When asked to name his ultimate “Rock God,” Korn’s Jonathan Davis didn’t miss a beat: Ozzy Osbourne. “I love that with Ozzy, you hear him and know it’s him within two seconds,” Davis shared. “I love his voice. I love the minor melodies that he used.”
It’s hard to argue. While Ozzy’s over-the-top antics and iconic one-liners have solidified his place as a cultural legend, his voice remains his most defining trait — haunting, raw, and instantly identifiable. We recently asked fans to choose his greatest vocal performance, spanning his career from Black Sabbath to his solo ventures (no, the Post Malone collaboration didn’t make the cut).
Here are the top five fan favorites:
5. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”
Arguably one of the heaviest songs in Black Sabbath’s catalog, “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is driven by Ozzy’s deeply emotive vocals. His delivery cuts through the bone-crushing riffage, making the track a visceral experience for any true metalhead. If you listen to this and don’t feel something, you might need to reconsider your love for metal.
4. “Mr. Crowley”
A masterpiece of Ozzy’s solo career, “Mr. Crowley” is as enigmatic as its namesake. Ozzy’s vocals, layered with an eerie, wavering effect, create a captivating atmosphere. His performance balances charisma and chilliness, making it both otherworldly and emotionally gripping — the perfect complement to the song’s occult themes.