Top 20 Best Ozzy Osbourne Songs

#20: Secret Loser (1986)

Hey, are you looking for a great, easily-accessible song to introduce a friend to the heavy metal bombast of Ozzy Osbourne? Secret Loser is a great place to start, a hooky single from the mans underrated 1986 slab, The Ultimate Sin. Jake E. Lees main riff is infectiously catchy, Ozzys vocal lines are melodic and Phil Soussans bass does some seriously heavy lifting during the breakdown before the final verse. Secret Loser was even featured in the 1986 sci-fi fantasy The Wraith, and appeared on that films soundtrack. The cut is a secret (pardon the pun) killer from a discography chock full of hidden gems.

#19: Steal Away (The Night) (1980)

Does the act of including a parenthetical automatically make a song better? Well, not particularly, but it doesnt hurt - especially when its a track that rocks as hard as Steal Away (The Night). The cut is tucked away as the closing track to Ozzys breakout Blizzard of Ozz LP from 1980, but dont think for a second its a throwaway. Instead, Steal Away (The Night) ends Blizzard of Ozz in rousing, thunderous fashion, a blazing rocker with a killer riff. Randy Rhoads rips out an amazing lead guitar performance, while Bob Daisleys bass adds a melodic counterpoint to the verses against Ozzys vocals. Its great stuff.

#18: Bloodbath in Paradise (1988)

The laundry list of guitar players who have served at Ozzys right hand reads like a veritable whos who of heavy metal talent. Zakk Wylde made his debut as Osbournes side man with 1988s No Rest for the Wicked, and he brought with him a fresh air of riffing urgency. Bloodbath in Paradise serves as a calling card for Wyldes wicked six-string skills, a devious and dark song about Charles Manson and the Tate-LaBianca Murders. The songs quick pace and hyper-aggressive approach is perfect for Ozzys late-80s career, as heavy metal was becoming faster and heavier by the day. Theres little in the way of subtlety, sure, but this isnt a bad thing: Bloodbath in Paradise is a banger.

#17: Mr. Tinkertrain (1991)

Were going to keep the darkness train rolling for our next pick, the pitch-black predatory opener to 1991s No More Tears. It was a gutsy move for Ozzy and his band to kick off Osbournes first album for the nineties with Mr. Tinkertrain. The groove here is as sleazy as the songs subject matter, while the arrangements are remarkably inventive. Take, for example, how the second verse opens up with some finger snaps. [1] Meanwhile, Zakk Wylde proves how he was one of Ozzys heaviest guitar players, slinging riffs that are stunningly heavy. The production is thunderous and loud, lifting Mr. Tinkertrain to the summit of Ozzys heaviest jams.

#16: The Ultimate Sin (1986)

Ozzys The Ultimate Sin album from 1986 is, for many fans, one of the mans finest recorded efforts, full stop. Were singling out the heavy-AF title track in particular, a song that showcases guitarist Jake E. Lee in typically amazing form. This period of Ozzys career was marked by what was perhaps the mans closest flirtation with glam metal, but this definitely isnt a bad thing, in our eyes. The Ultimate Sin is flashy, fiery and over-produced: just the way we like it. The songs main riff is crunchy, too, proving that the Sunset Strip-influenced Ozzy still had plenty of gas left in the creative tank.

#15: Flying High Again (1981)

The discography of Ozzy Osbourne is nothing, if not diverse. His songs often encompass a variety of moods, including the lighter-feeling of songs like Flying High Again. Its the spirit of 1970s arena rock that permeates this cut from Ozzys Diary of a Madman album from 1981, a feel-good tune about creative freedom. Indeed, Flying High Again actually isnt about cannabis or narcotics use, but instead Ozzys enthusiasm for his budding solo career, after departing Black Sabbath. Flying High Again is an easy-going jam thats perfectly tailored to rock radio, and one that still gets played often today.

#14: Youre No Different (1983)

The era of Ozzy Osbournes career with guitarist Jake E. Lee was one marked with flashy theatrics and some truly great songs. Its here with songs like Youre No Different where Ozzys career seems to veer even further away from Black Sabbaths doom n gloom and further into commercial success. The production is slicker, the riffs fancier and the arrangements geared more towards catchy hooks and memorable choruses. Youre No Different is moody and gothic, while Ozzys vocals present a brooding prince of darkness, backed by Lees enviable guitar mastery.

#13: Miracle Man (1988)

Ozzy had long been in the political crosshairs of the religious right prior to 1988s No Rest for the Wicked album. However, The Ozz Man took aim right at figures like Jimmy Swaggart on his song Miracle Man. This was a scathing rebuke of the perceived hypocrisy of high-profile television preachers caught with their proverbial (and sometimes literal) pants down. Its a great way to open up the album, as Zakk Wylde kicks out the jams with a riff that practically screams for air guitar accompaniment. Meanwhile, drummer Randy Castillo pounds his kit for all its worth, making each beat count as Miracle Man races towards the finish line.

#12: I Just Want You (1995)

Heres a question: does an artists whole career matter? Or do some of us, as fans, tune out after a while? 1995s Ozzmosis could be considered as one of Ozzys last great solo albums. At the very least, it contains some truly awesome songs, such as I Just Want You. The tune is melodic and indicative of how the Ozzmosis album took some creative risks. There are some Beatles-esque harmonies utilized by Ozzy on the song, while the backing keyboard orchestration adds some texture to the songs overall quirkiness. The vocal melody is also incredibly strong and memorable, leading the charge to present I Just Want You as perhaps one of those Ozzy songs you forgot about but are glad to revisit.

#11: Suicide Solution (1980)

Ozzy isnt exactly a stranger to controversy, but it was this song that got the singer in legal trouble back in 1985. The song was blamed for the death of one John Daniel McCollum, a blame for which Ozzy was found not guilty in court. The tune itself, meanwhile, anchors itself on an iconic riff from Randy Rhoads, a spitfire affair thats heavy and groovy at the same time. Bob Daisleys bass anchors the entire thing with a rock-solid bottom end, to boot. Ozzy would revisit similar themes with 1988s underrated Demon Alcohol but it all started here with this unforgettable track.

#10: Mama, Im Coming Home (1991)

Ozzy is justifiably known for his contributions to heavy metal, but many laypersons possibly forget how many wonderful ballads hes sung over the years. Goodbye to Romance serves as a great example from Ozzys early years, while Old L.A. Tonight is a latter-day tearjerker. Meanwhile, Mama, Im Coming Home sits smack dab in the middle as one of the Oz Mans most successful singles. The lyrics were written by Motorheads Lemmy Kilmister and possess a certain poetry that could often spring from that mans fertile mind. Meanwhile, Ozzys vocal arrangements are lush and service the songs lead melody in a keen and memorable way.

#9: Perry Mason (1995)

If you think that the famed TV lawyer Perry Mason is a strange subject for an Ozzy Osbourne song, then congratulations! Youre absolutely right. It doesnt really matter at the end of the day, though, because this first single from 1995s Ozzmosis album hits all of the right notes. The main riff is crunchy as hell, and the guitar solo from Zakk Wylde is one of the finest ever put to tape on an Ozzy record. The songwriting feels economical here, with a beautiful bridge linking Perry Masons driving verse sections and that ultra-singalongable chorus. Dont overthink it too much and just enjoy Perry Mason for what it is: a great song.

#8: No More Tears (1991)

There were a number of singles released from Ozzys landmark, super-successful 1991 LP, No More Tears. The title track has endured right up to the modern day as well, remaining a staple on rock and heavy metal radio. Its easy to see why, too, since No More Tears has one fantastic bassline going for it, that helps drive the song. Mike Inez from Alice in Chains composed said bassline, although its longtime Ozzy songwriter Bob Daisley who performs on the album. Speaking of which, No More Tears would mark the end of Daisleys often-controversial partnership with Ozzy, after years of royalty and songwriting credit disputes. If that team had to split up, however, No More Tears is one HECK of a way to go out.

#7: I Dont Know (1980)

All eyes were on Ozzy Osbourne as he departed the successful and influential Black Sabbath in favor of a solo career. Thankfully, Osbourne assembled a murderers row of talent in order to help him achieve his goals on Blizzard of Ozz. Keyboardist Don Airey and Uriah Heeps drummer Lee Kerslake joined up with the aforementioned Rhoads and Daisley to write and record Blizzard of Ozz, and its their contributions that helped lift songs like I Dont Know to icon status. Rhoads main riff is aggressive but accessible, while Daisley and Kerslakes restrained rhythm sections allows the track to breathe. As for Ozzy? Well, he nails that iconic chorus for all hes worth, and this opening track helped forge Blizzard of Ozz into heavy metal legend.

#6: Mr. Crowley (1981)

The devil was truly in the details throughout a lot of heavy metal throughout the 1970s, 80s and beyond. Old Scratch was always a handy source of lyrical inspiration, but Ozzy took to more esoteric realms when he released Mr. Crowley as a single. The songs lyrical content is indebted to the infamous English occultist Aleister Crowley, a hermetic magician who founded the religion of Thelema in the early 1900s. Mr. Crowleys musical approach echoes this mysterious and often shadowed world of religious study, particularly thanks to Don Aireys evocative keyboard intro. Elsewhere, Randy Rhoads epic solo is the icing on the cake for this dark and driving song of heavy metal madness.

#5: Shot in the Dark (1986)

Theres a lot to unpack in Shot in the Dark. As mentioned before, Ozzy has always dodged allegations of improperly crediting those whove written songs for and with him over the years. Shot in the Dark was a notable hit from The Ultimate Sin, yet its curiously missing from many compilation albums for reasons of nebulous ownership. Bassist Phil Soussan brought the song to Ozzy after first demoing it with the group Wildlife in the early 80s. Shot in the Dark would be heavily reworked, however, gaining Jake E. Lees shining stamp of guitar wizardry to make it thoroughly Ozzys. Legal ownership aside, Shot in the Dark remains a melodic highpoint of exquisite songwriting, and one of Ozzys finest hours.

#4: Bark at the Moon (1983)

Weve talked up Jake E. Lee a lot, and with good reason: the man could friggin SHRED. Bark at the Moon possesses whats perhaps one of Lees finest hours with Ozzy, a riff masterpiece thats a barnburner from first note to last. The song wastes no time in melting faces with a central lick thats as catchy as a cold. Meanwhile, the solo section melds a bit of Randy Rhoads classical inspiration with Lees own flashy and theatrical style. This is over-the-top heavy metal with an equally outrageous music video to cap the whole affair in brilliant fashion. Oh, and that final solo by Lee as Ozzys howl rings out and Bark at the Moon reaches a crescendo? Absolute brilliance.

#3: Over the Mountain (1981)

Many musicians develop certain stylistic calling cards over the years. Lee Kerslake was one of those drummers who found a sweet spot with a certain type of dynamic drum fill, one he performed often with both Uriah Heep and Ozzy Osbourne. Its this fill that opens up Over the Mountain, a certified banger that was one of the singles from Ozzys sophomore LP, Diary of a Madman. Kerslakes driving drumming works well with Randy Rhoads classically-inspired playing, particularly during the dynamic solo section. Kerslake punctuates Rhoads cutting lead work with that aforementioned drum fill, as Over the Mountain tramples over everything on its way to a skull-crushing finale.

#2: Crazy Train (1980)

A list of Ozzy Osbourne songs admittedly wouldnt be complete without Crazy Train, right? Its the Oz Mans best known tune, and was, for many, their first experience with Osbournes solo career. Ozzys iconic opening vocal leads into a thumping bass line and equally classic main riff from Randy Rhoads. Its a lick that would be revised and revisited years later by Jake E. Lee on Ozzys Lightning Strikes, but the original has gone down in history as perhaps heavy metals catchiest single. Crazy Train is an Ozzy song that will always be regarded as one of the mans musical calling cards.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Devils Daughter (Holy War) (1988)

Heaven vs. Hell: Winner Takes All

I Dont Want to Change the World (1991)

A Great Single from the No More Tears Album

S.A.T.O. (1981)

Sailing Across the Ocean to Progressive Heights

Desire (1991)

Another Songwriting Contribution from Lemmy

Waiting for Darkness (1983)An Epic Album Closer

Tattooed Dancer (1988)A Slice of Sleaze From the Oz Man

Now You See It (Now You Dont) (1983)

Bob Daisley Calls Out Sharon in Song Form

#1: Diary of a Madman (1981)

Much has been written over the years about Randy Rhoads brilliant synthesis of classical music and heavy metal. Diary of a Madman just may be the perfect distillation of that experiment, while also existing as one of Ozzy Osbournes most progressive-sounding songs. The track is a mini-epic, hanging its hat on Rhoads inspired playing, and orchestration that sounds like something out of a Hammer Horror movie. Its the sound of Ozzy perhaps working outside of his comfort zone, but wonderfully so, and successfully, to boot. Crazy Train may be Ozzys biggest hit, but its Diary of a Madman thats perhaps the mans BEST song.

Whats your all-time favorite Ozzy track? Let us know in the comments!