In 1979, Ozzy Osbourne was dismissed from Black Sabbath due to his irresponsible substance abuse, which caused havoc in his relationship with the band. Almost immediately, he formed the project “Blizzard Of Ozz,” composed of the legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads, Bob Daisley on bass, Lee Kerslake on drums, and Don Airey on keyboards (who currently performs with Deep Purple).
Eventually, the album was released as Ozzy Osbourne’s first solo record, unjustly, as all the songs were composed as a band, causing discontent among the members of the then-band “Blizzard Of Ozz.” To such an extent that in 2002, the drum and bass tracks were re-recorded by Mike Bordin of Fate No More and Robert Trujillo, now in Metallica. However, this was unsuccessful as fans demanded the recording with the original members.
On September 12, 1980, Ozzy Osbourne released his first solo album, “Blizzard Of Ozz,” one of the most significant albums in Heavy Metal history.
What can we hear?
Without a doubt, we hear a sound that competes directly with Black Sabbath but implemented… heavier, more technical, more precise, and also with present keyboards and synthesizers that give it a distinguishing touch. Indeed, it is the work of a complete band, each member shining whenever an opportunity arises.
Randy Rhoads’ technique on the guitar is simply delightful, showcasing his classical studies in “Dee” and “Revelation” and composing some of the most important solos and riffs in history, as heard in “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” One of the greatest guitarists of all time, who tragically passed away two years later at the young age of 25, after losing control of a plane, which he had boarded solely for fun with the band’s chauffeur.
Bob Daisley’s bass is marvelous, present in each and every song, sometimes even acting as a lead instrument, as heard in the ballad “Goodbye to Romance,” a song Osbourne wrote inspired by his departure from Black Sabbath, where he himself thought his career was over.
Blizzard Of Ozz's distinctive touch
Don Airey’s synthesizers provide a unique touch, setting them apart from Black Sabbath, highly enjoyable and original in songs like “Mr. Crowley,” the solo in “Goodbye to Romance,” very Beatles-esque, and “Revelation,” complementing the band’s excellent Heavy Metal and adding deep tints of mystery, sadness, and desolation. Pay attention to the bridge of Revelation, with a remarkable performance on keyboards and synthesizers, taking most of the song’s credit… It’s astonishing that this album was not credited as a band.
Lee Kerslake’s drums maintain consistent quality from start to finish, with our favorite interpretation being in “Steal Away,” brimming with energy, different from the rest of the songs, showcasing the brilliance of his cymbals. A drummer who knows when to play softly and when to break his kit, creating a highly perceptible organic dynamic.
We also find in “Blizzard Of Ozz” songs with very enjoyable riffs and melodies, reminiscent of Aerosmith’s style, as heard in “No Bone Movies,” “You Looking At Me, Looking At You,” or even songs that introduce what would later become the foundation of Glam Metal style, as in “Suicide Solution,” a song for which Ozzy Osbourne was sued when a young man committed suicide, and the last thing he heard was this song. Osbourne was cleared of this legal conflict by arguing that the song was written for his late friend Bon Scott of AC/DC.
Ozzy Osbourne's Second Wind
Apart from “Blizzard Of Ozz” being a gem of an album, it leaves us with a tremendous lesson. Ozzy Osbourne himself believed that his career was finished after leaving Black Sabbath, a band where he was evidently in his comfort zone; however, becoming a solo artist brought him more success than he ever imagined.
When we think everything is lost, it’s only our mind playing against us… every time a door closes, another one filled with abundance opens!
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