Artist: Dokken Album: Shadowlife

Year: 1997
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Dokken's Album Shadowlife

Dokken is a rock band that was formed in 1978 by Don Dokken in Los Angeles. The band is known for its creative and unique style of heavy metal music. The band's name is derived from Don Dokken's last name, and the band's first album, Breaking the Chains, was released in 1981. The band's music quickly became very popular, and they were soon known as one of the most influential bands in the heavy metal genre. In 1997, Dokken released their album Shadowlife, which received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the album and give a critical review.

Shadowlife was released in 1997 and marked a departure from Dokken's traditional heavy metal sound. This album experimented with different styles of music, such as alternative rock and funk rock. Fans of the band were surprised by the change, and while some embraced it, others were disappointed. The album was produced by renowned producer Kelly Gray, who had previously worked with the bands Queensrÿche and Candlebox.

The album's best song is probably Here I Stand, which features a catchy guitar riff and memorable chorus. The song has a great energy to it and is one of the few songs on the album that has the classic Dokken sound. Another strong song on the album is Nothing Left to Say, which has a slower tempo but still has a great melody and memorable lyrics.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of different instruments and sounds. You can hear the band experimenting with new sounds, such as the use of electronic drums and synthesizers. While some of these elements work well, others feel forced and out of place. This experimentation reflects the band's desire to evolve and try new things, but it also risks alienating fans who prefer the band's traditional sound.

The album's biggest weakness is the lack of consistency. There are some standout tracks, but there are also some forgettable songs that do not add much to the album. The album's attempts to experiment with new sounds and styles feel a bit disjointed, and the album lacks the cohesion that is present in some of Dokken's other albums.

In conclusion, Shadowlife is a mixed bag. While the album does have its strengths, such as the standout tracks Here I Stand and Nothing Left to Say, it also suffers from a lack of consistency and cohesion. The band's experimentation with new sounds and styles is commendable, but it does not always hit the mark. Ultimately, Shadowlife is an interesting album for fans of the band and the heavy metal genre, but it is not one of Dokken's strongest albums.