The album opens with an earlier version of "Slick Back Cadillac". I actually prefer this version, it is much more raw, and lacks the bloated production found on "Metal Health". Randy's guitars are as enjoyable as ever, a wonderful sound full of trick and artistry. Next up is "You Drive Me Crazy". Despite Randy's excellent guitar aerobics, the song is actually quite lame, sounding like a deflated version of QR vocalist Kevin DuBrow's heroes, the mighty Slade. A turd of a song.
"Afterglow (of Your Love)" is a cover of the Small Faces original. Totally unnecessary, but not horrible by any means. Not much to say about the track, but a great solo from Randy is the shinning moment of the otherwise tepid song. "Eye for an Eye" sounds like Ozzy-lite. A pop song wrapped in metal clothing, it really disappoints. Tame lyrics, neutered guitars, and a lack of convincing vocals make the song a lame duck, save for the excellent solo. Ughh, I am beginning to see why this album was only released in Japan.
"Trouble" picks up the action a bit. A very heavy riff drives the song along, with some great vocals from DuBrow. Drummer Drew Forsyth struggles to keep up with Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni. Both men would be out of the band by the time of their 1983 breakout album "Metal Health". I believe that those personnel changes certainly helped the band, despite the loss of Rhoads after this album. A solid tune, and the first signs of the sound that Randy would hone with Ozzy during the next few years. "Killer Girls" starts will a pretty cool bass-line from Garni. Randy kicks in with some killer riffs. The first signs of the band rockin the sleazy sound that would propel them to success during the glam/hair metal era. The song is interesting as it changes time in the chorus. Randy was never scared to change time signatures, another sign of his virtuosity and sheer musical talent. Easily the best song on the album, it's a great indication of the things to come from both Rhoads and QR themselves.
"Face to Face" reminds instantly of the New York Dolls and other glam artists. Coming at the tail end of the 1970s, it certainly sounds dated in the face of the then burgeoning punk movement, but who cares, a great song. The album is starting to redeem itself at this point, sounding like a mix of Slade, the Dolls, and Ozzy, a great combination if there ever was one. Another great song, I love the outro as Randy delivers some great leads. "Inside You" is obviously about one thing and one thing only. Somehow, the song is actually sweet and tender. Very Slade-like, I like the slow-burning almost disco-like feel of the tune. A great song, it wouldn't have sounded out of place on a Sweet or Slade album at all, a lost late 70's classic.
The album closes with "We've Got the Magic". A terrible closer, I really don't like the tune. The lyrics are cringe-worthy, and the song is a poppy mishmash of 1970's sounds. Randy does include some cool guitar flourishes throughout the track, but not enough to save it from being sloppy, irritating, and half-baked.
"Quiet Riot II" is a very mixed album. There are some gems, but overall it is a somewhat mediocre effort. If you love the guitar playing of Randy Rhoads, it is certainly a must listen. However, casual fans would do better with the band's 1980's output. Additionally, the high cost of obtaining the full album can turn people off, if you can even find it for purchase.
Rating-6/10
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