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Ozzy: Blizzard Of Ozz
By Tyler Crooks

Release Date: September 20th, 1980
Record Label: Jet Records

My rating points: 10 out of 10



    Track Listing:
  1. I Don't Know
  2. Crazy Train
  3. Goodbye To Romance
  4. Suicide Solution
  5. Dee
  6. Mr. Crowley
  7. No Bone Movies
  8. Revelation (Mother Earth)
  9. Steal Away (The Night)

On September 20th, 1980, Former Black Sabbath front man Ozzy Osbourne released his 1st solo album, "Blizzard of Ozz." In its 30 years of existence, Blizzard of Ozz has sold over 6,000,000 copies worldwide, and is Ozzy's best-selling album to date. This album features an, at the time, relatively unknown guitarist. A young, man who's name would become legendary in the world of heavy metal. His name was Randy Rhoads...

The album itself is really quite magnificent. It begins with the ass-kicking "I don't know", which features some of the most brilliant guitar playing I've ever heard. Randy showcases his emotion and soul from the get-go, and always makes you wonder what he's going to do next...The album transitions into the next track, "Crazy Train", which is loved the world over. While some may be bored of "Crazy Train", you cannot deny how iconic the opening and verse riffs are. Everything on this track is pure heavy metal. Ozzy's voice and Randy's guitar go together like milk and cookies; perfectly.

Blizzard of Ozz is a thing of beauty to a true fan of Ozzy. You can't help but get teary-eyed and emotional when you hear songs like "Goodbye to Romance", which shows how much soul Ozzy truly possesses. Of course, Randy's guitar playing is absolutely beautiful on this track, especially when the solo kicks in. His playing is very reminiscent of Brian May's neo-classical soloing style, and it's absolutely amazing. This song is epic in the truest sense of the word. "Dee" is another beautifully written track, done all by Randy on an acoustic guitar. Every nuance of this song is gorgeous. My only problem with it is that I wish it was a bit longer.

After "Dee", the album kicks into hyper-drive and continues its ass-kicking assault with the hard rocking tracks "Suicide Solution" and "Mr. Crowley." Both respectively about evil in one form or another, they both feature incredible and legendary riffs that almost every guitarist has memorized in their repertoire. "Mr. Crowley" is an exceptionally sinister track, opening up with an intense synth intro, and Randy diving headfirst into the hardcore riffs and rhythms.

Every song, riff, and lyric on this album has become an instant classic, turning Randy into an overnight sensation, and Ozzy into more than just the "Black Sabbath guy."

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the other musicians on this album. Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake were masters of their craft, and kept the rhythm flowing without any fancy bullshit. This album is a timeless classic, and I'm sure it will be loved for 30 or more years. Ozzy's flame will never die, and nobody will ever forget the Blizzard.

Rest in Peace, Randy.

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