6 Ozzy Osbourne albums every vinyl lover should own

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Ozzy Osbourne is a true rock icon, often called the ‘Prince of Darkness’ and the ‘Godfather of Heavy Metal.’ He earned these titles through his energetic performances, memorable personality, and significant influence on the development of heavy metal’s sound and image. Even people who don’t usually listen to rock music recognize his importance.

Ozzy Osbourne’s lasting impact on music is largely due to his groundbreaking career, both as the singer for Black Sabbath and through his popular solo albums.

Following his departure from Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne launched a hugely successful solo career, delivering iconic songs such as “Crazy Train,” “Bark At The Moon,” “No More Tears,” and “Mama, I’m Comin’ Home,” among many others.

Man, when I heard Ozzy passed away on July 22nd, 2025, at 76, it really hit me. Everyone in the music world – and honestly, anyone who loves rock – was sharing how much they loved him. It wasn’t just about his music, though. People were remembering all his crazy, funny moments and just how much he lived the rock ‘n’ roll life, you know? He truly was one of a kind.

Essential Ozzy Osbourne albums to own on vinyl

Man, when I heard Ozzy passed away, not long after that final show he did in Birmingham, it really hit me. His music was everywhere after that, and it got me thinking about how much of an impact he had. Seriously, the guy had a 50-year career! He basically defined metal for so many of us, and for generations to come. It made me want to dust off my record player and finally grab some of his albums – the best way I could think of to pay my respects to the Ozzman.

If you’re a longtime Ozzy Osbourne fan, or even if you just enjoyed watching his family’s reality show, here’s a list of his must-have albums for vinyl collectors.

Blizzard of Ozz (1980)

This album marked the beginning of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career. Blizzard of Ozz was released after he left Black Sabbath, and Ronnie James Dio took his place as the band’s singer. Osbourne has often talked about how upsetting it was to be fired, but this first solo album shows that it ultimately launched him in a positive new direction.

Songs like “Crazy Train,” “Goodbye To Romance,” “Suicide Solution,” and “Mr. Crowley” make this album a metal masterpiece, but it’s the incredible partnership between Ozzy Osbourne and guitarist Randy Rhoads that truly drives it. This album was a turning point for Osbourne, and his influence continued to expand throughout the 1980s.

Flying High Again (1981)

Building on the powerful heavy metal sound he first established with Blizzard of Ozz, Flying High Again solidified Ozzy Osbourne’s place as a leading solo artist. This was the second and last album to feature guitarist Randy Rhoads before his tragic death in 1982, and his incredible playing makes it a beloved record among fans.

The album Flying High Again, with its incredible guitar work by Randy Rhoads and Ozzy Osbourne’s striking cover art, feels both classic and fresh even today.

Bark At The Moon (1983)

Ozzy Osbourne’s first two albums were incredibly important for his career and the heavy metal genre, but it’s with Bark at the Moon that he really finds his unique voice. This album moves away from the traditional heavy metal sound of his earlier work and embraces a more synth-driven, metallic style, resulting in a dark, atmospheric, and instantly recognizable Ozzy sound.

Okay, so this album? It screams rebellion. Seriously, the cover alone – me as a werewolf – should tell you that. Tracks like “Bark At The Moon” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel” just nail that whole feeling of going completely wild. It’s all about throwing caution to the wind and diving into the darker side of things. But it’s not all headbanging, you know? There’s a surprisingly emotional side too, with slower songs like “You’re No Different” and “So Tired” that really hit you in the feels.

Osbourne truly elevates his music on this album, both in terms of sound and songwriting. He expertly blends moments of beauty with darker themes, making it potentially his best work yet.

The Ultimate Sin (1986)

As Ozzy Osbourne was developing his unique musical style, heavy metal music was gaining widespread popularity. This combination led to his fourth studio album, The Ultimate Sin, which became his most commercially successful record.

Although Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t a fan of the album himself, it’s become popular with his fans, thanks to songs like “Shot In The Dark,” “Secret Loser,” “Killer Of Giants,” and “Never.”

No More Tears (1991)

Ozzy Osbourne enjoyed major success in the 1980s when he launched his solo career, and that momentum continued into the 90s, especially with the album No More Tears. A return to his heavier metal sound, moving away from the synth and glam influences of his more recent work, No More Tears is now considered one of Osbourne’s best albums.

Man, 1991 was the year for rock, and Metallica’s No More Tears really captured that energy. It’s honestly one of their best albums, period. Tracks like the title song – that bass line is unforgettable! – and “Hellraiser” are just so powerful. But it’s not all headbanging; songs like “Mama, I’m Comin’ Home” are genuinely moving. It’s an album that hits you hard and pulls at your heartstrings.

Ordinary Man (2020)

I grew up knowing Ozzy Osbourne – he was everywhere for decades after No More Tears. He was the guy famous for, well, let’s just say shocking antics and albums my parents definitely didn’t want me listening to! But around 2018, things changed. It was really sad to hear he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which seemed to slow down his incredibly wild life.

Ozzy Osbourne has been open about the challenges and health problems he faced after his diagnosis, but he’s also consistently said that making music for his fans is his greatest joy. That’s why, working with producer Andrew Watt and musicians Chad Smith and Duff McKagan, he created his twelfth studio album, Ordinary Man.

The album was immediately praised by many critics as Osbourne’s best work in years. He poured his heart into the record, and with help from artists like Post Malone, Elton John, and Travis Scott, he both satisfied longtime fans and attracted a new generation of listeners.

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2026-01-04 14:01