By early 1984, Quiet Riot was undoubtedly one of the most popular heavy metal acts in the U.S. Things quickly took a turn for the worse by the summer release of its sophomore effort, CONDITION CRITICAL. Singer Kevin DuBrow had been continuously slamming other hard rock bands in the press (most notably Motley Crue and Ozzy Osbourne). Taking shots at Ozzy rubbed many metalheads the wrong way and caused friction within QR itself.

CONDITION CRITICAL performed respectfully on the charts regardless, due to another successful Slade cover ("Mama Weer All Crazee Now"), as well as the self-explanatory "Party All Night," and other rockers such as "Sign of the Times," "Stomp Your Hands, Clap Your Feet," and the title track. After the ensuing tour wrapped up, bassist Rudy Sarzo left the band, eventually resurfacing as a member of Whitesnake three years later.