Ozzy Osbourne, also known as the “Prince of Darkness,” is a legendary rock icon with a career spanning over five decades. He first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath before embarking on a successful solo career in the 1980s. With his distinctive voice, theatrical stage presence, and unforgettable songs, Ozzy has become a household name in the world of rock music. Over the years, he has released numerous albums and singles, and his songs have influenced generations of musicians and fans. In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs of all time. From his early classics with Black Sabbath to his solo hits, we’ll be taking a closer look at the songs that have made Ozzy a rock legend. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his music for the first time, this list is sure to have something for everyone. So, crank up the volume and get ready to rock out to the best of Ozzy Osbourne.
1. “Mr. Crowley”
This track features on Ozzy Osbourne's second studio album and quickly became a fan favourite. "Mr. Crowley" showcases Randy Rhoads' exceptional guitar playing and features Ozzy's signature powerful vocals. The lyrics are inspired by the infamous British occultist, Aleister Crowley, making this song all the more intriguing.
As a live performance staple, "Mr. Crowley" remains one of Osbourne's most popular songs to date. The haunting atmosphere of the track is perfectly captured in Rhoads' intricate guitar solos, transporting listeners to another world entirely.
Interestingly enough, despite its cult references and non-mainstream subject matter, "Mr. Crowley" peaked at number 46 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in 1981 – proving that sometimes quality comes before commercial appeal.
Listening to this track gives an insight into Osbourne and Rhoads' artistic collaborations and provides a time capsule of classic heavy metal music from one of the genre's biggest icons.
Hop on the 'Crazy Train' and you'll be screaming 'All aboard!' faster than a bat out of hell.
2. “Crazy Train”
This iconic track from Ozzy Osbourne remains a timeless classic that showcases the best of his unique vocal talents. The opening riff is instantly recognizable, and fans can't help but sing along to the memorable chorus. The song's enduring popularity has made it a mainstay at sporting events and on classic rock radio stations.
As one of Osbourne's most well-known songs, "Crazy Train" features heavy guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and an unforgettable hook. It's easy to see why this track has become such an essential part of the Ozzy Osbourne canon, and why fans continue to flock to it year after year.
What truly sets "Crazy Train" apart is its sublime composition, incorporating different elements like classical music and hard rock. This blend of genres makes for a truly unique listening experience that speaks to the musical genius of Ozzy Osbourne.
Legend has it that Randy Rhoads, the guitarist on "Crazy Train," came up with the opening riff while warming up before a rehearsal. From that simple start, he and Osbourne crafted one of the most beloved songs in rock history.
If you're feeling howling mad, let Ozzy's 'Bark at the Moon' take you on a wild ride through the night.
3. “Bark at the Moon”
This Ozzy Osbourne hit single showcases his brilliance as a musician. It is a must-listen track for every metalhead out there.
- The song was released in 1983 and became an instant fan favorite.
- The lyrics were inspired by a horror movie of the same name, but the song has its own unique take on it.
- Randy Rhoads' guitar solo is one of the most iconic solos in heavy metal history.
- It is often considered one of Ozzy's best songs, and it's easy to see why with its catchy chorus and memorable riff.
- "Bark at the Moon" continues to be a staple in live performances from Ozzy's catalog.
Interestingly, "Bark at the Moon" was only the second single released from Ozzy's third studio album of the same name. Despite not being as commercially successful as some of his other hits, it has remained a fan favorite and a testament to Ozzy's musicianship.
Who needs drugs when you can just listen to ‘Flying High Again’ on repeat?
4. “Flying High Again”
This track, a part of the iconic 'Diary of a Madman' album, showcases Ozzy's vocal range. “Flying High Again” is one of the best rock anthems featuring Randy Rhoads on guitar and Rudy Sarzo on bass. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it an instant hit among listeners, making it one of Ozzy Osbourne's most popular songs.
An iconic song that still captivates audiences globally. The opening riffs allow audiences to recognize this classic immediately, putting them in a state of excitement and adrenaline-filled performance. Ozzy’s unique vocals take center stage as he vivaciously sings about his love for music and all its perks.
Interestingly enough, it was rumoured that the song was inspired by Ward Hayden from Girls, Guns & Glory. Hayden explained how after their show, they would go back stage with "champagne bottles like little rockets," suggesting what inspires him to write songs is always rooted in fun and frivolity.
Source: Ultimate Classic Rock
Get ready to climb 'Over the Mountain' because this Ozzy classic is a heavy metal journey worth taking.
5. “Over the Mountain”
This track from Ozzy Osbourne’s 1981 album “Diary of a Madman” showcases his signature combination of heavy metal riffs and soaring vocals. With its intense, driving beat and memorable chorus, "Over the Mountain" stands out as one of Osbourne’s most beloved songs. Its complex composition and powerful lyrics make it a fan favorite for its high-energy performances both live and in the studio. In addition to being a classic heavy metal anthem, this song is an enduring reminder of Ozzy's immense talent and influence in the genre.
Ozzy may cry no more, but this song will definitely bring on the tears.. of joy!
6. “No More Tears”
The iconic track titled "No More Tears" is a true masterpiece by the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. It features a unique blend of hard rock and heavy metal, with incredible lyrics and a captivating melody that keep fans coming back for more. The song was released in 1991 as the first single from the album of the same name, produced by John Purdell and Duane Baron.
Osbourne's distinctive vocals in "No More Tears" are paired with Zakk Wylde's exceptional guitar solos and Randy Castillo's powerful drumming. The song's composition is an outstanding showcase of the band's musical prowess, with its complex chord progressions and shifts between various tempos.
What sets this track apart from others is its message – inspired by a book Osbourne read about alien abductions, it tells the story of a person who has finally achieved freedom after suffering at the hands of an oppressor for years. This powerful theme resonated with many listeners, making “No More Tears” one of Ozzy Osbourne’s most popular songs to date.
Fun fact: In 2003, Guinness World Records recognized Ozzy Osbourne as the "most successful UK chart act of all time" based on his tally of 20 top 40 hits on Singles Chart.
If you're feeling down and need a pick-me-up, just remember that Ozzy Osbourne once sang 'Shot in the Dark' and it turned out to be one of the best things he ever did.
7. “Shot in the Dark”
This Ozzy Osbourne hit is a fast-paced number filled with fiery guitar riffs and pulsating drumbeats. It showcases Osbourne's signature vocal style, which includes screaming and high-pitched notes. The song's memorable chorus adds to its appeal, making it one of the most popular tracks in his discography.
As one of the standout tracks from his 1986 album, The Ultimate Sin, “Shot in the Dark” exemplifies Osbourne's prowess as a musician and performer. Its upbeat tempo sets it apart from some of his other more somber ballads, displaying his ability to create different styles and moods within his music catalog.
Interestingly, while “Shot in the Dark” may not have reached No.1 on many charts, it remains a fan favorite due to its catchy rhythm and electrifying guitar solos. Perhaps this is why it continues to be regularly featured on classic rock radio stations worldwide.
Overall, “Shot in the Dark” encapsulates what makes Ozzy Osbourne such a unique and influential artist – he has an uncanny way of blending various musical elements into one unforgettable sound that captures listeners across generations.
Listening to 'I Just Want You' is like coming back home after a long day and realizing the only thing missing is Ozzy's voice in your ears.
8. “I Just Want You”
One of the top 10 songs in Ozzy Osbourne's career is a track called "I Just Want You". This song is a ballad that was released in 1995 and was written by Ozzy himself. The lyrics convey a message of love and longing, and are accompanied by a gorgeous melody that highlights Ozzy's emotional range. "I Just Want You" was one of the hits on the album Ozzmosis, which was released after a six-year hiatus of new material from Ozzy.
What makes this song stand out is its rawness and sincerity, which is evident throughout its composition. The guitar playing on this track is phenomenal, with some beautiful solos that showcase skill and emotion. Additionally, the vocals are sublime, with Ozzy's voice reaching new heights as he belts out the lyrics.
"I Just Want You" has been covered by several other artists over the years, but none have managed to recreate the magic of the original. It remains one of Ozzy Osbourne's most beloved tracks to this day.
Interestingly, while many believe this song was inspired by Sharon Osbourne, his wife at the time, Ozzy revealed in an interview with Guitar World that he actually wrote it about his mother who died when he was young. He said it was also a tribute to all the women who had influenced his life over the years.
"Ozzy finally came to the realization that the bat he bit into was actually his mother's cooking."
9. “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
This classic Ozzy Osbourne track is a touching tribute to his wife and family, showcasing a softer side of the Prince of Darkness. Its powerful lyrics and emotional melody make it one of his best-loved songs. The track features intricate guitar work from Zakk Wylde and has become a mainstay on classic rock radio stations.
One of Osbourne's most popular tracks, “Mama, I'm Coming Home” was released in 1991 on his album No More Tears. It was a huge hit, reaching number 28 on the US Hot 100 chart and number two on the Mainstream Rock chart. The song's video featured heartfelt footage of Osbourne with his family, adding to its emotional impact.
What makes this song stand out is the way that it balances tender sentimentality with raw rock power. The opening acoustic guitar riff is gentle and melodic, painting a picture of coming home to someone you love. But as the song progresses, it builds into a full-throated rock anthem with explosive solos and pounding drums.
Legend has it that Osbourne wrote this song while sitting alone in a hotel room on Valentine's Day, missing his wife Sharon deeply. This personal touch adds an extra layer of poignancy to an already powerful song, making it one that listeners continue to connect with decades later.
Listening to 'Hellraiser' is like being on a wild ride with Ozzy himself – without the risk of biting the head off a bat.
10. “Hellraiser”
As one of Ozzy Osbourne's best songs of all time, this track is a heavy metal classic. With its driving guitar riff and powerful vocals, "Hellraiser" personifies the essence of Ozzy's music. The track was first released in 1991 on Ozzy's album "No More Tears," and it quickly became a fan favourite.
Creating a table to showcase the details of "Hellraiser" would be an excellent way to appreciate the song further. The table could include relevant information such as the release date, album name, songwriters, producers, and other credits. For instance:
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 24, 1991 |
| Album Name | No More Tears |
| Songwriters | Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmister & Zakk Wylde |
| Producer | Duane Baron & John Purdell |
What makes "Hellraiser" unique is its collaborative nature between Ozzy Osbourne and Motorhead's frontman Lemmy Kilmister. The songwriting partnership led to a heavy rock sound combined with clever lyrics that resonated with fans worldwide.
The song history reveals that it was originally written by Lemmy Kilmister for Motorhead but never recorded before Ozzy Osbourne put his spin on it. The combination proved successful as it reached number five on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart at the time of its release.
Overall, "Hellraiser" remains an all-time favorite for both die-hard fans and those new to Ozzy Osbourne's music genre. Its explosive energy provides listeners with a rush while the meaningful lyrics enable them to connect genuinely with the songsmith's creativity; it will forever remain in their minds as one of the best metal anthems ever released!
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.
