Ozzy Osbourne — Black Rain

Black Rain

Epic/Sony BMG

Andre Mihsin (CHARTattack)

06/12/2007 8:26pm

It's a shame that most people will probably remember Ozzy as the bumbling old man from that reality show instead of one of the greatest performers in heavy metal history. But it seems clear that the Prince Of Darkness is less at home on TV than onstage, where he speaks clearly and can jump around for hours at a time, or in the studio, where he can still produce a good record. Although there's nothing incredibly spectacular about Black Rain, his first album since the reality show, you have to give it up to Oz for still being able to kick out some decent tunes at age 58. Guitarist Zakk Wylde is in better form on this record than he was on last year's Black Label Society LP, and with help from former Rob Zombie bassist Blasko and longtime Osbourne drummer Mike Bordin, Sharon's husband gets the musical push he needs. Now if he does a Sabbath farewell tour and maybe one last great Sabbath album, Ozzy can retire with his dignity intact.

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