Artist: Dokken Album: Dysfunctional

Year: 1995
Duration: 55:30

Dysfunctional: A Critical Review of Dokken's Album

Dokken is a name that is synonymous with heavy metal music from the 80s. Their distinct sound and brand of music made them one of the most influential bands of the era. They are widely regarded as pioneers of the glam metal movement, and their album Dysfunctional is a testament to their talent and skill. In this critical review, we will delve deep into the history of the band, the genre of music they play, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a final verdict on the album.

Dokken were founded by guitarist George Lynch and vocalist Don Dokken in the late '70s, and their early work showcased a blend of melodic rock and heavy metal. Their second album, Tooth and Nail, exploded onto the scene in 1984 and spawned hits like Alone Again and Into the Fire. The band's signature sound came from Don Dokken's powerful vocal range and George Lynch's blistering guitar solos. Their career was short-lived, as tensions between the members led to their eventual breakup in 1989. They later reunited in 1993 to release Dysfunctional.

The Dysfunctional album marked a shift in the band's sound and style. The record was more laid back and bluesy than their earlier work, with a focus on melody and groove. The band members themselves had matured, with Don Dokken singing with more restraint and a focus on emotion. The guitar work by George Lynch was still brilliant, but the solos were more understated and tasteful. This shift in direction was a refreshing change for the band and helped them to stay relevant in the changing music landscape.

The album's best songs include the opening track, Inside Looking Out, which features some of the best guitar work on the album. Too High to Fly is another standout, with a catchy chorus and driving rhythm. The Maze is a slower, more introspective track that showcases Don Dokken's emotive vocals and life-affirming lyrics. Other highlights of the album include Haunted Lullabye and The Last Goodbye.

The most innovative part of the album is the band's willingness to evolve and try new things. They didn't rest on their laurels or try to recreate their earlier work. Instead, they experimented with new sounds and song structures to great effect. The result is an album that still sounds fresh and relevant today, more than 25 years after its release.

However, the album is not without its flaws. The songwriting on some tracks is inconsistent, and some of the slower songs can drag. The production also feels a bit dated, with a thin, compressed sound that doesn't do justice to the band's musicianship. These are minor quibbles, though, and do not detract from the overall quality of the album.

Dysfunctional is a great album that showcases Dokken's musical talents and evolution as a band. They eschewed the formulaic approach of their earlier work in favor of a more laid back, groove-focused sound that suits them. Though not perfect, the album has stood the test of time and remains an essential listen for fans of '80s rock and heavy metal.

Dysfunctional is a great album that showcases Dokken's musical talents and evolution as a band. They eschewed the formulaic approach of their earlier work in favor of a more laid back, groove-focused sound that suits them. Though not perfect, the album has stood the test of time and remains an essential listen for fans of '80s rock and heavy metal.