LAZY rock diamond RVL-7222

A Harder Edge Emerges: Lazy’s ‘Rock Diamond’ (RVL-7222)

Today we explore a pivotal album in the evolution of the band Lazy, marking a significant shift towards their true musical inclinations. This is their fifth studio album, “Rock Diamond,” released in 1980 on the RCA label with the catalog number RVL-7222 with obi.

Following several albums heavily steered towards pop-idol territory by their label, “Rock Diamond” represents a conscious effort by the band members – particularly future Loudness founders Akira Takasaki (guitar) and Munetaka Higuchi (drums) – to embrace the hard rock sound they originally loved. Produced by the band themselves, this 12-inch vinyl LP signaled a move away from pure pop.

While not entirely abandoning melodic sensibilities, “Rock Diamond” features a noticeably harder edge compared to their previous work. Listeners can hear more prominent and aggressive guitar riffs from Takasaki, more powerful drumming from Higuchi, and overall arrangements leaning closer to the hard rock influences the band admired. It showcases their growing confidence and desire to break free from the idol image.

RVL-7222 is a crucial album for understanding the transition of Lazy. It captures the moment they began asserting their hard rock identity, offering fans a glimpse of the powerful sound that Takasaki and Higuchi would soon unleash upon the world with Loudness. It’s a key stepping stone between their pop beginnings and their heavy metal destiny.