Description
Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard Of Ozz – Vinyl Record
Released on September 20, 1980, Blizzard of Ozz marked Ozzy Osbourne’s triumphant solo debut after being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979. Many doubted whether he could make a comeback, but this album silenced the critics, solidifying him as a solo powerhouse and helping to shape the sound of heavy metal in the 1980s. The album introduced the world to Randy Rhoads, the virtuoso guitarist whose innovative playing combined neoclassical elements, blistering solos, and an impeccable sense of melody, making him one of the most influential guitarists in metal history. Alongside Bob Daisley on bass, Lee Kerslake on drums, and Don Airey on keyboards, Blizzard of Ozz became an instant classic, blending raw power, haunting atmosphere, and masterful musicianship.
Musically, the album retained the dark, ominous tones of Ozzy’s work with Black Sabbath but infused it with a more refined, melodic, and energetic approach. The production was clean yet raw, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining a sense of urgency and theatricality. From the thunderous opening chords of “I Don’t Know” to the eerie mysticism of “Mr. Crowley”, and the sheer energy of “Crazy Train”, the album is a showcase of metal at its finest. While known for its heavy tracks, Blizzard of Ozz also showcased Ozzy’s ability to explore emotional depth, particularly in “Goodbye to Romance,” a poignant ballad about leaving the past behind.
Blizzard of Ozz dives into madness, addiction, mysticism, and existential themes. Songs like “Crazy Train” deal with paranoia and instability, “Suicide Solution” (often misinterpreted and the subject of controversy) tackles the dangers of alcoholism, while “Mr. Crowley” is a haunting tribute to occultist Aleister Crowley. The record’s ability to blend fantasy, reality, and social commentary makes it one of the most compelling in Ozzy’s catalog. However, the album was not without controversy, with religious groups and moral critics accusing Ozzy of promoting Satanism and suicide, though he and his team consistently refuted such claims.
Blizzard of Ozz was a commercial and critical success, peaking at #21 on the US Billboard 200 and later being certified 5× Platinum in the United States. It produced one of heavy metal’s most enduring anthems, “Crazy Train,” which remains a staple in pop culture, from sports arenas to movie soundtracks. Tragically, Randy Rhoads’ life was cut short in 1982 due to a plane crash, but his contributions to this album, along with Diary of a Madman (1981), left an indelible mark on metal history.
Decades later, Blizzard of Ozz remains one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time, influencing countless bands and proving that Ozzy Osbourne was far from finished after leaving Black Sabbath. It helped usher in the guitar hero era of the ’80s, inspiring players like Zakk Wylde, Dimebag Darrell, and Synyster Gates, and cemented Ozzy as one of the most iconic figures in rock and metal. Whether you’re a lifelong metalhead or just discovering classic heavy metal, Blizzard of Ozz is an essential listen—a record that embodies the rebellious spirit, raw energy, and musical innovation that defines the genre.
180 Gram Vinyl
30th Anniversary Edition released on vinyl early for Record Store Day 2011
All original performances remastered from the original master tapes
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
I Don’t Know
Crazy Train
Goodbye To Romance
Dee
Suicide Solution
Mr. Crowley
No Bone Movies
Revelation (Mother Earth)
Steal Away (The Night)
