Ozzy Osbourne’s death ends an era. His groundbreaking doom-metal with Black Sabbath to his legendary solo image, The Prince of Darkness, inspired generations. Music-lovers around the world will forever remember him.
Here are five tracks that cover his early career and solo success. They illustrate raw energy, self-reflection, theatricality, and experience unencumbered by anything but raw emotion. These are the songs that made a legend.
1. “Paranoid” (1970)
As Black Sabbath’s first major hit from their 1970 album, “Paranoid” launched heavy metal into mainstream consciousness. At just under three minutes, it packs intense riffs, pounding drums, and lyrics reflecting existential stress during a turbulent era.
The track reached No. 4 on the UK chart and became a timeless anthem, often topping “greatest metal songs” lists. Ozzy’s snarling vocals and black charisma provided the template for hard rock.
2. “Iron Man” (1972)
Few riffs have the distinctive crunch of “Iron Man.” The plodding, foreboding opening by Tony Iommi is followed by thundering power chords, immediately identifying it. The song reached No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Black Sabbath a 2000 Grammy for Best Metal Performance.
Ozzy’s growling vocals and haunting narrative demonstrated his capacity to bring ominous characters to life, a fundamental aspect of his lore.
3. “Crazy Train” (1980)
Ozzy’s debut solo hit after quitting Sabbath, “Crazy Train,” burst onto the charts with an adrenaline-driven intensity. It’s guitar riff is one of the greatest rock solos of all time, and the lyrics address Cold War paranoia.
The track is his most-played, according to Metal Hammer’s head of content, who has earned more than half a billion streams. It redefined Ozzy, no longer merely fronting a group, but emerging as a solo artist.
4. “Mr. Crowley” (1980)
Also from Blizzard of Ozz, “Mr. Crowley” delves into the occult with a mysterious atmosphere. With Randy Rhoads’ chilling intro solo and Ozzy’s menacing tone, it delves into the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley.
The song is considered one of the all-time greatest metal songs. It solidified Ozzy’s image for combining theatrics and dark material with musical refinement.
5. “Shot in the Dark” (1986)
From The Ultimate Sin, this 1980s glam-metal anthem was Ozzy’s chart debut, reaching No. 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 forbes.com
These five songs, ranging from Sabbath’s dark beginnings to Ozzy’s solo makeover, chronicle his odyssey: an odyssey of power, darkness, rebellion, and rebirth.
“Paranoid” and “Iron Man” set it in motion; “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” propelled him as a solo superstar; “Shot in the Dark” demonstrated his capacity to evolve.
Collectively, they demonstrate why Ozzy Osbourne is one of rock’s most impactful voices. His legacy is not in his last show; it continues with every riff he bellowed into the annals of history.
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