Jake E. Lee Crowns Ozzy’s Last Great Album

🎸 Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee recently offered a definitive—and somewhat controversial—opinion on the Prince of Darkness’s discography, declaring that a specific 1980s record marked the end of Ozzy’s golden era. Lee, highly regarded by fans not just for his stellar guitar work but also for his vital songwriting contributions, believes that after his collaboration ended, Osbourne’s music began to lose its edge.

✍️ A Songwriting Powerhouse

Jake E. Lee’s tenure with Ozzy Osbourne was undeniably brief but profoundly impactful. He was the crucial first full-time replacement following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads. Lee wasn’t merely a hired guitarist; he was a core creative force. His musicianship and collaborative skills were essential in crafting some of Osbourne’s most enduring material, solidifying his role as more than just a sideman. This creative input resulted in two notable albums that remain pillars of the Ozzy Osbourne catalog.

🌙 The End of an Era

Lee’s first album with the band was the 1983 release, Bark at the Moon. This record is celebrated for delivering some of Ozzy’s most recognizable tracks, successfully ushering in a new chapter for the solo artist. Following this success, the band released The Ultimate Sin in 1986. While often overshadowed by its predecessor, this album contains several tracks that many fans consider “true bangers.” However, it is the 1986 release that Lee designates as the final truly great album.

🗣️ Softening the Edge: The Post-Lee Sound

According to Lee, the quality began to decline after his unexpected firing and subsequent departure from the camp. Lee lamented the shift in Osbourne’s creative process, suggesting the metal icon “got soft.” The guitarist pointed to an increased reliance on outside collaborators, stating that Ozzy “started letting other people write” his material. For Lee, this change diluted the raw, focused energy that characterized the albums they created together, signaling an unfortunate creative downturn that marked the end of the definitive Ozzy sound. Lee’s comments offer a fascinating, albeit critical, perspective from one of the band’s most talented and pivotal co-creators.