About the Song
When Ozzy Osbourne released his 2005 Under Cover album, it wasn’t just a collection of classic rock tracks — it was a deeply personal tribute to the music that shaped him long before Black Sabbath made him a legend. Among the standouts is his fiery take on “Sunshine of Your Love,” the iconic 1967 hit by Cream. Where the original embodied psychedelic blues swagger, Ozzy’s version leans into dark, heavy tones, offering a reinvention that feels as much a nod of respect as it does a bold reinterpretation.
From the opening riff — one of rock’s most recognizable — Ozzy and his all-star backing band crank up the volume. With Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains handling guitar duties, the cover takes on a sludgy, almost doom-like groove that feels natural for Ozzy’s style. The rhythm section punches harder than Cream’s original, giving the track a modern heaviness without losing its bluesy DNA.
Ozzy’s voice, raspy and weathered yet unmistakably charismatic, brings new character to the lyrics. Instead of the youthful bravado of Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce, Ozzy’s delivery carries experience and grit, adding layers of depth to a song already steeped in rock history. His interpretation feels less like a straightforward cover and more like a tribute from one icon to another — a way of saying thank you to the pioneers who paved the way for heavy metal’s rise.
What makes this version particularly memorable is how it blends classic rock heritage with Ozzy’s unique sonic identity. It’s not trying to outshine the original; it’s a celebration of it, filtered through decades of hard rock evolution. For longtime fans, “Sunshine of Your Love” on Under Cover is a reminder that Ozzy’s heart has always been deeply tied to the blues-driven, rebellious spirit of the ‘60s — and that spirit still burns bright.