Various Artists
A Quiet Night In

In 1981, the NWOBHM is at its peak. The following year, Iron Maiden, with the Number of the Beast, will take it to levels never seen before, but at the same time, they will surpass it. However, in 1981 we are still in that moment where metal, proto-metal, hard rock, heavy blues, arena rock, rock and roll, glam rock... are mixed and ill-defined. No one would be surprised to hear a bluesy riff on some NWOBHM band's record, right? Quite different from hearing a harmonica on a record with a gore cover released in 1986, obviously.

This work, therefore, captures a crucial period, which is certainly adored by fans of less intense and not excessively technical metal. There are important bands (Motörhead, Uriah Heep), bands loved almost exclusively by metalheads (Angel Witch, Girlschool), and bands forgotten by most, yet still offering pleasant moments.

Obviously, the standout tracks are those from the most important bands: excellent Motörhead, Angel Witch, and Uriah Heep, highly appreciable Hawkwind and Girlschool, the rest ranges from pleasant to adequate, without tracks that would end up in the trash, but perhaps in oblivion.

"A Quiet Night In" is not even remotely comparable to compilations such as "Metal for Muthas" or "Metal Massacre," but it remains an enjoyable record to play when your non-metalhead friends are over, and you don't want to listen to commercial pop all evening. A few more melodic tracks ("Angel Witch"), a few gimmicky ones ("Motörhead"), with contributions of various accessible hints or more psych or blues. Quite varied but very structured, it won't make you jump out of your seat for the simple reason that the best tracks on this album you probably already know. Perfect for a kid who in 1981 wanted to discover hard rock, fun today. In this sense, the album has aged poorly, but we smile: it's a lovely memory of times gone by. Rating: 78/100.