Ozzy is back releasing new hard rock material at 71. And his voice doesn’t sound like it’s lost an inch in the studio. His new record, ‘Ordinary Man,’ has already been making headlines since the singles have been released. And it seems like the wait has been worth it.
It’s been ten years since Ozzy’s last album, ‘Scream,’ was released. And since he’s been active doing Black Sabbath’s final work and some other solo tours. But his touring and physicality took a hit last year. And since he’s worked and released the stellar ‘Ordinary Man.’ An unexpected release in both fan and band parties. Most die hard Ozzy fans will notice the absence of long time guitarist Zakk Wylde. Well, that’s because the album just sort of happened. It wasn’t planned or pre-ordained. It just rose out of friends jamming together. Which includes Chad Smith from the Chili Peppers on drums.
This record really focuses on the songs as a whole. As opposed to a Wylde riff, shredding solo with Ozzy’s melodies added to it. ‘Ordinary Man’ kicks off with the first single ‘Straight to Hell.’ Which is an alright track, but it’s not the killer Ozzy opener we’ve come to love like ‘Miracle Man’ or ‘Mr. Tinkertrain.’ But it’s a fun, classic Ozzy track that most will appreciate. The album does kick off more with the high quality ‘All My Life.’ The chorus is guaranteed to burrow itself into your cranium. It’s a perfect example of how the album focuses on the whole song. Then it gets heavy with the AIC sounding ‘Goodbye.’ A band that Sabbath and Ozzy greatly influenced. The marching verse builds strongly into the heavy as all hell chorus.
The two other singles ‘Ordinary Man,’ and ‘Under the Graveyard’ are next. Two great Ozzy ballads. With the latter probably being the heaviest a ballad could possibly be. It’s really more of a half ballad that leads into a kick ass blues riff and chorus. ‘Eat Me’ brings the snarky, wise ass Ozzy back to the forefront. An upbeat, cut-time rocker with a killer groove for a chorus. ‘Today Is the End’ is an excellent mid-90’s sounding Metallica track. Mixed with a pinch of Jerry Cantrell vibes on guitar. It’s one of the best songs on the album. Personally, I think this would have been a better choice for a single than some of the others. ‘Scary Little Green Man’ is just a fun rocker. Complete with heavy, low, chug groove. ‘Holy For Tonight’ is such an amazing, self reflective ballad. With huge nods to Elton John in the writing. The album closes with ‘It’s A Raid.’ A punk infused hard rocking tune that features Post Malone kicking ass along side the Prince of Darkness. Honestly, it’s good collaboration. Malone can sing when he wants to. And his contribution fits well into the mix.
Overall ‘Ordinary Man’ is an unexpected pleasure. In the fact that it exists and that it’s a pretty damn good album. It’s certainly not his best. But it’s up there with many of the classics. Which are actually countless. But this album is def worth picking up. At the end of the day, it’s just good ole’ Ozzy.
