Ozzy Osbourne, born on December 3, 1948, is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality who has made a profound impact on the world of heavy metal music. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne gained fame as the lead vocalist of the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath before embarking on a successful solo career.
As the frontman of Black Sabbath in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ozzy Osbourne helped shape the sound and image of heavy metal. His distinctive voice, characterized by its raw power and haunting delivery, became synonymous with the genre. Black Sabbath’s iconic albums, such as “Paranoid” and “Master of Reality,” featured dark and heavy riffs, coupled with Osbourne’s piercing vocals and lyrics that explored themes of darkness, despair, and the occult.
Following his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched his solo career with the release of the critically acclaimed album “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980. The album featured the hit singles “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” solidifying his status as a solo artist. Throughout the 1980s, Osbourne continued to release successful albums, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist and his ability to create memorable hard rock and heavy metal anthems.
Beyond his musical contributions, Ozzy Osbourne’s larger-than-life personality and eccentric stage presence have made him a beloved and iconic figure in the rock and metal world. His live performances are known for their intensity and energy, with Osbourne captivating audiences with his unpredictable antics and commanding stage presence.
Throughout his career, Ozzy Osbourne has faced personal struggles and overcome various obstacles, including battles with addiction and health issues. Despite these challenges, he has remained a resilient figure, continuing to create and perform music that resonates with fans worldwide.
Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on heavy metal music is immeasurable. His powerful vocals, dark lyrical themes, and unique persona have left an indelible mark on the genre. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest frontmen in rock history and has inspired generations of musicians to push boundaries and embrace their individuality.
Ozzy Osbourne’s contributions to music and his enduring legacy as an iconic figure in heavy metal continue to be celebrated, ensuring that his name will forever be synonymous with the spirit of rock and the power of metal.
1. “Road To Nowhere”
This Ozzy Osbourne hit takes us down the "Path to Nowhere," showcasing a mellow and calming take on his work. Featuring soft piano interludes and crisp, bluesy guitar solos, this song demonstrates his astonishing ability to switch up his style while still staying true to his sound. With such raw emotion put into every note played, this song has become a favorite for many fans worldwide.
Continuing on from the previous paragraph, "Road To Nowhere" showcases Ozzy's softer side as it stands out in contrast to his normally heavy and intense music. The track was released as a single from the album "No More Tears." Peaking at number five on U.S. charts and reaching international success, the song has been praised for its powerful lyrics about life's journey and how it all leads up to 'a road to nowhere.'
Furthermore, the backing choir vocals add an organic essence to the already-beautiful melody of this particular piece. It's no wonder why this song has stood the test of time with its captivating lyrics and spellbinding rhythms that are sure to take you on a unique journey of your own.
Additionally, Ozzy himself revealed that when composing this tune, he found inspiration through never-ending touring during long drives through desolate landscapes where one could feel lost, yet there is beauty all around.
In summary, "Road To Nowhere" is undeniably one of Ozzy Osbourne's best tracks. Its calming tunes stand out amidst his heavier tracks in an excitingly unique way. Its lyrics are relatable yet poetic; hypnotic yet thought-provoking. A must-listen for any music lover out there!
Ozzy proves he's more than just the Prince of Darkness with this emotional ballad – perfect for reminiscing about your childhood or calling your mom after a drunken bender.
2. “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
This song from Ozzy Osbourne's album “No More Tears” is a heartfelt ballad about returning home to one's mother. The lyrics and melody are emotional, making this song one of his most beloved hits. Its strong vocals and guitar riffs make it stand out among other ballads in the same era.
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” remains popular today, with fans requesting it at Osbourne's concerts. The song has also been covered by other artists such as Miley Cyrus and Kelly Clarkson.
Interestingly, the song was written by Osbourne and Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue while they were both going through difficult breakups. The artistry behind this emotional piece stands as a testament to the abilities of these two legends in their prime.
Source: Loudwire
Ozzy shows he's still got it with 'Shot In The Dark' – proving that age is just a number, but a good riff is forever.
3. “Shot In The Dark”
This entry on Ozzy Osbourne's top songs highlights an iconic track of his – one which completely transformed the sound of rock music with its powerful and infectious hooks. It's a song that showcases Ozzy's incredible range as a performer, only matched by the energy he exudes in each performance. Here are some key points about this classic hit:
- "Shot In The Dark" is a single from Ozzy Osbourne's 1986 album, "The Ultimate Sin".
- The song was written by Ozzy himself, along with bassist Phil Soussan and guitarist Jake E. Lee.
- The track features signature guitar work from Jake E. Lee, whose electrifying riffs perfectly complement Ozzy's soaring vocals.
- This was one of the most commercially successful songs of Ozzy's career, charting in several countries including the US and UK.
- Its memorable chorus and infectious melody continue to make it a standout track among Ozzy fans worldwide.
As for what sets "Shot In The Dark" apart from other tracks on this list? It certainly stands out as one of the most danceable hits in Ozzy's catalog, thanks to its irresistible disco-flavored beat (courtesy of drummer Randy Castillo) that pulls listeners in right from the first note. And like many other tracks on this album (which marked a significant sonic departure from Ozzy's earlier work), "Shot In The Dark" incorporates plenty of pop sensibilities without sacrificing any of his signature grit and power.
Without a doubt, it's easy to see why this classic hit has remained a fan favorite for over thirty years – not just because it represents a pivotal moment in both Osbourne and Lee's careers but also because it captures everything that makes rock music so timeless and transcendent. Ozzy unleashes his inner werewolf in this classic headbanger, proving once again that he's not just the Prince of Darkness, but also the Prince of Full Moon Parties.
4. “Bark At The Moon”
This legendary track from Ozzy Osbourne's catalog has taken over the world of heavy metal. The song, with its eerie and haunting intro, is a classic representation of Osbourne's work. "Bark at the Moon" showcases Osbourne's versatility in vocals, making it an unforgettable hit. The guitar riffs and solos by Jake E. Lee are remarkable and compliment the vibe of the song perfectly.
One of the distinct features of this tune is how it incorporates different elements such as rock, metal, and horror movie soundtrack-like segments seamlessly. The chorus line "Bark at the moon" creates an almost chant-like feeling that adds to its cult status among Osbourne fans.
Interestingly, the song was inspired by a real-life event where Osbourne saw a dog that seemed to be barking at something invisible. He later imagined what it would be like if we could see whatever it was that dog was barking at.
According to Loudwire.com, "Bark at the Moon" was ranked #3 on Rolling Stone's list of Ozzy Osbourne's top 50 songs in 2021.
For those about to rock, we suggest hopping on a mountain with Ozzy's electrifying 'Over the Mountain' blasting in your ears.
5. “Over the Mountain”
This entry in the list of the best Ozzy Osbourne songs is none other than the hard-hitting and fierce "Over the Mountain". The song, with its aggressive guitar work and pounding drums, showcases Ozzy's vocal range and power. The lyrics talk about breaking free from limitations and overcoming obstacles – a theme that resonates with many listeners. Overall, it's a classic example of Osbourne's signature heavy metal style.
A standout feature of "Over the Mountain" is Randy Rhoads' guitar solo, which is considered to be one of his best works. The solo perfectly complements Osbourne's vocals and adds an extra layer of intensity to the already electrifying song. It's no surprise that this track has become a fan favorite over the years.
Interestingly, "Over the Mountain" was originally intended to be the opening track for Osbourne's album 'Diary of a Madman'. However, due to production issues, it was pushed back as the second track. Luckily for us, this change didn't affect the song's popularity at all.
For any fan of Ozzy Osbourne or heavy metal music in general, "Over the Mountain" is an absolute must-listen. Its driving energy and empowering lyrics make it a timeless classic that will always hold a special place in rock history.
Don't miss out on experiencing one of Ozzy's most beloved tracks – give "Over the Mountain" a listen today.
Listening to 'Mr. Crowley' is like being invited to a dinner party hosted by Satan himself, but damn if it isn't a party you won't forget.
6. “Mr. Crowley”
This track is the sixth song in the list of '10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Songs of All Time'. "Mr. Crowley" was released in 1980 and tells the story of Aleister Crowley, an English occultist, mystic and ceremonial magician who lived during the late 19th and early 20th century. The song has a haunting melody that highlights Ozzy's vocal range. It features Randy Rhoads' intricate guitar riffs which adds to the dark, mystical vibe of the song.
Apart from its captivating rhythm, which makes it a standout piece in Ozzy's discography, "Mr. Crowley" remains one of his most lyrically cerebral songs that explore themes of magic and spirituality. Its profound lyrics delve deep into a world not often visited by mainstream rock music.
As with other Ozzy classics, "Mr. Crowley" showcases his ability to seamlessly integrate rock with different genres such as classical music creating a unique sound that still resonates strongly with listeners today.
There is no doubt that "Mr. Crowley" played a pivotal role in boosting Ozzy's solo career to greater heights cementing his place as one of the most iconic performers in rock history.
“Get ready to take a trip and fly high with Ozzy’s rockin’ anthem, whether you’re flying in the sky or in your own love rocket.”
7. “Flying High Again”
This track, ranked seventh on the list of "10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Songs of All Time," showcases Ozzy at his best. With its distinct riff and catchy chorus, this song exemplifies why Ozzy is a legendary figure in rock music. The lyrics touch on themes of addiction and resilience, making it relatable to many listeners. It's no surprise that this song has remained a fan favorite for decades since its release in 1981.
In "Flying High Again," Ozzy Osbourne delivers unparalleled vocal performance, backed by phenomenal guitar work. The tune has all the ingredients needed for an epic rock song: a driving beat, memorable hooks, and melodies that stick with you long after it's over.
Listeners love how the song ebbs and flows between high energy choruses and verses that let listeners catch their breath before building back up again to that explosive chorus. The sound quality is top-notch with excellent production work from Max Norman who really knew how to bring out the best in Ozzy's music.
Interestingly enough, "Flying High Again" was inspired by the band's travels on tour – in particular an airplane ride where they couldn't keep their balanced footing as it skipped through turbulence."
The song features Randy Rhoads' virtuosic guitar playing combined with Ozzy's unique vocal delivery style which he's made comeback winners decade after decade with incredible hits like these!
Don't worry Ozzy, we don't know what's going on either, but at least we can headbang to this classic.
8. “I Don’t Know”
This track, with its powerful guitars and catchy chorus, remains one of Osbourne's most popular songs. The song deals with the frustration and confusion that comes with not knowing where to turn next, and captures the mixed emotions that can arise when dealing with difficult decisions. Its harmonious melody and impassioned vocals have made it a fan favorite for decades. The honesty and relatability of "I Don't Know" make it stand out among Osbourne's other hits.
Did you know: Ozzy Osbourne's solo career began after he was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979.
Listening to 'No More Tears' is like taking a bath in Ozzy's tears – it's both refreshing and slightly concerning.
9. “No More Tears”
This Ozzy Osbourne classic was written for his wife and was released in September 1991. The song 'No More Tears' is a hard rock ballad that combines heavy guitar riffs with a catchy chorus. It showcases the Prince of Darkness's powerful vocals and his ability to produce intense stage performances.
With an epic opening featuring a solo keyboard, it quickly escalates into a fist-pumping sing-along chorus filled with emotion and passion. The lyrics, "Mama, I'm coming home" still remain one of the most memorable lines in rock history.
The music video depicts Osbourne as a mad professor experimenting on human subjects to find a cure for tears. This added an extra layer of mystery and intrigue to the already iconic track.
'No More Tears' has become one of Ozzy Osbourne's most recognized songs over the years, being included in numerous greatest hits albums and live performances. Its success has cemented its place as one of the best tracks from the Prince of Darkness.
Put on your seatbelt, because this train doesn't just go off the rails, it goes 'Crazy'.
10. “Crazy Train”
This song, widely considered one of Osbourne's greatest hits, has an unmistakable guitar riff and a powerful chorus that has become a classic in the world of rock music. It was released in 1980 and became known for its catchy lyrics and energetic pace.
As Ozzy sings about riding on his "crazy train," the listener is taken on a journey filled with electrifying guitar solos and frenzied drumming that perfectly capture the intense emotions of the song. The lyrics themselves are somewhat enigmatic, but they perfectly capture the rebellious spirit of rock and roll.
To this day, "Crazy Train" remains one of Osbourne's most popular songs, appealing to both hardcore fans and newcomers to the genre. It has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, solidifying its place as a true icon of rock music.
Despite its popularity, there are still some lesser-known facts about "Crazy Train" that even die-hard fans may not know. For example, did you know that the song was originally supposed to be included on Osbourne's previous album before being moved to his debut solo album? Or that it took several takes to get the famous opening riff just right?
For those looking to truly appreciate this classic rock anthem, we suggest listening to it with high-quality headphones or speakers to fully appreciate the intricate details of the guitar work and production. Another great way to get even more out of the song is by watching live performances from throughout Osbourne's career – not only do these performances showcase his incredible showmanship, but they often feature extended solos that take "Crazy Train" to new heights.
Overall, "Crazy Train" is a timeless classic that will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike for many years to come.
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.
