This new release features the grandfather of heavy metal performing cover versions of some of his all-time faves. Since most of these first appeared earlier in the year on the Prince of Darkness box set, one has to wonder why a musician of Ozzy’s stature would feel the need to release something like this—seems a little lightweight for such a metal behemoth.
The album’s ultra-slick production is kind to Ozzy’s weathered pipes, enabling him to pull off songs by John Lennon, The Rolling Stones, Mott The Hoople and Cream. He even manages to get through The Beatles’ classic “In My Life,” which actually comes off warm and melancholic, suggesting a special connection between the man and the song. The places Ozzy really shines are on dinosaur-rock anthems like Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way,” which is perfect for his trademark yowl, and Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen” that makes good use of his range. Other numbers like “All The Young Dudes” and “Working Class Hero” don’t fare as well, teetering on the edge of self-parody.
Although Under Cover is a fairly obvious holiday cash-in, it has its entertaining moments, and should do well to pacify Ozzy diehards until his next venture.
+ Jim Kaz
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