"Bang Your Head (Metal Health)" by Quiet Riot

Song#:  1746
Date:  01/07/1984
Debut:  72
Peak:  31
Weeks:  12
Genre:  Hard Rock, Heavy Metal



Pop Bits:  This band really busted through that wall that separated mainstream pop music heavier rock with their song "Cum on Feel the Noize." The tune caught on and soon pop listeners were demanding to hear it on the radio. Programmers began spinning the single and soon it would reach #5 on the Pop chart. The result would help push their album Metal Health to #1. The song is often cited as the first metal song to go Top 5 while the album is considered to be the first metal album to reach the top spot. For their follow-up, the band chose this title-track song. It wouldn't do as well as "Cum on Feel the Noize," but it did almost get into the Pop Top 30 (#37 Rock). Unfortunately, the band would fizzle quickly and this song would be their last to visit the Pop Top 40.

ReduxReview:  Whereas "Cum on Feel" was a cover tune, this is an original by the band. It's actually pretty good and I like the verse a lot, but I just don't think it had the same pop-ish hook and appeal as the previous hit. It's a little harder and rougher around the edges and that probably didn't sit as well with pop audiences. However, in some respects, I like this song a bit better than "Come on Feel."

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) The title and song lyrics refer to the act of headbanging, which was commonly done by folks who were listening to hard rock, punk, or metal music either on record or in a live setting. Headbanging is simply shaking or bobbing your head in a violent manner to the beat of the music. Although the origin of the movement and/or its name is disputed, one of the stories is that it began during a 1969 Led Zeppelin tour when it was noticed that people in the front row seemed like they were banging their heads against the edge of the stage in time with the music. Even musicians themselves began doing it on stage while performing. (And is certainly helped if you had long hair to whip around too...). Later on, it was discovered that the move could pose a health risk. In addition to accidentally banging your head against something (or someone), some people have experienced strokes and other brain disorders attributed to headbanging.  2) This song was heard in the movie Footloose, but the song was not included on the soundtrack. It was playing in Ren's (Kevin Bacon) car during one scene. Apparently, it was also used in the 2011 remake of the film as well.

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