What makes Ordinary Man by Ozzy Osbourne notable?

Ordinary Man debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating Osbourne's enduring commercial appeal despite his lengthy absence from the studio. Additionally, the album received positive reviews from critics, who praised its emotional depth and introspective lyrics, contributing to discussions around legacy in rock music. Released on January 10, 2020, Ordinary Man marks Ozzy Osbourne's first studio album in nearly a decade, following 2010's Scream. This album comes during a period of personal instability for Osbourne, including health issues that had sidelined him from touring. The project showcases a vulnerability not often seen in his previous works, framing it as a poignant return to music.

How many songs are on Ordinary Man?

Ordinary Man has 1 track, running approximately 5 minutes.

Ordinary Man

Ozzy Osbourne · 2020

5 min · 1 track · hard rock

A reflective blend of orchestral arrangements and hard rock, underscored by themes of vulnerability and mortality.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ordinary Man — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of self-reflection, showcasing Osbourne's exploration of personal struggles against a backdrop of sweeping orchestration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends hard rock with reflective balladry, showcasing emotional themes but lacks strong cohesion.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, adding depth to the arrangements and contrasting with the heavier guitar work.
The title track features a duet with Elton John, which introduces a different vocal dynamic not present in other songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued creativity after a lengthy absence, resonating with fans and newcomers.
Themes: personal mortality· health struggles
Career context: Released on January 10, 2020, Ordinary Man marks Ozzy Osbourne's first studio album in nearly a decade, following 2010's Scream. This album comes during a period of personal instability for Osbourne, including health issues that had sidelined him from touring. The project showcases a vulnerability not often seen in his previous works, framing it as a poignant return to music.
Stylistic neighbors: Black Sabbath· Alice Cooper· Judas Priest