Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He gained fame as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, which he co-founded in 1968. With Black Sabbath, Osbourne helped pioneer the genre of heavy metal and achieved great commercial success with albums like “Paranoid” and “Master of Reality.”
In 1979, Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath due to his substance abuse issues. However, he went on to have a highly successful solo career, releasing iconic albums such as “Blizzard of Ozz,” “Diary of a Madman,” and “Bark at the Moon.” His solo work included hits like “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Osbourne’s solo career solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in heavy metal music.
Apart from his music career, Osbourne is also known for his reality television show “The Osbournes,” which aired from 2002 to 2005 and showcased the daily lives of him and his family. He has also made appearances in various television shows and films.
Throughout his career, Osbourne has faced numerous personal struggles, including battles with addiction and health issues. However, he remains a beloved figure in the world of rock and metal music, known for his distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and enduring contributions to the genre.
1. “Road To Nowhere”
“Road to Nowhere” is a song by the American rock band Talking Heads, released in 1985 as the lead single from their album “Little Creatures.” The song, written by the band’s frontman David Byrne, is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and whimsical lyrics.
“Road to Nowhere” features a lively musical arrangement, with a driving rhythm section, jangly guitars, and upbeat percussion. The song’s infectious groove and sing-along chorus make it an instantly recognizable and memorable track.
Lyrically, “Road to Nowhere” explores themes of uncertainty, existentialism, and the search for meaning in life. The lyrics reflect on the journey of life and the feeling of being lost or adrift, while also embracing the idea of embracing the unknown and enjoying the ride.
The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Byrne himself, features the band members walking and dancing along a country road, interspersed with surreal imagery and whimsical animations.
“Road to Nowhere” was a critical and commercial success for Talking Heads, becoming one of their most popular and enduring songs. It received widespread acclaim for its catchy melody, clever lyrics, and upbeat energy, and remains a beloved classic of 1980s alternative rock.
2. “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a heartfelt ballad by British rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1991 as a single from his album “No More Tears.” The song was written by Osbourne, along with guitarist Zakk Wylde and Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead.
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a departure from Osbourne’s usual heavy metal sound, featuring a more melodic and introspective style. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and regret as Osbourne reflects on the pain of being away from home and the desire to return to the comfort and love of family.
The song’s emotional depth is complemented by its gentle melody, acoustic guitar riff, and Osbourne’s soulful vocals. The heartfelt sincerity of Osbourne’s performance resonates with listeners, capturing the universal experience of yearning for the warmth and security of home.
” Mama, I’m Coming Home” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of Osbourne’s most popular and enduring songs. Its poignant lyrics and powerful melody have ensured its status as a classic rock ballad, beloved by fans around the world.
3. “Shot In The Dark”
“Shot in the Dark” is a song by the British heavy metal band Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1986 as the lead single from his album “The Ultimate Sin.” The song was written by Osbourne, along with his guitarist at the time, Jake E. Lee, and bassist Phil Soussan.
“Shot in the Dark” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and Osbourne’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics of the song express a sense of danger and excitement, with Osbourne singing about taking risks and living on the edge.
The song’s chorus, with its memorable refrain “Out on the streets, I’m stalking the night, I can hear my heavy breathing,” became a fan favorite and helped propel “Shot in the Dark” to commercial success. The song received heavy airplay on rock radio stations and became one of Osbourne’s most popular solo hits.
“Shot in the Dark” remains a staple of Osbourne’s live performances and is often regarded as one of his signature songs. Its energetic and anthemic sound captures the spirit of 1980s heavy metal and continues to resonate with fans of Osbourne’s music.
4. “Bark At The Moon”
“Bark at the Moon” is a heavy metal song by British musician Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1983 as the title track of his third studio album. The song was written by Osbourne, along with guitarist Jake E. Lee and bassist Bob Daisley.
“Bark at the Moon” is characterized by its driving guitar riff, pounding rhythm section, and Osbourne’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a werewolf-like creature who roams the night, howling at the moon and instilling fear in those who encounter him.
The song’s dark and atmospheric music video, featuring Osbourne in various monstrous forms, further enhanced its appeal and helped establish it as one of Osbourne’s signature songs.
“Bark at the Moon” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It remains one of Osbourne’s most popular and enduring songs, revered by fans of heavy metal and hard rock for its powerful riffs, catchy melody, and evocative lyrics.
5. “Over the Mountain”
“Over the Mountain” is a song by Ozzy Osbourne, released on his second solo studio album, “Diary of a Madman,” in 1981. The song was written by Osbourne, along with his guitarist at the time, Randy Rhoads, and bassist Bob Daisley.
“Over the Mountain” is known for its heavy riffing, fast-paced tempo, and dynamic guitar solos. The lyrics of the song are somewhat abstract, with Osbourne singing about overcoming challenges and reaching new heights, metaphorically represented by climbing “over the mountain.”
The track showcases Randy Rhoads’ virtuosic guitar work, including his intricate solos and melodic riffs, which became a trademark of his style. The combination of Rhoads’ guitar prowess and Osbourne’s powerful vocals contributed to the song’s popularity among fans of heavy metal music.
“Over the Mountain” received positive reviews from critics and became a fan favorite, often performed live by Osbourne during his concerts. It remains one of the standout tracks from Osbourne’s solo career and is regarded as a classic in the heavy metal genre.
6. “Mr. Crowley”
“Mr. Crowley” is a song by British musician Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1980 as part of his debut solo album “Blizzard of Ozz.” Written by Osbourne and guitarist Randy Rhoads, the song is known for its dark and enigmatic lyrics, as well as its intricate guitar work.
“Mr. Crowley” is often interpreted as being about the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley, known for his involvement in various esoteric practices and mysticism. The lyrics describe Crowley’s life and influence, referencing his reputation as a controversial figure in the world of the occult.
Musically, “Mr. Crowley” features a haunting and atmospheric sound, with Rhoads delivering a memorable guitar solo that showcases his technical prowess and melodic sensibility. Osbourne’s vocal performance adds to the song’s eerie atmosphere, capturing the mystique and intrigue of its subject matter.
Despite not being released as a single, “Mr. Crowley” became one of Osbourne’s most iconic songs and remains a favorite among fans of heavy metal and hard rock. Its dark and foreboding tone, coupled with its intricate musical arrangement, have solidified its status as a classic of the genre.
7. “Flying High Again”
“Flying High Again” is a classic rock song by British musician Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1981 as part of his second studio album “Diary of a Madman.” The song was written by Osbourne, guitarist Randy Rhoads, bassist Bob Daisley, and drummer Lee Kerslake.
“Flying High Again” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and Osbourne’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics convey a sense of exhilaration and freedom, with Osbourne singing about the euphoric feeling of being high and the desire to escape from the pressures of everyday life.
Musically, “Flying High Again” features a dynamic and energetic arrangement, with Rhoads delivering a blistering guitar solo that showcases his technical prowess and melodic sensibility. The song’s infectious groove and memorable chorus make it a favorite among fans of Osbourne’s solo work.
Despite not being released as a single, “Flying High Again” has remained a staple of Osbourne’s live performances and has become one of his most popular songs. Its hard-hitting sound and relatable lyrics have resonated with audiences for decades, solidifying its status as a classic of the heavy metal genre.
8. “I Don’t Know”
“I Don’t Know” is a song by British musician Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1980 as part of his debut solo album “Blizzard of Ozz.” Written by Osbourne, guitarist Randy Rhoads, and bassist Bob Daisley, the song serves as the opening track of the album.
“I Don’t Know” is a hard-hitting heavy metal song that showcases Osbourne’s powerful vocals and Rhoads’ virtuosic guitar playing. The lyrics convey a sense of confusion and uncertainty, with Osbourne expressing frustration and bewilderment about the challenges and uncertainties of life.
Musically, “I Don’t Know” features a driving rhythm section, blistering guitar riffs, and a memorable vocal melody. Rhoads’ guitar work is particularly notable, with his lightning-fast solos and intricate harmonies adding depth and intensity to the song.
“I Don’t Know” quickly became a fan favorite and remains a staple of Osbourne’s live performances. Its hard-hitting sound and relatable lyrics have resonated with audiences for decades, cementing its status as one of Osbourne’s most beloved songs and a classic of the heavy metal genre.
9. “No More Tears”
“No More Tears” is a song by Ozzy Osbourne, released on his sixth studio album of the same name in 1991. The song was written by Osbourne, along with his guitarist Zakk Wylde, and it became one of Osbourne’s most successful and enduring hits.
“No More Tears” is characterized by its powerful riffing, melodic chorus, and haunting atmosphere. The song features a memorable guitar solo by Zakk Wylde and showcases Osbourne’s distinctive vocals, which range from gritty to melodic throughout the track.
The lyrics of “No More Tears” touch on themes of pain, regret, and redemption, with Osbourne singing about overcoming adversity and finding inner strength. The title and chorus, “No more tears,” convey a sense of resolve and determination to move forward despite past hardships.
The song’s music video, featuring Osbourne as a mad scientist experimenting with a mysterious substance, received heavy rotation on MTV and helped propel “No More Tears” to commercial success. The song reached the top 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and became one of Osbourne’s most popular solo hits.
“No More Tears” remains a staple of Osbourne’s live performances and is often regarded as one of his signature songs. Its powerful lyrics, memorable melody, and iconic guitar work have cemented its status as a classic in the heavy metal genre.
10. “Crazy Train”
“Crazy Train” is a song by Ozzy Osbourne, released as the first single from his debut solo album “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980. The song was written by Osbourne, along with his guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Bob Daisley.
“Crazy Train” is characterized by its iconic riff, energetic tempo, and powerful vocals by Osbourne. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of rebellion, chaos, and the search for meaning in a turbulent world.
The track features Randy Rhoads’ virtuosic guitar work, including his memorable solo that has become one of the most recognizable in rock music history. Rhoads’ innovative playing style, blending classical and heavy metal influences, helped redefine the sound of heavy metal guitar playing.
“Crazy Train” became one of Osbourne’s most successful solo singles, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries. It has since become a staple of rock radio playlists and is often regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time.
The song’s enduring popularity has been further solidified by its use in various forms of media, including films, TV shows, and sporting events. Its powerful riff and anthemic chorus continue to resonate with audiences, making “Crazy Train” a timeless classic in the world of rock music.
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.
