If Florida Man gets his way, you might soon see flamethrowers and camping at his gun range. The owner of Ares Gun Range in Lake County has asked government officials for eased restrictions on his business, saying he’d like to allow flamethrowers on the property, as well as camping and increased hours of operation.
The proposal is not without resistance, however. One neighbor ridiculed the proposals, saying “Why not bombs? Maybe we can land jet fighters in there!”.
According to WESH, the gun range wants to increase its hours of operation form five days a week to six and stay open later into the evening. Another neighbor says the earlier hours would shatter the serenity of the small town.
A few years ago, a video surfaced of people shooting from helicopters and using flamethrowers on the grounds. Initially, the owner filed for an alcohol permit for the property, but has since dropped that request.
[Source: WESH.com]
Ladies and Gentlemen, The BEATLES!
Beatles: Top 50 Songs Ranked
50. “Getting Better” – ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ (1967)
ShareUpbeat yet revealing, "Getting Better" and its jaunty melody are a unique juxtoposition with its lyrics in which John Lennon admits, "I used to be cruel to my woman/I beat her and kept her apart from the things that she loved/Man I was mean but I'm changing my scene." It's one of many examples of lyrical and musical differences between Lennon and Paul McCartney and how magical their partnership was.
49. “With a Little Help for My Friends” – ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ (1967)
ShareObviously, this is one of Ringo Starr's best Beatles moments, and how can it not be? It's a classic tune about friendship whose power only increased when it was covered by Joe Cocker in 1968.
48. “Twist and Shout” – ‘Please Please Me’ (1963)
ShareWhich is more memorable: John Lennon's vocal performance or the song's use in 'Ferris Bueler's Day Off'? One thing that is for certain is that this song is one of the greatest covers of all time.
47. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” – ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ (1967)
ShareEven though the song isn't about drugs, its dreamy melodies certainly do lend themselves to a good trip. Alas, it's just a really catchy, charming tune inspired by a child's drawing.
46. “Please Please Me” – ‘Please Please Me’ (1963)
Share"Please Please Me" was the first single the Beatles released in the United States where it would eventually peak at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Not a bad first outing on the charts or an intro to the band.
45. “Got to Get You into My Life” – ‘Revolver’ (1966)
ShareSure, McCartney rhymed "there" with "there" a lot, but "Got to Get You Into My Life" is so joyful it doesn't matter just like it doesn't matter the song is about weed and not love. And that brass section? A pure delight! Of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention Earth, Wind & Fire's incredible 1978 cover, which became a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for the R&B icons.
44. “Day Tripper” – Single (1965)
ShareNot subtle but definitely cheeky, "Day Tripper" told the tale of a woman who just wasn't in it for the long haul when it comes to relationships...or it's about drugs, which very much a common theme to some of the Beatles' biggest and best songs.
43. “Paperback Writer” – Single (1966)
ShareAny writer hustling to land a job or to get published can surely relate to this one. Add in Paul McCartney's amplified bass, and the Beatles score yet another no.1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
42. “P.S. I Love You” – ‘Please Please Me’ (1963)
ShareAs I write this entry, it's hard not to send a ton of love to this early Beatles single. P.S.: It will always be a perfect love letter.
41. “Love Me Do” – ‘Please Please Me’ (1963)
Share"Love Me Do" was The Beatles' first single in the U.K. but it received a proper single release in the U.S. in 1964. Plus, that hooky harmonica intro is "chef's kiss."
40. “Don’t Let Me Down” – Single (1969)
ShareThe moment John Lennon belts out "Don't Let Me Down," it's hard not to be transported to the concert on the rooftop of Apple Corps headquarters. Simple, straight to the point, it's hard not to feel this one in your heart and gut.
39. “Blackbird” – The Beatles (1968)
ShareThere are multiple interpretations of "Blackbird," with the most notable one being about the civil rights movement in the United States. Whatever you feel the source of inspiration is, it goes without saying that more than anything, "Blackbird" is a song of healing, and like other poignant Beatles songs, it has brought comfort to so many for decades.
38. “I Saw Her Standing There” – ‘Please Please Me’ (1963)
Share"I Saw Her Standing There" is basically the poster-child of the 'American Bandstand' phrase, "It's got a good beat and you can dance to it." Try to listen to it's poppy goodness and not dance or at least tap your foot. If you can resist, you might be a cyborg.
37. “Across The Universe” – ‘Let It Be’ (1970)
ShareJohn Lennon told 'Rolling Stone' in a 1970 interview, "It's one of the best lyrics I've written. In fact, it could be the best. It's good poetry, or whatever you call it, without chewin' it. See, the ones I like are the ones that stand as words, without melody. They don't have to have any melody, like a poem, you can read them." Of course, the dreamy melody doesn't hurt either.
36. “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” – ‘Help!’ (1965)
ShareHEY! You've got to admit that this Bob Dylan-influenced ballad is brilliant, especially the "Feeling two-foot small" line. The original lyric was "Feeling two-foot tall," but after a fateful flub when playing it for McCartney, Lennon changed it. Talk about a happy accident.
35. “The Long and Winding Road” – ‘Let It Be’ (1970)
ShareThe Phil Spector production on "The Long and Winding Road" is very grand in the best way possible. The grandeur paid off, though. "The Long and Winding Road" would be the last song from The Beatles to top the Billboard Hot 100 giving the band an even 20 no. 1's.
34. “Dear Prudence” – ‘The Beatles’ (1968)
Share"Dear Prudence" and its warm, inviting lyrics appeal to everyone. If you're looking for proof, both the Jerry Garcia Band and Siouxsie and the Banshees have covered the tune, with the latter's cover becoming the band’s most successful single in the U.K. topping out at number three.
33. “The Ballad of John and Yoko” – Single (1969)
ShareThe autobiographical song about John and Yoko's wild wedding and honeymoon protest might just be the coolest song about a wedding and honeymoon ever. George Harrison and Ringo Starr are absent on the recording due to being on vacation and filming a movie, respectively, but Lennon just couldn't wait to record the song (that's Paul on the drums, by the way). When you gotta record, you gotta record.
32. “Ticket to Ride” – ‘Help!’ (1965)
ShareWhether you believe the song is about a woman leaving her boyfriend or about prostitutes who tested negative for STDs, one thing we all can agree on is Ringo Starr's stellar drumming on the track.
31. “Hello, Goodbye” – Single/’Magical Mystery Tour’ (1967)
ShareThe song may not be explicitly about Lennon and McCartney, but the whole opposites/two sides of the same coin message in the lyrics certainly could open itself to that interpretation. Remember the phrase "yin and yang," because it's going to pop up later in this list.
30. “We Can Work It Out” – Single (1965)
ShareMany Beatles songs feature all sorts of life lessons, but perhaps the most underrated might be, "Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend." While the song is about two lovers, "We Can Work It Out" can easily be applied to two friends once proving the universal nature of The Beatles.
29-22. “You Never Give Me Your Money,” “Sun King,” “Mean Mr. Mustard,” “Polythene Pam,” “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window,” “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” “The End” – ‘Abbey Road’ (1969)
ShareIt's really hard to break up this 'Abbey Road' medley into individual pieces when they were meant to be together. The closest this eight-song delight gets to being broken up is on the radio when "Golden Slumbers," "Carry That Weight" and "The End" are played together. Frankly, if the only contribution to society this medley yielded was that classic moment on 'Saturday Night Live' between Paul McCartney and Chris Farley, it would be legendary enough.
21. “She Loves You” – Single (1963)
ShareIs this the Beatles' second no. 1 song in the U.S? Yeah. Was it one of the big steps that birthed "Beatlemania"? Yeah. Does it have one of the greatest hooks in music history? Um...YEAH, YEAH, YEAH!
20. “Eight Days A Week” – ‘Beatles for Sale’ (1964)
Share"Eight days a week is not enough to show I care." Can you say, "Swoon!"? Love is beyond complex and strange, but some of those early Beatles songs make it sound so simple and delightful.
19. “Help!” – ‘Help!’ (1965)
ShareIf you went through the madness that was Beatlemania, you'd probably freak out, too, just like John Lennon. Of course, Lennon sure had a way to turn his anxiety into a catchy no. 1 hit song.
18. “Something” – ‘Abbey Road’ (1969)
Share"Something" remains one of the most-beloved, best ballads of all time. It has been covered by a number of artists over the years including Smokey Robinson, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Tony Bennett and Ike & Tina Turner.
17. “Penny Lane” – Single/’Magical Mystery Tour’ (1967)
SharePaul McCartney's ode to suburban life, "Penny Lane" might be the prettiest song about living in the 'burbs ever. Very strange, indeed.
16. “Eleanor Rigby” – ‘Revolver’ (1966)
ShareA tribute to the loniness of life, "Eleanor Rigby" becomes even more haunting thanks to the very moody string section.
15. “Tomorrow Never Knows” – ‘Revolver’ (1966)
ShareIf LSD had a theme song, it might be this closing track on 'Revolver.' The song would also go on to close the Season 5, Episode 8 episode of 'Mad Men,' which saw Don Draper put the album on his turntable and put the needle on the track at the recomendation of his very young second wife, Megan. Draper is clearly not impressed nor does he want to "float downstream" or "surrender to the void" and turns the song off before it ends. Side note: The price tag to use "Tomorrow Never Knows" on 'Mad Men'? A cool $250k.
14. “Get Back” – ‘Let It Be’ (1970)
ShareSure, lyrically speaking "Get Back" doesn't make much sense, but its power lies within its killer groove and the wonder that was Billy Preston's electric piano. No one said a great song had to make sense!
13. “Strawberry Fields Forever” – ‘Single/’Magical Mystery Tour’ (1967)
ShareRife with experimental recording effects, most notably John Lennon's slowed down vocal track, "Strawberry Fields Forever" is a lovely nod to the garden where he played as a child and is easily one of the most unique songs in the Beatles catalouge. Simply put, no other song sounded like "Strawberry Fields Forever" before its release and no other song has sounded like it since.
12. “Can’t Buy Me Love” – ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ (1964)
Share"Can't Buy Me Love" triggers two memorable images: The Beatles running down a fireescape and froliking in a field and Patrick Dempsey riding off into the sunset on his lawnmower after getting the girl. Both moments have the perfect soundtrack, and that soundtrack was yet another no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
11. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – Single (1963)
ShareHearing the studio recording of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" now, it's hard not to also hearing the screaming of fans in attendence during that legendary Beatles appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show.' The song itself was released a little over a month after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and it was the perfect, wholesome pop song to raise the spirits of a mourning nation.
10. “A Hard Day’s Night” – ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ (1964)
Share"A Hard Day's Night" has two unique destictions: 1. You can recognize it with just its opening note. 2. By hearing it, you can immediately imagine yourself running while being chased by crazy fans in a train station.
9. “Here Comes the Sun” – ‘Abbey Road’ (1969)
ShareFamously written by Harrison in Eric Clapton's home garden after playing hooky from some meetings at Apple Records, "Here Comes the Sun" is the angelic sound of relief and release from whatever problems life may have thrown at you. Understandably, the song remains a major fan favorite of fans to this day and has been covered by numerous artists from Nina Simone to Booker T. & the M.G.'s and was even covered on an episode of musical dramady 'Glee.'
8. “Revolution” – Single (1968)
ShareThird time was the charm for "Revolution." The single version served as the b-side to "Hey Jude" and followed the versions "Revolution 1" and "Revolution 9" on "The White Album." The tempo increased and got a heavy dose of fuzzy guitar and that helped transform a great song into a classic song.
7. “In My Life” – ‘Rubber Soul’ (1965)
Share'Rubber Soul' was obviously a major turning point for the Beatles, and the album's standout track is "In My Life." The track hinted at the depth of what was to come from the band and is still one of the most moving songs about love and friendship to ever be written.
6. “Come Together” – ‘Abbey Road’ (1969)
Share"Come Together" and its wacky lyrics kick off 'Abbey Road' in epic fashion. It provided The Beatles with one of their final number one singles topping the Billboard Hot 100 and staying on the chart for 16 weeks. It has one of the coolest, most-recognizable intros in music history. Simply put, it's 4:19 of rock and roll perfection that is unlike anything else in the Beatles catalog.
5. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – ‘The Beatles (1968)
ShareWelcome to George Harrison's coming out party! When taking in 'The White Album,' there's obviously a lot to absorb track-wise, but it's hard to walk away and not be moved by the tension of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Add in Eric Clapton's iconic solo, and you don't just have a song; you have a statement.
4. “Hey Jude” – Single (1968)
ShareBy now, we all know the story behind "Hey Jude," the 7:11 epic McCartney wrote for Julian Lennon when his parents split up. The song would go on to top the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks in 1968 and is the most-successful song in the Beatles' catalouge, which is a stunning statistic when looking at their catalouge. And if you've been fortunate enough to see Sir Paul live since he added it to his setlist, "Hey Jude" is always a highlight live.
3. “Let It Be” – ‘Let It Be’ (1970)
ShareIt's a pop song, and to some, it could also be a prayer. A beautiful tribute from a son to his late mother, it was the last song released by the Beatles before Paul McCartney left the band. Like many Beatles songs, it topped the Billboard Hot 100. As far as exits, what a way to go.
2. “A Day in the Life” – ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ (1967)
ShareRemember how at the start of this list in the entry for "Getting Better" we mentioned how magical the Lennon/McCartney partnership was? This might be the greatest example of their yin and yang together. Lennon's chaos and McCartney's calm. Add in a dizzying orchestra, and it provides for an incredible closing track to 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.'
1. “Yesterday” – U.S. Single/’Help!’ (1965)
ShareIt might be cliche to name "Yesterday" as the best Beatles song, but cliches aren't neccessarily a bad thing when they're this devastdatingly beautiful. It's beauty can be found in its lyrics and its simplicity. On the other hand, the song's pain is universally felt by anyone who's been dumped. It's a 2:03 masterclass in pop excellence, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone to disagree with that.
The Prince of Effing Darkness Survives COVID!
Ozzy Osbourne: His Top 40 Solo Songs Ranked
40. “Let It Die” from ‘Scream’ (2010)
ShareThe kick-off song from Ozzy’s last album for a decade, ‘Scream.’ Producer Kevin Churko (Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch) gave Ozzy’s sound a bit of a modern metal sheen here, with a more processed guitar sound, a funky cowbell line, and even some guttural vocals, although the song soon veers into a pretty intense jam that could have been an outtake from a classic Black Sabbath era.
39. “Black Rain” from ‘Black Rain’ (2007)
ShareThe title track from one of Ozzy’s less-popular albums, this song is a highlight mainly because of Ozzy’s quick return to harmonica playing. Ozzy isn’t really an instrumentalist, but he also played harmonica on Black Sabbath’s “The Wizard,” 37 years earlier.
38. Dweezil Zappa w/ Ozzy – “Stayin’ Alive” from ‘Confessions’ (1991)
ShareWe can hear the complaints coming already about the inclusion of this one: lighten up and have fun with this, Ozzy clearly did. It’s one of many goofy Ozzy collabs: he’s also worked with Was (Not Was) and Kim Bassinger (“Shake Your Head”), DMX and Ol’ Dirty Bastard (“Nowhere To Run”), the Wu-Tang Clan (“For Heaven’s Sake 2000”) and even Miss Piggy (“Born To Be Wild”). And yeah, Post Malone.
37. “Working Class Hero” from ‘Under Cover’ (2005)
ShareNo one has more “working class” cred than Ozzy; the artist formerly known as John Michael Osbourne grew up to a poor family in post-World War II Birmingham, England, one of six siblings living in a two-bedroom house. This understated version of the John Lennon classic doesn’t need power from big guitars or drums; the pain in Ozzy’s voice tells the story.
36. “Road To Nowhere” from ‘No More Tears’ (1991)
ShareBy the early ‘90s, hair metal was dead. Generally speaking, so were power ballads. But “Road To Nowhere” saw Ozzy looking back on his life (much like in the newer and better “Ordinary Man”); the lyrics rang true and felt less cheesy than many of hard rock’s slow jams that dominated radio in the late ‘80s.
35. “The Ultimate Sin” from ‘The Ultimate Sin’ (1986)
ShareOzzy’s fourth solo album was a difficult one; he’d just emerged from rehab and he was fighting with current and former members of his solo band. The title track and lead-off song from the album was a strong start to the record, most of which didn’t really hold up.
34. “Shot In The Dark” from ‘The Ultimate Sin’ (1986)
ShareThe last song and the easy highlight from Ozzy’s most pop-metal album.
33. Lita Ford w/ Ozzy – “Close My Eyes Forever” from ‘Lita’ (1988)
ShareBy 1988, everyone -- regardless of music taste -- knew who Ozzy Osbourne was. But this ballad was the first time he’d had a legit pop hit. His duet with former Runaways guitarist-turned-pop-metal-hitmaker Lita Ford was a number 8 hit (decades later, he’d reach number 8 again with “Take What You Want,” a collaboration with Post Malone (a song that, you’ll note, did not make this list).
32. Kelly Osbourne w/ Ozzy – “Changes” from Changes’ (2003)
ShareOzzy revisited this underrated Black Sabbath piano ballad as a duet with his daughter, Kelly. Altering the lyrics is usually an awful move, but there’s a bit of sweetness here, listening to the famous father and daughter singing to each other.
31. “Dreamer” from ‘Down To Earth’ (2001)
ShareThis was Ozzy’s take on John Lennon’s “Imagine” (“Your higher power may be God or Jesus Christ/It doesn't really matter much to me/Without each other’s help there ain't no hope for us. The song, co-written with Mick Jones of Foreigner and Aerosmith collaborator Marti Frederiksen was definitely aimed at radio, and ended it up with more gravitas than anyone could have imagined, as it was released just a month after 9/11.
30. Primus w/ Ozzy – “N.I.B.” from ‘Nativity In Black 2’ (2000)
ShareOzzy has tons of live albums where he revisits his Black Sabbath songs with his current band, but as great as Ozzy’s bands are, it’s tough to match Sabbath. But this version of “N.I.B.” is fun, because you can hear how much fun Les Claypool and Primus are having, jamming with the “Prince of F***ing Darkness.”
29. “Mississippi Queen” from ‘Under Cover’ (2005)
ShareBlack Sabbath released their self-titled debut in England in February of 1970 (it would be released in the U.S. in June of that year). Meanwhile, Mountain released their debut, ‘Climbing,’ including this jam, in March of 1970. Both albums are pillars of hard rock and metal. Ozzy’s take on Mountain’s classic is a blast, and features Mountain main man Leslie West on guitar (along with Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains, who played on the entire ‘Under Cover’ album).
28. “Let Me Hear You Scream” from ‘Scream’ (2010)
ShareOzzy had been yelling this at his fan for decades, it only made sense that he turned it into a song. It’s basically an anthem for rock fans, and who better to sing it than Ozzy?
27. “Under The Graveyard” from ‘Ordinary Man’ (2020)
ShareFrom the first songs released from ‘Ordinary Man,’ Ozzy seems to be in a reflective mood, which makes sense for a 70-something-year-old metal icon.
26. “Little Dolls” from ‘Diary Of A Madman’ (1981)
ShareOzzy’s original backing band -- bassist Bob Daisley, drummer Lee Kerslake and of course, guitarist Randy Rhoads -- were unbeatable for the short time that they were together. And even if they weren’t as scary as Black Sabbath, Ozzy still sounds haunted here, wailing from the perspective of a doll being tortured by a sadistic master using needles and pins. “It's a pity/You'll pray for your death/But he's in no hurry.”
25. “Walk On Water” from ‘Beavis And Butthead Do America’ (1996)
ShareOzzy apparently hated the version created for the flick; electronic artist Moby produced the track, but he was being too harsh. It was better than most of his previous album, 1995’s ‘Ozzmosis.’
24. “21st Century Schizoid Man” from ‘Under Cover’ (2005)
ShareProbably the scariest prog-rock epic ever; it’s from King Crimson’s 1969 debut, ‘In The Court of the Crimson King,’ and both Ozzy and guitarist Jerry Cantrell really get to sink their teeth into this, as does jam-band steel guitarist Robert Randolph, who guests on the track.
23. “Ordinary Man (with Elton John)” from ‘Ordinary Man’ (2020)
ShareAs Ozzy and Elton John are wrapping up their touring careers, they united for this song where they look back on their insane lives. Cynics might say that 70-year olds can’t sing metal (or rock), but this is an honest and powerful song that a younger person could not sing. It’s a miracle that both of these guys lived to hit the big seven-oh, and neither of them are in any danger of dying “an ordinary man.”
22. “Steal Away (The Night)” from ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980)
ShareIt provided the perfect ending to Ozzy’s classic solo debut, charging straight out of “Revelation (Mother Earth),” it leaves you wanting more. Luckily fans just had a few months to go before the followup, ‘Diary of A Madman.’
21. Motorhead w/ Ozzy – “I Ain’t No Nice Guy” from ‘March Or Die’ (1992)
ShareIn 1992, if you had Ozzy, Lemmy and Slash in a room, a ballad probably isn’t the first thing that you’d come up with. But Lemmy had been writing with Ozzy at that point - including Ozzy’s “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” and this was an extension of that partnership. Given that Ozzy was enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity in ‘92 and Slash was (and still is) one of the hottest guitarists on the planet, this should have been a huge hit.
20. “I Don’t Wanna Stop” from ‘Black Rain’ (2007)
ShareThis, of course, is something of a mantra for Ozzy, and also for guitarist Zakk Wylde, who returned to Ozzy’s band for the ‘Black Rain’ album.
19. “I Just Want You” from ‘Ozzmosis’ (1995)
ShareOne of the two ballads that redeemed ‘Ozzmosis,’ Ozzy co-wrote this with Bryan Adams’ collaborator, but the Canadian hitmaker didn’t crank out lyrics like “There are no unbeatable odds/There are no believable gods!” Ozzy’s passionate vocals, along with Zakk’s George Harrison-esque guitar solo makes this one of Ozzy’s most interesting and powerful songs of the ‘90s.
18. “No Bone Movies” from ‘Blizzard Of Ozz’ (1980)
ShareIn which Ozzy addresses a porn addiction: “Can't kick the habit obsession of smut/Voyeur straining in love with his hand/A poison passion a pulsating gland.” Poetry with a purpose!
17. “Mama, I’m Coming Home” from ‘No More Tears’ (1991)
ShareYou might think that ballads are wimpy, but would you have said that to Ozzy, Lemmy and Zakk, who co-wrote the song? This one avoids the sap that ballads by the hair metal bands specialized in.
16. “Tonight” from ‘Diary Of A Madman’ (1981)
ShareBeneath the thunder of Randy Rhoads, Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake, “Tonight” is a classic ballad. Not a power ballad, but a Sinatra ballad, circa ‘In The Wee Small Hours.’ While Ozzy’s original writing team - Ozzy/Randy/Daisley - are rightfully thought of as the scribes of timeless metal classics, their songs really transcend genres. “Tonight” also features one of Randy Rhoads’ greatest solos.
15. “Diary Of A Madman” from ‘Diary Of A Madman’ (1981)
ShareWhile Ozzy looked a bit cartoonish on the cover of his second solo album, on the title track he revealed that his struggles with mental illness -- something that discussed openly in 1981 -- were real. The lyrics include the line “Voices in the darkness/Scream away my mental health,” are much scarier in retrospect; we now know that he has struggled with addiction, depression and anxiety. Ozzy was always theatrical, but those painful groans at the end of the song were real.
14. “S.A.T.O.” from ‘Diary Of A Madman’ (1981)
ShareLegend has it that the song stands for “Sharon Arden, Thelma Osbourne” -- Arden being Sharon’s maiden name and Thelma Osbourne being Ozzy’s first wife. With that in mind, lyrics like “I can't conceal it like I know I did before /I got to tell you now the ship is ready/Waiting on the shore” -- and their sense of moving on -- makes more sense. Whatever the song is about, it’s one of many classics on Ozzy’s flawless second album - which will always live in the shadow of his debut.
13. “Believer” from ‘Diary of A Madman’ (1981)
ShareBob Daisley got co-writing credit -- rightfully -- for the songs on ‘Diary Of A Madman,’ but for years, he didn’t get credit for playing bass on the album. The original album credited Randy Rhoads’ ex-Quiet Riot bandmate Rudy Sarzo (who joined for the tour but didn’t play on the album). Today, that’s been sorted, and rightfully so, as “Believer” features a nasty Daisley bassline that he deserves his credit for.
12. “You Can’t Kill Rock And Roll” from ‘Diary Of A Madman’ (1981)
ShareAn anthem for any kid who has a hard time expressing himself/herself, but they find their truth in rock and roll. It’s timeless.
11. “Flying High Again” from ‘Diary Of A Madman’ (1981)
ShareOzzy was counted out by many after he was ousted from Black Sabbath; this song became an anthem celebrating his incredible and improbably success in the wake of his debut solo effort, 1980’s ‘Blizzard Of Ozz.’
10. “Suicide Solution” from ‘Blizzard Of Ozz’ (1980)
ShareIs it about the late AC/DC frontman Bon Scott, as Ozzy has suggested? Or, is it about Ozzy himself, as bassist Bob Daisley (who wrote the lyrics) suggests? Either way, it isn’t advocating drinking or suicide, although Ozzy was sued by the parents of a young man who took his own life, allegedly after listening to the song. If anything, the song is a warning about the dangers of alcohol dependency.
9. “Goodbye To Romance” from ‘Blizzard Of Ozz’ (1980)
ShareFor a very unconventional singer, Ozzy Osbourne has pulled off a lot of great ballads in his solo career. “Goodbye To Romance” is one of his best, and it wouldn’t sound out of place in a cocktail lounge, minus the solos by guitarist Randy Rhoads and keyboardist Don Airey.
8. “Gets Me Through” from ‘Down To Earth’ (2001)
ShareAnother mantra from Ozzy, thanking the fans and the music for getting him into his 50s. Written by Ozzy with producer Tim Palmer, it features one of Zakk Wylde’s most monstrous riffs.
7. “Bark At The Moon” from ‘Bark At The Moon’ (1983)
ShareThe highlight of Ozzy’s brief era with guitarist Jake E. Lee. While following in the footsteps of Ozzy’s late guitarist Randy Rhoads would be impossible, Lee at least co-wrote and played on one song that held up to the Rhoads era.
6. “Over The Mountain” from ‘Diary Of A Madman’ (1981)
ShareThe opening track off of Ozzy’s second solo album, it immediately let the world know that “Blizzard Of Ozz’ wasn’t a fluke. Like much of the first album, it featured a commanding Randy Rhoads riff along with a soaring solo.
5. “No More Tears” from ‘No More Tears’ (1991)
ShareZakk Wylde’s finest moment. By the end of the ‘80s, Ozzy was in danger of becoming obsolete; 1986’s ‘The Ultimate Sin’ and 1988’s ‘No Rest For The Wicked’ made him seem out of step with a music scene that was getting heavier and that was, frankly, embarrassed by and disdainful of the hair metal that dominated the ‘80s. The song and video saw Ozzy staking his claim as the godfather of heavy music, and also showed that he could compete with his musical offspring.
4. “I Don’t Know” from ‘Blizzard Of Ozz’ (1980)
ShareThe first song from the first Ozzy solo album announced that he actually might be able to have a great second act, post-Black Sabbath. It also announced the arrival of a new guitar hero in Randy Rhoads, who not only didn’t try to mimic Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, he seemed to be a rare metal guitarist who wasn’t even influenced by him. Black Sabbath could never be topped, but Randy Rhoads (and bassist Bob Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake) helped Ozzy to get out of their shadow.
3. “Mr. Crowley” from ‘Blizzard Of Ozz’ (1980)
ShareThis ode to Aleister Crowley would be great no matter what, but it’s Randy Rhoads’ solo -- his greatest ever -- that really puts this song over the top, and earns it its status as one of Ozzy’s greatest.
2. “Revelation (Mother Earth)” from ‘Blizzard Of Ozz’ (1980)
ShareOzzy and his band put everything and the kitchen sink into this one -- which was impressive given that they produced the album themselves. Randy flexes his classically inspired acoustic chops here, but also plays some fearsome riffs. Don Airey uses then-modern synthesizers, but also grand piano. Lee Kerslake throws percussive instruments like chimes in, but also pounds the drums furiously.
1. “Crazy Train” from ‘Blizzard Of Ozz’ (1980)
ShareOzzy’s solo career might not have been more influential than what he did with Black Sabbath, but with “Crazy Train,” he soon began eclipsing his former band in popularity. It has one of the greatest riffs in metal, one of Randy Rhoads’ greatest guitar solos; Bob Daisley’s bass is minimal but scary and it’s one of Lee Kerslake’s best performances. But Ozzy’s melodic wailing is what makes the song a classic, and the best of his post-Sabbath career.