It’s become one of the most iconic debut albums of all time. Right up there with ‘Appetite for Destruction’ and the self titled Van Halen. It spawned what is arguably the most successful solo career of any post band artist. Usually when a member leaves a band, the solo outing can be a struggle. Such as the case was with the Joe Perry Project. Pulling not nearly the audience that their previous outfit did. But with a class A management and marketing team, Ozzy blasted down the doors of expectations. Starting with his eponymous debut, ‘Blizzard of Ozz.’
As we all know, Ozzy got fired from Black Sabbath in 1978 and went on a downward spiral that remarkably didn’t end in death. He was fortunately pulled out. One of the greatest guitar players of all time, Randy Rhodes (formerly of Quiet Riot), joined his solo project. Along with other monster players such as Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake. Who would actually go on to be replaced by Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge for the tour and next album. Rhodes was, by all standards, the best Ozzy could have gotten no question. It started his association with phenomenal guitar players. You don’t just go to see Ozzy, you also go to see his guitarist blow your freakin’ mind. And the tradition was kept alive for the rest of Ozzy’s storied solo career: Jake E. Lee, the now legendary Zakk Wylde and Gus. G. All of which have made their stamp with the prince of darkness.
But it all starts with the rip roaring opener, ‘I Don’t Know,’ on ‘Blizzard of Ozz.’ The concert staple is an epic. And it’s a great example of where heavy music was going to go in the 80’s. The now mega-iconic stadium smash ‘Crazy Train’ rolls up next. Climbing all the way to the top ten of the U.S. mainstream rock chart, it’s instantly memorable opening riff has driven countless football, basketball and baseball stadiums into frenzies during time outs and commercial breaks. It remains one of the most recognizable songs of all time. ‘Goodbye to Romance’ is absolutely a major ground breaker for what would become known as the ‘power ballad.’ And it remains one of the best. ‘Suicide Solution’ is just one of the best Ozzy songs ever, period. A kick ass groove, riff and opportunity for live open jamming that displays the best of his guitarist.
‘Mr. Crowley,’ while not as iconic as the other single ‘Crazy Train,’ was a massive hit with the fan base. It’s neo classical, doom feel is perfectly married with the crunch, drive and power of heavy metal. Along with some killer vocal melodies. ‘No Bone Movies’ is a fun rocker that lightens the mood up a bit. It gives the album a diverse, gritty texture. Letting the fans know that Ozzy is more than just aggressive doom and gloom. ‘Revelation (Mother Earth)’ may be the Ozman’s most classically influenced track. Which makes sense seeing as how Randy Rhodes is a classically trained guitarist. The keys and moods take over the latter half of the track, giving it a spacey, epic mood. Certainly one of the most unique tracks in the Ozzy catalog. ‘Steal Away (The Night)’ brings back the fun factor. A timeless, hard rocker party song. Complete with sing along chorus’ and a headbanging guitar riff that sure to make you hit the gas pedal to the floor. The 2002 re-issue of the album comes complete with ‘You Lookin’ At Me Lookin’ At You.’ It’s about as deep of cut as you can get. It’s Cheap Trick influenced hard pop may have not had a place on the original release. But it’s a worthy addition to the current issues.
The immediate success of ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ was clear that the fans wanted an Ozzy solo project. It immediately cracked the top ten in its native U.K. and just barely missed making the top 20 in the states. Still, for a debut album of a singer that was kicked out of a majorly successful band, getting to 21 on the hot 200 is more than modest. The ensuing tour kicked off immediately and set the standard for the remaining years of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career. Unfortunately, Randy Rhodes would die in a plane crash in the spring of 1982. But his legacy forever lives on with the first two Ozzy albums. Particularly the forever engraved ‘Blizzard of Ozz.’
