Today's top 10 is dedicated to the prince of darkness: Ozzy Osbourne.
Below you will find what are, roughly speaking, my 10 favorite songs from his solo career, trying to fish a little far and wide from his discography. Obviously, there are some super excellent exclusions and the choice was not easy.
Alright, come on, let's get started.
10) Miracle Man (No Rest for the Wicked)
9) Goodbye to romance (Blizzard of Ozz)
We definitely move to other atmospheres for a beautiful ballad directly from the debut album. I really appreciate the lyrics but above all the epochal solo by Randy Rhoads. An old-fashioned ballad with a twist.
The lyrics of this song are amazing...
Miracle Man is about a religious man who moralized Ozzy during a TV debate only to be arrested for being caught with a prostitute. Miracle man... Got Busted! (Ozzy interacting with pigs - in the video below - is amazing.
9) Goodbye to romance (Blizzard of Ozz)
We definitely move to other atmospheres for a beautiful ballad directly from the debut album. I really appreciate the lyrics but above all the epochal solo by Randy Rhoads. An old-fashioned ballad with a twist.
The video clip is terrifying (unfortunately I can't find it on Youtube), just like Ozzy's hairstyle from that period but the guitar picking by Jake E Lee is majestic and the piece is a really good listen.
7) Gets me through (Down to earth)
A song that I have been very fond of since I played it many years ago with my band. This time on guitar there is Zakk Wylde who, unlike the guitarist mentioned above, keeps the guitar level very low (apart from the solo) focusing everything on the groove. A choice that I really appreciate (so I can also play it).
7) Gets me through (Down to earth)
A song that I have been very fond of since I played it many years ago with my band. This time on guitar there is Zakk Wylde who, unlike the guitarist mentioned above, keeps the guitar level very low (apart from the solo) focusing everything on the groove. A choice that I really appreciate (so I can also play it).
6) Tomorrow (Ozzmosis)
I'm sure you don't know this one, right? Well, don't worry, you can fill the gap by clicking on the title. When Ozzy goes up an octave and Zakk Wylde's guitars become powerful, adrenaline rushes through me that is difficult to explain.
I'm sure you don't know this one, right? Well, don't worry, you can fill the gap by clicking on the title. When Ozzy goes up an octave and Zakk Wylde's guitars become powerful, adrenaline rushes through me that is difficult to explain.
5) Crazy Train (Blizzard of Ozz)
All aboard! One of the most famous pieces in the Prince of Darkness discography and a riff (but also a solo) by Randy Rhoads that made history and will forever remain among the most recognized and appreciated on the Heavy metal scene.
4) I just want you (Ozzmosis)
A truly strange and unusual sort of semi ballad. Ozzy says that he strongly wants someone, in his own way, using a wonderful and somewhat enigmatic lyric, especially in the bridge: "I Think I'll Buy Myself Some Plastic Water I Guess I Should Have Married Lennon's Daughter". Anyone who understands what you're referring to here please let me know. An unusual song and one of my favourites of his career.
3) Mama I'm coming home (No More tears)
Unlike the one above, Mama I'm coming home is a very canonical ballad for the genre and I believe it is the most appreciated of Ozzy and Zakk Wylde's career (who has often played without Ozzy). Speaking of Zakk, listen to what kind of work he does on guitars.
2) S.A.T.O. (Diary of a Madman)
I know, maybe the second position is excessive for this song, as beautiful as it is. But the main riff (the one that starts after 30 seconds) and the verses have obsessed me for years and years and I think it's the Ozzy song I've listened to the most in my life. Plus the bass lines drive me crazy. Simple as that.
1) Diary of a madman (Diary of a madman)
Ozzy's (and Randy's) masterpiece, no ifs or buts.
Unusual structure, disturbing atmospheres, limping pace, acoustic guitars, one riff better than the other, demonic choirs... In short, I think you agree with me on this position. Enjoy this masterpiece. Even Ozzy looks happy, on the album cover. He has reason to be.