, "Road To Nowhere" stands out as one of his most beloved songs due to its relatable message that inspires hope among fans all over the world.
As for suggestions, listeners can enjoy this track along with other classics from his discography like "Crazy Train" or "Mr Crowley." Additionally, fans can explore other soulful rock anthems by artists like Guns N’ Roses or Metallica for a similar listening experience. These recommendations work well because they complement the overall musical taste of passionate rock fans who embrace nostalgic tracks synonymous with the genre’s golden era.
This song proves that even the Prince of Darkness needs a hug from his mom every now and then.
2. “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
This track from Ozzy Osbourne's album "No More Tears" showcases his softer side through emotive lyrics. With a melody that tugs at heartstrings and a chorus that begs to be sung along, it remains one of his most iconic songs. The power ballad also features guitar work from Zakk Wylde that perfectly complements Osbourne's vocals, making it an all-time classic among his fans.
As the title suggests, "Mama, I'm Coming Home" is a tribute to Osbourne's wife Sharon and their family life. The song is a testament to love, loyalty and coming home after being away for long periods of time. This track reflects Ozzy Osbourne's vulnerable side and represents his maturation as an artist. His signature howl in this track connects with people, expressing emotions that are powerful and relatable.
The heartfelt song's simplicity and honesty make it stand out in Ozzy's discography. The powerful bridge lyrics “I’m alive, I’m alive” adds weight in such a simple manner reaching everyone’s ears who hear it.
One suggestion while listening to this timeless piece is to take the time to appreciate Ozzy’s growth as an artist through the years while still maintaining his signature sound in every song he creates. Who needs streetlights when you can just follow the electrifying solo in "Shot In The Dark"?
3. “Shot In The Dark”
This track is on the list of '10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Songs of All Time' for a reason. "Shot In The Dark" is a classic metal tune that showcases Ozzy's distinct voice and iconic sound.
Here's a table showcasing some relevant information about this famous song:
| Song | Album | Year | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Shot In The Dark" | The Ultimate Sin | 1986 | 4:18 |
Apart from its impressive stats, "Shot In The Dark" remains one of Osbourne's most beloved tracks to date, known for its powerful guitar riffs and solos.
While the focus here is on this catchy song, it's worth noting that what sets Ozzy apart from other metal singers is his ability to convey emotions through music even without the lyrics.
Fun fact: Did you know that before becoming a rockstar, Ozzy used to be a labourer who worked in construction sites during his teenage years? His struggles and hard work have truly paid off today with his iconic status in the music industry. Who let the dogs out? Ozzy did, with his classic hit 'Bark At The Moon'.
4. “Bark At The Moon”
This track showcases Ozzy Osbourne's masterful vocal range and ability to draw listeners in with his powerful lyrics. The hard-hitting guitar riffs and incredible drum work elevate this song to a whole new level of excellence. With its anthem-like quality, “Moon Bark” is a standout among the best works by Ozzy Osbourne. The imagery evoked by the lyrics adds depth to the song's emotions, as it explores themes of madness and mania.
The chorus of "Bark At The Moon" is impossible to forget, as it perfectly captures the energy and spirit of the track. The iconic opening guitar riff sets an intense tempo that doesn't let up until the final notes fade away. This track proves that Ozzy Osbourne continues to dominate in heavy metal long after his Black Sabbath days.
One unique element of “Bark At The Moon” is how it incorporates elements from other genres such as classical music into its composition, adding depth and complexity not commonly found in heavy metal tracks. This skillful blend of styles speaks volumes about Osbourne's musical talent.
As legend has it, Ozzy was inspired to write “Bark At The Moon” after experiencing insomnia one night while staying at an English castle rumored to be haunted. In his delirium, he saw a werewolf outside his window, which led him to conjure up the iconic lyrics we all know today. This haunting experience served as inspiration for one of his greatest works yet.
Listening to 'Over the Mountain' is like taking a ride on Ozzy's crazy train, but with more guitar riffs.
5. “Over the Mountain”
This song encapsulates Ozzy's signature dark vocals and driving guitar riffs, making it a timeless classic for fans of heavy metal. Its haunting melody and lyrics discuss the struggle of trying to escape internal demons, something many listeners can relate to. "Over the Mountain" also showcases some impressive musicianship from Randy Rhoads on guitar, further adding to its appeal as one of Osbourne's best tracks.
The track's structure contains an intense opening riff followed by a soaring chorus that compels listeners to headbang along. The lyrics are cryptic yet relatable, adding depth to the already ferocious track. "Over the Mountain" has earned its spot on the list of Ozzy Osbourne's top 10 songs and remains a fan favorite to this day.
It's worth noting that despite being over 30 years old, "Over the Mountain" still manages to captivate new generations of music lovers thanks to its timeless sound and poignant themes. Fans of heavy metal should give this track a listen if they haven't already – it's an undeniable classic that will leave them wanting more.
Don't miss out on experiencing this unforgettable hit from one of rock music's biggest icons – give "Over the Mountain" a listen today and discover what makes it such an enduring classic in Ozzy Osbourne's discography.
If Aleister Crowley heard this song, he'd probably give it a standing ovation from beyond the grave.
6. “Mr. Crowley”
This song, famously known as “The Mr. Crowley” is one of the most iconic tracks by Ozzy Osbourne. An intense and gripping melody fueled by Randy Rhoads’ guitar solos that takes you on a wild ride through the darkest corners of the human mind.
Osbourne's lyrics are cryptic and intriguing, amplifying the haunting feel of the song. “Mr. Crowley” delves into the persona of Aleister Crowley, an infamous occultist from the early 20th century.
With its captivating fusion of heavy metal and classical music, "Mr. Crowley" delivers a goosebump-inducing experience to any listener.
Ozzy Osbourne later admitted that he had no idea who Aleister Crowley was when he first recorded this song, but after people kept asking him about it, he researched it and began to understand. This newfound knowledge only added to the mystique surrounding “Mr. Crowley”.
Get ready to soar with Ozzy's 'Flying High Again' – it's a wild ride even without the drugs.
7. “Flying High Again”
This song by the iconic Ozzy Osbourne is a classic amongst his fans worldwide. The 7th gem on our list lies within the realm of hard rock and metal, resulting in an adrenaline-pumping, yet melodic tune that will have you hooked from the first note. Ozzy's signature vocals and Randy Rhoads' immense guitar skills take center stage in this piece. The lyrics give off a party vibe with 'I'm flying high again', definitely making it one of Ozzy's most popular sing-alongs at concerts.
Moving forward, it's no surprise that "Flying High Again" has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved songs from Ozzy Osbourne's repertoire. A true representation of his powerful voice, incredible musicality and brilliant songwriting ability. Its electrifying beat combined with soulful lyrics makes you feel nothing short of pure exhilaration while listening.
An interesting fact about this track was that it was actually written entirely by Sharon Osbourne, who is widely known as Ozzy's wife and longtime manager. This just goes to show you that true genius runs within the Osbourne family through generations.
Don't worry Ozzy, we don't know half the things you've done either – but we do know this song is a classic.
8. “I Don’t Know”
This song embodies Ozzy Osbourne's unique vocal talent and hard-rock sound. Its introspective lyrics meld with heavy guitar riffs, delivering an unforgettable performance. The intense rawness of “I Don’t Know” serves as a testament to Ozzy’s genius as a musician, making it a must-listen for fans and critics alike.
The track is reminiscent of the essence of heavy metal, sending shivers down spines with its intricate layering of drums, guitar riffs, and vocals. From the opening heart-pumping drumbeat to the final powerful notes ringing out, this track sets the bar high for hard rock music in general.
The guitar solo stands out among many incredible instrumentals in Ozzy’s repertoire. It showcases his virtuosity and dedication to his art, embodying his distinct musical style that has defined generations of heavy metal fans.
For true fans looking to experience all aspects of Ozzy's artistry, “I Don’t Know” is an essential selection on any playlist.
Pro Tip: Listeners can appreciate the intricate details of the song better by using their headphones or listening system with high fidelity. Even Ozzy shed a tear when he realized 'No More Tears' wasn't about running out of tissues.
9. “No More Tears”
This sound of the 90s, “No More Tears”, is a masterpiece that showcases the legendary Ozzy Osbourne's unique vocal range and prowess. It’s among his most iconic songs with unforgettable guitar riffs and an alluring melody. The song was co-written by John Purdell and Ozzy himself for his 1991 album of the same name.
The track features the multi-talented bassist Geezer Butler, who was a member of Black Sabbath with whom Ozzy had performed during his stint with them before going solo. The song captures Ozzy’s personal struggles and emotions as he sings about the end of a relationship and his desire to move on from it.
The guitar solo by Zakk Wylde showcases his exceptional skill that further elevates the song to new heights. The music video directed by Jeb Brien features Ozzy performing live alongside clips from classic horror movies.
This high energy rock song has stood the test of time, earning its place as one of Ozzy's top hits to date and a favorite among fans. If you haven't yet experienced the electrifying soundscape crafted in “No More Tears,” now is your chance to immerse yourself in one of rock music's greatest creations.
Don’t miss out on this timeless classic! Boarding the Crazy Train of Ozzy’s epic hits, with this classic anthem leading the way.
10. “Crazy Train”
With its iconic opening riff, “The locomotive breathed fire, and the caboose was afraid" is a timeless masterpiece by Ozzy Osbourne. This classic rock anthem is known for its thunderous riffs and unforgettable lyrics – a song that can get anyone pumped up. ‘Crazy Train’ also showcases the immense musicianship of Randy Rhoads, who delivered some of his finest guitar work on this track.
As one of Ozzy's most popular songs, ‘Crazy Train’ holds a key place in the history of hard rock. The song's epic sound perfectly captures Ozzy's vibe, with his distinctive voice leading the charge as he sings about taking on the world. Its catchy melody and rhythm inspire anyone to keep pushing forward against all obstacles.
Despite its iconic status, there is more to ‘Crazy Train’ than just being another hit single from an icon. The song continues to resonate with audiences all these years later due to its timeless message- don't lose sight of your goals and keep moving ahead.
Pro-Tip: “Crazy Train” remains one of Ozzy’s greatest compositions that exemplifies his legendary career as a vocalist and songwriter.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
