5 Albums I Can’t Live Without: Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath

Ozzy Osbourne reveals his favorite albums that he can’t live without. Black Sabbath’s frontman Ozzy Osbourne shares his 5 albums of all time.

Ozzy Osbourne, born on December 3, 1948, is a famous vocalist and lyricist who has significantly contributed to the heavy metal genre. As the lead singer of Black Sabbath band and afterward, as a successful solo artist, Osbourne’s dramatic stage presence, unique voice, and dark lyrical themes established his place as one of rock’s most famous performers.

Osbourne became famous as the leader and vocalist of Black Sabbath, one of the heavy metal genre’s pioneers. The self-titled first album by Black Sabbath in 1970, which included songs like “Black Sabbath” and “N.I.B.,” applied a foundation for heavy metal as a genre.

Following his split from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a successful solo career, releasing his debut album “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980. The album, which included singles like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” showed Osbourne’s skills as a performer and songwriter, establishing his status as a solo artist.

Despite personal troubles and addiction struggles, Osbourne’s career evolved, with albums like “Diary of a Madman” (1981) and “Bark at the Moon” (1983) further solidifying his place as an important figure in the heavy metal genre. 

He is also known as the “Prince of Darkness” in the heavy metal genre.

Osbourne’s album sales from his time in Black Sabbath discography and solo efforts reached 100 million. As a member of Black Sabbath, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and as a solo artist and member of the band, he was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.

Osbourne became a reality television star in the early 2000s, co-starring in the MTV reality show The Osbournes with wife and manager Sharon and two of their three children, Kelly and Jack. In the television series Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour, he co-stars alongside Jack and Kelly—the third season of the program they were premiered in June 2018.

And with total, Black Sabbath earned around $550 Million in net worth. 

Look at Ozzy Osbourne‘s favorite albums that he can’t live without below!

Ozzy Osbourne’s Favorite Albums That He Can’t Live Without

Black Sabbath‘s famous frontman and vocalist, Ozzy Osbourne, has shared his respect for other musicians too. And Osbourne picks his favorite albums he can’t live without. Regardless, he loves to listen to different genres but also loves alternative rock, classical rock musicians, specifically those who influenced him for life. 

Which music albums does Ozzy Osbourne listen to?

• “Master of Puppets” – Metallica 
• “British Steel” – Judas Priest
• “Ace of Spades” – Motörhead
• “Cowboys From Hell” – Pantera
• “Highway To Hell” – AC/DC

1. “Master of Puppets” – Metallica

Metallica‘s “Master of Puppets,” released in 1986, is considered as an important and influential record that changed the genre of thrash metal. And, “Master of Puppets” is the third studio album by the American heavy metal band Metallica, released by Elektra Records on March 3, 1986.

“Master of Puppets” begins with the title track, an eight-minute opera that alternates between furious thrash guitars and melodic interludes. This tune quickly establishes Metallica as masters of their art, setting the tone for the album’s purpose and relentless aggression.

Tracks like “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” and “Disposable Heroes” show the band’s compositional depth and instrumental skill, with themes of war, mental health, and societal disillusionment explored. “Orion,” an instrumental track, shows the band’s musical range and skill as musicians.

Tragically, the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton in 1986, shortly after the album’s publication, was an important turning point in the band’s history. Despite this tragic loss, “Master of Puppets” stands as a testament to Metallica’s continuing impact and influence on the heavy metal genre. 

You need to know James Hetfield wrote all of the lyrics for this album. The bonus tracks on the digital re-release were recorded live on August 29 and 30, 1989, at the Seattle Coliseum in Seattle, Washington, and were previously released on the live album Live Shit: Binge & Purge (1993).

Ozzy Osbourne shares why he likes Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“The album was a milestone for the band and for heavy metal.

Everybody used to stay at LA’s Sunset Marquis, so I ran into them there/ Not long after, we had them out on tour with us. They came right out of their box; people loved them. They brought along a great following, which helped them take off down the line. They were all nice guys, so I was happy when my old bass player ended up playing with them.

They were opening the show. I remember walking past the dressing room and they were playing Black Sabbath – I had no idea they were big fans, I thought they were taking the piss!

While we were on tour, I’d keep seeing James Hetfield hanging about like he wanted to ask something. Eventually, he walked up and said, ‘We want to play ‘Paranoid’ with you’, and we were like, ‘Sure!’ – then they showed just how big Black Sabbath fans they were. Cliff had a massive smile on his face the whole time.

Of course, it all came back round when I got up to do it with them at the Rock a Roll Hall Of Fame, which was brilliant too.”

2. “British Steel” – Judas Priest

“British Steel” is the sixth studio album by English heavy metal band Judas Priest, released by Columbia Records on April 11, 1980. It was Dave Holland’s debut record as a member of the band. This is one of Ozzy Osbourne‘s favorite albums ever. 

“Living After Midnight,” another album favorite, shows Judas Priest‘s skills to produce addictive melodies and appealing lyrics. Songs such as “Metal Gods” and “Rapid Fire” showcase the band’s musical talent, with guitar solos, massive drumming, and Rob Halford’s powerful vocals showing the band’s technical skill and control of the heavy metal sound.

The album’s final song, “Steeler,” is a fitting end to the exciting journey that is “British Steel.” And, for this album all songs are written by Glenn Tipton, Rob Halford, and K. K. Downing. 

“British Steel” was a turning point for Judas Priest, as the album embraced a more streamlined and accessible sound while keeping the band’s unique heavy metal edge.

The album’s sales succeeded and credited to the Judas Priest place as one of the most influential and famous bands in heavy metal history. “British Steel” is a timeless classic that has inspired generations of metal fans and is a monument to the band’s ongoing history and contribution to the heavy metal genre. 

Ozzy Osbourne reveals why he likes Judas Priest’s “British Steel” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

” What can I say, the guys in Judas Priest are not only mates of mine from my hometown of Birmingham but one of the best metal bands of all time.

This album had “Living After Midnight,” “Breaking the Law” and “Metal Gods.” British Steel is a classic that will definitely stand the test of time.” 

3. “Ace of Spades” – Motörhead

“Ace of Spades” is the definitive album by the British rock and roll band Motörhead, released in 1980, and it remains one of the most influential and enduring records in heavy metal history.

The adrenaline-fueled “The Chase Is Better Than the Catch” and the uncontrolled rage of “(We Are) The Road Crew,” which represent the band’s wild live energy and dedication to the relentless chase of rock ‘n’ roll, are some of the album’s memorable moments.

Lemmy Kilmister’s violent bass playing forms a powerful trio that powers the album’s fierce aural assault, “Fast” Eddie Clarke’s cruel guitar playing, and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor’s smashing drumming. Generations of rock and metal bands were influenced by “Ace of Spades” much after its first release.

Except where noted otherwise, all songs were written by Ian Fraser Kilmister, Eddie Clarke, and Phil Taylor.

Ozzy Osbourne tells why he likes Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“The album that put Motörhead over the top.

The title track “Ace of Spades” is Motörhead’s “Paranoid.” It’s one of the great metal anthems and, to me, a band hasn’t made it until they have their own anthem. This is theirs.”

4. “Cowboys From Hell” – Pantera

Pantera‘s “Cowboys from Hell” album, released in 1990, was an important turning point in the band’s career and the progression of heavy metal.

The album’s “Cowboys from Hell” title song was a stunning introduction to Pantera‘s new style. Dimebag Darrell’s scorching guitar riffs and Phil Anselmo’s powerful vocals resulted in these songs.

“Cemetery Gates” and “Domination” showcased the band’s musical skill, flawlessly moving between strong, thrash-driven parts and melodic, provocative breaks.

Dimebag Darrell’s guitar solos, Rex Brown’s memorable bass lines, and Vinnie Paul’s thunderous drum hitting showed a tight-knit musical connection that fixed the album’s dynamic and strong sound. It was the first of many collaborations with Terry Date. Pantera also began to avoid their previous albums’ shiny style in favor of a darker sound with this album. It is regarded as one of the first groove metal albums.

Ozzy Osbourne describes why he likes Pantera’s “Cowboys from Hell” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“These guys were some of the biggest party animals I ever toured with. Dimebag Darrell’s guitar playing shines on this album. This one should be in every metal fan’s collection.”

5. “Highway To Hell” – AC/DC

“Highway to Hell” is the sixth studio album of the Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released on July 27, 1979. It is the first of three albums produced by Mutt Lange and the final album to feature lead singer Bon Scott, who died on February 19, 1980.

“Highway to Hell,” the album’s title tune, quickly gets the fans’ attention with their exciting guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and Bon Scott’s clear and strong vocals.

Tracks like “Girls Got Rhythm” and “Touch Too Much” display the band’s signature combination of gritty blues-infused rock, with Angus Young’s electric guitar solos and Malcolm Young and Cliff Williams’ rhythmic foundation producing a dynamic and captivating aural environment.

The album’s relentless speed and high-voltage energy continue with songs like “Shot Down in Flames” and “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It),” which showcase AC/DC’s unique sound.

“Highway to Hell” not only established AC/DC’s position in rock history but also served as a heartbreaking memorial to vocalist Bon Scott, who died tragically shortly after the album’s release.

“Highway to Hell” is not just the apex of AC/DC’s early career but also a timeless classic that continues to connect with rock fans worldwide.

Ozzy Osbourne explains why he likes AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“I love Brian Johnson. But to me, my good friend, the late Bon Scott, was the best singer AC/DC ever had. This album was like an addiction to me.”

Osbourne also added:

“I have met AC/DC for the first time touring in Sydney with Black Sabbath. I remember thinking, ‘These can’t be around touring using so much energy at every concert. Angus is like a machine that never stops. He keeps going and going. He still got the fucking energy, man.

They are a meat and potatoes band. There is no bollocks, there is no fucking around. Whether you like them or you don’t. I’m proud to say I love them.” 

What are your thoughts on Black Sabbath‘s frontman Ozzy Osbourne‘s favorite albums that he can’t live without? Let us know in the comment section!