On September 9, 2022, Ozzy Osbourne released his 13th studio album "Patient Number 9".
The album marks a triumphant return for the "Prince of Darkness", blending the iconic elements of his well-known sound, with fresh collaborations and modern production. This album is a testament to Osbourne’s enduring legacy, proving that even after decades in the industry and many health issues, he still has much to offer.
The list of artist collaborating with Ozzy on this album is just insane. Andrew Watt, Zakk Wylde, Jeff Beck, Tony Iommi, Mike McCready, Eric Clapton and Josh Homme on guitars, Robert Trujillo, Duff McKagan and Chris Chaney on bass, and Chad Smith and Taylor Hawkins on drums.
The album kicks off with the title track, "Patient Number 9," a haunting yet melodic journey featuring guitar legend Jeff Beck. Ozzy, Watt, Trujillo, and Chad Smith wrote the song with Ali Tamposi - a Florida songwriter who also co-penned eight tracks on Ozzy's last album "Ordinary Man". The song immediately sets the tone for the album with a dark vibe, with lyrics about Ozzy Osbourne being held against his will in a mental institution, with no hope of getting out alive. Beck’s searing 2 guitar solos add depth and drama to one of the album's catchiest songs which was released as the first single. The clip for the song incorporates Osbourne's hand-drawn artwork which can be seen during beck's solo.
Right after comes "Immortal" - another striking addition to the album that features the blistering guitar work of "Pearl Jam’s" Mike McCready. The track is a fast-paced, high-energy rocker that harks back to Osbourne’s early solo work. The song's fierce energy, combines classic metal intensity with a fresh, contemporary edge. McCready’s sharp, electrifying solos add a sense of urgency to the song, while Osbourne’s lyrics explore themes of legacy and the desire for eternal recognition.
Osbourne enlists the help of heavy-hitting Zakk Wylde, his long-time musical partner to bring his signature blistering riffs and solos, notably on tracks like "Parasite", "Nothing Feels Right" and "Mr. Darkness." Wylde's guitar work provides the familiar, heavy foundation that fans of Osbourne's solo work will recognize and love.
the fifth track - "One of Those Days" is a standout moment on the album, which features guitar legend Eric Clapton. The track blends bluesy guitar licks with a melancholic, mid-tempo rock ballad, where Osbourne contemplates existential frustration and resignation and reflects on the weariness of life, while Clapton’s emotive guitar lines add a perfect touch of depth and emotion to the track and his guitar solo will remind you his glorious days in "Cream".
Guitarist Jeff Beck returns on the 6th song on the album - "A Thousand Shades". A beautiful ballad with a soulful and melodic guitar work. The song is a deeply emotional and introspective piece, with Beck’s fluid, bluesy playing perfectly complementing Osbourne’s vulnerable vocal delivery.
One of the album's highlights is "Degradation Rules," which reunites Osbourne with Tony Iommi, his former "Black Sabbath" bandmate. Although not credited for writing the song, Iommi told "Rolling Stone" that he wrote the track, which he sent to Osbourne, who added the vocals. Osbourne told Kerrang! that "Foo Fighters" drummer Taylor Hawkins gave him the idea for the lyrics (who also co-wrote three of the album songs). The track is a riff-heavy, doom-laden anthem that hearkens back to the "Sabbath" days while maintaining a modern edge. Osbourne’s voice, and harmonica (who immediately reminded us of "The Wizard" from "Black Sabbath"), still retain the haunting quality that made him a metal icon.
Another highlight and collaboration with Tony Iommi is "No Escape from Now". This track perfectly captures the dark, atmospheric intensity that made "Black Sabbath" legendary. Iommi's iconic, heavy guitar riffing is at the forefront, setting a brooding tone as the song slowly builds into an ominous, doom-laden journey. Osbourne’s vocals are drenched in eerie melancholy, as he sings about inescapable fate, despair, and being trapped in one’s own mind. The mid-song shift into a powerful, almost cathartic riff, showcases both Osbourne and Iommi in top form, making this one of the album’s most epic and Sabbath-esque tracks.
The production, helmed by Andrew Watt (who also co-produced "Ordinary Man" and plays guitars, bass, keyboards, drums and sings backing vocals on the album), is polished and balanced, giving each instrument space to breathe while keeping Osbourne's vocals front and center. Watt’s modern touch adds a slick sheen to the album without diluting its raw, heavy essence.
Overall, "Patient Number 9" is an impressive work that showcases Osbourne's ability to evolve while staying true to his roots. It's a celebration of his storied career, with a nod to the past but an eye on the future. Fans of classic Ozzy will find plenty to love, while new listeners will appreciate the diverse collaborations. Osbourne may be reflecting on his own mortality on this album, but with "Patient Number 9", he shows that his musical legacy is far from finished.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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