Hi music fans,

The world lost a legend this week: Ozzy Osbourne, the godfather of heavy metal, died at 76, only a couple weeks after his final reunion show with Black Sabbath.

“It's such a unique thing that we have lost, the voice of Ozzy,” culture critic Niko Stratis said on Commotion earlier this week. “Even if you're not a big Sabbath person, you hear it, you know what it is. That's the mark of something really beautiful left in this world.”

Kevin Churko, the Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan-born producer who was tapped to co-produce the English heavy metal legend's 2007 album Black Rain, remembered their studio session being more of a spiritual experience. But Churko also praised the man people got to know outside of the music.

"The music will always be the legacy — it'll outlive everything else. But I also think when he had The Osbournes, he humanized metal in a way,” he told the Canadian Press. “Before that, he was the guy who bit off bats' heads and was in a Satan-worshipping band. Then all of a sudden, you see the Prince of Darkness is really this awesome human being who takes care of his family and who wants to make great music and have a good life.”
 

What is Dragonette listening to these days?

Hint: it’s a fellow Canadian, who played bass for Daniel Caesar. 

Charlotte Cardin, Alessia Cara and more cover songs from Justin Bieber's new album

While Justin Bieber’s surprise album, Swag, continues to soak up the summer attention, Canadian artists are getting in on the love. Charlotte Cardin, Alessia Cara, Kaleah Lee and, unexpectedly, American actor Courtney Cox are all covering his new songs.

How nature and connection shaped Bibi Club’s Polaris-shortlisted album, Feu de garde

The second episode of The Ten, CBC Music’s weekly Polaris shortlist deep dive, is about Bibi Club’s 2024 album, Feu de garde. Listen in for insight and expertise from Drive host Rich Terfry and L’effet Pogonat host Catherine Pogonat.

Tobi's high-energy motivational anthem, and 3 more songs you need to hear this week

When Nova Scotia hip-hop producer and rapper Classified sent Tobi a pack of beats, the Toronto rapper said that what's now the backbone of He's So Good immediately stood out to him. "It was high-energy, positive, very confident," Tobi explained via email, and recorded his lyrics, freestyle, right away.

He’s So Good is one of four must-hear tracks this week, a list that also includes releases from Living Hour, Emmett Jerome and Mah Moud.

Celebrating 30 years of Honey Jam

Marvin's Room and The Block team up to celebrate 30 years of Honey Jam, the non-profit, multicultural, multi-genre artist development program that put an early spotlight on some of Canada's greatest musical stars. This week's playlist includes tracks from Lu Kala (pictured), Zamani, Melanie Fiona, Savannah Ré and more.

Thanks so much for joining us for this issue of Listen Up! If you loved it, feel free to let us know at listenup@cbc.ca — and use the same email if you have questions or suggestions. Please share it with your friends, family and even enemies via cbc.ca/listenup.