Why did Ozzy Osborne choose to make "Hero" a hidden track?

Why Ozzy Osbourne Chose to Make “Hero” a Hidden Track

Trend of Hidden Tracks

During the late 1980s, the inclusion of hidden tracks on albums was a popular trend in the music industry. These hidden tracks were often bonus songs or outtakes that were not listed on the album’s tracklist. They added an element of surprise for listeners and created a sense of discovery when exploring the album.

Length of the Album

The album “No Rest for the Wicked” had a relatively short total length of only 38 minutes and 19 seconds without the inclusion of the hidden track “Hero.” By adding “Hero” as a hidden track, Osbourne extended the album’s duration, providing fans with more content to enjoy.

Quality of the Song

“Hero” is widely regarded as one of the standout tracks on the album. It showcases Osbourne’s signature sound while also being accessible and radio-friendly. By making it a hidden track, Osbourne created a sense of anticipation and reward for listeners who discovered it, enhancing their overall experience of the album.

Placement as an Album Ender

“Hero” serves as a compelling album closer, offering a powerful conclusion to “No Rest for the Wicked.” In contrast, the original closing track, “Demon Alcohol,” was not considered as strong of a choice for concluding the album. By placing “Hero” as the hidden track, Osbourne ensured that the album ended on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.

Radio Play Considerations

By making “Hero” a hidden track, Osbourne likely intended to minimize its chances of receiving radio play. In 1988, when the album was released, most radio stations were playing CDs. Unless a track was released as a single, radio stations were unlikely to invest the time and effort to cue up a hidden track. By keeping “Hero” hidden, Osbourne maintained control over its exposure and preserved its status as a hidden gem for dedicated fans.

In conclusion, Ozzy Osbourne’s decision to make “Hero” a hidden track on his album “No Rest for the Wicked” was influenced by the prevailing trend of hidden tracks at the time, the desire to enhance the album’s length and quality, the strategic placement of a strong closing track, and considerations regarding radio play. This creative choice added an element of surprise and excitement for listeners, further contributing to the album’s overall appeal.

Sources:

1. Music Fans Stack Exchange: “Why did Ozzy Osborne choose to make ‘Hero’ a hidden track?”
2. Wikipedia: “No Rest for the Wicked (Ozzy Osbourne album)”
3. SongMeanings: “Ozzy Osbourne – Hero Lyrics”

FAQs

Why did Ozzy Osbourne decide to include a hidden track on the album “No Rest for the Wicked”?

Ozzy Osbourne chose to include a hidden track on “No Rest for the Wicked” to follow the popular trend of hidden tracks during the late 1980s. It added an element of surprise and intrigue for listeners, enhancing their overall experience of the album.

How does the inclusion of “Hero” as a hidden track impact the album’s length?

The inclusion of “Hero” as a hidden track extended the album’s duration, providing fans with additional content to enjoy. Without “Hero,” the album would have been relatively short, with a total length of only 38 minutes and 19 seconds.

What makes “Hero” a standout track on the album?

“Hero” is considered one of the standout tracks on “No Rest for the Wicked.” It showcases Ozzy Osbourne’s signature sound and is both radio-friendly and accessible to a wide audience. Its quality and appeal contributed to the decision to make it a hidden track.

Why did Ozzy Osbourne choose to place “Hero” as the album’s closer?

“Hero” was strategically placed as the album’s closer to provide a strong and memorable ending. The original closing track, “Demon Alcohol,” was not deemed as powerful of a choice. By concluding with “Hero,” Osbourne ensured a lasting impression on listeners.

Did the decision to make “Hero” a hidden track affect its chances of receiving radio play?

Yes, by making “Hero” a hidden track, Osbourne likely intended to minimize its chances of receiving radio play. In 1988, when the album was released, radio stations primarily played CDs, and unless a track was released as a single, hidden tracks were unlikely to be played on the radio.

How did the trend of hidden tracks influence Osbourne’s decision?

The trend of hidden tracks during the late 1980s influenced Osbourne’s decision to include “Hero” as a hidden track. By following this trend, Osbourne added an element of surprise and novelty to the album, aligning with the expectations and interests of listeners at the time.

What impact did the hidden track have on fan reception?

The inclusion of “Hero” as a hidden track had a positive impact on fan reception. It created a sense of anticipation and reward for dedicated fans who discovered the hidden gem. It enhanced the overall listening experience and contributed to the album’s appeal.

How does the hidden track contribute to the legacy of “No Rest for the Wicked”?

The hidden track “Hero” has become an integral part of the legacy of “No Rest for the Wicked.” It is often mentioned as one of the album’s highlights and has contributed to its enduring popularity among fans and critics alike.