Ozzy Osbourne

Blizzard of Ozz

Some of Ozzy's Greatest

Review Score:

(8/10)
Blizzard of Ozz, released in 1980 cemented Ozzy's fame, with one of his greatest releases ever. Featuring the famed guitarist Randy Rhoads, Blizzard of Ozz was Ozzy's first album apart from Black Sabbath. This new releases sports a bonus track ("You Lookin' At Me Lookin' At You") and the removal of the original drum and bass tracks for legal purposes. While that fact has many fans in an uproar, I don't think it detracts from the value of the album. The fact is, I think the new tracks bring a fresher feel to the music, and besides it's what Lee and Bob get for suing Ozzy anyways.

The songs on Blizzard are all very good, the album opens with the to-this-day staple of Ozzy's live sets "I Don't Know" then we continue on to Ozzy's best known solo song "Crazy Train" an anthem that remains popular to this day. Progressing on we have Ozzy's farewell to Black Sabbath in the song "Goodbye to Romance" and Randy's acoustic solo tribue to his mother in "Dee." And the ever infamous track "Suicide Solution" which has brought several lawsuits against Ozzy in regards to several teen suicides. Ozzy claims this song was written as a tribute to AC/DC frontman Bon Scott who died of alochol abuse... and Ozzy also claims it was sorta written about himself and his own abuse of alcohol, a claim that seems to be most supported by his bassist Bob Daisley (who was removed for legal reasons on this album - ie, he's suing Ozzy.) Regardless "Suicide Solution" is an awesome rocker, and a classic Ozzy song, which remains in his live set.

Other standouts include "Mr. Crowley" which features one of Randy's best guitar solos. Ozzy's ode to mother nature can be found in "Revelation (Mother Earth)" and then there are two cheesier tracks on "Steal Away (The Night)" and "No Bone Movies." The bonus track on this edition is serviceable, but not that spectacular.

Overall this is one of Ozzy's top albums, and a must-have for any heavy metal collection.

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