Sunday 10 June 2007

Ozzy Ozbourne - The Ultimate Sin (1986)

Not Ozzy's best album by far, but there are certainly some moments of note here and the musicianship is extremely tight, aided by the crystal clear production.
The album lacks the mystical presence of say 'Diary...', instead focusing on more political issues alongside the usual anthems of rebellion.
'Shot In The Dark' is the album's most famous track and was a popular single at the time, although it remains a rather cliched attempt, as does much much of the record which slithers between lightweight rock and commercial pomp.
It's not a heavy record, and remains inconsistent, although Ozzy puts in faultless performance and Jake E. Lee, as always is impressive on the leads.
'Secret Loser', 'Fool Like You' and 'Never Know Why' certainly won't go down as rock classics or be remembered as Ozzy's monumental episodes, in fact the whole album kind of drifts by without leaving any lasting effect, with 'Killer Of Giants' and 'Never' only really rising above mediocrity.
However, I've always had a soft spot for the album, the cover alone screaming classic heavy metal, even if what is contained within is rather watered down, and sees Ozzy bereft of satanic magic.
7.5/10

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