Thanks to the lovely people at No Remorse Records in Greece, not only do we get the first QR album, but they have reissued the second as well. This is streets ahead of its predecessor, not only in the song writing department, but also Randy’s chops have improved a squillion %. This is more like the Randy that would appear on Ozzy’s first solo album – although it’s still a big leap – the vibe is more party and fun than the Oz’s full doom fest.
The album opens with Slick Black Cadillac, which I’m sure most of you will have heard of – it points to the future of the band. You Drive Me Crazy is a little cheesy and is more of a nod to the first album. Afterglow is a good song, it’s just the arrangement that lets it down. Eye For An Eye is the same – it needs a good producer to flush out the good song hidden within. Trouble closes out Side 1 and it reminds me of a certain Cars song.
Killer Girls opens up Side 2 and it sounds like a Kiss outtake, but I do like the change in groove around the chorus, and Randy’s solo shows all his tricks he had at the time. Face To Face starts and feels like a Sweet tune, and Randy’s solo is really over the top. Inside Out returns to the mid-seventies in vibe and feel. Album closer, We’ve Got The Magic, is the only sole Randy penned tune on the album, and if you’re expecting something guitar-esque then (other than the solo) you will be disappointed – it’s just more of the same.
One year later, Blizzard Of Oz would appear and Randy’s entry into the guitar god hall of fame would be secured, but that’s one hell of a leap from this.
7/10 from The Grooveman.
