Quiet Riot’s Metal Health was a milestone for heavy metal music, becoming the first metal album to top the Billboard 200 and selling over 10 million copies worldwide. The album’s explosive success was propelled by their raucous cover of Slade’s “Cum On Feel the Noize,” which turned into an anthem for headbangers everywhere. But beneath the surface of this commercial triumph lay a heartfelt tribute to the band’s roots. Quiet Riot was co-founded by Randy Rhoads, the virtuoso guitarist best known for his iconic work with Ozzy Osbourne on tracks like “Crazy Train”, and though Rhoads had moved on from the band before the recording of Metal Health the band honored his legacy after his tragic 1982 death with a heartfelt ode to their fallen friend with the poignant closing track “Thunderbird”. Ultimately Metal Health became a bridge between the raw spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and the burgeoning power of metal, solidifying Quiet Riot’s place in the annals of music history even if they didn’t have the lasting power beyond this album.
Standout Songs: “Cum On Feel the Noize”, “Metal Health (Band Your Head)”, “Run For Cover”, “Don’t Wanna Let You Go”
