On Monday, Ozzy Osbourne released “Ordinary Man”, the title track off his forthcoming studio album, which features vocal and piano contributions from Elton John.
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What may seem like a mismatch of comic proportions actually helps to propel the contemplative, reformed image that Osbourne has been promoting in Ordinary Man, as displayed in the previous single “Under The Graveyard“. The title track uses Elton’s tender piano work as a focal point while Elton and Osbourne trade verses back and forth that reflect Osbourne’s tumultuous decades-long relationship with fame and what comes with it. Throughout the song, Osbourne repeatedly addresses an unnamed “you”, which can be interpreted as his faithful wife of nearly 40 years, Sharon Osbourne. Lines like “I’ve seen tears and I’ve seen smiles/Just remember that it’s all for you” contrast the song’s central theme of Osbourne not wanting to die in obscurity, to be an “ordinary man”.
The song is the third single from Ordinary Man, following “Under The Graveyard” and “Straight To Hell“. Along with it came the announcement that the album will be released on February 21st. The LP is produced by Post Malone‘s producer Andrew Watt who helped Osbourne achieve his first top 10 hit in 30 years when he contributed to Malone’s “Take What You Need“. The album will host other guest appearances from Post Malone, Tom Morello, Slash, and features Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith throughout.
Listen to “Ordinary Man” by Ozzy Osbourne featuring Elton John below.
Ozzy Osbourne – “Ordinary Man” ft. Elton John
[Video: Ozzy Osbourne]
Osbourne recently announced rescheduled shows for his No More Tours 2Â run, which was postponed back in October following back surgery. The Prince of Darkness will now kick off his supposedly final tour May 27th in Atlanta, GA’s State Farm Arena. Tickets and a full list of dates are available on his website.