Best Ozzy Osbourne Songs: 15 Essential Anthems to Crank Up
Talking about the best Ozzy Osbourne songs of all time now seems like the perfect time. The legendary metal singer passed away on July 22nd at age 76, leaving behind a timeless legacy. His work as both a solo artist and with Black Sabbath will stand the test of time as some of the genre’s fundamental basis. Moreover, Ozzy‘s personality, charisma, and sincere way of being are something that has endeared him to people within and outside the genre.
Speaking of his solo career, Ozzy crafted a long career with a strong set of albums, oftentimes adapting to the times but also maintaining what makes him so memorable. The Madman surrounded himself with some of the genre’s most capable musicians throughout the years and delivered some of metal’s strongest tracks. In that regard, here are, in no particular order, the best Ozzy Osbourne songs of all time.
May Ozzy rest in peace and may his legacy live on forever through his songs.
1. “Diary of a Madman”
One of the easiest and most obvious choices among the best Ozzy Osbourne songs. The Prince of Darkness struck gold when he hired former Quiet Riot guitarist Randy Rhoads. While not a hot commodity when he arrived, Rhoads elevated the vocalist’s solo project, with a degree of musicianship that is celebrated to this very day.
He would be taken from us very early when he passed away in a plane accident, but his legacy with the first Ozzy albums lives on. In that regard, the title track of the second 1981 record, “Diary of a Madman“, is one of metal’s greatest musical pieces.
This track exhudes musical ambition, combining epic and classical elements with Rhoads‘ electrifying playing style. Ozzy‘s performance is sublime, highlighting how his peculiar singing style can work wonders in the right setting. This is shown in the chorus where the Madman’s voice truly hits the mark in the right spot.
2. “Killer of Giants”
Guitarist Jake E. Lee is one of the most underrated figures of Ozzy Osbourne‘s entire career. He had the tremendous task of replacing Randy Rhoads, and it is fair to say that he did a very good job in that regard. His second record with the former Black Sabbath singer, 1986’s “The Ultimate Sin“, is a testament to that. And a song like “Killer of Giants” is a hidden gem of the Madman’s catalog.
The in-crescendo nature of the song highlights the singer’s vocals, while Lee’s combination of heavier and more melodic elements is sublime. This track can be interpreted as a power ballad of sorts, but it is filled with that menacing feel that makes it stand out. It is a shame that is not mentioned more often among the best Ozzy Osbourne songs.
3. “No More Tears”
“No More Tears” is a divisive album. Some people love the direction Ozzy took with this one while others despise it. However, there is no denying that the title track is a slow-burn hit that works extremely well.
Powered by guitarist Zakk Wylde‘s mighty riffs and a stellar production, the Madman has rarely sounded this good. The use of keyboards in some sections adds to the epic nature of the song, especially when it comes to the middle. It is a track that constantly surprises people and deserves to be remembered fondly among the Ozzy faithful.
Wylde‘s solo is also one of the finest in his entire career, which deserves a shout.
4. “Steal Away (The Night)”
When it comes to a list of the best Ozzy Osbourne songs, the first two albums could make the entire list. The 1980 debut, “Blizzard of Oz“, has several classics of the Madman, but “Steal Away (The Night)” is an underrated gem.
Here one can listen to Rhoads‘ blasting his guitar with his playing, with his solo being a highlight of the track. Ozzy didn’t do a lot of fast-paced songs throughout his career and this one is a nice exception. It is powerful, has a commanding main riff, and the chemistry of the original lineup is palpable.
5. “Bark At The Moon”
As mentioned earlier, Jake E. Lee had a complicated task, but imagine starting your career with Ozzy Osbourne in 1983 with “Bark at the Moon“. A superb opening track that is led by Lee‘s now-legendary main riff and Ozzy‘s howling vocals. The chorus is also a notorious moment of the song, complemented by some of the band’s best musical performances.
It is difficult to find other songs that reflect the musical climate of metal in 1983 so well. Furthermore, it shows how Ozzy managed to bounce back from Rhoads‘ tragic passing, even if his loss is going to hurt for all time. This song, and this record as a whole, shows the resillient nature of the Madman and how he managed to push through despite all the challenges and tragedies.
6. “You Can’t Kill Rock and Roll”
When thinking about the best Ozzy Osbourne songs, there are a lot of songs to choose from. In that regard, something like “You Can’t Kill Rock and Roll” can be forgotten. While not a hidden gem, it can pale in comparison with the popularity of other hits of his. However, it does have everything that people love from Ozzy‘s power ballads, especially when Rhoads is the guitarist.
The chorus is generational, filled with intensity and Ozzy‘s performance confirms that he was always a great singer. It is also worth pointing out the rhythm base combination of drummer Lee Kerslake and bassist Bob Daisley.
Special mention to Daisley. A key songwriter and lyricist for most of Ozzy‘s 80s and early 90s output and doesn’t get the credit he deserves. A lot of the Prince of Darkness’ career wouldn’t be the same without him. An unsung hero of 80s metal.
7. “Mr. Crowley”
A top classic of Ozzy Osbourne and metal as a whole. Keyboard player Don Airey‘s intro has become as iconic as the song itself and things kick into gear with Ozzy‘s vocals and Rhoads‘ riff. It is a mid-tempo masterpiece that flows with ease, with the guitarist offering some of the best licks and solos from his short career.
Songs like this from the first record revived the Madman’s career. After a depressive period when leaving Black Sabbath, this project proved that he could thrive as a solo artist. Moreover, this song shows some of the templates that heavy metal would soon follow for the remainder of the decade.
8. “Bloodbath in Paradise”
1988’s “No Rest for the Wicked” album was a mixed affair for Ozzy. While new guitarist Zakk Wylde fit the new band like a glove, the resulting record was hit and miss. However, it has some underrated gems from his catalog, such as “Bloodbath in Paradise“.
The biggest attraction here is Wylde‘s guitar work. He carries the weight of the song and adds a degree of intensity that makes it work quite well. It is arguably one of the best guitar pieces he has ever written and it shows. Moreover, Ozzy‘s performance is also quite charismatic, serving to keep the listener hooked. Definitely one of the best Ozzy Osbourne songs and one of the most underrated.
9. “Believer”
Mid-tempo Ozzy is the best Ozzy. This is when his vocals can shine and the “Diary of a Madman” record understood this. “Believer” is another one of his underrated tunes, with Rhoads delivering more masterful licks. Moreover, like the vast majority of the album, it has a somewhat dark and atmospheric feel that makes it stand out from other works of his.
It also has very optimistic lyrics, highlighting how people need to believe in themselves. Another one of those songs that perhaps a lot of people might not give much of a chance but deserves more attention.
10. “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
This song is quite divisive in these discussions of the best Ozzy Osbourne songs. Some fans believe that is the Prince of Darkness selling out while others think that is one of his biggest triumphs. Regardless of personal preferences, it is one of the biggest hits of his entire career, whether it’s with Black Sabbath or as a solo artist.
It is a very melodic and accessible ballad, with Wylde combining acoustic and electric guitars in the composition. The chorus is very memorable, and Ozzy sells the lyrics quite well. This is something that makes it quite memorable, especially because he doesn’t tend to do a lot of songs like this one.
11. “I Don’t Know”
The beginning of Ozzy‘s solo career and a perfect example of what 80s metal is and should be. The capacity to go straight for the jugular with its opening moments and then having a slow, melodic middle section that highlights this band’s musical ambitions.
While there are more complex or better songs in Ozzy‘s 80s output, this is still one of the best tracks of his career. It is also a perfect display of how he sounded during this period.
12. “Secret Loser”
“The Ultimate Sin” has some of the best Ozzy Osbourne songs of all time and is a strong candidate for the best record he made after the two with Randy Rhoads. This exemplified by powerful tracks such as “Secret Loser“, kicking off with a marvelous riff by Lee and Randy Castillo pounding his drums like there is no tomorrow.
It is a very simple heavy metal song, but what a song! The riff is displayed with such mastery that reminds people why Lee is one of the most underrated guitarists in metal. Furthermore, Ozzy delivers another brilliant vocal performance, which serves to show how this was arguably his prime as a singer, although that can be debated.
13. “Over the Mountain”
It makes sense that the best Ozzy Osbourne album would have the best opener. “Diary of a Madman” kicks off with “Over the Mountain” and there is no waiting as Rhoads leads the way with his guitar work. The Madman quickly joins and the rest is heavy metal history.
It is also worth pointing out the production by Max Norman. One of the most underrated heavy metal producers of his generation, he fully captured Rhoads‘ guitar tone. It gives songs like this a very unique feel that is difficult to find in most records.
14. “Waiting for Darkness”
Don Airey has always been one of the most notorious keyboard players in rock. His current time with Deep Purple highlights his mastery. And he definitely carries himself extremely well here with “Waiting For Darkness“. It is the keyboard that adds to the atmosphere of the song and makes it quite special, which is something that needs to be pointed out.
On the other hand, Jake E. Lee continues to deliver some of the best guitar work of his entire career. While this was his first chance at glory as a rock musician, he certainly took it. This song doesn’t get brought up a lot when discussing the best Ozzy Osbourne songs. However, there is an argument to be made that is the best track in “Bark at the Moon“.
15. “Crazy Train”
The song Ozzy is going to be remembered for, alongside Black Sabbath‘s “Paranoid“. “Crazy Train” is not only one of the best Ozzy Osbourne songs, but also his signature track. It is the one song that most people know him from, especially because it is played in stadiums, concerts, and more. It has gained a life of its own and is something that has been seen in recent days after his passing.
Despite the fact that most metalheads are probably tired of listening to it, it is still a phenomenal song. It captures most of the elements that are going to define Ozzy as a solo artist. This track also has Randy Rhoads‘ most iconic guitar solo. There is not much else that can be said of one of the genre’s most iconic pieces.
Long live the Prince of Darkness. May he rest in peace.
