While longtime rocker Ozzy Osbourne may be catching flak for apparently cheating on wife and manager Sharon Osbourne with hairstylist Michelle Pugh, he may have also created a renaissance for his career. While the accusations may have played a part in Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne divorcing after 33 years of marriage and Sharon kicking him out of the house, the fact remains that Ozzy—and with him his music—is now back in the public eye. Regardless of whether you like him or not, this scandal may do wonders for Ozzy Osbourne’s net worth as people scramble to hear his top songs.
Before he became famous for his relationship with his wife and appearing alongside his family on their own reality TV show, Ozzy Osbourne made his fame as a member of Black Sabbath, which formed in 1968, before beginning to pursue his solo career, though the band has had the occasional reunion and even released a new album in 2013.
Perhaps surprisingly, Ozzy has actually released more albums as a solo artist than he did in Black Sabbath, though both periods of his life feature songs that unquestionably still rock. Here is the top 10 Ozzy Osbourne songs list.
Top 10 Ozzy Osbourne Songs List
“Mr. Crowley” (1980)
This song served as proof to fans that what they loved about Black Sabbath was still present even if the rest of the band wasn’t. The song kept the tone that Sabbath was known for then added a great intro and strong guitar solos, all built around Ozzy’s vocal prowess.
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” (1991)
A power ballad, the “mama” in question is actually Sharon Osbourne, referring to his return to her following retirement. Of course, the song’s lyrics take on new meaning in light of the recent Michelle Pugh scandal and accusations, but there’s no doubting from the delivery here that, when this song was recorded, Ozzy meant everything he said.
“Bark at the Moon” (1983)
This top Ozzy Osbourne song may actually be better known for its album cover and music video than the song itself. The cover and video feature Ozzy dressed as a werewolf, an iconic depiction that has even been made into merchandise, including action figures.
“I Don’t Wanna Stop” (2007)
The newest track on this list, “I Don’t Wanna Stop” is about exactly what it sounds like: Ozzy’s inability to stop rocking. Good thing, too, because this was the song that proved he can still go even now.
“No More Tears” (1991)
Considered one of Ozzy’s better vocal performances, “No More Tears” is surprisingly low-key, going less heavy on the rock to create a somber atmosphere. But given the song is about a serial killer, maybe that’s appropriate?
“Paranoid” (1970)
From the Black Sabbath album of the same name, it’s Ozzy who makes the song work. Delivering the lyrics in a manner that seems fast and rambling while at the same time being neither, the song really does seem as if it’s a cry for help from someone with mental health issues.
“War Pigs” (1970)
Also from Paranoid, the opening track is actually an anti-war anthem, which may seem unconventional for a metal band. Still, leave it to Ozzy Osbourne to sing lyrics about the horrors of war in a song that would’ve likely proven popular with soldiers.
“Perry Mason” (1995)
Why Ozzy Osbourne chose a fictional defense lawyer as the topic of the lead single of 1995’s Ozzmosis— and long after the character’s relevance at that—is anyone’s guess, but there’s no denying it works. This heavy track is the perfect lead-in to the rest of the album, creating a sense of hype that only Ozzy can muster.
“Crazy Train” (1980)
Perhaps the best known song from Ozzy’s solo career, “Crazy Train” was voted the 23rd greatest hard rock song ever by VH1—the highest rank for any song by a solo artist. The song remains popular, especially in sports arenas as it’s often being played during games.
“Iron Man” (1971)
While the song’s name may now be more closely associated with Robert Downey Jr. than Ozzy Osbourne, this beloved Sabbath track has stood the test of time—perhaps ironically, given the song is about a time traveler. The opening guitar riffs have never been forgotten by anyone who’s heard the song, and Ozzy’s signing and delivery have made this song one of the all-time greats.
