Ozzy Osbourne has repeatedly defied the odds, clawing his way back from countless challenges to remain a rock icon. Despite being written off numerous times, he always manages a triumphant return. However, even legends like Ozzy aren’t immune to missteps. One of his most divisive moments came with the release of his 1986 album The Ultimate Sin.
From Black Sabbath to Blizzard
After leaving Black Sabbath, many doubted Osbourne could find success without guitarist Tony Iommi’s songwriting prowess. Even Ozzy himself questioned his future. But encouraged to pursue a solo career, he defied expectations. His debut, Blizzard of Ozz, revitalized his career, proving he could thrive without his former band.
Yet success came at a cost. By the mid-1980s, Ozzy’s chaotic rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle was taking its toll. In 1984, he entered the Betty Ford Clinic, determined to get clean. Emerging from rehab, he began work on what would become The Ultimate Sin, but the process was far from smooth.
Conflict and Collaboration
The album’s challenges started behind the scenes. Guitarist Jake E. Lee, feeling uncredited for his work on Bark at the Moon, demanded a contract granting him proper writing and publishing rights before contributing to the new project. Meanwhile, bassist Bob Daisley, who penned most of the album’s lyrics, left after a falling out with Osbourne. Initially, Daisley didn’t even receive credit on the album’s first pressing—a slight later corrected.
Lee took the lead on crafting the music, developing much of the album during Ozzy’s time in rehab. “I more or less wrote entire songs,” Lee shared with Guitar World. Using a drum machine and a makeshift setup, he recorded 12 rough tracks. “When Ozzy got out of the Betty Ford clinic, it was, ‘Here ya go. Here’s what I’ve got.’ Half of it ended up on the album.”
A Clash of Visions
Despite Lee’s substantial input and the album’s eventual commercial success, Ozzy has never been satisfied with The Ultimate Sin. The blame, he says, lies with producer Ron Nevison. “Ron didn’t do a great production job,” Ozzy told Rolling Stone. “The songs weren’t bad; they were just put down weird. Everything sounded the same. There was no imagination.” He went on to call it his least favorite solo album and expressed a desire to remix it.
The End of an Era
Though the album became his highest-selling LP at the time, the experience left scars. It marked the end of his collaboration with Jake E. Lee, who was fired the following year. For Ozzy, The Ultimate Sin symbolized a turning point, a realization that change was needed to elevate his music.
While the album remains a contentious entry in his catalog, it stands as a testament to Osbourne’s resilience—proof that even during challenging times, he could still capture the attention of fans and critics alike.
