Album Review

Ozzy Osbourne – Scream

• 23rd Jun 2010

So what has Ozzy got to say for himself nowadays. It is 2010 after all – it’s his first studio album in his 60’s – Ready? Here we go.

Well there is no denying the opening lyric “I’m a Rock Star” is something that will never be taken from his grasp. Why they felt the need to distort his voice is a worry though – cause he sings quickly in rhyme and is sounding not far removed from the likes of the Kanye West’s of this world? Seriously! Is Ozzy going R N B on us with an incidental rock background?

His daughter may tap dance to that world, and his wife may have been a pop judge – but to see it wear off on Ozzy’s world really will give metal fans cause for concern. Concerned… well the album is called Scream!

But after the debacle that is the opening track we are back in the safe territory of guitar riff heavy laden OzzRock. “Let Me Here You Scream” has its hooks and whilst not a classic is memorable enough to engage at a show. “Soul Sucker” on the other hand is much more the classic sounding solo Ozzy that we are used to. It isn’t quite the classic it should be, but there is the potential for it there for sure and is easily one of the better sounding tracks on the album. I don’t know if “Soul Sucker” was based on anyone – but judging by the opening song I’d be tempted to point a sarcastic finger or two.

The tones get fairly gentle for a couple of songs after here – reminding us that Ozzy does indeed have range – “Life Won’t Wait” and “Diggin Me Down” remind us of past pleasures. Sabbath fans will perhaps be more reminded of his earlier work on this album than on more recent efforts. This is an album of yesteryear – just listen to “Time” and see if you can imagine that song coming out in the mid 80’s.

So if its crashing anthemesque stuff that you like your rock made of then ozzy is still your man. Ozzy is also still your man if you like a lot of cheesiness in your rock – not least of which is the sometimes forced rhyming scheme within the lyrics. But these are elements that make up Ozzy Osbourne.