Ozzy Osbourne – Shot In The Dark

Ozzy Osbourne – Shot In The Dark

Released in 1986, 'Shot In The Dark' is one of the standout singles from Ozzy Osbourne's fourth solo studio album, The Ultimate Sin. Combining powerful heavy metal guitars, melodic hooks and a polished mid-1980s production style, the track became one of Ozzy's most recognisable songs and an important moment in his commercial career.

Following the enormous success of Bark At The Moon and its accompanying tour, Ozzy entered a new phase of his solo career with a refreshed backing line-up. The recording features guitarist Jake E. Lee, bassist Phil Soussan and drummer Randy Castillo, with additional keyboards from Mike Moran. Produced and engineered by Ron Nevison, the sound is more layered and radio-friendly than some of Ozzy's earlier work, without losing the weight and attitude of his classic heavy metal recordings.

'Shot In The Dark' is particularly notable for its melodic construction and memorable chorus, balancing hard-hitting guitar work with an accessible, atmospheric arrangement. The song was co-written by Ozzy and Phil Soussan, who originally developed the composition before bringing it into the Osbourne recording sessions. Soussan's contribution helped give the track its strong melodic identity, while Jake E. Lee's guitar work adds the distinctive edge that characterises this period of Ozzy's music.

The single became a significant radio success in the United States, reaching the Top 10 of Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart and helping introduce Ozzy to a wider audience during the mid-1980s. Its accompanying promotional video also received considerable exposure on MTV, making it one of the defining tracks of the The Ultimate Sin era.

This three-track 12-inch edition is especially appealing for its additional selections. 'Killer Of Giants', originally appearing on The Ultimate Sin, is a much darker and more atmospheric composition, featuring dramatic guitar passages and lyrics addressing the threat of nuclear conflict. It provides an interesting contrast to the more immediate, melodic character of the A-side.

Completing the release is 'Rock 'N' Roll Rebel', taken from Ozzy's 1983 album Bark At The Moon. With its driving rhythm, powerful guitar riffs and defiant lyrical attitude, it recalls the harder-edged sound of his earlier solo work and makes a strong companion track.

An excellent piece of mid-1980s heavy metal, this Shot In The Dark 12-inch single brings together three essential Ozzy Osbourne recordings from two important periods in his solo career. A desirable addition for fans of classic heavy metal, Jake E. Lee-era Ozzy and collectors of 1980s Epic vinyl releases.

Tracklist

Side A
A. Shot In The Dark (4:25)

Side B
B1. Killer Of Giants (5:42)
B2. Rock N Roll Rebel (5:28)