Music=Life: Ozzy Osbourne

Ok so Ozzy's new 2010 release I won't lie I was very hesitant on getting, and I got it at the end of the year. I absolutely love Ozzy, and pretty much everything he's done throughout his career. I mean come on Black Sabbath, the origin of all things metal. The only thing that I really didn't like was The Osbourne's on MTV. I really was not a big fan of watching him yell Sharon all the time and act stupid. In an interview later after the show was over he stated that he refuses to watch any of the show because he was waisted the entire time of filming, and that's just a shame Being sober now for a while his music has definitely showed his clear minded writing and passion for music. Some people write better sober, and some on drugs sadly but truthfully. He can do both. The main reason I waited so long to get this album was mainly because Zakk Wylde wasn't going to be playing guitar and I felt that it just wouldn't be what I want it to be in an Ozzy record. I mean come on lets face it Zakk has made some great unforgettable tunes with Ozzy and it just wouldn't be the same without him. He has been with Ozzy since 87 after replacing Jake E. Lee, who replaced of course none other than the great Randy Rhoads R.I.P. Ozzy had said that his music was beginning to sound more and more like Black Label Society and he felt it was time for a change. I bought the album not knowing anything about the new guitarist or where he came from, and just taking it for the guitar work on this album. I'd have to say while not in any way Zakk Wylde it does have major character. The guitarist has worked with a lot of great bands in the past and I didn't realize who he was. Gus G, he has worked with bands like Firewind, Dream Evil, Arch Enemy, and Kamelot. Which are all great bands and have great guitar work. I really enjoy listening to Let Me Hear You Scream, Soul Sucker, I want It More, and Latimer's Mercy. think over-all I enjoyed the album. I think while lacking Zakk's solos, it has gained a new energy that now that I've listened to the album through over and over I really want to see it continue this way. I'm sure Zakk Wylde will be fine with Black Label Society, which his new new one I haven't picked up yet, but I have listened to some of it and it sounds great so maybe now with most of his efforts going towards Black Label Society we might see some crazy things coming from BLS. So I recommend at least giving this album a listen if you are an Ozzy fan. If you just aren't able to get past Zakk leaving Ozzy than Black Rain is where you stop. I gave this album a 9. It might of been a little high because its his debut with Gus G but like I said I love Ozzy so what can I say. No but really its a really solid record a 9 is well deserved