By The Riff Report Blog – A bit mad, a bit metal, and 100% Ozzy-tastic
He bit the head off a bat, told us all to “Bark at the Moon,” and survived more band bust-ups, brain fogs, and Brummie benders than you’ve had hot dinners. Ozzy Osbourne is the crown jewel in heavy metal’s battered and beer-stained crown 👑🍻
From Sabbath sorcery to solo stardom, here’s our definitive, devil-horn-approved countdown of Ozzy’s 15 greatest solo tracks. C’mon now, sing it with us… “All aboard!!” 🚂🎤
15. “Gets Me Through” (2001)
Ozzy’s love letter to fans, fame, and his own madness. Emotional, slightly haunted, and very “I’m still standing, ya bastards!”
🎧 Best for: Late-night soul-searching with Jack Daniels and eyeliner.
14. “Mr. Tinkertrain” (1991)
Creepy lyrics. Crunchy guitars. Classic Zakk Wylde squeals. It’s weird, wild, and weirdly addictive.
🎧 Best for: Freaking out your nan on Halloween.
13. “Perry Mason” (1995)
The most epic courtroom-themed metal banger ever written. The riffs slap, and that chorus? Guilty of being lush.
🎧 Best for: Imagining Ozzy in a judge’s wig. You’re welcome.
12. “Back on Earth” (1997)
New track from the The Ozzman Cometh comp that reminded us: Ozzy still had it, butt. Melodic and mighty.
🎧 Best for: Air-guitaring in your mum’s car.
11. “Shot in the Dark” (1986)
Synthy, spooky, and smoother than Ozzy’s post-rehab handshake. One of the first times he flirted with glam metal and nailed it.
🎧 Best for: 80s goth discos and eyeliner enthusiasts.
10. “No More Tears” (1991)
Nearly eight minutes of slow-burning, swampy, sobbing brilliance. That bassline alone deserves a shrine.
🎧 Best for: Crying in the shower while still headbanging.
9. “The Ultimate Sin” (1986)
Glam-era Ozzy in full spandex glory. It’s sleazy, catchy, and totally underrated.
🎧 Best for: Throwing glitter and devil horns simultaneously.
8. “Flying High Again” (1981)
Randy Rhoads rips, Ozzy soars, and the lyrics are delightfully on-the-nose. A ‘high’ point in every sense.
🎧 Best for: Questionable life choices in festival fields.
7. “Mama, I’m Coming Home” (1991)
A power ballad with real emotional bite. Ozzy’s voice drips with ache, and Zakk Wylde brings the feels with that solo.
🎧 Best for: Phoning your mam from the pub at 2am.
6. “Crazy Babies” (1988)
One of Ozzy’s most delightfully unhinged tracks. Just straight-up fun with unfiltered 80s madness.
🎧 Best for: Bar fights and air guitar contests.
5. “Over the Mountain” (1981)
Opens like a thunderstorm and doesn’t let up. Rhoads’ riffage is off the charts.
🎧 Best for: Sprinting through life like you’re on fire. (Metaphorically. Hopefully.)
4. “Bark at the Moon” (1983)
That snarling opening riff! That howling chorus! This is peak werewolf Ozzy.
🎧 Best for: Running barefoot through the woods under a full moon. (Optional pants.)
3. “I Don’t Know” (1980)
Ozzy kicks off his solo career with a warning shot: he’s not just surviving — he’s THRIVING. Absolute belter.
🎧 Best for: Starting a revolution or a very intense pub quiz.
2. “Mr. Crowley” (1980)
Haunting organs, witchy lyrics, and one of Randy Rhoads’ most iconic solos. It’s spooky, theatrical, and utterly essential.
🎧 Best for: Summoning demons or just a vibey Friday night.
🥇 1. “Crazy Train” (1980)
All aboard! The riff that launched a thousand neck injuries. Still timeless, still thunderous, still bloody perfect.
🎧 Best for: EVERYTHING. Gym. Mosh pits. Weddings. Dentist appointments. Whatever.
Honourable Mentions:
- 🎶 “See You on the Other Side” – A funeral favourite with serious feels.
- 🎶 “Dreamer” – Ozzy’s emotional “Imagine”-esque moment.
- 🎶 “Time After Time” – No, not the Cyndi Lauper one. This one rips harder.
- 🎶 “Under the Graveyard” – A powerful return in the twilight years.
Final Thoughts from The Bat Cave 🦇
From castles in the mist to courtrooms and crazy trains, Ozzy’s legacy is untouchable. Whether he’s growling, sobbing, or screaming into the void, he’s always been OUR mad Brummie wizard 🧙♂️💀
What did we miss, c’mon butt?
Hit us up with your favourite Ozzy bangers and let’s raise a pint to the Prince of Darkness himself 🍻
#TheRiffReport | #OzzyOsbourne | #CrazyTrainForever | #AllAboardMun
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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