Bill Ward - Ward One: Along the Way (full album)

Album: Ward One: Along the Way
Artist: Bill Ward
Playlist:
00:00 1. (Mobile) Shooting Gallery
05:12 2. Short Stories
06:18 3. Bombers (Can Open Bomb Bays)
10:41 4. Pink Clouds an Island
13:57 5. Light Up the Candles (Let There Be Peace Tonight)
17:31 6. Snakes & Ladders
24:06 7. Jack's Land
28:48 8. Living Naked
34:52 9. Music For a Raw Nerve Ending
36:58 10. Tall Stories
42:02 11. Sweep
46:02 12. Along the Way
This is an extraordinary album from the drummer of Black Sabbath, released on the California label Chameleon. The music is expertly defined, produced, and engineered by Peter R. Kelsey, while "lyrics and musical arrangement" by Bill Ward is the hint that this is Ward's baby all the way. It opens with Kiss/Black Sabbath/Alice Cooper substitute drummer Eric Singer on the skins and Ward on vocals. That tune, "Shooting Gallery," has a riff that you can't place and an overwhelming presence; it gives way to another Ward vocal on "Short Stories," which blends nicely into "Bombers (Can Open Bomb Bays)," with Ozzy Osbourne on lead vocals. The track is tremendous. "Pink Clouds an Island" brings Ward back to the lead vocals, and it is as strange as it sounds. It is a bridge to another gem with another guest star: The distinctive voice of Cream's Jack Bruce adds a haunting element to the sparse guitar excursion that is "Light Up the Candles (Let There Be Peace Tonight)." There is not a bad track on this disc -- it is heavy, it is well-produced, and creative ideas flow all over the place. Ward returns to center stage for a metallic stomp called "Snakes and Ladders," complete with Keith Lynch and Rue Phillips damaging guitars. Where progressive rock and metal fans alike found Phil Collins leaving the drums for the microphone sacrilege, Ward proves that he, not Ian Gillan, and not a thousand other faceless vocalists, had the charm to front Black Sabbath during the days without Ozzy. "Snakes and Ladders" is relentless, a stomp with guitar textures that would make Tony Iommi proud. Ozzy returns for his second and final track, "Jack's Land": "It's a simple enough task, boys, to find a living miracle." This is classic Ozzy, maybe a bit more refined. Ward strikes many poses, but the gentleman on page two of the booklet seems like the clever chap who concocted this incredible brew. The fact is, Ward One: Along The Way is stronger than many discs put out by all the people involved with it. Chameleon has to be commended, on one hand, for allowing it to see the light of day, and chastised for letting Ward's superb solo disc get lost in the shuffle. "Jack's Land" and Ozzy's vocal fade out and metallic riffs move in as Ward takes the drums, keyboards, and vocals back. Phil Collins again comes to mind -- as a producer, his drum sound on the hit "Easy Lover" for Philip Bailey was something that saved Collins from eternal damnation, but Ward gets equally significant drum sounds and a perfectly eerie vocal on "Living Naked"; "Music for a Raw Nerve Ending" adds early Who sounds to the quasi-Iron Maiden sludge. Bruce returns for a strange "Tall Stories," and Ward closes it out with "Sweep" and the title track, "Along the Way." Absolutely excellent stuff.
Enjoy!

[@raymondwilliams2609]

I had no idea that Bill Ward was so multi talented, I will never look at life the same, again. Hell of a voice, hell of an album. 🤗❤️👍✌️👋🤘 Stay safe, stay well everybody. 😷🤗❤️👍✌️👋🤘

[@steverherb]

Bill Ward is the greatest drummer to ever fly under the radar! It's his unique, swinging, orchestral playing style that makes Sabbath's sound one without any equal

[@Splitshot1]

My favorite drummer since 1972- in my eyes he can do no wrong .

[@markwilson3026]

Great music no Bill Ward no Black Sabbath the other members for what ever reason have forgot this.

[@belleepoque4597]

This album is incredibly good.

[@sunpower4u]

I loved co-writing and recording this album with Bill 'Pap' Ward for two years. It may not to be a classic but it surely is a time piece. Please check out the awesome (gone but not forgotten) stars that compiled these tracks. Great album indeed 'if I may be so bold'.

[@stawmtroopa1968]

Bills albums all have a healing quality to them that I love more than anything. This album is incredible. Been listening to it religiously since 1990 when it came out. I was lucky enough to find it in a music store looking for solo albums from Sabbath members. Long before the Internet had it all at your fingertips in an eye blink.Fantastic!

[@marcusmorgan2373]

Great work,Rue...but this is indeed a classic...a cult classic but a classic nonetheless....been listening to it since it came out back in 1990...my favorite of all Sab related solo records by far....

[@SASQUATCHBROTHERS]

awesome bro..wish i could work with you

[@buffaloodonnell6271]

Rue Phillips i like it whos singing

[@stawmtroopa1968]

Bill Ward is singing.

[@JoeyP322]

I love Bill Ward, very underrated drummer, quite the honest gentleman... the hardest best rhythm section of Ward and Butler that metal has ever witnessed. Excellent solo album.

[@mainzergirl9610]

Is there a better rhythm section that Ward/Butler?

[@user-ly1fq2xj9g]

Великолепная работа. Очень легкий и ровный и слушается на одном дыхании. Настоящее открытие для меня.

[@5150JAM]

didn't know this existed.....glad I found it here.....THANKS FOR SHARING!

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

Loved this record when it was released, Great stuff. Bill took a lot of chances, did what he wanted, and it was awesome.

[@michaelpellas3199]

God Bless Bill Ward. He is awesome!

[@deBebbler]

I bought this the week it was released. I had no idea what to expect, but the last thing I thought it would be like was 'Pink Floyd with the balls of Sabbath.' Definitely appealing to a high school aged Sabbath freak. Thanks for the upload, as this one left my possession long ago. Really enjoyed it again after all this time.

[@stevemarshall3986]

Have this album on tape. Haven't listened to it since my ex's stupid kid destroyed my tape deck over 20 years ago. It all came back as soon as I listened to this like it was yesterday.

[@todzzzzz]

Back in 2009 I chatted regularly with bassist Bob Daisley on MySpace (serious it was really him!) (this LP, Ozzy, Uriah Heep, Rainbow, etc.) ... he said a few times "you need to get the Ward One LP, it's excellent" ... man he was not kidding this is awesome!

[@nodaysback1]

Why did you stop? Did you ask him about Randy?

[@jimmiemiller828]

I'm from Casper Wyoming and I started listening to sabbath in 1980 when I was 7 since then I've been Sabbatized

[@kevinhodgson8508]

Great album !

[@juliejerrell4715]

This is one of the best! My husband would whistle the bit at the very end of the album outside my window when we were dating. Many, many years ago! This album still 'has it'!

[@turnthepaigebrooklyn2951]

Album cover is cute in its own way. Uniquely forms of percussion - sort of like Phil Collins taking bong hits in the twilight zone 🤔 shockingly good!

[@markdavis5562]

There is definitely no other drummer for Black Sabbath

[@JamesMoore-un3cu]

I can't say enough about the album and the sonic ecstasy it contains! The MUSICIANS Bill was able to get to play on this album rivals no other... the songwriting, Bill's own opening track about overdosing.. unbelievable! Jack Bruce is/was incredible! And THANK YOU to Rue for the comments below! So glad someone is coming forward to say what an absolute CLASSIC this is!

[@fartkerson]

Bill Ward sounds like Peter Gabriel on The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. Maybe just Peter Gabriel in general, but I love those old Genesis albums. Tall Stories and Sweep, when he sings and then answers back quickly. His soft spoken lyrical quality. Wow!

[@scottyflamingo1413]

This album is one of those albums you can't understand why it never caught on. This is like a modern Pink Floyd with a heavier edge. It is one of those albums that you sit back in awe of what you are listening to. Still have my original cassette and later found the CD. Both are treasured parts of my collection.

[@ОлегОлег-г3ж]

💯👌

[@edwinbitsoe3051]

Talk about finding buried treasure,this is a rare finding from one of rocks elite drummers!!!!!!!

[@RockerAce67]

Still have my CD from back in the day!!! Great album for sure!!!

[@paulsafonov]

Bill Ward is the BEST!!!

[@jonesy2111]

I agree I'd prefer his drumming to anyone you'd care to mention

[@joshsmith2909]

@@jonesy2111 john Bonham? I prefer Bill ward.

[@jonesy2111]

@@joshsmith2909 Bonham? Who said anything about him??

[@joshsmith2909]

@@jonesy2111 I meant do you prefer bill ward over john bonham?

[@danielspillane6650]

I'm having a stroke

[@Tull1996]

I remember getting this album....back then it was hard for me to find in my area....I was in college and had a friend who lived in a larger city pick it up for me.......listened to it again and again....I still listen to it from time to time.....Bill Ward is awesome....I thought this was a pretty strong effort.

[@55tnacguy]

Bought the cd when it first hit the stores, great album. Longtime fan of Bill Ward and Sabbath as well.

[@ericbrecht9473]

fucking EXCELLENT album! God I forgot how much this rocks and the atmospheric feel!

[@bartwisse8197]

Many thanks to whoever posted this . Last i listened to this was 30 years ago Still as good as then

[@swinetrek]

Bloody hell! Why have I never heard of this? Great album.

[@jerriroszak5843]

Sit back, close your eyes and enjoy the ride. What a journey!

[@plciferpffer3048]

Bill Ward got my respect!

[@midnightadmirer]

Mind blowing hidden gem💘

[@Forrest-Jackson]

I owned this cassette when it came out... and while I loved it then, I really, really love the shit out of it now!

[@Drivehead103]

This is A great album that deserves to be listened to from beginning to end with no interruptions. His second solo album when the bough breaks is really good also.

[@jarredallemand5845]

bill ward and jack bruce, two masters! awesome!

[@ElderDragonBrasil]

Second time I stop to hear this album. It is something unique I can say, and a good one!

[@alohamario3739]

I will say this is a pretty cool album. I'll always admire Bill Ward. I'll also never forget the time I shook his hand in Hollywood when their Live Album came out, it was autographed by the whole band. I stood in aw starring at my favorite guitarist Tony and looked scary in person, I was unable to say anything but stare salivating then suddenly Bill get's up and with a huge smile reaches out and says "Hi, how are you doing?" I could not see Geezer, he was signing the CD and all I saw was a massive amount of hair. Ozzy, he was also signing and suddenly someone (fan standing in line yelled "Ooooozzzzzzyyyyyyyy) and Ozzy just lifted his head and there he was! He looked up and began to scream Fuck yeah.. alright. But the security was pushing everyone in line like cattle... boom boom boom.. next. Not much time to saw a few words with the band, just a signature and a quick hello and next. It all was worth it though, heh heh.

[@thewurm9177]

I was there too, Tower Records on Sunset Blvd. An amazing moment indeed! ,,\/, ,\/,,

[@zigmonger6646]

Tower Records on Sunset.

[@Megamaniac610]

Wow I had no clue this album even existed this is fantastic!

[@Drivehead103]

So glad I purchased both releases when they came out. Love everything about it. Takes me places in my head in the same way Pink Floyd does while also melting my face and ears off !

[@dougbelford4796]

very cool. love it.

[@Narpets2112]

I had no idea Bill even had solo albums. This is awesome!

[@davesaenz3732]

I expected a crappy album but this is awesome!!!

[@georgesabol459]

Saw Black Sabbath 2014 ? wondered why he wasn't present. The drummer they had on tour,was superb. I would rather had seen Mr. Ward. He always carried his part & contribution. Please tour.

[@ushrit]

Amazing album... and to think I had to *stumble* upon it.

[@mully2point0]

my god this album is amazing!!! im so glad i found it on here. i forgot what rabbit trail led me here though lol

[@buffaloodonnell6271]

mully2point0 me too glad i found it found quite a bit of stuff never knew about im amazed

[@Tumbelweed_Ferguson]

I just heard this for the first time and I love it, I'm a Sabbath fan from the first LP on to the last one, I even played some Sabbath covers in the 80's

[@andrascsiki4349]

I love this album!

[@garyonofrio3058]

Wow this is AWESOME! Huge Sabbath fan and finally took the time out to listen to Bill's solo stuff... glad I did!

[@dno4794]

Like others. Was not aware of this albums existence. Long term Sabbath fan. Very much appreciated. DNO..

[@robertreed6548]

Fantastic album

[@nickmancini3215]

I bought this album the day it came out. Good stuff.

[@DustBowlWeevil]

ABSOLUTELY GENIUS!

[@cyann8eight739]

Coolness.

[@gladiator22666]

Thanks for the upload . Got this on vinyl when it first came out , never replaced it on CD .........not got a deck to play it on lol.

[@deirdredevlin903]

Who doesn't like this `I put this on with my new Auto Radio-was doing 95 `great work Fellas!

[@jamesshaffer206]

Wow. This is so awesome. I never heard of Bill Ward doing anything solo. I really needed to find something like this. Thank you so much for sharing .

[@AdolfoTorresMIJO]

4th time in a row listening to this record. Amazing, thank you for uploading it! I had never even heard of it and now I'm hooked. What a beautiful musician, some of the best melodies I've heard in a long time. Adolfo

[@spiveydavo]

Wow...memory lane. i bought this album while visiting New Orleans back when a kid just after seeing the "Bombers Bomb Bays" video on MTV. Thanks for the upload!! Awesome how so many great musicians are on here...think i'll appreciate it more now that i'm older.

[@semitar6]

I remember getting ahold of a preview of this tape, that featured Bombers... what a epic song.. I remember being surprised that the song didn't get more play....still rocks after all these years.

[@immrnoidall]

i ended up in a drug rehab one morning after a wild weekend.they would not let me out for a week. by the end of the first day, we were getting stoned and smoking up the bathroom. i called a friend to have some cd's and a discman brought to me. he was nice enough to include this disc. it was new and i had never heard it before. i was soon cured of any need for rehabilitation. "Ups Downs Reds Whites Continued over using Everything on lower shelf Is guaranteed for self abusing" been there.

[@antonelloschiano5815]

very fantastic album! I did not know about this album. Beautiful composition and musicians! Thank you so much

[@jonesy2111]

Wow my favorite drummer of all time did a solo album and I didn't know about it?? Shame on me...sounds great and Jack Bruce on bass? How awesome...

[@johndrx165]

I really like this album and the collaborations! Thanks guys!

[@browkenwing]

yo this is some great shit i have no idea how i missed back in the day i have always loved bill ward all members of sabbath have gave us great music

[@TomReidarGrndahl]

How i was able to miss out on this great album is beyond my imagination i had a record shop in Norway those years. Maybe it sold out the same day it came,so i never had a change to listen.

[@garyquinn4260]

Absolutely Fucking Fantastic Album. I bought this on cassette when it was released. I don't think there's a bad track on it. And While You're Sleeping!! Fucking Amazing.. And...Thanks for Posting... Hard to find...

[@kevinhodgson8508]

Great .... Totally dig Bill !

[@rodolfogiraldi5040]

i did’t know about this material until today

[@elizabethd189]

Most awesome album ever! So g;ad someone finally posted it in its entirety .

[@willemsterk5992]

Hi Rue, you are way too modest. This IS a classic album, you're a lucky man to have worked with Bill. Just listened to : When the bough breaks, and must say Bill shares his inner world with you and is able to put this to music, amazing!!!

[@markwells2129]

i remember buying this great album at a record fair a long time ago on vinyl it was very rare it took a while to get into it its a great album i think this is better than Bill s second album

[@karlanovakova7148]

Bravo !!

[@fuzzy45042]

Great Album man !!!

[@Mr01081960]

Great album

[@johnnyrandom100]

never heard this before. what a fucking great album. hope I can order it online.

[@jeanclementstgelais3226]

Je ne connaissais pas cet album. Époustouflant

[@79comodo]

So good!i 'm glad,cause even if i am one of the biggest SABBATH fans,i had no clue about Bill's album,so it's something totally new for me,and i like it!

[@woodsy555]

simply the best.

[@adams4756]

exquisite album!

[@buttkid3548]

this is actually really good. Didn't realize this existed.

[@paulvaldez7935]

Awesome !!! First time hearing it I love it

[@monstermash1961666]

DANG! This is the best well kept secret of all-time!

[@splittingatomsband]

Genius pure brilliance.

[@Beerchasers]

Light up the candles for Jack! Rip.

[@VANISHTHEWEAK]

Still my favourite drumming in a rock band is Bill Wards Beating The Snot out of The Skins in Paris 1970.

[@waynetitus8483]

YES! M8

[@chriscollier7469]

War pigs was amazing

[@jimulyatt3093]

Quality album. Had this album 3 Month before release and have move house a few times since and have lost it, does anyone no where I can get it from now.

[@ottocastillo6110]

Had this on cassette in the 90s what find. Loaned it to a so called friend ruined it. Thank GOD for the net. Great fucking album.

[@gunawanap3598]

Luarrt biasa kerenn 👍

[@valeriyblinov1573]

Super Legend!!! Super!!!!

[@morferus666]

Amazing!

[@edwardbalowski6572]

very good solo album........

[@bmjx55]

It has clever ptototype ideas especially in guitar movements.........Very good!........A pleasant surprise.

[@waynetitus8483]

mobile shooting gallery is awesome , something going on there , that ends up in a submarine , WOW

[@robertgodlewski8553]

Damn good album!!!

[@volodymyrbilyk555]

tall stories is a masterpiece

[@curtiseverett1671]

wow....... thanks so much!

[@4EnglishPress2]

The Lord works in mysterious ways...

[@wardka]

This is closer to progressive rock than metal to my ears, -- progressive rock with a heavy edge. Of course Sabbath got kind of prog in the mid 70s and did very well at it. Okay if it's on iTunes I'm ordering it.

[@Cognitively_m_paired_4_Kamala]

But still good. Original and creative

[@dennisbayle1774]

Absolutely A 💎

[@visionearful]

1 FREAKIN' HOT RECORD. The tracks R strong and U even have Oz on it. A record that should have had more promotion and air play. Still a great release.