Ozzy Osbourne - Ozzmosis

Wow, has it really been 18 years since this album came out?  I know it's not the likeliest of things to put on in the morning, even if the album received mixed reviews upon it's release.  But growing up listening to this with family hang outs was the memory that strikes when I put on the album.  My uncles were faithful to throughout the years to Sabbath/Ozzy, so it was always a treat to go for a cruise with them as they were cranking this album while driving around town.  This was also a great standard to throw on when slugging out my night shifts at the record store.  The Ozzman always made the shifts go by a little faster.



Besides No More Tears, this was one of the earliest albums I heard of Ozzy Osbourne before I just picked up the entire collection.  So all in all, Ozzmosis  was pretty much the album that made me a fan.  Last but best point of why I liked this album, Ozzy and I share a birthday...sweet.  :-)

Anyways, for factual reference, Ozzmosis was released on October 24th, 1995 via Epic Records.  Since Ozzy frequently went through certain personal throughout the 80's and 90's, here is what his line up was for this purposes of this album:

Ozzy Osbourne – vocals | Zakk Wylde – guitar | Geezer Butler – bass | 

Deen Castronovo – drums | Rick Wakeman – keyboards

Check out Ozzy's entire list of band members here.

1. Perry Mason
2. I Just Want You
3. Ghost Behind My Eyes
4. Thunder Underground
5. See You on the Other Side
6. Tomorrow
7. Denial
8. My Little Man
9. My Jekyll Doesn't Hide
10. Old L.A. Tonight



There isn't any formula that I use when listening to albums.  I basically pick out things that make this album stand out from the rest of the blur that is modern rock n roll.  Ozzy's vocals are always an instant indication of who's on the radio.  His higher pitched sound has resonated for 46 years (Ozzy's career began in early 1967 w/ Iommi).  Along with the almost anticipated pinch harmonics of Zakk Wylde, there are some sure fit songs here for any die hard rock/metal fan.  Some of the tracks that stuck out best to me over the years have been:

- Perry Mason (written by: Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde, John Purdell)

Epic opening piece with organ and string accompaniment, which leads right into Zakk's build up.

- I Just Want You (written by: Osbourne, Jim Vallance)

Ozzy's depressive love story, where nothing else is attainable but the one thing he is looking for.

- Thunder Underground (written by: Osbourne, Wylde, Geezer Butler)

Chug chug, chug chug, chug chug, chug chug...

- See You on the Other Side (written by: Osbourne, Wylde, Lemmy Kilmister)

By this point in his life, Ozzy should be 1/2 expecting to kick the bucket and shows his affirmation of that through this track.

- Tomorrow (written by: Osbourne, Wylde, Purdell, Duane Baron)

I think the combination of vocal range and guitar/drum beats just overall made me wanna bob my head slightly.



To gauge the work of producer Beinhorn, here is what he was working on prior and post Ozzmosis:

1994: "Blind Man" and "Walk on Water" - Aerosmith
1995: Ozzmosis - Ozzy Osbourne
1996: White Light, White Heat, White Trash - Social Distortion

I will agree with Erlewine's criticism (All Music) that "Occasionally, the guitar is synthesized, which is indicative of the album's main flaw -- on the surface, the music is hard and loud, but it actually sounds smooth and processed."  Not in any particular spot can you hear this, but slightly during the odd solo or power chord.  Aside from that though, it's a pretty cut and dry Ozzy album, with some interesting (and killer) artwork.

So in conclusion, the album is a great spin for me either on my way to work, Sunday afternoon chill music and even available to throw on at a party/concert/event.  Just be sure it isn't black tie affair ;-)