Top 10 Ronnie James Dio Songs

Script written by Jordan Ruimy. He was a holy diver. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 Ronnie James Dio songs. For this list, we’ve chosen our entries based on a combination of the artist’s fan favorites and their most commercially successful songs. We’re including songs by Ronnie James Dio during his time with the bands Dio, Black Sabbath and more.

From his days as lead singer of Black Sabbath, “Neon Knights” was the last song composed for the Heaven And Hell album. Written by bassist Geezer Butler, the heavy metal track may’ve not taken a lot of time to write but it sure packs a helluva punch. Peaking within the top 40 of the UK charts, it’s also a favorite amongst Sabbath aficionados.

#9: “Stand Up and Shout” by Dio Holy Diver (1983)

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Off the album Holy Diver, this 1983 song is one from the heart. With a flawless vocal performance from Dio and incredible electric staccato riffs from Vivian Campbell, “Stand Up and Shout” encompasses everything we love about the heavy metal act into one unholy package. Powerful stuff.

#8: “We Rock” by Dio The Last in Line (1984)

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This song’s title says it all. With its aggressive sound, fist-pumping vibe and Dio’s inspiring vocals, this heavy metal track proved the band really did rock. While it wasn’t a chart success, The Last in Line single can always get crowds going, and that’s why it was often chosen as a concert closer at Dio shows. ‘Cause in the end, all you gotta do is “sail on, sing a song [and] carry on.”

Taken off the Dio effort of the same name, “The Last in Line” features an infectious melodic introduction and an opening verse that purposely contained ironic imagery. After the decidedly soft intro, the song kick-starts itself into a loud-yet-heavenly jam. Meanwhile, its parent album reached the top 40 of the Billboard 200 charts and was the first to include Claude Schnell on keyboards.

The first single by Rainbow, a band formed by Deep Purple member Ritchie Blackmore and Dio, “Man on the Silver Mountain” is also the opening track of the act’s debut album. With spiritual undertones and elements of hard rock and heavy metal, the song quickly became a Rainbow live staple. With such evocative lyrics and powerful sound, it’s not really that much of a surprise.

#5: “Stars” by Hear ‘n Aid “Stars” single (1986)

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Part of a project launched to amass funds for famine relief in Africa, “Stars” brought together the talents of such hard rock and heavy metal artists like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motley Crue and more. Released as both a 7inch and 12inch single, it also saw Dio sharing vocal duties with singers like Rob Halford and Geoff Tate, among others. Modeled after similar all-star recordings for charity, the song reportedly raised about $1 million.

This Dio song has many elements of what the artist was all about. Mixing synthesizers with mystical lyrics, Holy Diver’s second single is a definite highlight from the band’s first record. Dio’s vocals are in top form, the guitar solo keeps us hooked and we can’t help but head bang along. As such, “Rainbow in the Dark” has found a spot in several multimedia formats and has been covered by more than one artist.

On the title track of Black Sabbath’s ninth record, Dio asks age-old questions about good versus evil, all while its perfect blend of hard rock and heavy metal makes you stomp your feet to an irresistible beat. Thanks to multiple cover versions, it has become a heavy metal classic and also proved Sabbath could be just as powerful with Dio at the helm.

#2: “Holy Diver” by Dio Holy Diver (1983)

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This was a deliberate message to Black Sabbath, whom he found were not letting him express himself creatively or artistically. As the title track to Dio’s 1983 album, “Holy Diver” is especially memorable for its dark imagery and an epic guitar solo that appears at the song’s bridge. A top 40 entry on the U.S. Billboard Rock Tracks chart, the heavy metal single has earned itself many fans, and even boasts celebrity admirers like Tenacious D and the creators of South Park. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - “Bible Black” by Heaven & Hell The Devil You Know (2009) - “Falling Off the Edge of the World” by Black Sabbath Mob Rules (1981) - “The Sign of the Southern Cross” by Black Sabbath Mob Rules (1981) - “I Speed at Night” by Dio The Last in Line (1984) - “The Mob Rules” by Black Sabbath Mob Rules (1981)

This epic song about a wizard reaching for the stars could also be seen as a representation of the artist himself – as his ambitious fire paved the way for an influential brand of mighty metal. Everything comes together here in this Rainbow number. The vocal performance is impressive in its range and flexibility, the guitar solo by Ritchie Blackmore is mesmerizing and the drumming by Cozy Powell is absolutely powerful. Add the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and some larger-than-life lyrics, and you’ve got the ultimate Dio track. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Ronnie James Dio song? For more entertaining Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.