Normally an album review is posted the day of the album or maybe the day after.  That is not the case here, and for two specific reasons.  1) I have a job.  I didn't have time to post on the latest offering from Ozzy.  2) I had to let this album marinade.  The heavy metal juices had to simmer and soak in the fat chicken that is my BMW's CD player.

That being said, the album is very good at certain points and disappointing at others.  Ozzy is still one of the worst lyricists in the world.  It hasn't always been that way.  I would say that he got bad around the time that Jack was born.  He is a shadow of his former self when it comes to lyrics.

Musically, the album is pretty much what you would expect.  It sounds like a Zakk Wylde solo album with better vocals.  There are a few songs here that Zakk attacks the guitar with the restraint of a Saxon warlord on a rape fest in a Woad village.

There are some very good songs on the album that should be mentioned.  The first single, "I Don't Wanna Stop", is a guilty pleasure type of song.  When compared to most of the jock rock that has been released by "metal" bands in the past few years, this song is better in the categories of guitar, bass, and drums.  The lyrics leave something to be desired, but such is the case with Ozzy as of late.  His voice sounds fine though.  The song "Countdown's Begun" shows that Zakk Wylde can take it easy for at least one song per album.  It has shades of AC/DC's "For Those About to Rock", at least where the drums and bass are concerned.  The best song on the album is hands down, "God Bless The Almighty Dollar".  The bass playing in this song is fantastic.  Along with the bass, the drums help to carry the most addictive rhythm section that Ozzy has put out in years.

Here is a track listing for "Black Rain":

1. Not Going Away
2. I Don't Wanna Stop
3. Black Rain
4. Lay Your World On Me
5. God Bless The Almighty Dollar
6. Silver
7. Civilize The Universe
8. Here For You
9. Countdown's Begun
10. Trap Door

The album also came with 2 free Ozzfest tickets.  If you are interested in wasting time at Ozzfest this year, please read the following articles.

http://blogsnroses.com/2007/03/29/behemoth-moves-from-ninas-vcr-to-ozzfest-second-stage.aspx
http://blogsnroses.com/2007/03/22/free-ozzfestfrom-unlistenable.aspx