Ozzy Osbourne
Diary Of A Madman

THE REVIEW

Worthy successor of its predecessor, this is the second and last (alas) album released in partnership with Randy Rhodes, but let's not forget the rest of the cohesive band that excellently fulfilled its duty, to whom Ozzy also owes his thanks. I'm talking about Tommy Aldridge, Rudy Sarzo, Robert Daisley, and Lee Kerslake. That said, I will say much less compared to "Blizzard of Ozz", since the album proceeds in the same vein, the same style represented by maturity, excellent songwriting, and once again unforgettable songs that made history, first for Ozzy, then for heavy metal.

It's impossible to forget the masterful "Over The Mountain" or the brilliant ballad (the lyrics are also beautiful) of "You can't kill rock and roll", finally concluding with the title track, which is a true Ozzy classic, that in the initial arpeggio and subsequent opening riff captures the very essence of heavy metal. Overall, I like it a bit less compared to "Blizzard of Oz," but I also recognize great qualities in this album, which Ozzy then lost along the way, first veering off, and then getting back on track, but with a significant (and inevitable, as with everyone) change of style after years of career. I am very sorry that Randy Rhodes is no longer with us; this album is his testament. Here I rate it 4, simply because there are Ozzy's works that I like more, but songs of the caliber of "Over The Mountain" you don't hear anymore in his albums.