Lightning Strikes Again [CD]
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- Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Disappointed.....
Just picked up the CD today $14.99(plus TAX), and being the optimistic Dokken fan I am, I didn't even listen to it online first. I've let this sink in about 4 or 5 times, and I'm left feeling that with a top flight producer(Not Don Dokken) this release could be polished into something other than you know what.... I'm a longtime Dokken fan.. since the Breaking the Chains days(the beginning). Don Dokken has kept the group going since George Lynch left for good in '97, and now Jeff Pilsons departure, and has put out some decent tunes over the years, but I doubt any other release among them takes so many liberties from other Dokken/Lynch songs/riffs spanning Tooth and Nail to Back for the Attack even Shadowlife. I guess my fav's are... Judgement Day (Under Lock and Key/Back for the Attackish) , Standing on the Outside (Up From the Ashesish) Give Me a Reason (Dream Warriorish) Heart of Stone (Back for the Attackish) John Levin has made himself play like Lynch, but doesn't play with heart or feel for the sound, it sounds too forced too often. He's really talented but if you've listened to Lynch allot it's easy to tell the difference, Don's Lyrics and Producing are unpolished and without Jeff Pilson's superb supporting harmonies; Don's Vocals weren't bad for his age(Old Man! hee hee), and thought the rhythm section was very good, Mick and Barry did their parts well. So there goes, my first post here, wish it was better...but I also wish Lynch and Pilson were putting their influences on any new Dokken releases, and Don didn't Produce the efforts just like in the early days..."Wish in one a hand....you know the rest..." Peace Out! Tungusgrump, Illinois
Posted by Tungusgrump
- Rated 4 out of 5 stars
First Impressions Aside...
I read through my previous input for this release, and thought it may have been a bit harsh. I guess my expectations were a bit too high (like the first time I heard Queensryche' "Empire CD" thinking it was way too mellow, after Operation Mindcrime had set the standard for me) Hey I'm big enough to say when I'm wrong. SORRY GUYS! This group of songs have really grown on this longtime fan. I wish there was a couple of songs that hooked me upon first hearing them like so many other Dokken songs(because you need those to hook new fans), but there is no doubt that this effort should be welcomed by all Dokken fans even if it takes a few more times for it all to sink in(CD player playing on repeat overnight while working). So I get it now, and I'm enjoying it much more. My Favorites right now... 1.Heart To Stone, 2.Oasis, 3.Judgment Day, 4.Standing on the Outside, 5.Point of No Return, 6.Give me a Reason, 7.I Remember, 8.This Fire My producer inputs (0_0)...On Heart of Stone....Lyrics are "you turned "A" heart to stone"...should have been sung "you turned "THIS" heart to stone" just sounds better...should sing it that way on the road Don. :) So Fellas, add Bloomington, IL on the schedule and see ya there! "It's good to be Rocking with Dokken once again! Cheers! Tungusgrump!
Posted by Tungusgrumps
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Dokken Metal strikes again!
Dokken "Lightning Strikes Again" is a satisfying melodic Metal experience, Don Dokken and Jon Levin have collaborated on the song writing, with the exceptions of "I Remember" and "How I Miss Your Smile" written by Don Dokken and "Disease" written by Don Dokken and Mick Brown. This is excellence in song writing, song structure , vocal harmony and lyrics. The ballads "I Remember" and "How I Miss Your Smile" make for cool breaks between the heavier songs, sung with Dokken's mellow vocal brilliance. "Standing On The Outside", "Give Me A Reason" and "Heart To Stone" will sound reminiscent of 1980's Dokken, hearing the original Dokken sound on some of these songs is a flashback well worth listening to. "Disease", "Release Me" and "It Means" have a more current sound, both vocally and musically. Dokken has put together quite an enjoyable mix of their original sound, ballads and metal, while still accomplishing a current sound you can hear and feel. The liner notes are terrific, with 16 pages of full lyrics, band photos and credits. Dokken is: Don Dokken (lead vocals), Jon Levin (guitar), Barry Sparks (bass) and Mick Brown (drums, vocals).
Posted by Fiend