By Stephen Kasenda
QUIET RIOT "Mental Health" (1983)
If there's one band that quickly shot to stardom and then fell hard on the ground in no time, then perhaps Quiet Riot is the right name. Imagine how they woke up from the ashes in 1983, spawned a 6-million sales breakthrough album, "Metal Health", and then were forgotten in the blink of an eye. Thanks to the huge hit of Slade's cover, "Cum On Feel The Noize", Quiet Riot etched their name as the first American heavy metal debut to ever reach Billboard #1 chart in 1983.
Aside from that big hit, there are quite a lot of great tracks. From the catchy riffage of the title track, with its invitation to bang your head raucously shouted on the great chorus, this track secured them a prestigious opening slot for Scorpions. "Slick Black Cadillac", which was recycled from their second album, is a fun party tune that will blow your roof away. "Run For Cover" has a nice solo performed by Carlos Cavazo, and the instrumental track, "Battle Axe", is also worth checking out. The ballad "Don't Wanna Let You Go" and "Thunderbird" are both good though I think they're better with the uptempo tracks.
"Metal Health" is an inventive release and considered one of the most important releases that influenced the early growth of glam metal. This album is full of flaming riffs, bodyshaking grooves, and brilliant vocal performances by the late Kevin DuBrow - highly recommended for fans of glam and traditional heavy metal.
Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.
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