Dokken Back in

DOKKEN will release an album called "The Lost Songs: 1978-1981" on August 28 via Silver Lining Music. It wasn't always multi-platinum sales and stadium gigs for DOKKEN. There was a first-phase and there were early days, and it is those bold first steps to stardom which are celebrated comprehensively on "The Lost Songs: 1978-1981" LP.

Although 1987's BACK FOR THE ATTACK proved to be Dokken's fastest-selling album ever (achieving platinum status shortly after its release), it would prove to be the band's last new studio album until 1995's DYSFUNCTIONAL. Growing tensions between singer Don Dokken and guitarist George Lynch reached a boiling point during their stint as part of 1988's Monsters of Rock tour, and the band members went their separate ways after a lackluster live album (1988's BEAST FROM THE EAST). Still, BACK FOR THE ATTACK still managed to contain more than a few highlights…

Five CD box set containing a quintet of original albums from the Hard Rockers: Back For The Attack, Beast From The East, Breaking The Chains, Tooth And Nail and Under Lock And Key.

It wasn't always multi-platinum sales and stadium gigs for Dokken. There was a first-phase and there were early days, and it is those bold first steps to stardom which are celebrated comprehensively on Dokken's 'The Lost Songs: 1978-1981'album.

Dokken's 1995 album was more of a marketing move than an inspired musical collaboration. All of the members from the group's highwater mark in the '80s returned for Dysfunctional, but they sound as if they haven't resolved their differences yet. None of the songs are fully-formed or feature memorable hooks. Don Dokken's voice has worn away over the years, and he can no longer sell mediocre material on the basis of his charisma. George Lynch plays fine, but his solos sound as if they were pasted on after the original track was recorded. While it's good to have the guitarist back in action, he deserved a better platform than the songs on Dysfunctional.