Ozzy isn’t Going Away – Black Rain review

Starting with a bang, the appropriately titled tracks Not Going Away and I Don’t Wanna Stop reassure fans this might be Ozzy Osbourne’s finest hour, but its certainly not going to be his last. Osbourne’s ninth solo album, and seventh for Epic Records, finds the self proclaimed Prince of Darkness pondering the world and its contents in the aftermath of his near fatal Quad Bike accident of 2003. The title track discusses the atomic bombing of Japan in 1945, as well as the current situation in Iraq, with reference to the inhumanity of war. Osbourne also delves into his past, the song 11 Silver being about his past drug addictions, with Zack Wylde making his presence felt on this track.

Lay Your World On Me and Here For You are two exceptional ballads, in which Osbourne speaks to his fans, telling them that he is here for no one else but them. In the former, drummer Mike Bordin and bassist Rob Nicholson provide the backbone to the album, showcasing a fantastic performance. Bordin, who has been drumming with Osbourne since 1997, stands out on this track as certainly one of the finest drummers of the past 10 years.

For those lucky enough to pick up the Japanese Edition of this album, I Cant Save You is a classic return to Osbourne’s 80s solo Rock roots (think Bark at the Moon), whereas Nightmare is a hugely underrated ballad with a rare Zack Wylde keyboard solo that shouldn’t be missed. As surprised as I am that Osbourne felt the need to produce exclusive bonus tracks, I’m completely astonished these tracks didn’t make the International release, as Nightmare is easily hit single material.

His first solo effort since 2001’s Down to Earth, Black Rain is a new beginning for Osbourne, as he has said its the first album he has ever recorded sober. Critics would claim that’s a bad thing, as his alcohol fueled binges is what gave Ozzy the ability to write good material, but they couldn’t be more wrong as Black Rain proves the fire is just as much alight as it has ever been.

Black Rain [Epic Records] Ozzy Osbourne
Not Going Away – I Don t Wanna Stop – Black Rain – Lay Your Hands On Me – The Almighty Dollar – Silver – Civilize the Universe – Here for You – Countdowns Begun – Trap Door – I Can’t Save You (Bonus Track) – Nightmare (Bonus Track) – Here to You (iTunes Exclusive)

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