Discover the Definitive Ranking of Ozzy Osbourne’s Solo Albums from Least to Most Acclaimed

Ozzy Osbourne, often heralded as The Prince of Darkness, stands as an iconic figure in the realm of heavy metal. His illustrious career kicked off with the legendary band Black Sabbath, but in 1979, he was dismissed from the group due to his struggles with substance abuse, which made it impossible for the band to continue with him in a leading role. Interestingly, before this tumultuous split, he had taken a brief hiatus in 1978, during which he aimed to assemble a new band called Blizzard of Ozz, planning to recruit members from the British group Necromandus. However, he returned to Black Sabbath shortly thereafter.

Once Ozzy’s departure from Black Sabbath became a permanent fixture, the band’s manager, Don Arden, appointed his daughter Sharon Osbourne to guide him through this challenging transition. Sharon suggested that he bring in the talented guitarist Gary Moore, but eventually, the powerhouse lineup of guitarist Randy Rhoads, bassist and primary lyricist Bob Daisley, and drummer Lee Kerslake was formed. Rhoads’ innovative guitar work played a pivotal role in shaping the sound that defined the 1980s metal scene. The debut album, named after his early project, Blizzard of Ozz, marked the official launch of Ozzy’s solo career.

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Throughout the decades, Ozzy Osbourne demonstrated an unparalleled ability to discover and collaborate with exceptional guitarists, particularly after the tragic passing of Randy Rhoads in 1982, shortly after the release of his landmark album Diary of a Madman. Following this loss, Jake E. Lee stepped in as Rhoads’ successor, and during his five-year tenure with Ozzy, he contributed to the creation of two more significant albums: Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin. After Lee’s departure, Zakk Wylde joined the ranks after impressively submitting a demo tape. Wylde would go on to have the longest collaboration with Ozzy, recording five albums, including the critically acclaimed No Rest for the Wicked and the iconic No More Tears.

In the years following No More Tears, Ozzy’s output became less frequent, and he has since released just five albums in total. However, his enduring legacy and influence on the heavy metal genre remain unparalleled.

With this background in mind, it’s time to focus on the gallery below, where we meticulously rank Ozzy Osbourne’s albums from the least impressive to the most celebrated.