Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, is an iconic figure in the world of heavy metal music. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath before embarking on a successful solo career.
Osbourne’s distinctive and powerful voice, coupled with his dark and often controversial image, played a pivotal role in defining the sound and aesthetic of heavy metal. With Black Sabbath, he contributed to the creation of seminal albums like “Paranoid,” “Master of Reality,” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,” which solidified the band’s status as one of the most influential in the genre.
As a solo artist, Osbourne further cemented his legendary status. His solo debut, “Blizzard of Ozz” (1980), marked the beginning of a successful career that spawned hits like “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “Bark at the Moon.” Osbourne’s music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of hard rock, pop, and even ballads, while maintaining his signature dark and intense style.
Beyond his musical achievements, Osbourne’s larger-than-life personality and wild antics made him a captivating figure in popular culture. His unpredictable behavior, often fueled by a well-documented battle with substance abuse, only added to his rock ‘n’ roll mystique.
Despite his tumultuous personal life, Osbourne’s talent and influence are undeniable. He has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both as a member of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist.
Ozzy Osbourne’s impact on heavy metal and rock music cannot be overstated. His powerful vocals, songwriting prowess, and larger-than-life persona have made him an enduring icon in the genre. He remains a symbol of rebellion and authenticity, continuing to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
1. “Crazy Train” (1980)
Creating a table using , tags for this track, we can portray relevant information such as:
| , |
| Year of release | Album name | Record label |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Crazy Train | Jet Records |
This metal classic has been listed many times as one of the greatest rock songs ever, but did you know that guitarist Randy Rhoads crafted the main riff while practicing Bach's Bourrée in E Minor?
Coming from an artist who bit off the head of a bat on stage during his solo career, it's no surprise that Ozzy Osbourne has had some wild encounters. In fact, when he was filming his show "Ozzy & Jack's World Detour," he had a ghost run through him on-camera in a room where Sharon Osborne's dad died. The video went viral and garnered millions of views.
Listen to 'Mr. Crowley' backwards and you'll hear Ozzy ordering a pizza with extra Satan.
2. “Mr. Crowley” (1980)
This Ozzy Osbourne song, released in 1980, is widely recognized as a classic. With its haunting melody and supernatural lyrics, “Mr. Crowley” showcases the Prince of Darkness at his finest. The track is anchored by Randy Rhoads' guitar work and lyrics that explore topics like the occult and Aleister Crowley’s influence on modern culture.
The legendary Randy Rhoads takes center stage during the solo to deliver a mesmerizing performance that still resonates with rock fans today. This masterpiece was initially overlooked but was quickly embraced by aficionados worldwide, eventually emerging as one of Ozzy's all-time greatest hits.
Intriguingly enough, Mr. Crowley was the nickname Aleister Crowley had given himself when he took up residence in Boleskine House in Scotland. Fans who are interested in investigating more about this topic can review Aleister Crowley's "Confessions."
Source: Loudwire
Get ready to soar with Ozzy as he takes you ‘Flying High Again’ with this classic rock anthem.
3. “Flying High Again” (1981)
This 1981 masterpiece attests to Ozzy's brilliance as a solo artist. The high-pitched vocals and standout guitar solos are pure ecstasy for fans all over the world. The song features an upbeat tempo, conveying the feeling of flying high with every note played.
One of the standout tracks from Osbourne's iconic 'Diary of a Madman' album, "Flying High Again" showcases yet again his incredible music writing skills and singing ability. It is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with classic rock enthusiasts worldwide.
It is remarkable how each instrument blends seamlessly in this track, scorching-hot vocals delivered with much intensity and finesse. The guitar solos particularly pack a punch as they sound like a collision of chords that evoke headbanging urges in listeners.
This tune may have been written decades ago, but it continues to soar as one of Ozzy Osbourne's greatest hits and even inspired subsequent generations of musicians. Fans will forever cherish this anthem born from Ozzy's creativity and emotion.
Looking for a song that will take you on a wild ride? Look no further than Over the Mountain by Ozzy Osbourne.
4. “Over the Mountain” (1981)
This track's lyricism depicts the journey of a person who, when separated from their loved one, falls into melancholy. The 1981 Ozzy Osbourne single "Over the Mountain" exhibits both the singer's and guitarist Randy Rhoads' musical abilities in full. This #4 track on our list showcases Rhoads' technical prowess with tricky guitar solos and Osbourne's emotional depth that brings melancholy alive.
Listeners are drawn in by the chugging riff in the intro, which gradually builds momentum with each measure. The song manages to mix up-tempo guitar parts with heartfelt lyrics that tell a dark story without becoming trite or overpowering. The combination of melody and harmony throughout this song makes it a timeless classic.
Overall, "Over the Mountain" takes listeners through its own journey with powerful instrumentals and meaningful lyrics. It shows how two great musicians could come together and create magical music. Fans can enjoy every layer while being drawn into Osbourne's sadness for just over four minutes of musical bliss.
Get ready to howl at the moon and scare your neighbors with this classic Ozzy tune that still gives werewolves a good name.
5. “Bark at the Moon” (1983)
The 1983 hit, where Ozzy's wild vocals echoed the theme of a man turning into a werewolf under the moonlight, “Bark at the Moon,” is an evergreen classic. It showcases Randy Rhoads’ guitar virtuosity and intensifies the song’s impact. The legendary intro hooks you immediately and spurs a head-banging mood that continues throughout.
Notably, Ozzy Osbourne has mentioned how this song reflects his struggled life journey out of darkness. The lyrics reflect this with lines such as "Screaming with terror and crawling on all fours" and "There's no escape from my endless nightmare." This emotional connection elevates the track further in fans' minds.
Moreover, its video became iconic due to its gruesome portrayal of Ozzy transforming into a werewolf while being chased by what seems like an angry mob.
According to Loudwire.com, “Bark at the Moon” reached number 25 on US rock charts and number six on UK charts.
‘Shot in the Dark’ – The perfect song to blast when you're feeling slightly evil, and need a pick-me-up to get through the day.
6. “Shot in the Dark” (1986)
This Ozzy Osbourne hit from 1986, "Shot in the Dark", was the lead single from his album "The Ultimate Sin". With its catchy riffs and powerful vocals, the song quickly became a fan favorite. The track features phenomenal guitar solos by Jake E. Lee and a memorable chorus that is easy to sing along with. It embodies all the best elements of Ozzy's sound – dark themes, energetic music and triumphant lyrics.
Besides being an iconic song, what makes "Shot in the Dark" stand out is its unique music video. Set in a post-apocalyptic world featuring scenes of destruction, fire and zombies, it perfectly captures the mood of desperation and hopelessness conveyed by Ozzy's voice.
Despite being one of Ozzy's more underrated songs, "Shot in the Dark" is a testament to his artistic vision and his collaboration with music legends like Jake E. Lee. With its energy and memorable melody, this song remains a perennial favorite among fans of any age or genre.
Ozzy sheds some tears in this emotional ballad…but probably not as many as his accountant after seeing the expenses from his bat-biting phase.
7. “No More Tears” (1991)
Ozzy Osbourne's 1991 hit song, known as the "No More Tears", showcases his incredible vocal range and signature sound. This masterpiece marks a new era of the iconic artist's career, with an exceptional combination of heavy metal and blues sounds. The song has infectious riffs and powerful lyrics that capture listeners' attention from the beginning to the end.
The dynamic power-ballad was a national success that stayed at No. 5 on the US rock chart for twenty weeks, making it one of Ozzy Osbourne's most unforgettable songs ever released. It is a perfect testament to Ozzy's genius as it stands out as one of his standout singles among others. The guitar work in "No More Tears" remains one of Zakk Wylde's defining moments, complementing Ozzy's soaring voice beautifully.
What makes “No More Tears” unique is how well it blends several musical styles into one comprehensive track: classic rock n' roll, metal, and blues-rock. Every note in this song evokes emotions in fans and epitomizes Ozzy's ability to create captivating music through catchy choruses.
If you're yet to listen to “No More Tears”, you're missing out on one of the greatest hits by Ozzy Osbourne that changed music history forever!
Even Ozzy couldn't resist a sappy ballad every once in a while, and 'Mama, I'm Coming Home' proves it.
8. “Mama, I’m Coming Home” (1991)
This Ozzy Osbourne classic, released in 1991, is a heartwarming tribute to homecoming. It's one of his most emotional songs that showcase the softer side of this metal legend. The song reflects on the rockstar's journey and his eagerness to return home to his loved ones after years on the road. The acoustic guitar work by Zakk Wylde and Osbourne's soulful singing make it one of his best ballads.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Its popularity led to its inclusion in several movies and TV shows over the years, making it an anthem for those who long for their homes.
"Mama, I'm Coming Home" stands out as a song that contrasts with Osbourne's heavier works while still retaining his signature style. It solidified his status as a rock icon who could deliver an array of powerful emotions through music.
If you haven't listened to "Mama, I'm Coming Home", add it to your playlist immediately! It's an essential track that you don't want to miss out on if you're a fan of Ozzy Osbourne or classic rock.
Listening to 'Hellraiser' makes you feel like you're in a horror movie, but instead of running from the killer, you're headbanging with Ozzy Osbourne.
9. “Hellraiser” (1991)
This song, released in 1991, is a classic from the Prince of Darkness, with its heavy guitar riffs and driving rhythms. The lyrics showcase Ozzy's penchant for the macabre and the rebelliousness that has made him an icon. The song was co-written by Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead fame, giving it an extra edge that sets it apart from other tracks in Ozzy's discography.
The unique feature of "Hellraiser" is its ability to blend different styles seamlessly. The verses are laced with punk-inspired riffs while the chorus has a more traditional metal feel to it. Ozzy's vocals provide just the right amount of grit and intensity to make this song stand out. Plus, the guitar solo midway through the track is simply unforgettable.
Interestingly, "Hellraiser" was originally intended for another band – Motorhead – but they weren't able to include it on their album due to legal issues. Luckily for us, Ozzy picked it up and made it his own.
According to Loudwire.com, Lemmy Kilmister once said in an interview about writing "Hellraiser" with Ozzy: "We were both completely drunk and we came up with 'Hellraiser', which was great fun."
Listening to 'I Just Want You' is like being wrapped in a warm, fuzzy blanket… if that blanket was actually made of bats and shredded leather.
10. “I Just Want You” (1995)
This entry on the list of the 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs is “I Just Want You” from 1995. Here's what makes this song so special:
- The slow, steady tempo of the song conveys a sense of longing and desire, fitting with the lyrics.
- The guitar solo midway through is a standout moment that is both impressive and emotional.
- Osbourne’s vocals are particularly strong on this track, showcasing his versatility as a singer.
- Despite being less well-known than some of his other hits, “I Just Want You” has endured as a fan favorite.
It’s worth noting that while Osbourne has had many collaborators over the years, “I Just Want You” was actually written entirely by him and producer Mark Hudson.
Interestingly enough, in an interview with Guitar World magazine, Ozzy himself admitted that he considers “I Just Want You” to be one of his personal favorites from his discography.
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.
