Replay: Ozzy Osbourne, No More Tears, 1991

The release of No More Tears could not have been more untimely for Ozzy Osbourne. The mercurial rise of grunge instigated the demise of metal in the `90s. What should have been received with open arms was quickly forgotten. Oh, how quickly it was forgotten. Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society? Only when Ozzy quits touring will anyone remotely care. Bassist Robert Trujillo was evil before he ended up with once-great-but-now-pussy-rocker outfit Metallica. And the grandeur that once surrounded the Prince of Darkness himself? MTV has managed to transform the man into a caricature, a blithering, albeit extremely wealthy, idiot. Damn that Nirvana. This must be their fault. Somehow.

Everyone remembers the late-`80s Ozzy and Lita Ford duet "If I Close My Eyes Forever." The ballad showed the softer, cuddly side of our beloved hellspawn. "Mama, I'm Coming Home," equally saccharine in sentiment, revels in its prodigal-son glory. Though I've never known (and probably should never inquire too closely into) anyone calling himself "Mr. Tinkertrain," I still enjoy the innocence of the 40-second intro before Wylde's signature riff-heavy sound reminds me which way is up. If only the song weren't about child abuse. "No More Tears" involves Trujillo's bass lulling the song along until punctuated by Wylde's dirty guitar shards. "Road to Nowhere" reduces self-reflection, unfortunately, into self-pity. They can't all be winners.

Whenever I return the album to the CD player, I'm reminded of one particular incident that will forever be associated with Ozzy. Late afternoon beer-drinking and billiards? Yeah, I was in college. My roommate and I fed five dollars into the jukebox and programmed the entire album through twice. One particular young woman playing at the next table gingerly approached: "Did you play the entire album?" Laughter ensued. She walked out. Does Ozzy polarize so blatantly? Not so much as asinine behavior, I guess. But I'm glad Ozzy could be a part of it.--Carey Murphy