Dokken are a melodic metal band, hailing from the 80's. They are still around though, and are frequently releasing albums. Their sound was pretty typical for the 80's, and are similar to Great White and Ratt.

TOOTH AND NAIL (1984) ELEKTRA

Although looked upon as a classic album, I don't like it as much as their later records. It does include some great classic tracks, and it is definitely one of the most raw-sounding Dokken albums, but the overall feeling doesn't do much for me. I dunno, it just sounds a bit outdated. Gotta love the drum-sound though! VERY 80's!

Killer tracks: Tooth And Nail, Into The Fire, Alone Again, 

UNDER LOCK AND KEY (1985) ELEKTRA

Dokken's third album is in my opinion their best. It was the first one I heard, and I like it as much today as I did back then. Catchy melodies that's easily remembered. Dokken play what is known as pop-metal or hair-metal, and they do it well. These guys had much success with this album, and "In My Dreams" got heavily played on MTV. I must try to obtain the other 80's albums from this band.

Killer tracks: Unchain The Night, In My Dreams, It's Not Love

BEAST FROM THE EAST (1988) ELEKTRA

At the height of their career, Dokken released their first live album. Now, this band is not famous for being the greatest live act around, and it has certainly not helped over the years. Especially Don's voice have gained a reputation for being less then mediocre on a stage. But I must say that this live CD sounds pretty good. And if for nothing else, this also works well as a greatest hits package. You're not much of a Dokken fan if you don't love the majority of songs presented here. And no one can tell me that the band does not sound tight here. 'Beast From The East' might not be the best live effort released, but it shows the band as they were back in 1988.

DYSFUNCTIONAL (1995) COLUMBIA

This was supposed to be Don Dokken's solo-album #2, but as usual the record-company wanted it differently. So the regular line-up of melodic rockers went into the studio and recorded 'Dysfunctional'. And I must say I'm pleased with the result. One can only guess, of course, what some of these songs would have sounded like if John Norum and Mikkey Dee would have played on them. But this is just meaningless speculations. To me this albums stands out as another good Dokken album, and the band does not show signs of the bad turns to follow (read: 'Shadowlife'). If you are into this band, you won't be disappointed. A safe buy.

Killer tracks: Inside Looking Out, Too High To Fly, What Price

Rock trivia: A fun little thing about this album, is that 2 of the song titles later became album titles. "Shadows Of Life" became 'Shadowlife', and "Long Way Home" is also the title of Dokken's 2002 release.

SHADOWLIFE (1997) CMC INTERNATIONAL

This album is Dokken experimenting with more modern sounds, and it doesn't work that well. I haven't listened to the album much, 'cause I didn't feel like giving it another spin after hearing it once. No song stand out. I'll give it some more play and see what happens, but for now it is one of the most boring CD's in my collection.

Killer tracks: ?

THE VERY BEST OF DOKKEN (1999) ELEKTRA/RHINO

Breaking The Chains Paris Is Burning (Live in Europe, 1982) Into The Fire Just Got Lucky Alone Again Tooth And Nail The Hunter In My Dreams It's Not Love Dream Warriors Burning Like A Flame Heaven Sent Mr. Scary Mirror Mirror - Don Dokken Too High To Fly

There is nothing new on this compilation, but still I like this release. It has some great liner-notes, including both the band history, and comments to each song. The tracks are in chronological order, and span form 'Breaking The Chains' up to 'Dysfunctional'. The only odd thing, is the track from Don Dokken's solo-release. A great retrospective overview on one of the best 80's soft-metal bands.

ERASE THE SLATE (1999) SPV/STEAMHAMMER

After some disappointing stuff being released under the name of Dokken, the band return to a sound much more akin to their older stuff. The title track could just as easily be on 'Under Lock And Key', as on this 1999 release. So I instantly enjoyed this disc. But after a few spins, I discovered the problem with it. Too many of the songs just don't cut it in the long run. "Maddest Hatter" and "Crazy Mary Goes Around" are examples. But if you can enjoy what is truly good here, you have a fine melodic soft-metal platter. Dokken is once again warmly welcome in my collection.

Killer tracks: Erase The Slate, Change The World, Shattered 

LIVE FROM THE SUN (2000) CMC INTERNATIONAL

A live disc, given to me by a friend in USA (thanks, Scott). The first thing I noticed, was the great sound on this album. The second was the poor set list (OK, I like the Dokken of the 80's the best, so what did I expect?). The guitars are handled by Reb Beach, 'cause George Lynch was off recording disco-tunes(!!). Dokken live is a pleasant experience, but this will never become a live-classic. The awful 10 minute + "Too High To Fly" ruins much of it, and the songs I like in studio-settings, don't give me quite the same kick here. So this becomes more of a collector's item, but I'm glad I have it.

Dokken also appear on:  

V/A - 'Heavy Metal Hits Of The '80s''

John Norum guest appearances:

V/A - 'Spacewalk - A Tribute To Ace Frehley'

Barry Sparks guest appearances:

Scorpions - 'Unbreakable'

Related artists:

Don Dokken, John Norum, Europe, Alice Cooper, Roland Grapow, Dio, Yngwie Malmsteen, Hear 'n Aid