Quiet Riot
Metal Health


3.5
great

Review

by Atari STAFF
October 30th, 2012 | 135 replies


Release Date: 1983 | Tracklist

Review Summary: An enjoyable hard rock album with several gems, but ultimately too much filler.

Although they aren’t talked about very often these days, Quiet Riot were quite the phenomenon back in 1983 when they released the highly successful Metal Health. Although they had released two albums previously, it was their first album to be released in America which gave them the exposure they needed to make it big. In fact, the band’s third effort Metal Health is one of the best selling hard rock albums of all time, selling well over 6 million copies and spawning two successful hits. However, despite the albums massive success, it doesn’t exactly live up to the hype. There are some amazing songs, but they are sandwiched between too much filler.

When a band doesn’t have enough material to make a completely solid record, it’s never a bad idea to put the better tracks in the beginning of the album, and this is something Quiet Riot knew quite well. The first two songs are the best on the album and are also the songs that went on to be singles. The opening track ‘Bang Your Head (Metal Health)’ is the most impressive song they’ve ever written and it is an anthem of sorts to metal music. Although the guitar work is rather simple, the band lays down some of the most memorable riffs I’ve heard in hard rock which are accompanied by an enjoyable sing along chorus. It’s hard not to get into the song’s hard rock vibe as the band sings “Bang your head! Metal Health will drive you mad!”. They keep the momentum going on the second track which is an upbeat cover of Slade’s ‘Cum on Feel the Noize.’ It’s not quite as good as the first, but the catchy verses help make it another standout. Even though neither of their singles are over the top instrumentally, they are brought to life by vocalist Kevin DuBrow. His vocals are very reminiscent of Vince Neil’s work in Motley Crue, but they are definitely lower and more hoarse, giving the band their own unique sound.

Unfortunately, DuBrow’s voice cant save the rest of the album from being under whelming. There are still a few enjoyable tracks, like ‘Don’t Wanna Let You Go’ or the unexpected closer ‘Thunderbird’, but the rest of the songs are average at best and are held back by boring riffs and forgettable choruses. This is a forgivable offense however, as the band close the album with a surprisingly good ballad. ‘Thunderbird’ is the softest song on Metal Health and DuBrow absolutely nails it. In hearing his raspy vocals on the other tracks, one wouldn’t expect him to sound this good, but his voice is nothing short of beautiful on the albums exceptional closer. It’s full of piano and some light but effective guitar work, making it another one of the albums essential tracks.

Quiet Riot may not have been able to keep the momentum going throughout the entirety of Metal Health, but when they hit, they hit hard. ‘Bang Your Head’ lives on as one of the most important songs in hard rock and their cover of ‘Cum on feel the Noize’ is still played on radio stations to this day. Surely, it’s nowhere near perfect, but it’s an important album that has enough essential tracks to belong in any music lovers collection.



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Cum on, feel the noize!...

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Comments:Add a Comment 
Trebor.
Emeritus
October 30th 2012


60015 Comments


Right on

Atari
Staff Reviewer
October 30th 2012


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

here's a link to music video for their smash hit 'Bang Your Head (Mental Health)'



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJChh7ghGnE

Atari
Staff Reviewer
October 30th 2012


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

and here's the full album....



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-ThVrr5boY

YoYoMancuso
Staff Reviewer
October 30th 2012


19323 Comments


almost at 50 reviews, you're really on a roll man


this album strikes a nostalgic chord with me, had some real good times in high school with this album playing. review was great, pos'd

Atari
Staff Reviewer
October 30th 2012


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Haha thanks man it was actually really hard to write. It's SO much easier to write a review for a 4 or a 5 lol less to complain about.

Trebor.
Emeritus
October 30th 2012


60015 Comments


I find it's easier to write 3.5s especially if they have flaws cuz you have more to write about and don't have to worry about hyperbole


Atari
Staff Reviewer
October 30th 2012


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I guess lol but had some writers block for sure

Cygnatti
October 30th 2012


36130 Comments


never even heard this band

not once

Atari
Staff Reviewer
October 30th 2012


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

doesn't surprise me

Ecnalzen
October 30th 2012


12167 Comments


Is this considered to be hair metal? Like Motley Crue and Poison?

Atari
Staff Reviewer
October 30th 2012


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Yes, I mention motley Crüe in the review ;P

Cygnatti
October 30th 2012


36130 Comments


eh, I'm not a fan of most of crue's work

Ecnalzen
October 30th 2012


12167 Comments


Sorry, Atari. I haven't actually read it all the way through yet. Finishin up my own review right now, I was just takin a breather.

"Yeah, only it doesn't sucks majorly."
That's what I was wondering. I am not a fan of most hair metal. I just know the one song by these guys.

Trebor.
Emeritus
October 30th 2012


60015 Comments


Our reviews are next to each other yet again m/

menawati
October 30th 2012


16730 Comments


meh band, not meh review nice review

Atari
Staff Reviewer
October 30th 2012


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks haha

Calc
October 30th 2012


17461 Comments


good on ya atari! review something new soon!

Atari
Staff Reviewer
October 30th 2012


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

@calc, I just reviewed the new bayside EP a few days ago....besides screw new releases there's too much good old music I'm catching up on

menawati
October 30th 2012


16730 Comments


aaarghhhh bayside...grr..spit..rage

Atari
Staff Reviewer
October 30th 2012


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Lol



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