Earlier this week we lost Ozzy Osbourne. Known by most for his chaotic behavior, past drug abuse, and “Prince of Darkness” persona. As a fan I hope people don’t forget how an incredibly talented singer he was. He didn’t just inspire as a frontman, but as an actual musician. This blog is intended to take you on a journey through the music of Ozzy. To celebrate one of the music’s most influential people.
Four young men from Birmingham, England started a band and created an entire genre of music, Metal. Horror themed lyrics were the foreground, which was unheard of in 1970. It’s most prevalent in their opening song “Black Sabbath”.
My personal favorite off their first album is N.I.B. Which includes one of the greatest baselines in all of music.
Their sophomore album is their most well known. With three certified classics in the protest song War Pigs, Iron Man, and the title track Paranoid.
Black Sabbath continued to dominate and frighten people in the early 70’s. However, some songs had “new” inspiration. More songs about drug use like “Sweet Leaf”, and “Snowblind” were becoming more common as the bands addictions started to grow.
Black Sabbath may be the most unlikely band to have a ballad, but they did. “Changes” was inspired by drummer Bill Ward’s breakup with his wife.
In 1979 Black Sabbath cut ties with Ozzy due to his frantic behavior and drug abuse, prompting him to go solo.
In 1980 he released his first solo album “Blizzard of Ozz”. This was also the introduction to the great Randy Rhoads on guitar, who left Quiet Riot right before their big break. I’m sharing the link to this entire album playlist because it’s a masterpiece from top to bottom.
Ozzy proves his first album is no fluke, as his next “Diary of a Madman” is just as successful with songs like “Over the Mountain” and Flying High Again being the highlights.
Unfortunately tragedy struck when guitarist Randy Rhoads died in a plane crash that was feet away from striking Ozzy’s tour bus while he was sleeping.
Two years later the “Oz Man” released “Bark at the Moon”. The title track is really the only highlight, but it hits you in the mouth with face melting solos from new guitarist Jake E. Lee.
As hair metal was topping the charts Ozzy’s fashion began to change, but the heart of his music remained. His fourth album “The Ultimate Sin” is massively underrated in my personal opinion. “Shot in the Dark” is a must listen for any rock fan.
I kind of like how these music videos are connected even though I have no idea what’s going on. But let’s face it neither did Ozzy.
In 1987 Jake E. Lee is fired and then enters a 20 year old Zakk Wylde who is asked to join Ozzy’s band full time for the album “No Rest For the Wicked”.
An often forgotten song in the Ozzy catalog is when he was featured on Lita Ford’s “Close My Eyes Forever”. It was a hit for Ford, and one of Ozzy’s best vocal performances.
No More Tears (91) might be Ozzy’s best produced album. It’s different in the best possible way and even though people should listen to the entire album, I’ll give you songs/videos you need to check out from it.
“No More Tears” was originally supposed to be the end, but halfway through the tour Ozzy pretty much confirmed he’d be back just not touring extensively.
This leads us into the mid 90’s with “Ozzmosis”. Not his best, but its not a total dud.
You would think Ozzy would go away after the turn of the millennium, but continues to make music. The song “Dreamer” comes off of “Down to Earth” and is in the running for Ozzy’s best ballad.
In the early 2000’s we start seeing Ozzy become more of a celebrity than a rockstar. The premiere of “The Osbournes” launch the entire family into the stratosphere of popularity. It was the first reality show based around a family, and it made for some wild TV moments. Whether it’s making burritos, yelling at the pets, finding the beer thief, waging war against bubbles or their neighbors “The Osbournes” were appointment television in the early 2000s.
Like most musicians when Ozzy started getting older the music wasn’t as strong. He went on a legendary run so it’s expected to slow down after 25 years and that is just counting his time as a solo act. A few honorable mentions are his resurgence with “I Don’t Want to Stop” in 2007 and his collaboration with Post Malone.
Even though the albums weren’t as beloved he was still putting on memorable performances.
Like reuniting with Black Sabbath at OzzFest
His performance with Metallica at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Black Sabbath Farewell Tour
And of course his final bow at the “back to the beginning” concert.
Ozzy Osbourne is truly “one of one”. There will never be another person like him. He helped create the entire genre of Metal. Not just a great showman but is one of the greatest lyricists and singers of his day. He influenced millions of musicians, sold over 100 million records, and his popularity transcended the rock community. He will forever be missed. A legend in every sense of the world.
