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"If it doesn't revolutionize the formula used on "Blizzard Of Ozz", "Diary Of A Madman" is nevertheless a brilliant confirmation of the talent of Ozzy Osbourne and his team who lead us once again to the borders of a madness as worrying as intoxicating."
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4/5
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It's difficult to follow up an album as unstoppable as "Blizzard Of Ozz", especially when one's mental health is so fragile. Yet, Ozzy seems to have found a kind of balance between his girlfriend Sharon who takes care to manage him at best, and his accomplice Randy Rhoads whose genius seems to give him wings. So it's not surprising to see a new album appearing so quickly. However, the now Madman wouldn't have become a legend without his numerous mischiefs and this new offering sees Rudy Sarzo (bass) and Tommy Aldridge (drums) credited in his booklet, whereas it is indeed Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake who worked on it a year before by recording and participating in the composition. As for the keyboards played by Johnny Cook, they are not even mentioned. So let's pay a well-deserved tribute to his musicians, victims of one of the many mood swings of the Prince of Darkness.
If some will regret the little evolution between "Diary Of A Madman" and its predecessor, the immense majority will be happy to see that inspiration is still there for Ozzy and Randy. The elements remain the same but the result is just as exciting, carried by the genius of the young guitarist who confirms here his talent, playing hallucinating solos and able to marry velocity, inventiveness and feeling according to the needs, each track being entitled to the best to make it a must. The ambiences are varied and Ozzy even offers some lyrics on which he delivers a bit of his tortured soul, whether it's his affection for artificial paradises ("Flying High Again") or his devotion to his music ("You Can't Kill Rock And Roll", a real manifesto rich in ambiences and melodies).
Just like for "Blizzard Of Ozz", each track deserves to be listened to, from the catchy "Over The Mountain", worthy successor of "Crazy Train", to the epic and tortured "Diary Of A Madman" flirting with the borders of progressive and relying on an original rhythmics all in break but letting a dark atmosphere with the sound of violins and scary choirs. Also unavoidable, the disturbing "Believer", travels in the heart of darkness to the rhythm of a martial bass, only lit by a breathtaking solo. The ballad "Tonight" is carried by a rhythm section that gives it an interesting dynamic, while Rhoads' solo is here luminous. Finally, it's hard to get up from a percussive and powerful "S.A.T.O." that traps the audience after a sad and melodic introduction. Only "Little Dolls" can seem a slight tone down despite beautiful vocal harmonies and a Randy Rhoads once again full of feeling.
If it doesn't revolutionize the formula used on "Blizzard Of Ozz", "Diary Of A Madman" is nevertheless a brilliant confirmation of the talent of Ozzy Osbourne and his team who lead us once again to the borders of a madness as worrying as intoxicating, ready to make us fall into the worst nightmare, but bright enough to hypnotize us and keep us above the chaos by the magic and fragile thread of genius. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Over The Mountain - 4:31
02. Flying High Again - 4:40
03. You Can't Kill Rock And Roll - 6:46
04. Believer - 5:14
05. Little Dolls - 5:36
06. Tonight - 5:43
07. S.A.T.O. - 4:06
08. Diary Of A Madman - 6:15
09. I Don't Know [Live][Bonus Track] - 4:56
LINEUP:
Bob Daisley: Basse
Johnny Cook: Claviers
Lee Kerslake: Batterie
Ozzy Osbourne: Chant
Randy Rhoads: Guitares
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READERS
3.2/5 (4 view(s))
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STAFF:
4.2/5 (6 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH OZZY OSBOURNE
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT OZZY OSBOURNE
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