On November 7, 1981 Ozzy Osbourne delivered his second solo album after the sensational release of Blizzard Of Ozz. Since the tremendous introduction to Ozzy as a standalone artist, fans couldn’t be more excited for a follow-up. Realizing that Ozzy was a one man army without the support of Black Sabbath, the opportunities seemed endless as to what he, Randy Rhoads, Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake could brew up next for new material.
Coming at listeners with full force and intensity, the intro of Over The Mountain was a demonstration that the band hadn’t lost any steam projected in their debut. Powerful drumming, amplified vocals and more magic roaring from Rhoads’s musical brilliance. Right after is the classic track, Flying High Again featuring plenty of Ozzy’s echoed singing bouncing in and out of each speaker while Randy compliments his vocals.
This album also highlights the band’s cooperative talent from Rhoads and Daisley’s interactive collaboration on You Can’t Kill Rock & Roll and Believer to Lee Kerslake’s emphasized rhythm on Little Dolls. Tonight in particular captures the group’s capability to produce one of the most unique tones that was never heard in traditional heavy metal before. It’s a ballad-like groove combined with a hard-hitting hook making a truly beautiful sound from Ozzy’s powerful vocals to Randy’s extraordinary playing.
Once you get to the last few songs on side two, most would expect some filler tunes or get the notion that the album is going to start deteriorating, however with Diary it only gets better towards the end. S.AT.O. is a fast paced track with an excellent bridge rising higher and building faster with Ozzy’s singing before Rhoads carries it out efficiently.
The closing title number is an intricate piece with classical roots magnified alongside Rhoads’s eloquent playing. The mood of this song draws back to the eerie theme embedded throughout the entire album such as the evil tone marked on Believer and Little Dolls. Ozzy’s vocal style and Rhoads’s distinct guitar skills generate this wicked yet satisfying sound that no others could match.
After 34 years, this second installment to Ozzy’s developing solo career still leaves a striking impression in retrospect. Despite the praise of Blizzard Of Ozz, Diary became the standard that many would abide by in search for a darker, heavier side to metal.
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