Larry Busacca, Getty Images As the ’70s turned into the ’80s, Ozzy Osbourne was trying to figure out his next move after his ousting from Black Sabbath . What he did was embark on a very successful solo career that was lasted more than 30 years. In addition to releasing a number of memorable tunes over the past three decades, Ozzy has selected some virtuoso musicians to record with him, including the incomparable Randy Rhoads and the very talented Zakk Wylde. While Osbourne has reunited with Sabbath on several occasions and is recording a new album with the heavy metal legends, we’re taking a look at some of the best music that Osbourne’s solo career has produced. So, stick with us as we take our “shot in the dark” at counting down the 10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs: 10 ‘Over the Mountain’ From: ‘Diary of a Madman’ (1981) If you need some drums to kick your ass, Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Over the Mountain’ might just do the trick. Lee Kerslake’s furious flurry of beats not only kicks off the song but also offers the opening notes of the ‘Diary of a Madman’ album. The fantastical Osbourne track takes listeners through a dreamland with an invitation to join him on his journey. Listen to ‘Over the Mountain’ 9 ‘Suicide Solution’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) ‘Suicide Solution’ may be the most controversial songs Ozzy Osbourne has ever released. Osbourne stated that the song was a tribute to the late Bon Scott, who died of alcohol poisoning, while bassist Bob Daisley who wrote the track says that Osbourne himself, who was struggling with alcoholism, was the inspiration. There was also the matter of the title, which sparked a lawsuit when a depressed teen shot himself. But controversy or not, the song rocks with Randy Rhoads’ chugging guitar and Osbourne’s wail leading the way. Listen to ‘Suicide Solution’ 8 ‘Gets Me Through’ From: ‘Down to Earth’ (2001) What is Ozzy really all about? The singer attempted to clear it up in the 2001 song ‘Gets Me Through,’ which he wrote as a thank you and explanation to his fans. In the song, Osbourne states, “ I’m not the Anti-Christ or the Iron Man ,” thus separating the man from the image. The song itself starts with keyboard before guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Robert Trujillo and drummer Mike Bordin grunge up this trudging rocker. Listen to ‘Gets Me Through’ 7 ‘Mr. Crowley’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) ‘Mr. Crowley’ is a solid choice for the 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs as it smoothed the singer’s transition from Black Sabbath frontman to solo artist. Osbourne’s dark side fully intact, the singer created a song about black magic practitioner Aleister Crowley and his sinister ways. The track launches with the distinctive organ solo from Don Airey before the rhythmic rocker kicks in. Listen to ‘Mr. Crowley’ 6 ‘Shot in the Dark’ From: ‘The Ultimate Sin’ (1986) ‘Shot in the Dark’ makes the 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs as one of the more instantly recognizable tracks of the singer’s career. The catchy mid-’80s rocker was penned by bassist Phil Soussan and altered to Osbourne’s specifications. Easily one of the more radio-friendly songs of the singer’s career, the track does still rock with wailing guitar work from Jake E. Lee and a driving beat laid down by Randy Castillo. Listen to ‘Shot in the Dark’ 5 ‘Flying High Again’ From: ‘Diary of a Madman’ (1981) Osbourne’s affinity for drugs did occasionally find its way into song and ‘Flying High Again’ is a perfect example. In the lyrics, Osbourne shares his concern, stating, “ Mama’s gonna worry / I been a bad, bad boy / No use sayin’ sorry / It’s something I enjoy .” Then rationalizing his behavior, he adds, “ If you could be inside of me / you’d see, you’d see what light I see / flyin’ high again, alright! “ Listen to ‘Flying High Again’ 4 ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ From: ‘No More Tears’ (1991) Here’s the rare non-rocker on our list of 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs. But this song was a major hit in the era of the power ballad and its success was all the sweeter for Osbourne as it was a love song to his wife Sharon. The track, co-written with Zakk Wylde and Lemmy Kilmister , was penned about his proposed retirement from music and his return home to his lady love after his support of the album was complete. Listen to ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ 3 ‘Bark at the Moon’ From: ‘Bark at the Moon’ (1983) ‘Bark at the Moon’ finds Osbourne once again digging into mythical territory for inspiration, as the track follows a beast that terrorizes a town, was killed and then was resurrected to wreak even more havoc. Musically, the guitar work from Jake E. Lee is top notch with a driving riff that is easily one of the most recognizable licks from Osbourne’s catalog. Listen to ‘Bark at the Moon’ 2 ‘No More Tears’ From: ‘No More Tears’ (1991) Ozzy Osbourne stated in his ‘Prince of Darkness’ liner notes that the song ‘No More Tears’ was “a gift from God,” and we’re not ones to disagree. The Bob Daisley bass line that opens the track pulls the listener in, while chugging Zakk Wylde guitar licks propel the song’s verses. The track also features an extensive bridge infused with keyboards, piano and what sounds like a string backing before finishing out with a fury. Listen to ‘No More Tears’ 1 ‘Crazy Train’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) No surprise here — ‘Crazy Train’ is the best Ozzy Osbourne song of all time. It’s the song that signified that Osbourne’s move to a solo career was a wise one. Guitarist Randy Rhoads “doubled” his parts for the song’s very difficult solo, in the process delivering one of the most admired licks in rock history. As for the lyrical content, Osbourne addressed the crazy state of the world during the Cold War and offered the uplifting message, “ Maybe it’s not too late / To learn how to love and forget how to hate .” Simply put, ‘Crazy Train’ is not only one of Ozzy’s best, but one of the best rock songs ever. Listen to ‘Crazy Train’ What Is Your Favorite Ozzy Osbourne Song? We’ve show you our list and now it’s your turn to tell us if we got it right. What is your favorite Ozzy Osbourne song and did it make the list where you think it should have? Is there something we completely missed that you can’t believe didn’t make the cut? If so, what song would you knock off to replace it? Let us know your thoughts on the 10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs list in the comments section below.
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Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Crazy Train’ Covered by Broadway Vet Rena Strober + Cellist Tina Guo
YouTube Ozzy Osbourne ‘s ‘Crazy Train’ has become one of the great songs in metal history and as such, it’s also been one of the most covered tracks in the genre. The latest artist to take a stab at the song is Broadway veteran Rena Strober, who along with acclaimed cellist Tina Guo, serve up a more clean-cut version of the classic song. Strober and Guo both make appearances in the new video, which has been dubbed ‘Crazy Train: The Wizard of Ozzy.’ While the wholesome look of Strober in the clip may not be exactly what some would expect to match the song’s lyrical content, the singer no less delivers the track with a full voice and a hint of “crazy” in her eyes and smile. Meanwhile, Guo is ferociously awesome on the standup electric bass and the fury at which she’s attacking the instrument is embellished a bit by the shaky camera movements. Strober has enjoyed a solid run on the stage, appearing the Broadway version of ‘Les Miserables,’ staging her one-woman show ‘Spaghetti & Matzo Balls,’ and touring the country in a production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ She’s also released her own album called ‘Finding Home.’ Guo has managed to meld both classical playing and a rock/metal fusion into her cello style. She’s worked primarily creating music for motion pictures, video games and television scores. Most recently, Guo has been the featured soloist on the electric cello for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ‘The Immortal’ World Tour. She was also featured as part of the Foo Fighters lineup for the Grammy Awards. As for Osbourne, he’s enjoyed a career as both a solo artist and member of Black Sabbath . He also was recently named President of Heavy Metal in a Loudwire election. Watch Rena Strober and Tina Guo’s Video for ‘Crazy Train’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/ozzy-osbourne-little-nicky-cameo/” title=”Next: Ozzy Osbourne – Musician Movie Cameos” align=”center”]
Daily Reload: Rage Against the Machine, Black Veil Brides + More
Kevin Winter, Getty Images Here’s a look at the top stories of the day on Loudwire and around the Web: – Has it really been 20 years? Rage Against the Machine ‘s groundbreaking self-titled debut album is being reissued in multiple formats with plenty of audio and video bonus content to celebrate its 20th anniversary. [ Loudwire ] – January will be here before you know it, and to get you prepped for what’s to come, Black Veil Brides have unveiled the album title and artwork for their next album. [ Loudwire ] – Guns N’ Roses ‘ Las Vegas residency may be good for more than playing shows. Guitarist DJ Ashba says recording is on the agenda, as well. [ Loudwire ] – Kiss are once again absent from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot. Paul Stanley shares his thoughts on the snub and if they would attend if chosen. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] – Dethklok are building the buzz for their new ‘Metalocalypse: Dethklok Dethalbum III’ by issuing a sneak peek at the “making of” their deluxe edition documentary DVD. [ Rock Music Report ] – Train is not exactly the steadiest mode for touring these days, so after the cancellation of the Railroad Revival Tour, Band of Horses have moved quickly to book new shows. [ Diffuser.fm ]