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Diary of a Madman

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Diary of a Madman was released in October 1981 and is Ozzy Osbourne's second album. It is the last with guitarist Randy Rhoads, who was killed in a plane crash in March 1982 during the tour. The sleeve shows Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge, but the bass and drums on the original release were played by Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake. Daisley also wrote part of the music and most of the lyrics. Both were fired shortly after the recording and received no credit, which later led to a lawsuit.

On release the reviews were often lukewarm. Rolling Stone found the songs little more than riffs with a vocal line on top. Later the appreciation grew. Critics above all praise Rhoads's neoclassical guitar work and the mystical, eerie atmosphere. According to AllMusic, some fans prefer this album to Blizzard of Ozz. In 2017 it stood at number 15 on Rolling Stone's list of the best metal albums.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to the title song Diary of a Madman and notice how Rhoads's guitar sets the mood. That way you hear why critics praise his playing so highly.

Track list

  1. 1Over the Mountain4:32Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Flying High Again4:44Apple Music ↗
  3. 3You Can't Kill Rock and Roll6:00Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Believer5:17Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Little Dolls5:39Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Tonight5:51Apple Music ↗
  7. 7S.A.T.O.4:07Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Diary of a Madman6:16Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs