Ozzy Osbourne – Diary of a Madman – 1981
Blizzard of Ozz part 2. this one actually follows the same pattern laid down by Blizzard. Great opener “Over the Mountain”, blistering follow-up “Flying High Again”, power ballad “You Can’t Kill Rock and Roll”. And so on. Instead of “Mr. Crowley”, the dark side two opener is “Little Dolls”, Just as ominous a track with a little toe in Ozzy’s psychedelic roots. Really little.
By now the guys have settled down from the launchpad of “we’ll show you how great we are” to the perch of “we’ve won, we are the gods of metal”. Because of that, there are few surprises. Like we need surprises when you’ve got Randy Rhodes. Let him loose to do his stuff. He’s not gonna be around forever, you know…
I’m usually not a huge fan of Power Metal Ballads, but I have a soft spot for “Tonight”. It evokes lonely Saturday night cruising in the 80s. Hoping for something to happen. Driving your beater or your dad’s big boat of a Chrysler down main street while your best friend makes out with the hotter girl in the back seat. Jamming the brakes every once in a while out of jealousy. Ending up in the same place you started. Which really isn’t so bad. Cuz one day you’ll leave that town. You’ll be something.
You don’t need Diary of a Madman if you already own Blizzard of Ozz. But it won’t hurt to have it or hear it.
Grade: A-
Aside: Over the Mountain, Flying High Again
BlindSide: Little Dolls, Tonight, S.A.T.O.
