OZZY OSBOURNE: Black Rain (HEAVY METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Ozzy Osbourne took another six years before releasing his ninth album, Black Rain. It must be said that the man has become a brand name. He has his own sitcom, "The Osbournes", which plunges into the heart of his family and the musical products bearing his name have multiplied with a correct live performance, multiple useless compilations and a passable cover album "Under Cover" in 2005.

All this could leave one doubtful as to the quality of a studio album, but knowing that Wylde composed the tracks with producer Kevin Churko gave a little hope. And indeed, Black Rain is largely saved by a Wylde who does a great job protecting the songs from mediocrity.

Despite all this, the golden age is long gone since there are no classics and no great songs. However, the right fan trap works with a few tracks subtly placed at the beginning of the record. Thus "Not Going Away" and "I Don't Wanna Stop" are distinguished by pachydermic opening riffs, a good old heavy side and excellent choruses easy to assimilate. Finally, "Black Rain" seduces by its more laid back side, its superb bass line, a new powerful riff and a captivating atmosphere thanks to a nice harmonica passage.

Things are then quite spoiled despite Zakk Wylde's irreproachable work. From "The Almighty Dollar" to "Civilize The Universe" through "11 Silver" nothing holds back. A good riff or a good solo doesn't make a good song. With "Here For You" and "Lay Your World On Me", the record presents some very slimy ballads to be quickly forgotten. Only "Trap Door" stand out thanks to a good chorus and a surprising but efficient martial aspect.

Sympathetic at first sight, Black Rain is an efficient deception which lets us believe in Ozzy's strong come-back. But if you scratch well the varnish, you will quickly realize that the object contains only a minimum of good things and that it has a very short life span. - Official website

OZZY OSBOURNE

BLACK RAIN

EPIC

HEAVY METAL