Technically this is Don Dokken’s second solo release as there is a version of Breakin’ The Chains that was released just under his name. Released in ’90, old Donny boy managed to assemble a great band behind him. John Norum on guitar, Mickey Dee on drums, Pete Baltes on bass, and Billy White on rhythm guitar. Musically, Don’s gone for a more melodic slick sound instead of the harder edge of Dokken, which works really well. Frankly, I would have bought this just for the involvement of John Norum.
The album just broke into the top 50. It didn’t do as well as Don hoped, but the musical landscape was changing dramatically and that was a win in my book. There is not a bad song on the record and Don seems to be relishing writing with his new band. Highlights for me are opener Crash N’ Burn with John Norum ripping up a storm over a pacy rockin’ beat, Side 2 opener Give It Up which is a good old anthemic rocker with a great riff and guitar sound, and my personal favourite Down In Flames. It’s got killer guitar all the way through, and they still manage to pull out a great hook and chorus with superb harmonies. A close second favourite track is The Hunger, with Mickey Dee giving it the beans for a great uptempo rocker; the heaviest tune on the record.
Don eventually bit the bullet and teamed back up with George for the Dysfunctional album, but maybe he should have kept this unit together as I really like the difference in styles.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
