Is It Time for Ozzy to Finally Be "Committed" - Patient No 9 Review

I think I can speak for everyone when I say Ozzy Osbourne is not only the "Prince of Darkness" but, honestly, the Godfather of Heavy Metal. Metalheads alike, no matter what subgenre you're into, at some point in your life, you listened to an Ozzy track, whether that's from his brilliant work with Black Sabbath or his decades-long career as a solo artist. My earliest memories as a kid that branded me a metal fan for life were to Ozzy tracks. I ran around my living room and jumped on my couch at five years old, screaming, "I AM IRON MANNNN!" (The bug of femininity bit me at an early age, right?) My childhood was woven with the iconic riff and hooks to the Blizzard of Oz hit "Crazy Train."

After a slew of medical emergencies, COVID, and a much-needed break, Ozzy Osbourne has a new album out called "Patient No 9", a follow-up to his 2020 effort, Ordinary Man.

So what do we think?

Patient Number 9 is mainly made up of tracks spotlighting an all-star lineup of notable guitar players such as Tony Iommi, Jeff Beck, Zakk Wylde, Eric Clapton, and Mike McCready. out of Out of 13 tracks, there are only three songs without a guest appearance. If I have to be candid about this album, I adore Ozzy like the next guy or gal, but this isn't his best work.

I listened twice to the album track by track, cover to cover. If this was purely an instrumental album, it's incredible. I think, honestly, that's what makes the album enjoyable to listen to. But Ozzy's lyrics and material are boring and unoriginal. It feels very recycled. Like holding on to the late 80s, and early 90s era of Ozzy's work. Read the lyrics to "Immortal," and you'll see what I mean.

I truly don't know why Ozzy keeps making albums. He has nothing to prove. He always will be the master of all things metal. He's cemented his likeness to heavy metal and pop culture forever. I'm unimpressed with this album. I think there hasn't been a solid Ozzy album since 1995. Let me know what you think.

Lexx Rating: 6/10