Year: 2020
Total Time: 47:26
Label: Epic–Sony Music
It’s really nice when in 2020 we can still do a review for a new release from one of the Giants of our beloved music, in this case the Madman himself, OZZY OSBOURNE. After precisely 10 years since his last studio album and after a half a century majestic career, now he comes and claims that he is just an “Ordinary Man”.
Let’s see if that’s the case. At first we have to take into account that even though his beloved guitarist Zakk Wylde is back and mention in the album credits he wasn’t part of the making, he didn’t play or contribute in the songs at all. All compositions are basically work of Billy Walsh, Ali Tamposi, Andrew Watt and others while in every song there were different recording musicians making it an 100% solo album in contrast to what was happening in the past, where there was always a steady line up, even though there were many guests involved. It’s very positive on the other hand that even though this is happening there is a nice flow and continuation here making this album possible to be heard straight till the end. It reminds us of OZZY from the long past and of course it’s a top notch work when it comes to production and execution.
To the point now, the album starts with the dynamic cut “Straight to Hell”, this one only for the lyric part “I’ll make you scream, I’ll make you defecate, straight to hell tonight” goes straight to the top. Next is the melodic “All my Life”, beautiful and autobiographic while “Goodbye” that comes next is the SABBATH influenced song of the album and I think it should go last, according to the title and its lyrics but anyway. Next is the title track of the album with Sir Elton John on piano, here we have OZZY once again talking about himself and his career as it is more than obvious. “Under the Graveyard” is coming up next and this is easily the type of metal ballad that we used to get back in the glorious ‘80’s (not bad at all) and “Eat Me” with the harmonica and bass in the start almost confused us at first but then ok, its more an OZZY track than a BLACK SABBATH leftover. The pervasive optimism of this album continues with the nice and melodic “Today is the End” before we meet the hit of the album which is which is nothing less than the already known “Scary Little Green Men”. You’ve definitely seen it and loved it, even the Jason Momoa version (epic!) so we move on to the next ballad entitles “Holy for Tonight”. For the end we have a surprise I’d say with a speedy one called “It’s a Raid” and as it is more than obvious it is a fast track touching the thrash metal paths a little bit, with all reservations possible, making it a great way to close this album after all.
Many editions have one bonus track called “Take what you want”, a modern we could say ballad with some rap or whatever you call them elements with Post Malone and the rapper Travi$ Scott in it, so you get it. OK, it’s not bad for a bonus track, it’s kind of different so it’s interesting, but fortunately it’s all we get from them!
So, this was the new album of our beloved Madman. After many family and health issues the last years, considering the 10 year absence and the general atmosphere of this one with the song titles, lyrics etc., I would dare to say that this is his “Swan Song”, I don’t believe that he will be able to make a new album again. As an album, its not bad at all, I think it is his best work for the century we are now and it definitely deserves a good hearing, not to mention a place in our record collection.
OZZY, thank you for all and the gods be on your side!
Rating: 7/10
Editor: Antonis Livanios
Related Link: OZZY OSBOURNE – Official Page
