Ozzy Osbourne – Scream (2010)
Holy $%^T! That was my initial reaction when I heard the latest Ozzy album, “Scream,” for the first time. I’ll admit I didn’t have high expectations out of the gate, but holy hell, what a record! Ozzy has proven that he still has it and maybe never lost it to begin with. “Scream” is an album that renews faith in the current state of rock and roll and solidifies Ozzy’s status as a rock god. Make no mistake, “Scream” rocks hard and rocks right.
“Scream” opens with the dark, heavy, and so enjoyable song, “Let It Die.” This dark heavy track opens the album with a boom and sets the tone for all that is to follow. Ozzy’s vocals are sharp and tough and the guitar playing by new Ozzy guitarist Gus G is blistering and emotional. Sure, everyone is going to miss Zak Wylde, but Gus G is a healthy replacement that quickly poses the question “Zak who?”
“Let Me Hear You Scream” picks up right where “Let It Die” left off and a better track could not have been chosen for the album’s first single. “Let Me Hear You Scream” is classic Ozzy at his best. This fast tempo rocker will have you pumping your fist in the air and singing along in a matter of seconds. With a chorus of “go hard or go home” Ozzy delivers on this mantra. “Let Me Hear You Scream” does rock hard and it’s a track that will most likely have the repeat button being hit multiple times.
“Soul Sucker” is the darkest song on the disc. With a heavy, Tony Iommi guitar and doctored reverb Ozzy vocals, “Soul Sucker” could be something off the latest Black Sabbath effort. The song draws deep on Ozzy’s roots of demonic music and blends perfectly with his newer pop subjects of love and lost love. The end result is one of the best Osbourne songs ever recorded.
“Life Won’t Wait” the requisite power ballad slows things down, but not in a negative way. This song still rocks hard, even for a ballad, and once again Gus G has the opportunity to show off his chops and skills as Ozzy’s latest, greatest guitarist. Drawing from the “No More Tears” period, “Life Won’t Wait” is certain to be a radio hit in the next few months. It’s a lovely ballad that shows the softer side of Ozzy and even includes a meaningful message of going after what you want now as opposed to later.
The heavy, hard rocking hits continue. “Diggin’ Me Down”, “Crucify”, and “Fearless” are all hard rocking mavens that please the ear in ways that most songs can’t. Full of grit, shredding guitar, and signature Ozzy vocals, these tracks are monster rock songs that help shape and solidify “Scream.”
Overall, Ozzy has really returned with his latest album. “Scream” is an unexpected masterpiece and front-runner for hard rock album of the year. Ozzy should consider playing a lot off material off this disc during his upcoming tour, because the fans deserve to hear it, and Mr. Osbourne should be very proud of what he has accomplished on “Scream.” This disc will make you scream… for joy!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Let It Die
- Let Me Hear You Scream
- Soul Sucker
- Life Won’t Wait
- Diggin’ Me Down
- Crucify
- Fearless
- Time
- I Want It More
- Latimer’s Mercy
- I Love You All
Ozzy Osbourne Band Is:
Ozzy Osbourne – Vocals
Gus G. – Guitars
Rob “Blasko” Nicholson – Bass
Adam Wakerman – Keyboards
Tommy Clufetos – Drums
Leave A Comment ↓
Gus G does some amazing work on this album!! I wish he could’ve put more of his personal touch on it though.
Ozzy writes good songs. He always has. Zack (W.)has the Black Label thing goin’ on, so, its not like we’ve really lost him…if you think about it’s hard to think of Ozzy Osbourne songs that ya don’t like. maybe a random few but that’s a hellofa percentage wouldcha think? He even writes good ballads-have you ever tried to write a song? How often does anybody rock out to yer songs? I rest my case.