Black Rain

Ozzy Osbourne

Epic, 2007

http://www.ozzy.com

REVIEW BY: Jeff Clutterbuck

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 06/04/2007

Does anyone out there really think the world needs a new Ozzy Osbourne album?

What is there left for Ozzy to contribute to the current music scene? Older artists like Elton John, Meat Loaf and Paul McCartney lately have made attempts to create material on par with their best. my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250 Black Rain, if anything, presents an Ozzy just going through the motions for no particular reason.

Sure, the formula for a vintage Osbourne record is present, but the performances lack any semblance of passion. The material itself sounds strained, the melodies and hooks for “Not Going Away,” and “Black Rain” forced and awkward. And that’s just the first two tracks, one of which is the single.

I will admit to liking the title track; it gives off an intense vibe, like a storm on the horizon. Zakk Wylde’s riffs are suitably heavy and the lyrics bear similarities to Paranoid-era Sabbath. Dark, creepy, it works.

“Here For You,” while following in the tradition of songs like “Mama I’m Coming Home,” just doesn’t fit in with the other material. It’s a power-ballad by the books and I find myself humming it, but it doesn't fit in the framework of the disc.

I did not get into Sabbath until a few years ago after Ozzy hit it big with his reality show. After seeing him on that monstrosity, I am shocked that he can still perform. Hell, I’m blown away by the fact he can still enunciate with some degree of clarity. From a technical standpoint, Osbourne sounds strong, but again there’s no investment in the material.

What else is there to say, really? No new ground is broken at all, and Ozzy sounds like the same old Ozzy. By that rationale, I’m sure Osbourne fans will eat it up. I, on the other hand, would like something more from one of rock’s most famous frontmen.

Rating: C-

User Rating: C+


Comments

I have to disagree. Black Rain is a very good CD. To me, it sounds like you are discrediting this album solely based on Ozzys age. I have not listened to the new McCartney album, but I am not going to tell myself it can't be good because Paul is over 64.

With all the garbage bombarding our airwaves everyday. I say "Hell Yes! The world really needs another Ozzy album, and another Paul McCartney album as well. We need a lot more."
 








© 2007 Jeff Clutterbuck and The Daily Vault. All rights reserved. Review or any portion may not be reproduced without written permission. Cover art is the intellectual property of Epic, and is used for informational purposes only.