Quiet Riot was the first band of Randy Rhoads with whom he released their first two albums. But interestingly the band is actually known for their first album after Rhoads departed to join Ozzy. Metal Health released on March 11, 1983, supported by the MTV hit "Cum On Feel the Noize" is notable for being the first heavy metal album to reach the top spot on the Billboard 200. The album went on to sell more than ten million copies worldwide. The song "Thunderbird" is dedicated to Rhoads. After that huge success, the band never came close to anything like it and they have had so many line up changes. In fact, 27 musicians have been part of the band over its 44 years of existence.
Now the veterans are releasing their fourteenth studio album Hollywood Cowboys as the the follow-up to 2017's Road Rage. Singer James Durbin quit almost immediately after the record was completed and was immediately replaced with Jizzy Pearl, who previously fronted the band from 2013 until 2016. Hollywood Cowboys is a good hard rock album bringing 12 relatively short tracks in 45 minutes. It features the 80's vibe that they are known for but never going glam metal or too cheesy. The musicianship is quite high level from all member. Durbin has a versatile vocal range, more technical and more operatic than original and late singer Kevin DuBrow. The drum and guitar work are excellent and the bass very competent and well positioned in the mix.
The album starts well with the single and rocker "Don't Call It Love" and the next four songs keep it up on the same line. Interestingly when "Roll On" started I was fearful that the mandatory ballad was coming, but to my surprise it is a very nice bluesy song reminding me of 90's Great White. Yes it is slow tempo but not cheesy and features nice guitar work. The track order was well crafted because right after the heaviest songs follow "Insanity" (fantastic drumming and nice headbanging speed) and "Hellbender" (nice groove). After that, unfortunately, the last four tracks loose me. They are somewhat of fillers being less inspired, lower energy and more pop/cliche. Maybe crafting two songs a bit further and cutting a couple would make the album stronger till the end.
All things considered, Hollywood Cowboys is a hard rock album worth listening to. Especially the first two thirds. Those first eight songs can work well live, particularly during summer festivals. If you are looking for good old 80's rock n' roll fun, look no further, Quiet Riot has the answer.
SCORE: 79/100
DR: 6
Genre: Hard Rock
Released by Frontiers Music Srl. on November 8th, 2019
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Rating System
98 - 100 Perfect
92 - 97 Excellent
86 - 91 Great
81 - 85 Very Good
77 - 80 Good
69 - 76 Mixed
58 - 68 Bad
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