Ozzy's Best Vocal Performances

If I had to choose just one favorite singer, Ozzy Osbourne might be it. Though he lacks the technical ability or range of a Ronnie James Dio or Freddie Mercury, what Ozzy has is a unique, instantly recognizable voice, the voice of heavy metal, one that has deteriorated significantly over the years, but is still a welcome one to my ears. This is a list of my favorite Ozzy performances on record.

Black Sabbath "The Writ"

Be sure to turn it up loud for this one. Ozzy's voice perfectly captures the anger of the lyrics directed towards the band's corrupt management at the time. Possibly his best vocal performance EVER.

Black Sabbath "You Won't Change Me"

This is an obscure track, but one of my favorite Sabbath songs. Ozzy is the voice of despair on this one.

"Crazy Train"

Yeah, it's Crazy Train, everybody knows this one. But it's a classic in every way, and 16 years after I first heard it, it's still in heavy rotation. When Ozzy sings "I'm going off the rails on a crazy train," you believe it.

"So Tired"

I have always enjoyed Ozzy's ballads, and this is one of the best. Somebody has to sing love songs from the loser's perspective. Roy Orbison did it, so does Ozzy.

Black Sabbath "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath"

Ozzy's voice is incredibly high on this track, which may be why he hasn't been able to hit those notes ever since.

"Over The Mountain"

This may be my favorite Ozzy solo track. I wish he did more fast songs like this.

"See You On The Other Side"

Amazing song, written by Lemmy. Another great ballad. If this song isn't played at my funeral someday, I will be disappointed.

"Shot In The Dark"

I'm not sure what I like about this song, as it's a little pop friendly, but it's always been a standout for me.

Black Sabbath "Changes"

This is the song you play your mom when she asks how you can listen to that heavy metal crap. There is no better voice to be featured on such a sad, beautiful song. A showcase for Ozzy's unique talent.

"Time"

This is one of his new songs, and maybe in the scheme of things it's not deserving of inclusion on this list. But when I heard this track last summer for the first time, despite all the heavy doctoring of the vocals, it gave me goosebumps, just like the other classics on this list.

Black Sabbath "Megalomania" (Live version from "Past Lives" album)

This version is not only a lot creepier than the studio version, but just the fact that they played it live is pretty impressive. Ozzy is obviously trashing his voice trying to recreate this song live, but I give him credit for even trying. He sounds absolutely manic on this one.