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By GREG MAKI
With the recent past marked by concert cancellations, appearances at only select dates of Ozzfest 2006 and his Black Sabbath bandmates reuniting with Ronnie James Dio this year, Ozzy Osbourne wants the world to know he’s still here, and even at the age of 59, he’s not planning to leave any time soon. Black Rain, his ninth solo studio effort, opens with guitar god Zakk Wylde leading the stomp of “Not Going Away.” Just in case the point hasn’t been made, track no. 2 is the first single, “I Don’t Wanna Stop.”
Overall, the music has a darker, heavier edge than we’re used to from Ozzy’s solo material. Wylde is back as a full collaborator after essentially serving as little more than a session musician on 2001’s Down to Earth. His influence is present throughout the album, as many of the 10 songs, especially the first two, feature big, beefy riffs that would fit in perfectly on any Black Label Society disc. On “The Almighty Dollar,” the angry groove contrasts with an almost funky bassline laid down by Rob “Blasko” Nicholson, formerly of Rob Zombie’s band. Both the opener and “11 Silver” are noteworthy for Wylde’s scorching solos.
The sensitive side of the “Prince of Darkness” emerges again on ballads “Lay Your World on Me” and “Here for You.” They’re both sweet, heartfelt songs, but neither holds a candle to classics like “Goodbye to Romance,” “Mama, I’m Coming Home” or the more recent “Dreamer.” He also shows an awareness of the world around him (something he’s always had; it’s just been overshadowed by his outrageous antics over the years) on the antiwar title track, as well as the aforementioned “The Almighty Dollar,” “Civilize the Universe” and “Countdown's Begun.”
Though Ozzy might not be scary anymore, the man can still sing and write a good melody. He’s never had a lot of vocal range, so losing it isn’t an issue. Black Rain is no Blizzard of Ozz or No More Tears, but it is a step up from Down to Earth and a worthy addition to Ozzy’s vast catalog. From what he tells us on this disc, he has no retirement plans, and that’s a good thing for metal fans. |
