Ozzy Osbourne’s One Up the B-Sides is a 26-track collection of outtakes, covers, and oddities from his career, running nearly three hours. It is not a greatest hits record. It is a scrapbook, and the scrapbook is mostly dull.
The album exists to fill space between studio albums, and it succeeds at that. What it fails to do is justify its own length. There are flashes of quality — a few standout tracks — but the middle of the record drags badly.
Opening the Record
The record opens with “Back on Earth,” a decent rocker that sets a modest tone. “Walk on Water” and “Living With the Enemy” follow with competent but forgettable blues-rock. “The Whole World’s Falling Down” is better, a slow, atmospheric number that shows some range. “Pictures of Matchstick Men” is a cover that works, and “Voodoo Dancer” is a solid original. “Aimee” is pleasant but slight, and “Iron Man” is a faithful cover that adds nothing new. “Nowhere to Run (Vapor Trail)” and “Don’t Blame Me” are serviceable originals, though neither rises above the pack.
Early Originals
“Party With the Animals” is a novelty track that doesn’t need explaining. “One Up the B-Sides” is the title track, a brief, jokey number that earns its name. “Slow Down” and “Don’t Want to Be Your Hero” are competent but unremarkable originals.
Middle Originals
“The Liar” is a stronger track, with a sharper riff and a tighter chorus. “I Don’t Want to Change the World” is a decent mid-tempo rocker. “Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a standout, a strong original that stands out for its melody.
Covers That Pass Muster
“Desire” and “Time After Time” are covers that pass muster without distinction. “Won’t Be Coming Home” is a minor highlight, a solid rock song with a hook. “Mrs. J” is a brief instrumental that passes by quickly. The final stretch is where the record loses its footing.
Long Tracks
“Black Sabbath” runs 9:24, a live cover that stretches past its welcome. “War Pigs” is an 8:14 cover that feels overstuffed. “Fearies Wear Boots” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep” are both over six minutes, and neither earns that length. These tracks are the weakest part of the record, filler that pads the runtime without adding value.
Ranking the Standouts
The strongest tracks on the record, in descending order:
- “Mama, I’m Coming Home” — a strong original with a memorable hook.
- “The Liar” — a sharper riff and a tighter chorus than most of the record.
- “Iron Man” — a faithful cover that holds up well.
- “Pictures of Matchstick Men” — a solid cover that works.
- “Won’t Be Coming Home” — a minor but effective rock song.
Final Word
The highlights are real. “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” “The Liar,” “Iron Man,” and “Pictures of Matchstick Men” are all strong enough to justify owning this record. But the middle third is a slog, and the long tracks at the end waste time that could have been spent on better material.
This is a collection for completists, not for casual listeners. If you want to hear the best of Ozzy’s catalog, skip this and buy the proper albums instead.
One Up the B-Sides is a mixed bag with a clear ceiling. The good tracks are very good, and the bad tracks are merely filler. It is not a failure, but it is not a recommendation either.
- Back on Earth4:59
- Walk on Water4:19
- Living With the Enemy5:33
- The Whole World’s Falling Down5:04
- Pictures of Matchstick Men6:00
- Voodoo Dancer5:23
- Aimee4:45
- Iron Man5:25
- Nowhere to Run (Vapor Trail)4:54
- Don’t Blame Me4:54
- Party With the Animals4:16
- One Up the B‐Sides3:24
- Slow Down4:17
- Don’t Want to Be Your Hero4:43
- The Liar4:26
- I Don’t Want to Change the World3:55
- Mama, I’m Coming Home4:07
- Desire4:59
- Time After Time4:03
- Won’t Be Coming Home4:56
- Mrs. J2:36
- Black Sabbath9:24
- War Pigs8:14
- Fearies Wear Boots6:54
- Behind the Wall of Sleep5:06
- Interview with Ozzy 198817:44
