If you have seen any of the live clips of recent Dokken shows it’s fairly obvious that Don’s voice is pretty much shot. In the studio however, all sorts of voodoo can be applied to assist in the vocal recording process. Here, you can tell he is struggling in places to hit or hold notes but at least he is giving it his best.
I was expecting this to be the last Dokken album and then I read that Jeff Pilson said something recently about how he and George would like to do one last album with Don, so I guess time will tell.
Musically, this album is really good. John Levin is a great player, and he’s stamping his sound all over the proceedings, he is the highlight of this record. It’s standard hard rockin’ fair but played very well and the production is really loud and clear. This is one of the best latter day Dokken records, even with Don’s struggles.
Highlights for me are the heavy groove of Is It Me Or You with some killer guitar and some great layered vocals, the very similar track Saving Grace which has a great slower groove and Levin’s playing is top drawer here. My favourite track however is the opener, Fugitive. I love the eastern vibe at the intro and the riff and guitar sound are huge.
I will be sad when there are no more Dokken albums, but you can see the end coming.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
