It’s Ozzy’s magnum opus. His strongest, most exciting album in the entire catalog. And also one of his most commercially successful records. Launching a mega tour that still radiates waves throughout the heavy metal community. I’m talking of course about Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘No More Tears.’ An epic melodic metal masterpiece that’s sure to stand the test of time.
From ‘Mr. Tinkertrain’ to ‘Road To Nowhere,’ it’s a perfect album. Not one dud in the bunch. The ballads: ‘Mama I’m Comin’ Home,’ ‘Time After Time’ and ‘Road To Nowhere’ set a balance to the record. Zakk Wylde’s feel and technicality shines through. While also creating a satisfying feel rooted in true emotion. The opening ‘Mr. Tinkertrain’ is a commanding statement. Followed by the thick riffed ‘I Don’t Wanna Change The World.’ The live version of which Ozzy won a Grammy for best metal performance. The aggressive ‘Desire’ has a similar tone.
The title track comes in with its eerie groove. And legendary chorus. The call and response verse displays the chemistry that Ozzy’s vocals and Wylde’s guitar share. Forging a musical partnership that’s lasted decades. ‘S.I.N.’ has a terrific chorus melody. A perfect sing along for the 90’s. ‘Hellraiser’ is an underrated anthem. A nasty blues oriented intro. With a classic 80’s hard rock beat and epic chorus. ‘Zombie Stomp’ is a major highlight. Its killer build gets the audience anticipated for a big opening jam. And the song delivers. A throwback ‘Halloween’ type jam that’s ready for the kids of the 90’s. ‘A.V.H.’ is hands down one of the best deep cuts in all of hard rock and metal. Zakk Wylde’s thick tone shines through. A combination of a distortion pedal and mild phaser. And it sounds like audible gold.
Which is the premise of the album. It’s not only one of the great hard rock and metal records because of songwriting. It’s also because of the production. Everything is perfectly balanced. ‘No More Tears’ debuted in the top ten in the early 90’s. Prompting a massive tour that was billed as Ozzy’s farewell. Which we all know now was complete bullshit. Either way ‘No More Tears’ stands as Ozzy’s finest hour. A stellar heavy metal record that’s stood the test of time.
