Customer Reviews

No Rest for the Wicked

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

It seems No Rest For The Wicked has become "The Ozzy Album That Time Forgot." For many, Blizzard of Ozz and Diary Of A Madman are Ozzy's best albums. At the same time, The Ultimate Sin and Bark At The Moon are considered his weakest. No More Tears and Ozzmosis also get their share of critical acclaim and recognition. But it seems that for most fans, No Rest For The Wicked is just "there" and is pretty much regarded as "that other Ozzy album." Well, here's one fan that definitely has not forgotten this little gem. While I definitely won't deny that Blizzard of Ozz and Diary Of A Madman are very good albums (especially Madman), I find No Rest For The Wicked to be both Ozzy's heaviest and most enjoyable album.

The first thing that must be said about this album is that Zakk Wylde's guitaring is simply amazing. For those who were slightly disappointed with Jake E. Lee's performance in Ozzy's previous two albums, Wylde will definitely blow you away with his outstanding solos and catchy riffs. Unfortunately, he doesn't really do any of the neat guitar tricks Randy Rhoades did back in his day. But that isn't such a huge loss.

Second of all, Ozzy sings with almost as much passion as he did on the original Blizzard of Ozz (and that passion is probably what made Blizzard his most popular). Fire In The Sky, for example, seems to be a song Ozzy really got into when singing it, especially during its chorus.

Finally, the album as a whole is extremely powerful. The guitars and drumming seemingly go hand in hand to give the album a very heavy/pounding sound to it. This makes it very fun to listen to and definitely a good get-going type album.

So overall, this is one album that definitely should not be overlooked by Ozzy fans nor metal fans in general. It basically features everything we've all come to expect from Ozzy.. and more.

Add one dose of Ozzy Osbourne, improved drumming from Randy Castillo, brilliant fireworks from new guitar wunderkind Zakk Wylde and steady bass from longtime Ozzy songwriting parter/studio bassist Bob Daisly and you get a hard rocking, standard Ozzy Osbourne album. This album has several good tracks-"Miracle Man", "Devil's Daughter", "Blood Bath in Paradise" and "Crazy Babies". The rest of the album is standard hard rock. Zakk brings a fiery style to guitar that was lacking in Jake E. Lee's style. Bob Daisly is a vast improvement over Phil Soussan and Rudy Sarzo on bass. All in all this is a decent and well produced Rock album with some catchy tunes. There is nothing amazing about this album, just more of what you expect from Ozzy.

The beginning of a new era begins for Ozzy Osbourne, with the addition of axe slinger Zakk Wylde (also of Black Label Society). And the difference is noticeable, from the outset. The sound of this album, beginning with "Miracle Man," is noticeably heavier, less grounded in 1980s stereotypes, and generally more...well, more METAL! Zakk's shredding ability carries "Devil's Daughter (Holy War)," where Ozzy's vocals seem a little weak, and his presence on "Crazy Babies" really makes the most of a fun, blues infused rockin' track. Throughout the album, Ozzy does things that are different from what he's done in the past (a good thing...some of the old was getting a bit stale). This album, while lacking the obvious hits of some previous efforts, marks a turning point in Ozzy's career and a breath of new life into his music.

On another note:

DO NOT BUY THE 2002 OZZY REMASTERS of his first two albums (Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman)! They are NOT the originals, and have been rerecorded by newer members of Ozzy's band, as a way to screw over the old members who are owed $$$ for the work they did. Seek out the 1995 remasters, instead. Reward the musicians who actually made the music!

Ozzy's first record with guitarist Zakk Wylde is, without a doubt, a marked improvement over the unashamedly "hair metal" sounding, utterly disappointing "The Ultimate Sin", released only 2 years prior to this. Indeed, after scaring the hell out of everybody by jumping into the (according to the definition of a dear friend of mine...)"filthy glam metal" bandwagon (and not only musically, but visually too...oh boy, those clothes, that hair...the horror, the horror...), Ozzy decided to go back to its trademark skull-bashing, bone crunching brand of rock, and he found in Zakk a great foil to achieve this. Completing his recording lineup at the time were drummer Randy Castillo (finally given free reign to pound on his drums like there's no tomorrow, and even to contribute to the songwriting), longtime collaborator Bob Daisley on bass and John Sinclair on keyboards. Contrary to popular belief, bassist Geezer Butler was not involved in the process, but rather joined the band for the subsequent tour. Gone is the horrible, slick, smooth production of Ron Nevison. Legendary producer Roy Thomas Baker (known for his work with Queen) was originally tapped for the project, but after only a short time in the studio, he just couldn't see eye to eye with Ozzy on the direction of the album, and ultimately Keith Olsen stepped in.

His first task was to "fix" the sound of the material already recorded, which to Ozzy lacked punch (especially on the drums), and then record some new, even punchier material. And he succeeded in both, creating an album that was closer to the wall of guitars approach of his first 2 solo albums. Some of the strongest cuts, placed in the first "half" of the album, were selected as singles: guitar heavy tracks "Breaking all the Rules" and "Crazy Babies" make little sense lyrically but are a great deal of fun; "Devil's Daughter" is another great tune that is fast and heavy and dumb, but great for headbanging and chockfull with great guitar; probably the weakest track is opener "Miracle Man", a direct attack to Jimmy Swaggart and other T.V evangelists who had often targeted Ozzy, making him the very definition of "evil" and using him as an scape goat, so it was only fitting that given such a brilliant opportunity, Ozz wouldn't pass up the chance to have a swing on him; but the resulting song, while quite explicit and effective lyrically, is fairly generic from the musical point of view.

The same can be said about some of the material of the latter half of the album: "Bloodbath in Paradise" and "Tattooed Dancer" are fast and hard hitting, sure, but a little too topical and typical. That's not to say that they're bad, but they aren't the best tunes in here; "Demon Alcohol" is better simply because it deals with a topic that Ozzy knows all too well, and therefore rings true to the listener. "Fire in the Sky" slows down the pace somewhat, and while it's not one of my favorite tracks, I must admit that is has an interesting structure and it is an interesting, if somewhat odd, departure from the tried and true. Finally, "Hero" was a "hidden" bonus track that appeared on the 95 remaster, and it is quite a nice addition to the set and a great closing tune.

This new 2002 remaster, however, graces us with 2 more cuts: "Liar" and a live version of "Miracle Man"; the latter has little interest, especially for those who have either the "Just Say Ozzy" and/or "Live and Loud" live sets, since the versions of that song included in those 2 releases are far better and have better sound, too. "Liar" is a real disappointment: the liner notes claim that it comes from the same recording sessions, but the sound is altogether different from the rest of the CD, which can be explained by one of two possibilities: it is either a demo, or one of the tracks from the "Roy Thomas Baker" sessions that wasn't remixed. It sounds tiny and lackluster in comparison with the rest of the material. And what the hell is the deal with that vocal melody, anyway? It keeps changing and changing and ultimately it never gets anywhere!! Its inclusion here is a mistake as it adds nothing to the original release, and it is justified purely as a marketing ploy to entice Ozzy fans into buying the album yet again.

Not the most essential Ozzy release (my actual rating for it would be 3 1/2 stars, but since I can't put that...), but in the end a satisfying one that put the Madman back on track and more importantly, I believe, set the groundwork for the next record, "No More Tears", a true rock masterpiece. Think of it as a blueprint of sorts: all the elements that would make NMT a classic are here, although not fully realized. Some of its songs may not have aged as well, but if you enjoy(ed) "No More Tears" hard hitting, take no prisoners sound, you'll probably like this one as well.

I really was impressed with this album. I've listened to Ozzy since I could remember and he really peaked with this album.
The lyrics are out of this world, especially for Breaking All The Rules.
I can relate to these lyrics for so many reasons, but it is never to late to consider following rules.
I have broken so many rules and have only been heart-broken, so Ozzy thanks for your personal devotion to rock n roll. God Bless You and your Family!!!!!

Ozzy finished the `80's strongly with yet another new lineup featuring another guitar prodigy in Zakk Wylde. This partnership has been almost as long and enduring as the one with Sharon and Wylde has become another metal icon whether in his long career with the Oz or in his own Black Label Society. `No Rest for the Wicked' which came in the fall of 1988 is probably the heaviest record in Ozzy Osbourne's career due in no part to Mr. Wylde's ultra aggressive guitar style. The album is also a much more consistent and stronger LP the either of its two predecessors (the Jake E. Lee records, though I love Badlands!) "Miracle Man" is a great opener and a definitive shot at the hypocrisy of televangelists which had targeted Ozzy and his ilk for years. "Crazy Babies" and "Breaking All the Rules" both received some strong airplane though nothing to rival his earlier output. Bob Daisley came back to write most of the lyrics and they seem to be an improvement over much of his work on `Ultimate Sin'. Ozzy even revisits the subject of alcoholism in "Demon Alcohol" which is a fine cut but doesn't hold a candle to "Suicide Solution". `No Rest' is an enjoyable piece of madman mayhem that showed an artist who though again working with new collaborators could be depended upon to deliver the goods.

......then this album would be the picture next to it!! I'm dead serious, you don't like it then don't read this review cuz all I got is good stuff:

The Original Track list:
1. Miracle Man: I heard this song before I bought this album because I had the 6-track "Just Say Ozzy" EP (WTF was I thinking?) and thought it was great, but this version is that much greater! The intro to this is awesome with Zakk's 'Wylde' riffs and Ozzy's inventive lyrics for the hypocritical Jimmy Swagert. By the way Zakk's solo is great, it sonds part Van Halen part Satriani inspired 10/10

2. Devil's Daughter (Holy War): I think this has got to be one of Ozzy's most underrated songs, I'll even go as far as saying this should have been a hit instead of Crazy Babies (which was really weird in the first place). The bass and riffs on this are awesome and Ozzy has a certain dramatic flair on this piece. Definitely a 10/10.

3. Crazy Babies: I used to think that this song was kind of weird, I still do but in a lyrical sense and not songwise sense. THere is GREAT guitar spots throughout this track by Wylde and the tempo is just outstanding. Even Ozz's party boy lines are great on here. 9/10

4. Breaking all the Rules: A truly balls-to-the-wall track. From the heavy intro all the way to the 'rules' chant is awesomeness. It's easy to see why this became a hit. 9/10

5. Bloodbath in Paradise: Before going on with this track review I just want to address a few things: in the booklet for the newly remastered edition they say this is Vietnam inspired. Thats crazy, anyone with half a brain stem can tell just by LISTENING not even having to read the lyrics that it is inspired from the Manson family! Now onto the review: This songg is absolutely #$#%ng unbelievable. In fact I would rate it next to some of the tracks from Blizzard/Diary. Listen and make your own judgement. Rating: makes the "Helter Skelter" movie look like bull#$%t. 11/10

6. Fire In the Sky: FIrst off let me just say to all of those that are like : "Zakk's solo in FIre in the SKy is better than any of Randy's solos." I disagree. In fact, I think that there will never be anyone who can or will be as great as Randy Rhoads was, but I'll get to that later (saving it for my 'Tribute' review). I will say though that this solo is proof of why Zakk is Ozzy's guitarist: the guitar solo is sooooo unbelievably great that only a Mega-virtuoso like Wylde could pull off. The other thing about this is that it shows the beauty of Zakks guitar playing: he played so beautifully that it still keeps the melodic-like atmosphere while having the ubergreat virtuoso solo. THis song would have sounded great on Bill and Tedds Excellent Adventure (random but pratical). Rating: If only the Gods were mortal men with guitars, then they would be like Zakk Wylde! This track is easily the greatest on the album and I would rate it with the best of Blizzard of Ozz and daresay even Diary of a Madman. THe solo spot in my opinion is also better that No More Tears. 25/10

7. Tattoed Dancer: This song seems kind of out of place with the rest of the material. Of course the percussion on this is outstanding: Randy Castillo is such an awesome drummer, in fact I consider him one of the greatest in the history of heavy metal (face reality he could kick the crap out of Lee Kerslake and Tommy Aldridge, as great as they are.) But the lyrics, they are sooo UNOZZY! Leave writing dirty songs to Poison or Motley Crue, not Ozzy. Admit it, it's really awkward to hear Ozzy scream: "Dance for me b#$ch!" with that said I would have to give it an 11/10 because the drumming unbelievable.

8. Demon Alcohol: Unlike what the 'professional' critics say, I don't consider this a sequel to suicide solution because when Ozzy made Suicide Solution it was a tribute to his dearly departed friend and beer buddy Bon Scott. Demon Alcohol is about his own problem, which means it is not that sequel they are talking about. Nice riffs and beats throughout and the mention of 'suicide solutions' in there is just lyrical genious on Ozzy's part. 10/10

9. Hero: Supposedly the hidden track on the original cd version, it seems that the Ozzy camp has gotten smart enough to include it on the track listing this time. A beautiful ballard, you can definitely hear the emotion in the music. I think that this song is really about how much Ozzy gives to the audience whenever he is out there in frontman form, which if you ask me even in his old crippled state now, his voice sounds like crap, he may limp like a 150 year old, but the heart of the man is still there. and this song says it all. Rating: It comes from the heart of the man, that is one thing I can not rate, but if I could I would give it an 11/10

Extra Tracks:
10. The Liar: I can't believe they didn't keep this track on here! It would have fit perfectly well right after 'Hero'. In alot of ways this reminds me of 'Spiders', the bonus track on BATM. There is a light melodic bass line throughout and at times a little bit of riff, good for soothing ones spirit when down. 10/10

11. Miracle Man(Live): Better than the normal version and way better than the JSO version. It somehow keeps the riff atmopshere of the original but yet at the same time keep the live production atmosphere of JSO. LIsten to this and you can tell that Ozzy just loves stickin it to the man, which in this case is Jimmy Swaggert. I like this version better than Just Say Ozzy because there is more of a live feel in this one (for example in the middle of the song Ozzy shouts: "everybody clap your f#$%#ng hands!") YOu should definitely check out the 2002 remaster. 11/10

NOw if you don't like this album, then you are a big fat retard! Don't worry I'm just kiddn'! However, if you don't like it then give a legitamite excuse besides "I don't like Ozzy" or some crazy crap like that. I for one obey the guidelines, you should too.
Out of all of Ozzy's albums, this would be my fourth favorite. Here's how I would rate Ozzy's albums from best to worst:

1.Randy Rhoads Tribute
2.Diary of a Madman
3.Blizzard of Ozz
4.No Rest for the Wicked
5.No More Tears
6.The Ultimate Sin
7.Live and Loud
8.Just Say Ozzy
9.Speak of the Devil
10.Bark at the Moon
11.Ozzmosis
Anything after Ozzmosis isn't really worth adding on here.

After making "The Ultimate Sin" -album which became Ozzy's best-selling album but afterwards it was dumbed...Ozzy made an album which some of fans put his best and others say that it is almost as bad as "The Ultimate Sin". I am the one who think it is one of his best ones. This album was the one I liked to listen to the most when I was 6-10 years old. The riffs are so unbelievable. The lyrics are also great..."Devil's Daughter" and "Breaking All the Rules"...plus of course "Fire in the Sky" and "Bloodbath in Paradise". "Crazy Babies" isn't my favourites although it was a selection for "The Ozzman Cometh" -collection. "Miracle Man" is the one that Ozzy sing in his live gigs quite often. By the way, this is the album in which Zakk Wylde plays his best "guitar show". Riffs in "Fire in the Sky" are so unbelivable that it is hard to believe that some one who says that likes hard rock is against Zakk Wylde. Although Randy Rhoads was an excellent guitarist...Zakk isn't much worse...actually I like Zakk's guitar work more than Randy's. There's no ballads in this album if you don't count "Hero", a bonus track. "Fire in the Sky" has peaceful moments but I wouldn't say it is actual ballad. It is more like power ballad. This is maybe the hard rock album with big H and big R. If I think of a hard rock album I usually think about this album, "The Ultimate Sin" or Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet". Rhythm are most of the time fast...just to mention "Miracle Man", "Tattooed Dancer", "Demon Alcohol", "Bloodbath in Paradise", and "Devil's Daughter".
Stars: Miracle Man, Devil's Daughter, Fire in the Sky

No Rest for the Wicked isn't bad. I find it to be pretty enjoyable and fun to listen to. It's a bit heavier and grittier than The Ultimate Sin. Zakk Wylde's guitar playing is skilled and energetic. He really does a nice job on all of the tunes. All of the album's tracks are satisfying and listenable. The lyrics to the songs are also interesting. The musicianship and songwriting are good, too. Ozzy does a good job with the vocal duties. No Rest for the Wicked is straight-ahead hard rock. I don't have any favorite songs--all of the tracks are pretty cool. No Rest for the Wicked is worth a listen.

I love "No Rest For the Wicked" and believe it's one of Ozzy's most underrated albums (along with "Bark At the Moon").

Zack Wylde proved he was more than a worthy successor to Jake E. Lee, jamming with the master himself and laying down some deep tracks and outstanding guitar work.

My favorite cut here is "Miracle Man." A thinly veiled busting of disgraced TV preacher Jimmy Swaggart's stones, one line has never failed to make me snicker every time I hear it: "Now Jimmy he got busted with his pants down, repent ye wretched sinners, self righteous clown" (Swaggart was among the crop of TV preachers who pounced on Ozzy throughout the 80's, calling him everything but his mother's child). Ahh, revenge can be so sweet.

One tune that I was disappointed with was "Bloodbath In Paradise," which glorified Charles Manson. Then again, there was a trend in the 80's in glorifying murderers.

Ozzy always has a penchant for writing songs that everyday people can relate to, such as with "Demon Alcohol."

One fact that must be noted: The original album only contained 8 songs - from "Miracle Man" to "Demon Alcohol." "Hero" was a bonus track on the tape (it wasn't on the album or the then-new technology of cds).

In all, "No Rest..." is definitely worth the effort. Ozzy ended the decade on a high note and he only continued the momentum in the 90's.