By: Michael Drukarsh - On September 12, 1980 the UK was introduced to the Blizzard of Ozz. And while it would be another six months before the US had a chance to hear the album, there was no doubt that Ozzy Osbourne was back and better than ever.
Following a tumultuous final few years with Black Sabbath, in 1979, Ozzy was let go by the band he helped create 11 years before. Considered by most to be the heavy metal originators, Black Sabbath’s sound was something new, something that the working class people of post war England could relate to. The musicianship was top notch, with Geezer Butler on bass, Bill Ward on drums, and the great Tony Iommi on guitar. But it was Ozzy, with his unique voice, untrained yet full of emotion, that really set Sabbath apart from the rest.
Lost after his release, Ozzy doubted himself and his chances at ever reaching the heights he had with his former band. Thankfully, Sharon Arden saw something in Ozzy and helped him rise from the ashes to heights he could never imagine.
While Ozzy still had his voice, finding a band that could match the technical abilities of Sabbath would be very difficult. After several rehearsals and auditions though, Sharon, now Ozzy’s manager (and soon to be wife) and Ozzy built a line up that could at least rival his old band. On drums, ex Uriah Heep drummer Lee Kirslake, on bass, Bob Daisley who at the point had played with many bands including stints in Mungo Jerry and Rainbow, and a relatively unknown guitarist named Randy Rhoads who had started and played in the LA based band Quiet Riot.
With Rhoads and Daisley writing most of the lyrics along with Ozzy, the band went into the Ridge Farm Studios in the UK and started recording. What they would create would send Ozzy on a trajectory that no one could have imagined and right beside him, Randy Rhoads, who would quickly become recognized as one of the greatest guitarists ever.
Although the opening track “I Don’t Know” definitely warrants praise for introducing us to the guitar mastery of Rhoads and the solid backing of the rhythm section, it's track two that became the benchmark for everything that followed in Ozzy’s career.
“ALL ABOARD” is not something you’d expect as an opening lyric for a heavy metal song, but Ozzy’s invitation to join him on his “Crazy Train” followed by a maniacal laugh and the heavy bass line laid down by Daisley fit seamlessly into the debut album. “Crazy Train” would also deliver what would become some of Rhoads’ most famous guitar licks.
The rest of the album proved to be the perfect vehicle for Ozzy's return. The heartfelt “Good-bye to Romance” a song Ozzy said was his way of putting Sabbath behind him showcased Ozzy’s softer side while “Suicide Solution” tore a hole through your speaker with Rhoads’ blistering guitar and Ozzy’s proclamation that “wine is fine but whiskey’s quicker”.
“Mr. Crowley” an ode to occultist Alister Crowley, “No Bone Movies” an ode to the dislike of porn movies both take the listener on a heavy metal rollercoaster. But it is “Revelation (Mother Earth)”, a tune that harkens back to Ozzy’s Sabbath days with lyrics about trying to save the planet from destruction that really showcases what this new band can do. “Steal Away the Night” closes the album with a fast paced romp that invites the listener to break free from the humdrums of everyday life.
Buried within the album, nestled between “Good-bye to Romance” and “Suicide Solution” is a 50 second instrumental piece of musical genius. The track, titled “Dee” is a tribute to Rhoads’ mother Deloris and shines a spotlight on Randy’s classical influences and his incredible talent.
There is no denying that Blizzard of Ozz brought Ozzy back to life. Unfortunately, over the years, like all great things, some tarnish started to show. The album has been surrounded by controversy regarding writing credits and royalties owed to the band members. But to the loyal fans who were lucky enough to hear this for the very first time 44 years ago, nothing will ever take away that jaw dropping moment when we joined Ozzy, Randy, Bob, and Lee on that crazy train and never got off!
Comments