Reviewing an album by the Double O is no easy task. Even harder if the album is the debut of a Greek guitarist (Gus G), with Ozzy. Anyway, how can you judge Ozzy? After all, in this case he didn’t write his own songs. On this particular release he’s working with Kevin Churko and Adam Wakeman, son of  Yes’s legendary keyboardist. Curious? Well let’s go track by track then:

Let It Die - Very good choice for an album opener, since it gives you an idea of what’s to come, plus it acts as a introduction for Gus G. Ozzy’s voice is heavily distorted so it’s not easy to tell how well his vocal chords are holding up. A really powerful song demonstrating Ozzy’s return. Hot solo from Gus.

Let Me Hear You Scream –  You don’t get many songs purposefully written to be played live. The last one I remember was Manowar’s “Kings Of Metal”. As such it screams, if you’ll pardon the pun, of character. Structure and sound-wise it’s rooted in Ozzy ‘80s years. I’m sure it will become a crowd pleaser in America and it wouldn’t strike me as odd if it caught on over here.

Soul Sucker – Can a 61 year old Brummie sound like a 25 year old American metal singer? Well, this track which was supposed to be the album’s title track is a prime example of Ozzy’s fondness of nu metal that dominated his previous album. Perfectly Wylde-ish guitar by Gus, apart from the solo where he goes all Megadeth on us and a Middle 8 that sounds like Flea just joined in. However it’s definitely superior to 90% of the material on Black Rain.

Life Won't Wait – Americana Part II. It seems they convinced the Ozzman that he needs a song that American college radio will play. It’s not bad, it’s just that it doesn’t fit the Ozz-man that the European audience have got used to. It does get pretty heavy halfway through, in my opinion.

Diggin' Me Down - Interesting intro. Modern enough in its production. Harks back to Ozzy’s later years (Ozzmosis, Down To Eath and Black Rain). Beautiful solo and a good time-change which probably belongs to Wakeman.

Crucify – Now here is where Double O takes on organised religion. It tries to be Sabbath at times but it sounds half baked. Medium tempo, mediocre track. Beautiful plumage in terms of a main riff, however.

Fearless – Ok, guys who let Dino Carreras into the studio? Yes, you got it! This gets heavy right up to the bridge and the solo where it turns into Megadeth. Interesting track. Not one that becomes a hit but one that is considered a hidden diamond in days to come.

Time – Time to pay tribute to the Beatles. Good song despite that. Slow and dizzy. Which means it’s just like Ozzy. But we love him for what he is. Gus puts on his Slash uniform and it suits the song perfectly. Considering it production and structure-wise it sounds like if Oasis were German and raised on a diet of Sodom and Beatles.

I Want It More – Best track on the album! Rampaging guitars and Ozzy on the tone and speed that suits him perfectly. Catchy chorus, and lyrics about celebrity and fame. Ok, Ozzy making social commentary is weird. A very beautiful solo by Gus, one more homage to Mustaine and Freidman. Amazing time-changes for an Ozzy song. Hints of Progressive and Symphonic metal. It’s all in there! Pity it’s not on his setlist.

Latimer's Mercy - And if you find Ozzy’s social criticisms curious, you’d better sit down for this. Ozzy deals with euthanasia… Based on perhaps the heaviest riff on all of the album, Osbourne wonders whether a father is allowed to kill his helpless daughter. Easily the heaviest track on the album and probably Ozzy at his most honest. Well chosen as what is in essence the last song on the album.

I Love You All – But because Americans feel everything has to have a happy ending , we get this. After your heart shrivels during the last track, you get Ozzy singing an acoustic ballad of one minute just to tell us that the album is over and that he loves us all. Ok, I know…  it’s Ozzy…

So what is the album as a total? That’s a tough one… I’ve been listening to the album constantly because I was reviewing it but I did it with pleasure. Sure, certain tracks I skip but there are also songs that I will hear every time I put the album on as well as others I know I will go back to. Ok, let’s put it like this. What was Ozzy’s last album you liked? If it was Ozzmosis then go out and buy this. If it was Black Rain and you liked the singles then why not?. If it was No More Tears then better stay away. Now, if you’re going to tell me that the last good album Ozzy did was with Randy Rhoads then why are you even reading this?