Musicians: Ozzy Osbourne (vocals 3,7); Zakk Wylde (guitar 4); Bob Daisley (bass 3,7); Jack Bruce (bass & vocals 5,10); Eric Singer (drums 1,4).
Билл сам записал партии ударных, вокал и фортепиано, но не на всех треках. To date, since leaving Black Sabbath (the first time) in 1980, Bill Ward has released precisely two full solo albums (plus the single “Straws”). This is especially unfortunate, since both solo albums are particularly fine pieces of work. The finest and most noteworthy was his first, Ward One: Along the Way, released a decade after his Sabbath departure. A long time in the making doesn’t begin to sum it up.
Aside from some production issues (this album could use a nice, clear remix) this is among the best solo products issued by any ex-member of Black Sabbath, including Dio and Ozzy. It has its Sabbathesque moments (a few crushing guitar chords, pounding drums, peacenik lyrics) but it truly is an animal of its own. Bill Ward received a co-writing credit on every original Black Sabbath song, and it’s clear why. The man has a vivid imagination, creating swirling soundscapes of music. There is nothing here that is outright commercial, nothing straightforward, everything is just slightly fucked up. I think most likely it was Bill that gave Black Sabbath its oddball experimental edge in the early days. An edge they have lost now that they have given him the boot.
The obvious standout track is “Bombers (Can Open Bomb Bays)”, the thunderous single featuring none other than Ozzy himself on lead vocals. But even that is strange and offputting, as the pitch of Ozzy’s voice is manipulated in the mix, giving him an otherworldly sound at times.
(full version: mikeladano.com/2012/11/26/review-bill-ward-ward-one-along-the-way-1990/)