SniperHockey's Full Review: Blizzard of Ozz [Bonus Track] [Remaster] by Ozzy O...
When Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath in 1978, many people wondered what he would do next. While a solo project was imminent, even Ozzy questioned whether he could continue in the music business without such a powerfully talented band backing him up (Sabbath).
Nevertheless, he would soon cross paths with guitarist Randy Rhoads who would soon change Ozzy's life forever. Rhoads was a highly talented guitar player who was currently involved with a band called Quiet Riot. After becoming close friends, the two of them went into the studio to record "Blizzard of Ozz," which would be released in 1981.
Supported by Bob Daisley on bass guitar and Lee Kerslake on drums, Ozzy and Randy recorded the ultimate heavy metal album. Hard rocking tracks like "I Don't Know" and "Crazy Train" showed Rhoads's unbelievable talent on the guitar during his blistering solos. The songs also even had politically inspired lyrics. In Crazy Train Ozzy sings:
"This is the cold war
This is what we've become
Inheriting troubles
I'm mentally numb"
Other than politically charged lyrics there is also the fantasy inspired "Mr. Crowley," which tells the story of Alastair Crowley, who was said to have possessed supernatural powers. There is creepy organ music that leads into the song with Ozzy's haunting vocals singing the verses. The song features another brilliant guitar solo by Rhoads.
In between "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley," there are two tracks that kind of go hand-in-hand. The first is the heartfelt ballad, "Goodbye to Romance." Ozzy has said that this song was his farewell to Black Sabbath.
Well with lyrics like this who can argue:
"I've been the king (during Sabbath's heyday)
I've been the clown (when he was fired from the band)
No broken wings can hold me down
I'm free again" (Ozzy's return to music)
It is a very melodic and beautiful song which still sounds great today. The song is followed by a short instrumental titled "Dee" which features Rhoads playing a short, acoustic guitar solo.
Then there is what is easily considered Ozzy's most misunderstood and controversial song, "Suicide Solution" following the instrumental "Dee" and just before "Mr. Crowley." A song about the dangers of alcohol and drinking yourself to death, it has been subject to speculation that Ozzy was promoting suicide. Instead it is actually a warning that if you revolve your life around substance abuse, you can kill yourself. With the speculation aside, musically it is a great song with more fantastic guitar parts and great vocals by the Ozzman.
"Revelation (Mother Earth)" is probably the most unique sounding song on the album. It is a slower tune that picks up as the song progresses. It has fantastic elements of classical music in it. Prior to joining up with Ozzy, Rhoads had begun to take a strong interest in classical guitar, and his ability to play it shows during this song.
Then there are the two "simple" rockers on the album--"No Bone Movies" and "Steal Away (The Night)." "No Bone Movies" actually contains some simple, yet humorous lyrics, but the song just doesn't seem to fit on the album. I still find myself singing along to it, but it remains my least favorite track on the album nevertheless. "Steal Away" is another AC/DC type rocker with pretty simple lyrics, but more great guitar playing. In actuality, it is a darn good album closer.
Overall, this album is considered to be Ozzy's first and best album. While I also enjoy "No More Tears" and "Ozzmosis," I still must agree that is his finest work. The songwriting is absolutely amazing, and the musicianship is at its best, courtesy of Randy Rhoads. It is easily one of the best heavy metal albums of all time, and if you don't own it yet, then the only thing I can ask is--WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??
Favorites:
"Crazy Train," "I Don't Know," "Goodbye To Romance"
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