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Read the Frankie Banali interview
(2006)
Read the Kevin Dubrow interview (2004)
What’s the 4-1-1?
Any 80s heavy metal fan already knows the story of Quiet Riot's third album.
I mean, they played that damn Behind the Music special on VH1 a million
times. Basically, the group was virtually unknown until the release of
this album. The album became legendary (and I use that term loosely) because
it was the first metal album to reach #1 on the pop chart. I'm sure the
band would have preferred to set that record with a song of their own,
but it was with their cover of Slade's "Cum on Feel the Noize" that
sent the band into the mainstream.
You know the song I'm talking about. It was the party anthem of the decade.
It's loud, bombastic, and undeniably catchy. However, the band's first single
was "Metal Health (Bang Your Head);" a track loaded with heavy
guitars and string bending guitar solos. The song also has the dubious distinction
of
appearing in the movie Footloose. The band takes a chance on the ballad-like
"Don't Want to Let You Go," but fails because vocalist Kevin Dubrow's
voice is just to rough. Killer riffs and driving rhythms make "Slick
Black Cadillac"
a fun ride, but after hearing the description of the actual car, who would
want it?
"Love's a Bitch" works more as a ballad because hard rockers are always
pissed off about relationships. "Breathless" has all the makings of a pop-rock
hit. "run for Cover" actually justifies the album as a heavy metal one. "Let's
Get Crazy" is loaded with hooks as it tries to undo a few in the backseat.
"Thunderbird" has always been a live favorite for the band as it pays tribute
to their former guitarist Randy Rhodes.
The Verdict
I certainly wouldn't rank Metal Health as one of the greatest albums
of all time, but for the time period, it was a solid rock album.
It's a shame that it will only be remembered for one song, because
there are a few others that are on the same level. Success was short
lived for the group, as they used the same formula for their follow-up
album Condition Critical. They even tried a second Slade cover. The
band continued to release albums (with a different vocalist at one
time), and toured the club circuit keeping Metal Health alive.
Did You Know?
Vocalist Kevin Dubrow passed away in 2007 of an accidental overdose.
Rating:   out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Quiet Riot - Rehab
Kevin Dubrow - In for the Kill
--George Dionne
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QUIET
RIOT
