Make no mistake, this is certainly the infancy of metal itself before your very ears. However, the record does seem to suffer from some thematic inconsistencies, most notably its peculiar transition into blues-esque tracks after their venture into gloomy skies and fog-covered valleys ridden with horror. Sabbath were certainly much more aligned when manipulating the listener's fears, and they begin to stray away from that method as the record progresses. It isn't even that the blues ... read more

I thought there were some good moments on this record, specifically on tracks such as Enough and Peel, but a lot of this album fades into the back of your head and is quickly forgotten. Taking more risks on a future record may prove beneficial

While Ordinary Man would have been a fitting send-off for the Prince of Darkness, his final track on a record ever being Darkside Blues just encapsulates his career with perfection. One of the all-time greats, one of my absolute favourites, and this record is an absolute testament to both his vitality and legacy. More than 50 years producing spectacular music. There will never be another Ozzy. God speed

Favourite Songs:
Mr. Darkness
No Escape From Now
A Thousand Shades

This record takes warm refuge in my heart as the very first Ozzy record I enjoyed upon release. I am well aware that my youth may be cause for my particular enjoyment in his records that stem from his era of maturity, but I will not apologize for loving this record. It was Ozzy saying goodbye on his own terms. A man who was vulnerable enough to tear down the persona and speak from the heart that still managed to beat. A man as frightened by mortality as us all, and able to encapsulate it on a ... read more

There are glimpses of superb artistry on display, however consistency is key, and it is not High Key on this record, in my opinion. Many of my critiques are aimed at aspects that she does address! And quite well! Unfortunately, she doesn't address them with prevalence, and it leads to some inconsistency. There are instances of some really abstract and unique instrumentals! Sometimes even to begin tracks! But then what follows soon after is more a template of the genre instead, and leaves ... read more

Generic to a fault

This is the first full-length record of Poppy's that I have experienced, and let me say: I was impressed! And for reasons that have little to do with the sonic value of her work (though, I will compliment those aspects, too). Her writing on this record is just superb. I am not familiar with her, so I am unaware if her writing prowess is commonplace, but she does a spectacular job on this record. You really grasp the feel of the desolate and empty weight of her words, even as they manage to ... read more

Ozzy certainly differentiates from the tendencies he had been producing on his three previous records (which were spectacular). With the change in guitarist, its impact is immediately felt in the tone of the instrument on this record. It isn't Zak Wylde by any means, but they are certainly admirable riffs. Ozzy's vocals are superb as ever, The vitality of his voice quite honestly isn't discussed enough, even if the final two records of his career were heavily assisted with ... read more

When Ozzy began to display a distinct maturation in his songwriting and vocal performance, his projects really began to soar. Black Rain is once again evident of such. From the cover alone it is a pure dystopia — brimstone and fire lining the ground while uncertain doom looms overhead. The lyricism on the record also reinforces this theme, depicting a militaristic society that ships its youth off to shed their blood on behalf of the narcissistic authority of their politicians, a world ... read more

A record that really smacks the listener in the mouth at the beginning. It wanes as it progresses, but it is a forceful and raw introduction to Deftones

Favourite Songs:
Minus Blindfold
Bored
Nosebleed

Morissette has her niche when she leans into the harder aspects of her instrumentals and vocals, which she does on occasion, but not nearly enough, considering the staunch difference between that and her more tame efforts on this record. It is a lengthy affair, one that likely overstays its welcome

It is rather impressive how this record manages to transcend so many genres (though I struggle to grasp many elements of trip hop). It speaks volumes to the versatility of Morissette on this record, and potentially speaks volumes regarding its vast popularity. It took me a bit to become enveloped in the record, not finding myself very entertained by the first four tracks. Morissette's vocals certainly aren't conventional, and perhaps at times that serves as more of a detriment than a ... read more

To preface: I am an Alice Merton fan. I quite enjoy her earlier stuff. The singles in preparation for this record did not have me excited. They felt tame in comparison to the work from Alice that I enjoy most (To be candid, I can't recall my interpretation of Heron. I'll surely relisten some day). Tracks such as Mania (my favourite all-time from her) and Vertigo are more challenging and taxing in her vocals and thus they derive a much more melodic and harmonious experience for the ... read more

This is, as one can discern from the album art, among the darkest works in Ozzy's discography. It is rather apparent that his return a four-year retirement turned hiatus was incited by something in particular, and perhaps it was this motivation to convert these personal and introspective elements into art. Aside from the self-reflective editions on the record, Ozzy also evidently has some societal commentaries to vocalize. Critiques directed at organisms in the media on tracks such as ... read more

I accidentally re-listened to this record before Ozzmosis, likely because I adore them both and got too excited to re-listen to this one. This record wears its themes on its sleeve, particularly the album cover sleeve. Ozzy's portrayal alludes to his intentions, that he will be candid with transparency, Down to Earth with his audience and at times himself, and that this will be yet another introspective, personal rendition in his mature era. His depiction in a position reminiscent to the ... read more

This record serves as a brilliant transition into Ozzy's more mature records in Ozzmosis and Down to Earth which would follow. Make no mistake, Ozzy knew how to jest in accordance with some kick-ass tunes, and was certainly a talented individual in large part to avoiding the urge to take himself too seriously, at least not to a detriment, but there is something about his most introspective works that really display his genius. This record ushers in the more personal work, a concoction of ... read more

I can appreciate the thematic alignment of this record, placing a particular focus in vices and sin, and what motivates these urges. Ozzy definitely took some risks that did not land the way he likely envisioned, and that dwindles its quality to an extent. Ozzy usually needs a record to grow accustomed to a new guitarist, so regardless this was a necessary project with Zakk Wylde. All in all, an album that serves a purpose, and sometimes that is good enough

(Also, my 100th review. Pretty ... read more

While uninspired at times, it is still a very solid rock album. Ozzy seems to find his footing paired with a new guitarist following the relative dud that was their previous work, and some instrumentals and melodic pieces even resemble the allure that sparkled on future tracks. Fool Like You gave me Ozzmosis vibes, which suggests a distinct progression in Ozzy's songwriting, at least. The record is at times unfocused, and like i said certain bridges and vocals lack vision, but it is far ... read more

I don't know what more there is to say. She is just spectacular. She doesn't vocally decline. If anything she continues to improve. Mother time has nothing on the mother of music. I love her

Favourite Songs:
Constellation of the Heart
Rubberband Girl
Moments of Pleasure

My God. I honestly think this beats Hounds of Love. Two words come to mind. Magnum. Opus. This is a perfect record. She learns from what was, at times, an inconsistent incorporation of rock elements on The Dreaming, and does so with absolute perfection on The Sensual World. This record is much darker than Bush made her forte, much grittier just from the cover alone, and in its instrumentals you can identify it has a much more down-to-earth, grittier feel. You would never consider that ... read more