Things were looking up very well for Thin Lizzy by this point in their career. After the successful Live and Dangerous set, which culminated into 7 odd years of alot of hard work from Phil Lynott and the band, it seemed that Black Rose would be the record where the guys could begin to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Having Gary Moore officially in as a member, in what would turn out to be his only complete studio album with them, wasn't a bad addition to the twin Lizzy guitar sound. Brian Robertson had finally wore out his welcome in the band during the Bad Reputation tour(of where Live and Dangerous' issue featured) and Gary stepped in for a third time to help the band out. Unfortunately, in support of this album, Moore would suddenly leave the band mid-tour in the States; an odd sense of irony as it seemed that Lizzy had a hard time keeping lead guitarists! Onto the album. Tony Visconti returns a third time to help with the proceedings of a record that lyrically, may well be Phil's crowning achievement as a songwriter. Do Anything You Want To starts things off on a strong, powerful note that has an uplifting message matched with an uplifting melody. Gary and Scott Gorham's guitars sing in tandem with each other, and Phil's vocals are straightforward, brisk and to the fore. Toughest Street in Town carries into another rough rocker but with Visconti's production qualities, gives it a gloss and sheen that shines throughout. S&M is a funky and rockin' number that is lyrically playful, but yielding in innuendo. Waiting For An Alibi features the twin guitar attack, again with some great solo's from Moore and Gorham, culminating in one of Lizzy's better live songs and makes for a timeless classic.

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There are 2 softer numbers here to round out the album, giving it a fair balance among the heavier material. Sarah is an ode to Phil's then newborn daughter and With Love has a fine melody that sustains itself, even though the inclusion of these numbers would be better suited for a Phil Lynott solo album. Got to Give it Up and Get Out of Here are the next tracks to follow and the former speaks of self-indulgence and the dangers that come with it, while the latter has a similar feel and sound to that of Do Anything or Waiting for an Alibi, not a bad tune, but its slightly filler. Upon the end of the album we are treated to Roisin Dubh(Black Rose)-A Rock Legend which is a stunningly arranged number that culminates the whole recording itself; "Roisin Dubh" is divided into 4 different parts and pays an homage to Lizzy's Irish homeland, while also offering a high caliber performance. Gorham and Moore's guitars work themselves out into a frenzy and Lynott's lyrics depict images of an "old world" imagery. Its an instant classic, tour-de-force, statement from Lizzy and is probably the best ending number to any Lizzy record out there.

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In closing, I feel this album is definitely Lizzy's peak and having Gary Moore in the ranks was certainly a moment in time that, while brief, was extremely exciting and brought much to the table for Lizzy's professionalism and artistic merits within the rock world of the time. 

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Rating Grade- A