After nearly a decade fronting metal pioneers Black Sabbath, singer Ozzy Osbourne was dismissed from the band he co-founded. But after a period in which he (more or less) got himself together, Osbourne formed a group called Blizzard of Ozz. While the lineups of his bands would change throughout the decade \u2013 rebounding and persisting in the face of firings, tragic deaths and personal problems \u2013 Ozzy made some of the best music of his career during the 1980s. Here are five tracks that provide a sampling of Ozzy Osbourne\u2019s work during that decade.<\/p>\n
\u201cCrazy Train\u201d from Blizzard of Ozz<\/em> (1980)<\/strong>
\nReleased as a UK single in 1980 (and in February 1981 in the U.S.) this hit was the solo debut from Ozzy. Acclaimed as one of the greatest songs in heavy metal, \u201cCrazy Train\u201d owes much of its appeal to the memorable guitar work of Randy Rhoads. Former Uriah Heep drummer Lee Kerslake and bassist Bob Daisley (previously of Chicken Shack and Rainbow, among other bands) did their part to make Ozzy\u2019s first single one for the ages. And of course Ozzy\u2019s maniacal intro kicks things off in style.<\/p>\n