He may be pushing 60, but every solo album of original material Ozzy Osbourne has released has gone multi-platinum. So, has the original shock rocker got anything new to offer?

Opener Not Going Away isn't as dire as it sounds - sawing guitars, a sing-along chorus and a promise from the man who eschews retirement that he's here to stay. He sounds strong, with little of the quavering expletive-ridden voice that fans of 2002's MTV reality show The Osbournes got used to hearing.

Osbourne is backed by Zakk Wylde, considered to be one of heavy metal's best guitarists, as well as Rob 'Blasko' Nicholson on bass, who showcase their talents on the decent rocker I Don't Wanna Stop, which has an energetic self-obsession that wouldn't be out of place on an Eminem album.

There's a nod to current concerns such as the Iraq war in the title track and rapacious consumerism in The Almighty Dollar, but as the album progresses the songs take a nose-dive lyrically and musically.

One doesn't expect subtlety from the former Black Sabbath frontman, but tracks such as Lay Your World on Me and Here for You are so soppy, they're an embarrassment.

The man best known for biting the head off a bat during a gig tells the audience 'I'm here if you need a friend'. Perhaps it's a nod to the substance-abuse problems his son Jack suffered in recent years, but out of place for the grandfather endearingly known as the Prince of Darkness.