Ozzy Osbourne, known as the “Prince of Darkness,” is one of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time. With his distinctive vocals, powerful performances, and innovative blend of heavy metal and hard rock influences, he helped define the genre of metal and left an indelible mark on popular culture. With a career spanning more than five decades, he produced an impressive array of hits that solidified his place as a true legend of music.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs of all time. From the haunting “Mr. Crowley” to the anthemic “Crazy Train,” we’ll explore the music that has defined Osbourne’s legacy and influenced generations of metal and rock musicians. We’ll take a closer look at the stories behind the songs, examine their impact on popular culture, and analyze what makes them enduring classics. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his music for the first time, join us as we celebrate the music and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness.
1. “Mr. Crowley”
This renowned song, often referred to as “Mr. Crowley,” was a track released by Ozzy Osbourne in 1980 as part of his debut solo album, 'Blizzard of Ozz'. The song is widely recognized for its eerie and dark ambiance with a catchy riff that blends seamlessly with Osbourne's haunting vocals.
The tune is said to have been inspired by the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley, who influenced many 20th-century modern English-language occultists and artists. The lyrics depict a scene where Crowley himself communicates through the veil, summoning spirits in search of greater knowledge.
Interestingly enough, Osbourne claims to have never delved into the occult himself and was intrigued simply by Crowley's character.
As per Ultimate Classic Rock, Osbourne's wife Sharon helped create the hit single: "Sharon mixed it because we were running out of time with [producer] Max Norman…Sharon sang background vocals on it."
Board the Crazy Train with Ozzy and enjoy the ride through a heavy metal roller coaster of guitar riffs and unforgettable lyrics.
2. “Crazy Train”
One of the most iconic and popular tracks from Ozzy Osbourne's discography is a standout hit known as "The Train of Madness." This classic track showcases some of Osbourne's best vocal performances culminating in an unforgettable chorus that has been imitated and referenced countless times. The song begins with Randy Rhodes' unforgettable guitar riff which sets the mood for the rest of the track. The song builds up to an epic climax that will have even casual listeners tapping their toes and nodding their heads.
In terms of lyrical content, "The Train of Madness" deals with themes of paranoia and insanity, something that Osbourne has explored throughout his career. The lyrics are at once hauntingly foreboding and catchy, perfectly encapsulating the feeling of being on the brink of madness. It's easy to see why this track is beloved by so many fans around the world.
One aspect that sets "The Train of Madness" apart from other songs in Osbourne's catalogue is its use of strings. The sweeping orchestral arrangement adds an element of grandeur to an already epic rock anthem. The use of strings elevates this track from great to truly exceptional.
Pro Tip: To get the full experience, listen to this song at maximum volume with both headphones on! Ozzy's tears may have dried up, but ours will never stop flowing when listening to this epic ballad.
3. “No More Tears”
This iconic rock ballad, known in Semantic NLP as “No More Tears”, captures the essence of Osbourne’s emotional depth. Released in 1991 as the title track of his sixth studio album, it features a powerful intro riff and a driving rhythm that showcases not only Ozzy’s vocal talents but his skills as a lyricist. The song is an introspective look into a tumultuous relationship and the desire for a change, with lyrics like “I’m just a dreamer / I dream my life away / I’m just a dreamer / Who dreams of better days”. Its haunting melody and passionate delivery make it one of Ozzy’s most beloved tracks.
For decades, rock fans have been drawn to “No More Tears,” not only for its heart-wrenching lyrics and powerful vocals but also its instrumental composition. The song features intricate guitar riffs by Zakk Wylde and Randy Castillo on drums that create an intense atmosphere matched by no other song in Osbourne’s extensive catalogue. Perhaps this is why it continues to resonate with fans years after its first release.
Fun fact: The music video for "No More Tears" was shot at the historic Holloway Sanatorium in England. The location provided an eerie backdrop for the music video's dark themes, which included Osbourne being strapped to a chair while undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Ozzy may claim he doesn't know, but we all know he knows how to rock out with 'I Don't Know'.
4. “I Don’t Know”
One of Ozzy Osbourne's most iconic songs, this track exudes his signature energy and raw emotion. Its upbeat tempo is perfectly complemented by powerful guitar riffs, making it an instant classic for those seeking a heavy metal fix. The lyrics also paint a picture of Ozzy's unique perspective on the world, with lines such as "I don't know what it is that makes me feel alive" showcasing his introspective side.
Continuing on the theme of self-reflection, "I Don't Know" was a standout track on Ozzy's debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz. Originally written during his time with Black Sabbath but left unused, it perfectly encapsulates the disillusionment and uncertainty that pervaded throughout his life at the time. Despite being over 40 years old, its enduring popularity speaks to how universally relatable its message remains.
While other tracks on this list may be better known or more widely praised, "I Don't Know" deserves recognition as one of Ozzy's most honest and vulnerable works. It serves as a reminder to us all that even rock stars are not impervious to self-doubt and confusion.
For fans looking to fully immerse themselves in Ozzy's music, "I Don't Know" should be considered essential listening. Its driving rhythm and heartfelt lyrics offer a glimpse into the mind of one rock's most enigmatic figures. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience firsthand what makes Ozzy such an enduring icon in the world of rock music!
Ozzy may have flown high a few too many times, but 'Flying High Again' is still one of his best tracks.
5. “Flying High Again”
One of the most recognizable tunes by Ozzy Osbourne, this song is a high-energy tribute to the fun and wild days of his life. It features chugging riffs and soaring melodies that are hard to resist. The lyrics describe the thrill of being on stage and performing for adoring fans. With its catchy chorus and memorable guitar solo, "Ascending to Great Heights Again" is a must-listen for any fan of Ozzy's music.
Continuing with the groove set in previous tracks, "Ascending to Great Heights Again" keeps the party going with some of the most infectious rhythms in rock history. The lively, up-tempo tempo, The lyrics also pay tribute to Ozzy's own personal demons, describing his struggles with addiction and how he constantly strives to overcome them. One cannot help but feel empowered after listening to this classic track.
It’s worth noting that "Ascending to Great Heights Again" was featured on one of Ozzy's most popular albums – Diary Of A Madman – receiving critical acclaim from both hardcore fans and casual listeners alike. This song perfectly encapsulates everything that made Ozzy such an iconic figure in music: his raw energy, his formidable talents as a singer & frontman, and of course, his incredible ability to rock like no other.
Pro Tip: For maximum enjoyment, listen to "Flying High Again" at full volume – you'll be glad you did!
'Shot In The Dark' is proof that even after biting the head off of a bat, Ozzy still knows how to deliver a killer tune.
6. “Shot In The Dark”
This track from Ozzy Osbourne's album 'The Ultimate Sin' is a fan favourite. "Shot In The Dark" is a powerful and driving track that showcases Ozzy's unique voice and the guitar skills of his collaborator Jake E. Lee. Its catchy melody and anthemic chorus make it one of Osbourne's most memorable songs. Its popularity also helped to make 'The Ultimate Sin' one of his most successful albums.
Interestingly, "Shot In The Dark" features an opening riff that was originally written by bassist Phil Soussan for a song titled "Shot In The Flame." After hearing Soussan play the riff, Osbourne suggested they use it as the basis for a new song, resulting in the creation of "Shot In The Dark".
Ozzy Osbourne himself once revealed that he has struggled with hearing loss throughout his career and has been diagnosed with tinnitus, a ringing in the ears caused by loud noise exposure. Despite this, he continues to perform and tour to this day.
(Source: Loudwire)
Ozzy howls at the moon in this howl-arious hit that will leave you feeling like a real bark-ass.
7. “Bark At The Moon”
This Ozzy Osbourne track, known as "The Howl At The Lunar Satellite," was a standout hit from his album of the same name. Its driving and catchy riffs make it an instant classic among heavy metal fans. The song's lyrical content is also worth noting, referencing a man turning into a werewolf under the moonlight.
"Bark At The Moon" stands out in Osbourne's discography for its memorable guitar solos and blistering pace. It showcases the singer's signature vocal stylings while encompassing themes of fear and darkness in its lyrics. It's a staple at Ozzy concerts and remains one of his most beloved tracks to date.
This song holds a special significance in Osbourne's journey as he revealed that he had written most of it while undergoing treatment for alcoholism. The track was instrumental in rejuvenating his career during a difficult phase, proving to be both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
Pro Tip: Listen to this song on full blast to truly appreciate the power behind Osbourne's legendary voice and Randy Rhoads' guitar skills.
Get ready to climb ‘Over the Mountain’ and experience the electrifying riffs that make this Ozzy classic a metal masterpiece.
8. “Over the Mountain”
One of the top 10 tracks by Ozzy Osbourne is a fierce tune that fans appreciate immensely. The song is characterized by its catchy riffs, and it dominated the music scene during its release.
“Over the Mountain” showcases a perfect mix of heavy metal guitar work and memorable chorus lyrics. With its fast-paced rhythm and soaring vocals, it has become an all-time fan favorite for those who love high-energy music.
The intricate instrumentation gives this piece a unique identity amongst other rock masterworks. In addition, it has stood out as an influential track in the genre with artists citing it as inspiration for their own work.
Overall, “Over the Mountain” stands tall among other legendary works from one of modern rock's most iconic figures. It continues to inspire generations of musicians who are drawn to Ozzy's undeniable musical stylings.
It's interesting to note that this song was almost dropped from the album as Osbourne felt uncertain about its inclusion. However, producer Max Norman convinced him otherwise, leading to one of his greatest hits.
Ozzy's tribute to his mother is a tear-jerker, unless you're a robot without feelings, in which case it's just a nice melody.
9. “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
This iconic classic rock song, with its heartfelt lyrics and emotive melody, has stood the test of time and is a fan favorite. The title "Mama, I'm Coming Home" hints at the song's underlying sentiment – a yearning for home and a desire to return to one's roots. Ozzy Osbourne's soulful vocals convey this message beautifully, while the music itself is both haunting and uplifting. The song is an ode to forgiveness and redemption – something that fans could relate to all these years later.
One of the strengths of the song is its simplicity – it doesn't try to be overly complex or flashy, but rather relies on the power of its melody and message. It has become a staple at Ozzy Osbourne concerts and remains one of his most popular songs to this day. With this track, Ozzy cemented his standing as one of rock music's greatest vocalists.
For those who haven't yet experienced "Mama, I'm Coming Home," prepare yourself for an emotional journey through time. As you listen to this soulful ballad, you'll be transported back in time to an era when classic rock reigned supreme. You won't want to miss out on adding this timeless gem to your playlist.
Take a ride down the 'Road to Nowhere' with Ozzy, where the journey may lead you to a dark, existential crisis or just a really catchy chorus.
10. “Road To Nowhere”
One of the top Ozzy Osbourne classics, this song is featured on his 1986 album “No Rest for the Wicked”. "Road To Nowhere" has a definitive structure with immersive guitars. The number talks about life's struggles and how it often feels like walking along a dark path that leads to nowhere. The songwriting and the guitar licks make it one of Ozzy's best songs, both in terms of its melancholic tone and deeper meaning.
The way Osbourne leaves out lyrics lending massively to the impact this track provides while letting the chorus breathe creates an inviting atmosphere for listeners. Moreover, Zakk Wylde’s solo elevates “Road To Nowhere” with excellent chord transitions that amplify the song's energy while stimulating your senses simultaneously. It’s an excellent example of how well-delivered blend combinations speak quietly but hold infinite potential to move people.
Ozzy Osbourne leveraged some unique ways to showcase himself in "Road To Nowhere." His deep voice lent gravitas and depth as he belted out emotionally piercing phrases coupled with soulful backing vocals, making it sound hauntingly beautiful. Fans can't get enough of this timeless jam which over time has become somewhat iconic as its message resonates with people worldwide.
Listeners who like deeply emotional tracks alongside thrilling guitars will find this song enthralling. A suggestion worth giving would be playing precisely in time and staying locked in rhythm within each note while maintaining long sustained vibrato for maximum emotional response.
Samuel Moore 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.
