Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, is a British singer, songwriter, and television personality. He rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Osbourne’s distinct vocals, coupled with the dark and heavy sound of Black Sabbath, helped define the genre of heavy metal.
During his time with Black Sabbath, Osbourne became known for his wild stage presence and controversial behavior, earning him the nickname “The Prince of Darkness.” Some of Black Sabbath’s most famous songs featuring Osbourne include “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs.”
In 1979, Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath due to his substance abuse issues, but he later embarked on a successful solo career. His debut solo album, “Blizzard of Ozz,” was released in 1980 and featured iconic songs like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” Osbourne’s solo career further solidified his status as a heavy metal icon, and he continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s and beyond.
Apart from his music career, Osbourne gained additional fame through his family’s reality television show, “The Osbournes,” which aired from 2002 to 2005. The show provided a glimpse into Osbourne’s personal life and his relationships with his wife Sharon and their children.
Throughout his career, Osbourne has faced numerous health struggles and controversies, including battles with addiction and legal issues. However, he remains a highly influential figure in the world of heavy metal, known for his distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and enduring impact on the genre.
1. Crazy Train
“Crazy Train” is one of Ozzy Osbourne’s most iconic songs, released as the lead single from his debut solo album, “Blizzard of Ozz,” in 1980. The song is known for its powerful guitar riff, energetic tempo, and memorable lyrics.
Written by Osbourne, along with guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Bob Daisley, “Crazy Train” addresses themes of mental instability, social unrest, and the desire for change. The song’s opening riff, played by Randy Rhoads, is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most famous guitar riffs in rock music history.
The song’s chorus, with Osbourne’s defiant proclamation of “I’m going off the rails on a crazy train,” has made it a favorite among fans and a staple of Osbourne’s live performances. “Crazy Train” received widespread acclaim upon its release and remains one of Osbourne’s signature songs.
In addition to its musical impact, “Crazy Train” has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic rock anthem. The song’s enduring popularity continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release, cementing its place in the pantheon of heavy metal and rock music.
2. Mr. Crowley
“Mr. Crowley” is a song by English heavy metal musician Ozzy Osbourne, released on 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. It’s known for its dark, eerie atmosphere and intricate guitar work.
The lyrics of “Mr. Crowley” are often interpreted as referencing the British occultist Aleister Crowley, known for his involvement in esoteric practices and mysticism. The song explores themes of mysticism, the occult, and the supernatural, with Osbourne’s haunting vocals adding to its mysterious ambiance.
“Mr. Crowley” remains one of Ozzy Osbourne’s most iconic songs and is considered a classic in the heavy metal genre. Its intricate guitar solos and memorable melody have made it a staple of Osbourne’s live performances and a fan favorite for decades.
3. Mama, I’m Coming Home
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a song by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1991 as the third single from his album “No More Tears.” The song was written by Osbourne, along with Zakk Wylde and Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead.
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a ballad that showcases a softer, more introspective side of Osbourne’s music compared to his earlier heavy metal work. The lyrics express a sense of longing and a desire for reconciliation with loved ones after a period of being away.
The song’s emotional depth, coupled with Osbourne’s heartfelt vocal delivery, resonated with audiences and helped it become one of his most successful solo singles. It reached the top 40 on various charts around the world and remains a fan favorite and a staple of Osbourne’s live performances.
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” is often regarded as one of Osbourne’s signature songs and is frequently included in compilations of his greatest hits. Its enduring popularity reflects its universal themes of love, homecoming, and the importance of family and relationships.
4. No More Tears
“No More Tears” is a song by English heavy metal musician Ozzy Osbourne, released on his sixth studio album of the same name in 1991. The song was written by Osbourne, his guitarist Zakk Wylde, and bassist/lyricist Bob Daisley. It’s one of Osbourne’s most commercially successful songs.
“No More Tears” features a powerful blend of heavy metal and hard rock elements, with a memorable guitar riff and Osbourne’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of overcoming hardship and finding inner strength, with Osbourne singing about leaving behind a troubled past and moving forward with resolve.
The song’s title track became one of Osbourne’s signature songs and a staple of his live performances. Its catchy melody and anthemic chorus have made it a favorite among fans of heavy metal and hard rock. “No More Tears” remains one of Osbourne’s most enduring hits and is often regarded as one of his greatest achievements as a solo artist.
5. Bark at the Moon
“Bark at the Moon” is a song by the British heavy metal musician Ozzy Osbourne, released as the title track of his third studio album in 1983. The song was written by Osbourne, along with his guitarist Jake E. Lee and bassist Bob Daisley.
“Bark at the Moon” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and Osbourne’s powerful vocals. The lyrics are inspired by horror themes, telling the story of a werewolf’s transformation under the light of a full moon. The protagonist howls and roams the night, embracing his primal instincts.
The song’s accompanying music video features Osbourne as a mad scientist who transforms into a werewolf, adding to its dark and theatrical atmosphere. “Bark at the Moon” became one of Osbourne’s most popular songs and remains a staple of his live performances. It’s often regarded as a classic in the heavy metal genre and a fan favorite among Osbourne’s extensive discography.
6. Shot in the Dark
“Shot in the Dark” is a song by Ozzy Osbourne, released as the lead single from his 1986 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 a hard rock track with a catchy melody and a driving rhythm. The lyrics suggest themes of risk-taking, living on the edge, and the uncertainty of life. The song features Osbourne’s distinctive vocals and Jake E. Lee’s powerful guitar work, contributing to its energetic and anthemic sound.
Upon its release, “Shot in the Dark” achieved commercial success, becoming one of Osbourne’s most popular songs. It received heavy radio airplay and MTV rotation, helping to propel “The Ultimate Sin” album to commercial success as well.
“Shot in the Dark” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Osbourne’s live performances. Its memorable chorus and infectious energy have made it one of Osbourne’s most enduring hits, continuing to resonate with audiences decades after its release.
7. Paranoid
“Paranoid” is a song by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in 1970 as the title track of their second studio album, “Paranoid.” It was written by the band members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.
“Paranoid” is one of Black Sabbath’s most famous and enduring songs, recognized for its iconic guitar riff, energetic tempo, and memorable lyrics. The song’s lyrics express feelings of anxiety, fear, and paranoia, with the protagonist feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of life and society.
Despite being written quickly as a filler track for the album, “Paranoid” became Black Sabbath’s breakthrough single, reaching high positions on music charts around the world. Its straightforward, hard-hitting sound helped define the heavy metal genre and solidified Black Sabbath’s place as one of its pioneering bands.
“Paranoid” remains a classic rock anthem and a staple of Black Sabbath’s live performances. Its impact on rock music is significant, with many considering it one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
8. Flying High Again
“Flying High Again” is a song by Ozzy Osbourne, released on his second studio album “Diary of a Madman” in 1981. The song was written by Osbourne, along with his guitarist Randy Rhoads, bassist Bob Daisley, and drummer Lee Kerslake.
“Flying High Again” is a classic example of Osbourne’s heavy metal sound from his early solo career. The song features a driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and Osbourne’s signature vocal style. Lyrically, the song depicts themes of rebellion, escapism, and the desire to break free from constraints.
Randy Rhoads’ guitar work on “Flying High Again” is particularly notable, showcasing his technical prowess and melodic sensibilities. The song is characterized by its memorable guitar solos and infectious energy, making it a favorite among fans of Osbourne’s solo work.
Despite not being released as a single, “Flying High Again” remains one of the standout tracks from “Diary of a Madman” and a staple of Osbourne’s live performances. Its powerful riffage and anthemic chorus have solidified its status as a classic in Osbourne’s catalog and in the realm of heavy metal music.
9. War Pigs
“War Pigs” is a classic song by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released on their 1970 album “Paranoid.” The song was written by all four members of the band: Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Ozzy Osbourne.
“War Pigs” is widely regarded as one of Black Sabbath’s greatest compositions and is considered a seminal work in the heavy metal genre. The song’s lyrics critique war and its destructive effects, condemning those who profit from conflict while ordinary people suffer. It addresses themes such as political corruption, manipulation, and the horrors of warfare.
Musically, “War Pigs” features a heavy and ominous riff, characteristic of Black Sabbath’s signature sound. The song also includes dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, as well as powerful vocal delivery by Ozzy Osbourne.
“War Pigs” has become a staple of Black Sabbath’s live performances and remains one of the band’s most enduring and influential songs. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and video games, solidifying its status as a classic in the heavy metal canon.
10. Dreamer
“Dreamer” is a song by Ozzy Osbourne, released as the lead single from his 2001 album “Down to Earth.” The song was written by Osbourne, along with Marti Frederiksen and Mick Jones.
“Dreamer” is a mid-tempo rock ballad that showcases a more melodic and introspective side of Osbourne’s music. The lyrics express themes of hope, perseverance, and the power of imagination. The song’s chorus, with Osbourne singing “I’m just a dreamer, I dream my life away,” reflects a sense of longing and escapism.
Musically, “Dreamer” features acoustic guitar-driven verses and a soaring chorus, with Osbourne’s distinctive vocals at the forefront. The song’s arrangement also includes keyboard elements and melodic guitar solos, contributing to its atmospheric and anthemic sound.
Upon its release, “Dreamer” received positive reviews from critics and became one of Osbourne’s most successful solo singles in years. It reached the top 10 on various rock charts and helped “Down to Earth” achieve commercial success.
“Dreamer” remains a fan favorite and is often included in Osbourne’s live performances. Its uplifting message and memorable melody have made it a staple of his later catalog and continue to resonate with audiences.
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.
