Ozzy Osbourne, also known as the Prince of Darkness, is one of the most iconic and influential figures in rock music history. From his early days with Black Sabbath to his successful solo career, Osbourne’s unique voice, captivating performances, and distinct songwriting style have left an indelible mark on the genre. With countless hits spanning multiple decades, it’s no wonder that fans and critics alike continue to praise his work as some of the best in the business.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs of all time. From powerful ballads to hard-hitting rock anthems, each song on this list showcases Osbourne’s versatility and enduring legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this list is sure to provide a comprehensive overview of some of the most iconic and memorable tracks from one of the greatest rock stars of all time. So sit back, turn up the volume, and prepare to rock out to the best of Ozzy Osbourne.
1. Mr. Crowley
“Mr. Crowley” is a classic rock masterpiece by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1980 as part of his debut solo album “Blizzard of Ozz”. The song was written about the infamous British occultist Aleister Crowley and features a haunting keyboard intro, followed by Osbourne’s powerful vocals and guitarist Randy Rhoads’ mesmerizing solo. The lyrics tell the story of a man seeking knowledge from the mysterious Mr. Crowley, but ultimately realizing the dangers of dabbling in the dark arts. The song’s dark and eerie atmosphere, combined with its catchy chorus and memorable guitar riffs, has made it a fan favorite and a staple of Ozzy’s live performances. “Mr. Crowley” showcases Osbourne’s songwriting talent and Rhoads’ virtuosity, cementing their status as some of the greatest musicians in rock history.
2. Over the Mountain
“Over the Mountain” is a hard-hitting rock anthem by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1981 as part of his second solo album “Diary of a Madman”. The song opens with a fast-paced guitar riff by Randy Rhoads and is immediately followed by Osbourne’s signature howl. The lyrics describe a journey to a place beyond the mountains, with themes of freedom and self-discovery. The chorus is an infectious call-to-arms, with Osbourne urging listeners to “fly over the mountain, and reach for the sky”. “Over the Mountain” is a standout track on an album full of classic hits and showcases the incredible chemistry between Osbourne and Rhoads. The song’s driving rhythm and explosive guitar solos have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Osbourne’s live shows. “Over the Mountain” is a perfect example of Ozzy’s ability to craft catchy, hard-rocking songs that leave a lasting impact on listeners.
3. Flying High Again
“Flying High Again” is a classic rock song by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1981 as part of his album “Diary of a Madman”. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff by Randy Rhoads, followed by Osbourne’s powerful vocals and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics describe the euphoria and freedom of being on stage and performing for a crowd, with Osbourne declaring “I’m still alive, I’m still alive, yeah”. The song’s infectious melody, memorable guitar solos, and energetic chorus have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Osbourne’s live shows. “Flying High Again” showcases Osbourne’s ability to write hard-rocking anthems that capture the essence of rock and roll, and its enduring popularity is a testament to his lasting legacy as one of the greatest rock stars of all time.
4. Bark at the Moon
“Bark at the Moon” is a high-energy heavy metal classic by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1983 as the title track of his third solo album. The song opens with a memorable guitar riff by Jake E. Lee, followed by Osbourne’s distinctive vocals and a thundering drum beat. The lyrics describe a werewolf transformation and the primal urge to howl at the moon, with the chorus encouraging listeners to do the same. The song’s driving rhythm, catchy chorus, and explosive guitar solos have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Osbourne’s live shows. “Bark at the Moon” showcases Osbourne’s ability to craft catchy, hard-rocking songs that are both fun and exhilarating to listen to. The song is a testament to Ozzy’s lasting legacy as one of the greatest frontmen in rock history, and a must-listen for any fan of heavy metal music.
5. Crazy Train
“Crazy Train” is a classic rock anthem by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1980 as part of his debut solo album “Blizzard of Ozz”. The song opens with a distinctive guitar riff by Randy Rhoads, followed by Osbourne’s powerful vocals and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics describe the chaos and uncertainty of the world, with the chorus encouraging listeners to keep their sanity and hold on for the ride. The song’s catchy melody, memorable guitar solos, and iconic “All aboard!” intro have made it one of Osbourne’s most recognizable and beloved songs. “Crazy Train” showcases Osbourne’s ability to craft anthemic rock songs that capture the spirit of the times, and its enduring popularity is a testament to his lasting legacy as one of the greatest rock stars of all time.
6. Hellraiser
“Hellraiser” is a heavy metal classic by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1991 as part of his album “No More Tears”. The song was co-written by Osbourne and Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, and features a driving rhythm, catchy chorus, and a blistering guitar solo. The lyrics describe a life of excess and rebellion, with Osbourne declaring himself to be a “hellraiser” and encouraging listeners to join in on the fun. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Osbourne’s live shows. “Hellraiser” showcases Osbourne’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends while still staying true to his hard rock roots, and its success is a testament to his enduring popularity as a rock icon.
7. Shot in the Dark
“Shot in the Dark” is a classic hard rock song by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1986 as part of his album “The Ultimate Sin”. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff by Jake E. Lee, followed by Osbourne’s distinctive vocals and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics describe the thrill of taking risks and living life on the edge, with the chorus declaring that “love is like a shot in the dark”. The song’s catchy melody, memorable guitar solos, and infectious chorus have made it one of Osbourne’s most beloved songs. “Shot in the Dark” showcases Osbourne’s ability to craft catchy, anthemic rock songs that capture the spirit of the times, and its enduring popularity is a testament to his lasting legacy as one of the greatest rock stars of all time.
8. No More Tears
“No More Tears” is a powerful ballad by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1991 as part of his album of the same name. The song opens with a haunting piano intro, followed by Osbourne’s emotional vocals and a soaring guitar solo by Zakk Wylde. The lyrics describe a painful breakup and the struggle to move on, with Osbourne pleading for “no more tears” to be shed. The song’s emotional intensity, catchy melody, and memorable guitar solos have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Osbourne’s live shows. “No More Tears” showcases Osbourne’s ability to write poignant ballads that are both heartfelt and relatable, and its enduring popularity is a testament to his lasting legacy as one of the greatest rock stars of all time.
9. I Just Want You
“I Just Want You” is a soulful ballad by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1995 as part of his album “Ozzmosis”. The song features a gentle acoustic guitar intro, followed by Osbourne’s emotive vocals and a soaring guitar solo by Zakk Wylde. The lyrics describe a desire for a deep and meaningful connection with another person, with Osbourne singing that “there’s no use in pretending, your eyes give you away”. The song’s emotional sincerity, heartfelt lyrics, and haunting melody have made it a fan favorite and a standout track on the album. “I Just Want You” showcases Osbourne’s ability to write deeply personal and introspective songs that connect with his fans on a profound level, and its enduring popularity is a testament to his lasting legacy as one of the greatest rock stars of all time.
10. Mama, I’m Coming Home
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a heartfelt ballad by Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1991 as part of his album “No More Tears”. The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar intro, followed by Osbourne’s emotive vocals and a soaring guitar solo by Zakk Wylde. The lyrics describe a longing to return home and be reunited with loved ones, with Osbourne singing “times have changed and times are strange, here I come, but I ain’t the same”. The song’s emotional sincerity, poignant lyrics, and beautiful melody have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Osbourne’s live shows. “Mama, I’m Coming Home” showcases Osbourne’s ability to write deeply personal and touching ballads that resonate with his fans, and its enduring popularity is a testament to his lasting legacy as one of the greatest rock stars of all time.