Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, is a British singer, songwriter, and one of the most iconic figures in heavy metal music. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath and later achieved significant success as a solo artist.
As the frontman of Black Sabbath in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Osbourne’s distinctive voice and dark lyrical themes helped define the sound of heavy metal. Hits like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs” showcased his powerful vocals and the band’s heavy and ominous sound, earning them a dedicated following and shaping the future of the genre.
Following his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne embarked on a successful solo career. His solo albums, including “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary of a Madman,” solidified his status as a solo artist and featured some of his most iconic songs, such as “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” Osbourne’s solo work showcased his ability to blend heavy metal with elements of hard rock and showcased his unique vocal style and stage presence.
Throughout his career, Osbourne has faced personal struggles and battled with substance abuse, but his resilience and talent have allowed him to persevere and remain a beloved figure in the world of rock music. His live performances are renowned for their energy and theatricality, with Osbourne’s commanding stage presence captivating audiences around the globe.
In addition to his musical contributions, Osbourne’s larger-than-life personality and off-stage antics have made him a pop culture icon. His biting sense of humor, rebellious spirit, and outspoken nature have endeared him to fans worldwide.
Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on heavy metal and rock music as a whole is immeasurable. His unique vocal style, dark lyrical themes, and boundary-pushing music have inspired countless artists and shaped the genre in profound ways. With his enduring career and remarkable resilience, Osbourne remains an enduring symbol of the power and passion of heavy metal music.
1. “Road To Nowhere”
The classic rock song, “Road To Nowhere” by Ozzy Osbourne has stood the test of time. The melodic nostalgia takes us back to roads traveled and those yet to explore. Osborne's vocals carry expressive weight while his nearly transformative voice is comforting.
The upbeat notes and heartfelt lyrics make us long for things thought lost. By the second half, the chorus stays with you: "We're on a road to nowhere, come on inside / Taking our ride to nowhere, stay alive."
Ozzy's ode to his mama has us all feeling homesick for a place we've never been. It reminds us to take ownership of our destiny despite unexpected 'dead ends'.
For those looking for meaningful messages and mid-tempo rhythms, “Road To Nowhere” is an excellent pick. It's an artful single about taking control versus going 'wherever wind blows'. Overall, it's a great song from Ozzy's repertoire.
2. “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
Ozzy Osbourne's famous ballad "Mama, I'm Coming Home" is a showcase of his immense talent. This song has become popular over the years as it tells the story of someone who is traveling far away, only to come back home seeking comfort.
The slow rhythm and Ozzy's soulful singing make this song heartwarming. It resonates with people who have been away from home for a long time. The chorus, "Mama, I'm Coming Home," is a symbol of the desire for belonging.
When No More Tears was released in 1991, “Mama, I’m Coming Home” wasn't an instant hit. But it gained popularity after MTV aired the video in its Extreme Rock segment.
Ozzy's track reflects his experiences of being 'Shot in the Dark' and living to tell the tale.
3. “Shot In The Dark”
Ozzy Osbourne's "Shot In The Dark" is a classic hard rock track with a catchy chorus. It was the second single from his album "The Ultimate Sin". Here are 3 points about this timeless tune:
- Fans love the song live, decades after its release. Its driving guitar riff and fast-paced beat make it so.
- Despite some criticism for deviating from Osbourne's signature sound, it was still popular and got lots of radio airplay.
- Some interpret the lyrics as a musing on success and the music industry.
Also, the song features an awesome solo by guitarist Jake E. Lee. Legend says he came up with the main riff on the spot during a jam session with Osbourne.
Actually, the story of how this song was made is very interesting. Osbourne was struggling with writer's block, and the album's producers were pressuring him to get a hit single. One night, he heard someone playing a guitar riff outside his hotel window and was inspired to finish "Shot In The Dark." Inspiration can come from unexpected places! If you don't bark at the moon after listening to this song, you're not doing it right.
4. “Bark At The Moon”
The classic Ozzy Osbourne song, "Bark At The Moon", was released in 1983. It has a powerful guitar riff and an unforgettable chorus. The lyrics are about a creature that appears in the night to terrorize people. Don Airey's keyboard effects on the intro add to the atmosphere.
This song nearly didn't make it to release. Ozzy destroyed all his guitars during a recording session. He had to hire a new guitarist to re-record the parts, but he used distortion pedals as a protest against Tony Iommi and Randy Rhoads departure. He created his own sound and the song still stands as a classic.
Listening to 'Over the Mountain' is like a wild rollercoaster ride. Ozzy's mind is the only loop de loop.
5. “Over the Mountain”
Ozzy Osbourne's song, “Over the Mountain”, is a standout in his impressive catalog. Released in 1981, it's a rocking blend of hard rock and heavy metal. It starts with a catchy guitar riff that grabs your attention, then the drums kick in. The lyrics about escape and rebellion make it relatable.
What makes “Over the Mountain” special is Ozzy’s range. His high-pitched vocals and the electrifying guitar solo by Randy Rhoads make it an epic masterpiece. If you're looking for Ozzy’s best, this one should be at the top of your list. Its energy and sound are great for repeat listens. So, crank it up and get swept away by this timeless classic!
6. “Mr. Crowley”
"Mr. Crowley" is a classic Ozzy Osbourne song. It was released in 1980 on his first solo album, "Blizzard of Ozz". Dark and brooding lyrics refer to the occultist Aleister Crowley.
Randy Rhoads' guitar harmonies lead us through the track. Ozzy's powerful vocals accompany us on a journey through Aleister Crowley's teachings. A heavy riff, and atmospheric bridge make this song unforgettable.
It is historically significant in metal music. Bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Metallica took influence from it.
For the full experience, listen to it with headphones and pay attention to Randy's guitar work. It has heavy metal riffs and dark lyrics. This makes it one of Ozzy's most memorable songs.
Listeners who like darker themes should explore Ozzy's other tracks like "Bark at the Moon". Or, explore other artists such as Black Sabbath or Alice Cooper for a similar feel. Get ready for the ride!
7. “Flying High Again”
Ozzy Osbourne's "Flying High Again" is a classic! It grabs your attention from the get-go, with his iconic vocals and signature sound. Plus, the pounding drums and lyrics about living life to the fullest.
At number seven in our list of his 10 Best Songs of All Time, it's still a fan favorite. Its special blend of hard rock and pop makes it an easy crowd-pleaser.
Fun fact: it was co-written by guitar legend Randy Rhoads, who sadly died shortly after its release. A testament to their incredible collaboration.
I don't know what it is, but Ozzy's doing something right!
8. “I Don’t Know”
Ozzy Osbourne's "I Don't Know" is an iconic classic. It features his signature vocals and hard-hitting guitar work. Plus, catchy riffs and gut-wrenching screams in the chorus make it even more intense.
It was released on the album “Blizzard of Ozz”, which helped launch Osbourne's solo career.
The song is often played at concerts as an encore, as it never fails to get the crowd moving.
Pro Tip: Turn up the volume and let it motivate and inspire you!
Ozzy was so touched by the success of this song, he even shed tears of joy.
9. “No More Tears”
Ozzy Osbourne's "No More Tears" is the ninth best song of his and rightly so. An amazing guitar riff, powerful vocals, and heartfelt lyrics, this track has it all. The chorus is one that you'll be singing along to, capturing the '90s essence.
This commercially successful hit was a critical success too. The album of the same name served as a comeback for Osbourne and this song was the star of it all. Even today, it continues to leave an impact.
Pro Tip: For a better experience, listen to this song on vinyl – it'll give you an extra depth in sound quality. And don't forget 'Crazy Train' – Ozzy's wild ride through his own mind!
10. “Crazy Train”
Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" takes the 10th spot in our list of his best songs. It's famous for more than just the iconic guitar playing. The song is about perseverance and overcoming challenges, which resonates with many generations. The opening line "All aboard!" sets the uplifting tone.
The lyrics and melody can be interpreted differently. Ozzy wrote it when he was feeling unstable. Randy Rhoads composed the song with pentatonic scales. The solo is often mimicked in air guitar sessions.
This song wasn't originally intended for the album. It was added later due to political tensions about "Suicide Solution".
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.
