This is the second release after Dokken’s reformation for the Dysfunctional record in ’95. It’s also the album that Dokken fans hate the most. True, it is quite a dark and dissonant sounding album, but there are some killer moments to be heard. All things melody in rock had gone underground at this point, as all rock and metal was angry and mean sounding.
Puppet On A String opens up the album and it’s all about George. Great riff and groove, and the solo is awesome. Grunge had an effect on everyone and Cracks In The Ground shows that. That’s not to mean it’s a bad tune, it has elements of the Beatles and lots of Seattle vibes, also lots of George. Sky Beneath My Feet brings up the Beatles again, as those vocal harmonies are so reminiscent of the Fab Four.
My favourite tune is not a tune you would have associated with Dokken of old. The beat and groove are very busy and not your normal four to the floor, but this track rocks in all the right places. The other song that really shakes my tree is Sweet Life. Great simple riff and I love the way the song swings.
Correct, it’s not the best Dokken album, but it’s nowhere near as bad as people say.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
