Alive and Well

Alive and Well is a restart on which Quiet Riot again powerfully foregrounds its cheerful rock-and-roll feel and big, singable, bold choruses. Newly written songs and re-recorded reinterpretations of familiar classics of old are placed side by side, keeping an ongoing, sure heat while looking back on the band’s brilliant history. Content full of powerful vitality, true to its title. From the powerful drive of the opening title track “Alive and Well” and the aggression of “Angry” to the drama of “The Ritual,” every new song is engaging, while cuts like “Overworked and Underpaid” and “Slam Dunk (Way to Go!)” convey the band’s vigor. Additionally, re-recordings of signature songs such as “Cum on Feel the Noize” and “Metal Health” are included — content that pleases fans. Unforced, light groove and straight, powerful guitar move the whole album truly lightly and merrily. Kevin DuBrow’s unchanging distinctive voice is also intact. Without resting in past glory, as an active rock-and-roll band, it is a fulfilling record full of accessible, forward-looking appeal.