BLIZZARD OF OZZ (1980, 1995) EPIC/SONY

I Don't Know Crazy Train Goodbye To Romance Dee - instrumental Suicide Solution Mr. Crowley No Bone Movies Revelation (Mother Earth) Steal Away (The Night)

Line-up: Ozzy Osbourne - Lead & Harmony Vocals Randy Rhoads - All Guitars Bob Daisley - Bass Guitar, Harmony Vocals, Gongs Lee Kerslake - All Drums, Percussion, Tubular Bells

Ozzy's first solo-effort, is nothing but a heavy metal classic! Originally released in the UK is September, 1980, it didn't see a worldwide release until January 1981. Ok, I'll admit that the album is not perfect, 'cause there are tracks here I don't like, but all in all this is a GREAT disc. Not many artists can leave a successful band, and then gain just as much respect as a solo-artist. But Ozzy managed to pull it through, and he sets the standard right from the start. One thing that make this album so great, besides Ozzy's unique voice, is of course Randy Rhoads outstanding guitar work. This former Quiet Riot axe-man, is in my opinion, one of the most underrated guitarists in the world. Together with Savatage's Criss Oliva, these guys were one of a kinds, that never got the respect they deserved. Lee Kerslake also played drums with Uriah Heep. This album is A MUST!

My version of 'Blizzard Of Ozz' is the 1995 remastered version. The sound is better, but the artwork on the front is inferior. The original front cover is included in the booklet though, as well as a bunch of photos, lyrics and liner notes.

Killer tracks: Crazy Train, Goodbye To Romance, Suicide Solution, Mr. Crowley, Revelation (Mother Earth)

Trivia: 2 of the tracks on this album caused some controversy. "Mr. Crowley" was said to be a homage to the well known Satanist, but if you listen to the lyrics, you'll find that Ozzy is really questioning Crowley's lifestyle. "Suicide Solution" even got Ozzy a lawsuit. The claim was that the track had caused a teenager to commit suicide. But also here the track is really about the opposite. It's an anti-suicide tune, written about the tragic death of friend, and AC/DC singer, Bon Scott!

Rudy Sarzo, Don Airey, Ozzy, Randy Rhoads, Tommy Aldridge (tour line-up)

DIARY OF A MADMAN (1981, 1995) EPIC/SONY

Already in the same year as his debut, Ozzy's second album was released. 'Diary Of A Madman' brings us the same line-up and the same controversial cover-artwork. But in my opinion it doesn't have as many great songs as the debut did. The band do experiment with a slightly progressive title track, and 'Over The Mountain' became a minor hit for the madman. But ask me what album "Little Dolls" are from, and I would probably don't know. Tragically Randy Rhoads was killed in a plane-crash in March of 1982, so this became the last album featuring his great guitar-work (not counting the 'Tribute' album of course).

Don Airey is credited as the keyboardist here, when he in fact didn't play a note on the album. He had joined the band during the tour for 'Blizzard Of Ozz', but became pre-occupied recording with Rainbow. So a studio musician named Johnny Cook plays keys on the album.

Killer tracks: You Can't Kill Rock And Roll, Believer, Diary Of A Madman

SPEAK OF THE DEVIL (1982, 1995) EPIC/SONY

Symptom Of The Universe Snowblind Black Sabbath Faries Wear Boots War Pigs The Wizard N.I.B. Sweet Leaf Never Say Die Sabbath Bloody Sabbath Iron Man/Children Of The Grave Paranoid

Line-up: Ozzy Osbourne - Vocals Brad Gillis - Guitar Rudy Sarzo - Bass Tommy Aldridge - Drums   Recorded live at The Ritz, New York, 26/27 Sept '82

Ozzy was on the downside when he was pushed to do this album, as a contractual obligation. Randy Rhoads had recently died, and Ozzy's health was really bad, after years of alcohol and drug abuse. It was decided to record no songs from the solo-albums, because Ozzy didn't want to be accused of cashing in on Randy's death. In came Brad Gillis from Nightranger, and also Rudy Sarzo of Quiet Riot. The band decided to have some fun. Trying to vitalize these old classic tunes is a task no one ever should try, except Black Sabbath themselves. Still I find the album quite pleasant to listen to. After all, it is a very strong set list. The original cover design by Steve 'Krusher' Joule was one of the most striking and controversial of the early Eighties. It depicts Ozzy with what appears to be bits of his insides, but was actually strawberry jam (!!), sprouting from a mouth made more hideous by a pair of fangs. It caused shock waves, but all helped sustain the atmosphere of madness and crazed humor. This album was also released under the title 'Talk Of The Devil', which is the version I used to own, before I replaced it with this remastered version.

BARK AT THE MOON (1983, 1995) EPIC/SONY

Ozzy was in the worst of states when it was time to record his 3rd solo album. Randy Rhoads was gone, and Ozzy's alcohol problems escalated. Rudy Sarzo returned to Quiet Riot, and back came the previously fired bass-player, Bob Daisley. The line-up was completed by Tommy Aldridge on drums, Don Airey on keyboards and newcomer Jake E. Lee on guitar. He had previously worked with up-and-coming acts like Rough Cutt, Mickey Ratt (soon become just Ratt) and Dio, but never recorded an actual album for either band. Together they recorded 'Bark At The Moon', released December 10, 1983.

When I first obtained this album, I didn't care much for it. But today I can't understand why. Granted, this is not as good as the previous 2 Ozzy solo-efforts, it's still a smokin' album! And it contains several classic Ozzy tracks, including the famous title-track. Personally I also think it holds some of the madman's best "unknown" tracks. "You're No Different" is one an example of an overlooked Ozzy-gem, in my opinion. However, for the first time Ozzy delivers some duds as well. "Centre Of Eternity" f.ex., just doesn't cut it for me. Another out-of-place cut is "Slow Down". Heavily saturated with keyboards, one can certainly wonder if this was a deliberate attempt to record a radio-hit. The song was not included on the original UK pressing of the album, but was added to the US version, replacing the song "Spiders In The Night". The US version also sported a completely different track listing, as well as changing some of the song titles. ("Spiders In The Night" was named "Spiders" on the UK pressing, and "Centre Of Eternity" was named "Forever", which is what Ozzy himself called the song when they played it live.)

The loss of Randy is tremendously obvious. Now, don't get me wrong, Jake E. Lee is a phenomenal guitar-player in his own rights. It's just pretty hard to beat, or even compete on the same level as, Randy Rhoads. That said, I do consider Jake to be the best replacement possible. The liner-notes credits Ozzy as the only songwriter here. The facts are a little more nuanced, as Ozzy himself has in hindsight revealed that Jake helped write the title track for 'Bark At The Moon'. Bob Daisley has also claimed that he and Jake co-wrote most of the songs, and that he at the time accepted a buyout from Osbourne in exchange for writing credits. Whatever the whole truth may be, the end result is, as already stated, a good album, albeit not a perfect one.

The 1995 remastered version is the first to have both "Slow Down" and "Spiders In The Night" on the same pressing. Too bad they didn't see fit to add "One Of The B-Sides" (the B-side to the 'Bark At The Moon' single) as well, as that would have completed the studio songs released during this era. The song in question was added to the 2002 reissue, but on this version the whole album was remixed, taking away guitar-parts and whatnot! So the 1995 version is still the preferred one.

Killer tracks: Bark At The Moon, You're No Different, Now You See It (Now You Don't), So Tired, Waiting For Darkness, Spiders In The Night

THE ULTIMATE SIN (1986, 1995) EPIC/SONY

After many successful records, Ozzy releases his best album so far! This is truly my favorite by the madman! I have so many memories about this album. It contains one of the songs I listened to the most, while growing up ("Killer Of Giants"). I even attempted to play this track on violin! Included is also a song I remember from one of my favorite movies, while growing up ("Secret Loser" is included in the movie "The Wraith"). The only track I don't like on this album, is "Fool Like You". The rest are all heavy metal classics! My version is another one of those reissues with crappy artwork.

Killer tracks: All but "Fool Like You"

TRIBUTE (1987, 1995) EPIC/SONY

Originally slated for a 1982 release, this live album was shelved for 5 years due to Randy Rhoads untimely death on March 19, 1982. On the cover Ozzy Osbourne shares artist credits with Randy Rhoads, and the title, 'Tribute', says it all. This album celebrates the music and talent of Randall William "Randy" Rhoads.

To me, this is one of the finest live-recordings of all times. Maybe it's nostalgia, but when I grew up there were 3 live-albums that stood out: KISS - 'Alive', Iron Maiden - 'Live After Death' and Ozzy - 'Tribute'! It really is that good to me. Randy was, and still is, one of the finest guitarists that ever lived, and these recordings prove it! There is not a weak spot on this CD, and quite frankly; how can one fail with a set list compiled from Ozzy's first 2 solo albums? "Crazy Train", "Mr. Crowley", "Revelation (Mother Earth)" and "Suicide Solution" (featuring an awesome solo spot with Randy) are all highlights. But it's also quite cool to hear the band play some of those old Black Sabbath tunes as well.

Recorded during 3 different concerts on the 'Blizzard Of Ozz' tour, the album actually features two different line-ups. It's a little bit unclear when and where "Goodbye To Romance" and "No Bone Movies" were recorded, but most likely they are from Southampton on October 2, 1980. This was on the first leg of the tour, and on these tracks the entire original line-up is still intact, only adding Lindsey Bridgewater on keyboards. However, the remaining tracks (excluding the "Dee" outtakes) were recorded in Cleveland, Ohio on May 11, 1981. Rhoads' guitar solo is from Montreal on July 28, 1981. By this time Ozzy's band had finished recording their second album, 'Diary Of A Madman', but it wasn't released until 6 months later. Daisley and Kerslake had been fired from the band at this time, so Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot) and Tommy Aldridge (ex-Black Oak Arkansas) took their places for the second leg of the tour. Just as on 'Diary Of A Madman' Don Airey was credited as the bands keyboardist in the liner notes, but Lindsey Bridgewater was the keyboard player onboard for these live treks.

Originally released as a double LP, the CD versions (like my 1995 reissue) are single disc only. The madman has releases numerous live-albums, EP's etc. But none of the others can ever match this one, with Randy playing lead guitar.

Trivia: An un-overdubbed version of "I Don't Know" was originally released on the "Over The Mountain" single. The recording of "Crazy Train" was also released as the album's only single on February 10, 1987, along with a music video.

NO REST FOR THE WICKED (1988, 1995) EPIC/SONY

When this was a new release, I listened to it so much, I almost wore it out (those were the vinyl days). In fact, I listened to it so much, I eventually grew tired of it. It is the classic Ozzy album I like the least, but that actually says more about this man's creativity then the quality of the album. Ozzy is going through one of his numerous rehabs, and writes stuff like "Demon Alcohol". "Bloodbath In Paradise" is about the Charles Manson incident, while "Miracle Man" is about the TV-preacher, Jimmy Swaggart. New guitarist, Zakk Wylde, makes his entrance. But I don't think he is done justice here. Listen to his playing on 'No More Tears', and compare to this album, and I think you'll agree. Not a bad album, but it gets tiresome after some 100 spins.

Killer tracks: Breaking All The Rules, Fire In The Sky, Hero

JUST SAY OZZY (1990) EPIC/CBS (EP)

Another record-company marketing ploy. Ozzy himself didn't even like the idea, but says he is pleased with the result. He actually prefers this version of "Shot In The Dark" over the studio version. It's also cool to hear Ozzy and Geezer render through those Sabbath tunes once more. All in all more of a collector's item, than it is a record I actually listen to. Replaced the original version with the 1995 reissue, with the usual crappy cover.

NO MORE TEARS (1991, 2002) SONY/EPIC

I believe 'No More Tears' is Ozzy most successful album to date. He had a huge hit with "Mama, I'm Coming Home" (written to his wife Sharon, whom he calls Mama), and also the title track did great, even getting regular MTV airplay. I love this album too, but I sadly also dislike many of the songs here. Songs like "Mr. Tinkertrain", "S.I.N.", "Zombie Stomp" and "A.V.H" are just space-fillers, and the album would be much better without them. Lemmy Kilmister, from Motörhead, co-wrote 4 of the tracks, and Motörhead have also recorded the song "Hellraiser" for the "Hellraiser 4" movie. Zakk Wylde's guitar-style comes to it's fullest here, and what a player indeed! Ozzy really knows how to find good musicians. The track "Road To Nowhere" is one of my all time favorite songs. It just speaks directly to me, and although I've not experienced the life Ozzy has lived, I can relate to that song in an uncanny way. I replaced my original CD with the 24-bit remastered version, with 2 bonus tracks. The sound is actually so much better on it. And with the original artwork intact, and with some new pictures and liner-notes, this is a good replacement. The 2 bonus-tracks aren't of high Ozzy quality, but OK enough. They were originally B-sides to singles, released to this album.

Killer tracks: Mama, I'm Coming Home, No More Tears, Time After Time, Road To Nowhere

LIVE & LOUD (1993) EPIC/SONY (2-CD)

Another live album, from the original madman. The tour was entitled No More Tours, and the rumors started to spread as to if this was to be the last we saw of Ozzy and his gang. Well, even the booklet states that this is the testimony of Ozzy as a live-artist, and that he has been told to stop touring so extensively, because of his health. But only time would tell, at the time of it's release. I like this live-album a lot, but would have preferred that the set-list was a little better, and the solo-tracks were removed. But stuff like "Crazy Train", "Shot In The Dark" and "Road To Nowhere" are awesome!! Zakk Wylde does justice to Randy Rhoads on those early Ozzy tracks, and when Geezer and Tony accompany the lads in playing those classic Sabbath-tracks, It's not hard to see why they are the godfathers of Heavy Metal. Not the best live-album out there, but a must to all Ozzy fans!

My version is a special edition, with the cover being made out as a speaker cabinet, with steel bars. It also included the tattoo-artwork, pictured above.

OZZMOSIS (1995) EPIC/SONY

It took Ozzy 2 years from his alleged quitting, to a new album saw the light of day. 'Ozzmosis' picks up where 'No More Tears' left off. Standard Ozzy stuff, and nothing more, nothing less. I don't think this is a very strong album. And if you told me that you liked the Ozzy track "Thunder Underground", I wouldn't have a clue what you were talking about. There are of course excellent tunes here as well, but all in all, this is a weaker album compared to this man's incredible catalogue. Randy Castillo, one of the longest running members of Ozzy's band, is replaced by an unknown chap, called Deen Castronovo. Rick Wakeman from Yes plays keyboards.

Killer tracks: Perry Mason, I Just Want You, See You On The Other Side

THE OZZMAN COMETH (1997) EPIC/SONY (2-CD)

After 7 studio-albums, and almost an equal amount of live-albums, Ozzy releases a best-of compilation. It's always a debate on what the track list should be on these best-of CD's. And I'm not very pleased with this one either. But it is of course a must have, because of the new track "Back On Earth" (not on any albums), and the Black Sabbath rehearsal takes. Yes, the 4 Sabbath tracks herein are taken from a rediscovered Basement Tape. One might wonder what on earth they are doing here, and not on a Sabbath compilation, but as the booklet states: "This is where it all began...'. The multimedia section is also very cool. There's a computer-game on it, where you are whacking frogs (!!), and when you choose between the different sections on the screen, Ozzy shoots a TV before you enter!! Humor only Ozzy could come up with!

TWO UP THE B SIDE (200?) CDR BOOTLEG

This is a bootleg compilation disc, which was given to me by a friend (thanks Scott). It contains most of Ozzy's b-side tracks, and guest appearances through the years. And what a fabulous collection it is! This kind of stuff should be released officially! To have the beautiful duet with Lita Ford ("Close My Eyes Forever") finally on CD, makes this compilation worth while alone! And having the duet with Lemmy ("I Ain't No Nice Guy"), without having to buy a Motörhead CD, is also a treat. "Born To Be Wild" is a Steppenwolf cover, a duet with Miss Piggy!! Funny stuff. "Purple Haze" is of course a Jimi Hendrix cover. There are of course some bad stuff here as well. All the rap-crap and remixed stuff, I could have been without. But all in all, big kudos to the guy who put together this compilation. One of the few bootlegs that is justified to own, in my opinion!

DOWN TO EARTH (2001) EPIC/SONY

Ozzy returns to his solo-career, after reuniting and touring with the original Black Sabbath. And what a return it is! This just sounds Ozzy, all the way through! You can sense some modern influences here and there, but mostly in the producing aspect, but nothing comes in the way of Ozzy's sound. Ozzy sounds like Ozzy, and 'Down To Earth' is another fine album in the collection. Listen to "Gets Me Through" and tell me that this guy has been in the business for over 30 years!!! The man sings like he is still 22 years old. Ozzy's best album in over 10 years!

Killer tracks: Gets Me Through, Facing Hell, Dreamer, You Know...(Part 1)

LIVE AT BUDOKAN (2002) EPIC/SONY

This album is a bit unnecessary. There hasn't been enough studio-albums since the last live-album to justify a new one already. But if you look past that, this is a terrific live-testimony. I do not think it has been overtly tampered with, and the material on it, speaks for it self. Zakk sounds amazing! It's actually good to hear the new tracks live. Usually it's the old tracks that does the trick, and believe me, they do so here too. But it was also cool to hear stuff like "Believer" and "Gets Me Through". He could have changed the boring "I Don't Want To Change The World" with something off the 'Ozzmosis' album though. If you are a fan, this is probably already in your collection. But if you are new to Ozzy, and want to hear the madman live, this is not a bad place to start.

THE ESSENTIAL OZZY OSBOURNE (2003) EPIC/LEGACY (2CD)

The success of the MTV-series 'The Osbourne's is what's to blame for seeing yet another compilation album from everybody's favorite madman. There is nothing on it that a collector doesn't already own (except that the tracks are from the 2002 reissue series, thus the tracks from 'Diary Of A Madman' and 'Blizzard Of Oz' are the re-recorded versions). So it was only the die-hard collector in me that picked this up, when it was album-of-the-month in one of the CD-clubs I'm a member off. But if you are new to Ozzy's music, this is decent compilation indeed. The songs are in chronological order (except for the 2 tracks from the Randy Rhoads tribute album), but why on earth have they left out songs from 'The Ultimate Sin' altogether?? This is an outrage! At least "Shot In The Dark", a song that even got some MTV airplay back in the day, would have been a logical inclusion here. Oh well, It's still 30 songs of heavy metal history!

BLACK RAIN (2007) SONY BMG/EPIC

I'd never thought Ozzy would ever release another solo album. His latest tour showed a man who was not exactly on top of his game any longer. But wonders can be done with pitch control and other studio tricks, right? Nevertheless, Ozzy's voice is not what has gotten the worst critics on this album. It's the production that gets the thumbs down. "Too modern", "not heavy enough", "commercial" are all things I've read on the internet. And I must agree that this sounds more like mix of Black Label Society and Rob Zombie than it does any of the classic Ozzy albums. I can't say that I'm surprised though, as 8 of the 10 songs are co-written by Zakk Wylde, and all 10 of them are co-written by the producer, Kevin Churko. Still, I have to say that what matters the most is the actual song material. And I really find 'Black Rain' to be just as good as anything else Ozzy's recorded during the last 15 years. "Not Going Away", "I Don't Wanna Stop" and "Civilize The Universe" are good songs, period! And the 2 ballads, "Lay Your World On Me" and "Here For You", although showing Ozzy's current restrictions as a vocalist, are still also great tunes. So I'm not sure what all the negative fuss is all about. Sure, this is no new 'No More Tears' or 'Blizzard Of Ozz'. It's just another solid Ozzy Osbourne platter! I, for one, like it!

Killer tracks: Not Going Away, I Don't Wanna Stop, Lay Your World On Me, Civilize The Universe, Here For You, Trap Door

SCREAM (2010) SONY MUSIC

'Black Rain' took one helluva beating from fans and critics alike. People biggest gripe seemed to be that Ozzy had started to sound more and more like Black Label Society, axe-slinger's Zakk Wylde's other band. In an attempt to rectify this, I guess, Zakk was let go from the line-up, just in time before the recording of Ozzy's new album, 'Scream'. Originally entitled 'Soul Sucker', it was changed due to fans reactions to it online. So don't say that Ozzy ain't listening to his fans anymore!

Soon after the news of Zakk's departure from the band, rumors of his replacement ran ramped online. Still, I don't think anyone could have foreseen that the job would go to Gus G., relatively known guitarist for Firewind, whom also helped spawn bands such as Dream Evil, Mystic Prophecy and Nightrage. No even after Ozzy announced that he has found a great Greek guitar player. Still, this unlikely match of master and apprentice works like a charm. I'm not sure how many who thought that Gus would stampede in to a glasshouse, adding his "modern" metal playing-style to the classic sound of Ozzy's music. But if anyone did, they thought wrong. Gus is a perfect match for Ozzy, anno 2010. Like a mix of Zakk Wylde and Jake E. Lee the young man is riffing his way through this silver disc like there is no tomorrow. One must of course assume that he has had little to no impact on the songwriting for this album. Still he is bringing a lot to the table, and makes sure that the guitar work is at least taken care of in a solid manner. The more I listen to "Scream", the more I am convinced that Gus is the star here.

Online reviews I've read makes me wonder if people have really taken time to listened to this album. The consensus seems to be that this is an all time low for Ozzy and his band. Again, what album are these guys listening too? The gripe seems to be the somewhat modern production, and the overall poppy sound on 'Scream'. Well, when did Ozzy ever not use famous producers and state of the art production? I can agree that producer Kevin Churko has sat his stamp on this album in the same manner he did on 'Black Rain', as he has co-written all the songs on 'Scream' too. So he is probably even more responsible for the Black Label Society comparisons more so than Zakk himself ever was. And sure, there are some songs here that are clearly written in hopes of getting radio play. But again, so were songs on 'No Rest For The Wicked' and 'No more Tears', two of Ozzy's albums that long time fans always rate high. People need to start listening again, and keep their pre-conceived notions in check. I know it's popular to bag on Ozzy these days. Heck, I've written the man off myself so many times after travesties like 'The Osbournes' and all of Sharon's antics. That still doesn't make 'Scream' a bad record!

Personally I really like this CD. Just about all of the songs are good, and that makes this Ozzy's finest moment since 'No More Tears'! If you get past the "modern" production, you'll find a pretty heavy album. Just check out "Diggin' Me Down" and "I Want It More". I also like how catchy the songs are here. Hooks are so important, even in metal, and on 'Scream' there are hooks in abundance. Ozzy has always delivered some great ballads. Here the ballads are some of the best tunes presented. All in all I find 'Scream' to be a diverse album. Some of the songs are pretty a-typical for the prince of darkness. But as long as they work, then why not? 'Scream' is one of the most positive surprise for me in a long time, and it will give me great pleasure to add it relatively high on my top 20 list of 2010 releases.

Killer tracks: Let It Die, Let Me Hear You Scream, Soul Sucker, Life Won't Wait, Diggin' Me Down, Crucify, I Want It More

Ozzy Osbourne also appear on:

V/A - 'More Power Ballads'

Ozzy Osbourne guest appearances:

Alice Cooper - 'Hey Stoopid'

Alice Cooper - 'Along Came A Spider' (also as writer)

V/A - 'Nativity In Black - A tribute to Black Sabbath'

Jake E. Lee guest appearances:

Rob Rock - 'Rage Of Creation'

V/A - 'Metallic Assault - A Tribute To Metallica'

Robert Trujillo guest appearances:

V/A - 'Metallic Assault - A Tribute To Metallica'

Don Airey guest appearances:

Sinner - 'Comin' Out Fighting'

Metalium - 'Hero-Nation: Chapter Three'

Tommy Aldridge guest appearances:

V/A - 'Hear 'n Aid: Stars'

V/A - 'Metallic Assault - A Tribute To Metallica'

Phil Sossan guest appearances:

V/A - 'Hear 'n Aid: Stars'

Ozzy Osbourne tribute album(s):

Ozzy Osbourne members also play/have played with:

Black Sabbath, Quiet Riot, Rainbow, Metallica, Dio, Yngwie Malmsteen, M.A.R.S., Malice, Cacophony, Heaven & Hell, Firewind, Dream Evil, Mystic Prophecy, Lizzy Borden