Album Information Section

Album Title: The Ozzman Cometh

Artist: Ozzy Osbourne

Original Release Date: November 6, 1997

Label: Epic

Genres: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

Track Listing

• 1. Black Sabbath (9:26)
• 2. War Pigs (8:16)
• 3. Goodbye to Romance (5:36)
• 4. Crazy Train (4:52)
• 5. Mr. Crowley (4:57)
• 6. Over the Mountain (4:32)
• 7. Paranoid (live) (2:53)
• 8. Bark at the Moon (4:17)
• 9. Shot in the Dark (4:17)
• 10. Crazy Babies (4:15)
• 11. No More Tears (edit) (5:54)
• 12. Mama, I’m Coming Home (4:12)
• 13. I Don’t Want to Change the World (live) (4:00)
• 14. I Just Want You (4:57)
• 15. Back on Earth (5:00)
• 16. Fairies Wear Boots (6:55)
• 17. Behind the Wall of Sleep (5:10)
• 18. Interview With Ozzy 1988 (17:44)

Recording Information

The Ozzman Cometh was primarily recorded at multiple studios, with notable sessions taking place at the A&M Studios in Los Angeles, California. The recording process for the album spanned several years, featuring tracks recorded from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s, highlighting the evolution of Ozzy Osbourne’s sound over time.

The album was produced by a variety of esteemed producers and engineers, including Max Norman, who had previously worked with Osbourne on several successful albums. Norman’s production style, which emphasized heavy guitar riffs and prominent vocal delivery, is evident throughout the compilation. Notably, the album features both studio and live recordings, showcasing the breadth of Osbourne’s career and his dynamic live performance abilities.

Interesting production notes include the use of advanced recording technology for the time, allowing for a polished sound that captured the intensity of Osbourne’s performances. The live tracks were taken from various performances, adding an authentic energy to the album that resonates with fans.

Band Context

At the time of The Ozzman Cometh’s release, Ozzy Osbourne had already established himself as a cornerstone of heavy metal, both as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. By the late 1990s, Ozzy was in a phase of reflection, looking back on his storied career while simultaneously facing personal challenges, including ongoing battles with substance abuse and the pressures of fame.

The lineup during this period primarily featured Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, accompanied by a rotating cast of musicians, including guitarist Zakk Wylde, who had been a significant collaborator since the late 1980s. The album also served as a retrospective, celebrating Osbourne’s contributions to rock music and his enduring appeal, especially following the success of his reality television show, “The Osbournes,” which had begun airing earlier that same year.

Leading up to The Ozzman Cometh, Osbourne had released several successful albums, including No More Tears (1991) and Ozzmosis (1995). However, he faced a tumultuous period marked by both professional and personal upheaval, culminating in the decision to compile this greatest hits album that would resonate with both long-time fans and new listeners.

Track Commentary

The Ozzman Cometh features a rich array of tracks that reflect Ozzy Osbourne’s career, from his early days with Black Sabbath to his successful solo ventures. The album opens with the iconic “Black Sabbath,” a track that not only set the tone for heavy metal but also showcases Osbourne’s haunting vocal style. Following this, “War Pigs” serves as a powerful commentary on war and social issues, solidifying Osbourne’s reputation as a lyricist who tackles profound themes.

Standout tracks include “Crazy Train,” which remains one of Osbourne’s most recognizable songs, marked by its infectious guitar riff and introspective lyrics. Other notable tracks such as “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and “No More Tears” highlight Osbourne’s ability to blend heavy metal with poignant emotional depth, illustrating his versatility as an artist.

The inclusion of live tracks, such as “Paranoid” and “I Don’t Want to Change the World,” provides listeners with a taste of the energy and excitement that Osbourne delivers in concert. The album concludes with an engaging 17-minute interview from 1988, offering fans a glimpse into Osbourne’s personality and thoughts during a pivotal time in his career.

The Ozzman Cometh not only serves as a comprehensive collection of Osbourne’s work but also stands as a testament to his enduring influence on the heavy metal genre, appealing to both old fans and a new generation discovering his music.