About the Song
With a career spanning over five decades, Ozzy Osbourne has earned his place as one of rock’s most iconic voices — a performer who can switch between darkness and celebration with ease. His take on “Good Times,” the infectious rock anthem originally recorded by Eric Burdon & The Animals in 1965, shows a lighter side of the legendary “Prince of Darkness.” Featured on Ozzy’s 2005 Under Cover album, this version is an energetic tribute to a bygone era of blues-driven rock, reimagined with a heavier edge and modern swagger.
Right from the opening riff, Ozzy’s rendition bursts with vintage rock attitude. The guitars snarl with a thick, bluesy tone, and the rhythm section drives the track with an urgency that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Ozzy’s voice, seasoned with age, adds grit and authenticity to the lyrics — a celebration of life’s fleeting pleasures and a defiant embrace of good times, no matter the hardships that might follow.
This cover reflects more than just Ozzy’s love for classic rock; it’s a personal nod to his roots. Growing up in Birmingham, England, Ozzy was heavily influenced by blues and early rock bands that paved the way for heavy metal. In revisiting “Good Times,” he pays homage to that foundation, offering fans a glimpse of the music that shaped him long before Black Sabbath’s thunderous riffs took over the airwaves.
What makes this track stand out on Under Cover is its unfiltered joy. While many of Ozzy’s songs explore darkness, pain, or rebellion, “Good Times” is a moment of pure release — a chance for the legendary frontman to have fun, sing loud, and celebrate the music that started it all. It’s a reminder that beneath the theatrics and metal legacy, Ozzy is, at his core, a rock ‘n’ roll fan who still loves turning up the volume and getting lost in a great song.