Ozzy Osbourne

Blizzard of Ozz

The Beginning Of Ozz

Review Score:

(10/10)
Blizzard of Ozz is Ozzy's first solo release after the tension between him and Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi hit the breaking point. Ozzy, down on his luck and devastated, moved on with the help of his future manager and wife, Sharon. Now, even 20 years later, the truth is this: Ozzy's decision to stay in music was perhaps the greatest decision anyone could make. Ever.

This album sees Ozzy kinda stepping out of the deep and gloomy sounds of Black Sabbath and entering into his own kind of musical form: faster, clearer and maybe even better. One of the things that makes this album special is the work of one Randy Rhoads, formerly of Quiet Riot. His guitar work his fast, his delivery is astounding and his ability is breathtaking. From the licks of "Crazy Train" to the classical sounds of the very excellent "Revelation (Mother Earth)" Rhoads never lets up.

The album starts with "I Don't Know" and "Crazy Train" which are good upbeat songs. Then, the album slows down with the beautiful "Goodbye To Romance", which is Ozzy's goodbye to his life in Sabbath. Next comes "Dee" which is a short bit of Randy Rhoads simply playing guitar. Soft and very nice. The next three tracks, "Suicide Solution", "Mr. Crowley", and "No Bone Movies" are like the first two, demonstrating that Ozzy's vocals and Randy's guitar is was a match made in heaven. One of the most diverse songs he has done, "Revelation (Mother Earth)" is perhaps the best song on the album. Randy Rhoad's classical sound give the song an odd vibe, as if the the lyrics and the way Ozzy's sings them isn't enough. The album ends with "Steal Away (The Night)" which again, is an upbeat and rocking song. The bonus track, You Lookin At Me Lookin At You, is a nice bit of Ozzy's more playful and friendlier musical side. It is nice and upbeat and the guitar is great with a superb solo.

If you are an Ozzy fan and you don't have this, it is a very good album and you will not be disappointed. If you are a metal fan looking into vintage metal, this is the album for you. But his second release "Diary Of A Madman" would be another good bet. Either the original, 95 remasters or 02 remasters of these albums would be good.

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