Ozzy Osbourne is undoubtedly one of the most well-known heavy metal icons globally. With news that he has been struggling with health issues in recent years, many fans of the “Prince of Darkness” as he is often referred to, didn’t think there would be another album from Ozzy. Yet here it is, his 13th solo album “Patient Number 9” which boasts a star-studded lineup of guest musicians and it’s packed with rock and metal goodness to satisfy his fans around the world.
The opening and title track “Patient Number 9” reassures us that despite Ozzy’s health issues, he still has the voice, and the ability to write music and lyrics that his audience can appreciate and identify with. The solo in this track by Jeff Beck is top-class, as you would expect. A lot of the musicians featured on this album are a definite drawcard, however, I am so impressed with Ozzy’s vocal performance – that I believe the songs would stand up on their own without the guests. They’re just the cherry on top of a rich decadent cake.
Lyrically Ozzy seems to be baring his soul, and there is a perfect balance of vulnerability alongside the heaviness of impressive riffs, solos, and arrangements. It is a testament to Ozzy’s career that the lineup of musicians playing on the album is world-class. With names such as Eric Clapton, Duff McKagan, Zakk Wylde, Robert Trujillo, Jeff Beck, Mike McCready, and of course Tony Iommi, the album is a smorgasbord of top-quality musicianship.
As a long-time fan of Black Sabbath, my favorite tracks are the ones featuring Tony Iommi, they just feel in sync and so very right. I love the haunting effect on Ozzy’s vocals in “No Escape from Now”.
Ozzy has a knack for adding theatrics to his vocals to enhance the lyrical content, and this is evident throughout the album. A couple of tracks to mention “Evil Shuffle” with Zakk Wylde, the riff is heavy as hell, with perfectly timed stops where Ozzy’s vocals cut through, it gives it a very cool groove.
“Degradation Rules” with Tony Iommi – that unmistakable guitar tone, and Ozzy on harmonica, it is exactly what I wanted to hear on the album. It’s my standout track. I don’t even need to describe the solo on it, it’s Tony Iommi, that’s all you need to know.
The album ends with “Darkside Blues”, such a cool track, with a sound so reminiscent of the origins of blues that you feel transported back in time.
Overall the album delivers what you would expect from Ozzy, he does storytelling very well and he does it in a personal way that gives the listener insight into the man, the legend.
Is it my favorite Ozzy album? No, that spot is still reserved for “Bark at the Moon”. But it’s an album that has already grown on me in a short time, I am very impressed with Ozzy’s vocals and relieved that he still sounds as good as ever. It’s definitely worth adding to your collection if you are a fan.
Ozzy Osbourne: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: Epic / Sony Music Australia
Category: Album
Country: UK
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
