Artist: Ozzy Osbourne
Label: Epic
Release Date: 1986
Rating: 4 Skulls
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Title: The Ultimate Sin Artist: Ozzy Osbourne Label: Epic Release Date: 1986
Rating: 4 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Solomon:
The Ultimate Sin signified another platinum success for the Ozzman and spawned a hit single, the infamous "Shot in the Dark." This was also one of two Ozzy records to feature guitarist Jake E. Lee before he moved on to bluesier pastures with his own band Badlands. Sin is a good, hard-edged kick in the pants. Sure, album peers like Master of Puppets and Reign in Blood make stuff like this wilt in comparison, but the Ozzy brigade supplies plenty of chunky, tuneful hard rock anthems to keep you satisfied. Ozzy has always been surrounded by capable and respected players, and Lee is no exception. His guitar work is tasteful and song-directed, and his solos have spark but avoid over-endulgence. The emotive phrasing of the outro solo to "Never Know Why" is a high point on the record. He does beef up his rhythm parts with some flashy elaboration, though, like in the Rhoads-inspired intro to "Never." Ozzy's voice is, well, like Ozzy. Even if his characteristic whine can sound a little stressed on songs like "Thank God For The Bomb," his vocal melodies are strong and attractive, especially on "Never" and "Shot in the Dark."Those last two songs, along with the title track, are my favorites on the record. "Never" has a very cool, power-metalish drive to it, and "Shot" is just good, catchy AOR material. It even has a weird F-sharp tuning I've never seen before. "Killer of Giants" is the album's most "serious" material. Compositionally, it's the most involved and colorful tune here, what with the acoustic/folk/Renaissance textures. I can appreciate songs like this, but as far as Ozzy's "softer" side goes, I prefer the classical portions of Diary of a Madman over this. Oh, yeah, and don't forget Sin has a rather wicked album cover.
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