Quiet Riot - S/T

Released in 1988

Following Quiet Riot's career during the 80's was akin to riding a roller coaster – constant ups and downs. 1983's Metal Health was a smash success that featured some truly memorable 80's metal. In 1984 came Condition Critical, an average and stagnant album that failed to bring anything new or significant to the table. 1986's QR III we saw the band in an upward trend once more (even if most older fans of the band disagree), lending keyboards and synthesizers to their metal to create a rich, melodic metal/AOR feel akin to Europe.

Then came their self-titled release in 1988… and the roller coaster cart that was Quiet Riot's career plummeted down, down, down into obscurity.

The first problem was the change in vocalists. Ex-vocalist Kevin Dubrow was fired from the band due to his controversial remarks and gripes about other bands, their record label and the metal scene as a whole. In to replace him was Paul Shortino, ex-singer of 80's band Rough Cutt, and he failed miserably at filling Dubrow's shoes.

That isn't to suggest the blame should be placed on Shortino's shoulders, for the band as a whole dropped the ball. Although at times the band attempts to recover the melody exhibited in their previous album, Shortino's vocals just weren't appropriate for that style of metal, nor was the musicianship in the least bit inspired.

Normally I try to list a few album highlights in my reviews, but quite frankly there are none! It's as if the band simply gave up after the commercial failure of their previous album (which WAS solid despite the low sales), and the result is a generic mediocrity. If I had to choose a standout track I suppose it would be Run To You, a song that almost breaks through the blanket of monotony.

Quiet Riot's sixth album does have its fans (mostly those who actually enjoyed Paul Shortino taking over vocals), but as you can see I'm not among them.

Rating: 2 stars

Track List

  • Stay With Me Tonight
  • Callin' the Shots
  • Run to You
  • I'm Fallin'
  • King of the Hill
  • Joker
  • Lunar Obsession
  • Don't Wanna Be Your Fool
  • Coppin' a Feel
  • In a Rush
  • Empty Promises

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