The Classic Metal Album Reviews:
Title: Blizzard of Ozz
Artist: Ozzy Osbourne
Label: Jet/CBS Records
Release Date: 1981

Rating: 4 Skulls
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    • Reviewed by Redwolff:
    Blizzard of Ozz, recorded in 1980, was Ozzy Osbourne's first solo album and the first of two solo albums written and performed with Randy Rhoads before Rhoads died in a plane crash in 1982. This was also one of the first albums I bought on CD once I got rid of my tape deck and went digital. While there is admittedly a generous helping of cheese on this album, that's pretty much par for the course for 80's metal and despite that it's endured and become a favorite for many. Why? Mainly because it is anchored by some really kick-ass, signature Ozzy songs, namely "Crazy Train," "Mr. Crowley" and the infamous "Suicide Solution," blamed for the death of a boy who shot himself in the head while listening to the song on headphones. Actually, the song was written after the death of Bon Scott and was meant to be a warning against the slow death caused by alcoholism - 'solution' as in a mixture, like scotch and soda, not as in the answer to a problem.

    In my opinion, "Crazy Train" is worth the price of the CD alone. There are few other songs that are more recognizable or representative of 80's metal than this song; offhand, I can think of "Metal Health" (which also involved Randy Rhoads), "I Wanna Rock" and "Photograph" as belonging in this category. I think there's just something about that opening guitar riff that makes people nuts - at a party in college a fight broke out and someone went through a window during the song. "Mr. Crowley", dedicated to the mysterious and fascinating (and prolific) 'Magickian' Aleister Crowley, is an excellent showpiece for Ozzy's most creepy vocals and features a classic guitar solo. Most of the other songs on the album are very good, I especially like "I Don't Know" and feel it was a foretelling of many of the songs that came out on later solo albums. However, open the Velveeta for "Goodbye to Romance." And don't forget the ridiculous "No Bone Movies," with the lines:

    Inspiration that's blue and uncut
    Can't kick the habit obsession of smut
    Voyeur straining in love with his hand
    A poison passion; a pulsating gland

    Eww... an especially disturbing visual considering what Ozzy looks like these days.

    All things considered, your collection isn't complete without Blizzard of Ozz. Try to find a copy featuring the photo of a fringed, tight-pantsed Ozzy on the back of the CD booklet. Sheer 80's, baby.
    4 out of 5

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