Year: 2022
Total Time: 61.10
Label: Columbia Records
“Patient Number 9” or “lucky number 13” for the solo career of the legendary Ozzy who (luckily for us) does not seem eager to end his career, and still sings… “…but I never die cause I’ m immortal…” Ozzy sings with his distinctive (although digitally masked) voice.
During the pandemic and facing many health issues, Ozzy decided to cheat death and gather around him a music dream team of rock and metal music… Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS), Rob Trujillo (METALLICA), Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH), Taylor Hawkins (FOO FIGHTERS), Eric Clapton, Mike McCready (PEARL JAM) and Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) collaborate with him for one more (last?) time. The 13 songs of the album fit perfectly to his voice capacities, without any surprises or difficulties for him. The emphasis is given on the amazing guests with extremely technical solos, mostly on guitars. Another characteristic is the contrast between the lyrics that in many occasions refer to death, while on the other hand they have a very entertaining and cheerful rhythm. Maybe this is the way for Ozzy to laugh at the face of death.
Ozzy’s new album may not contain masterpieces of music, however at least half of them are very good with catchy choruses that stick to mind. The rest of the songs are good enough but nothing special (I would not call them “fillers” though). Some of the songs that belong to the first category are definitely “One of Those Days” with Eric Clapton reminding us the good old days of Ozzy, “Immortal” with Mike McCready with a really catchy chorus, my personal favorite “Mr Darkness” that is skyrocketed by Zakk Wilde with a dynamic chorus and a low tempo couplet. On the other hand “Darkside Blues” seems a little off (even though Ozzy’s satanic laughter at the end of the song is an excellent closure for the album) and it could be left out or at least become a proper song (its duration is only 1.48 minutes). At the same category I would consider the uninspired “Dead And Gone”.
No matter what we say, Ozzy shouted out loud once more, stating that he is alive and kicking! He has released one more album with a way that respected his titanic legacy. Nobody expects from Ozzy to make history with this release, especially when he has offered humanity so many masterpieces!
Rating: 7,5/10
Editor: Kostas Boudoukos
External Link: OZZY OSBOURNE – Official Page
