Artist: Dokken Album: Under Lock and Key

Year: 1985
Duration: 42:55

Unlocking the Sounds of Dokken: A Critical Review of the Album Under Lock and Key

As a fan of classic rock and heavy metal, I am no stranger to the sounds of Dokken. The California-based band reached the peak of their popularity in the 1980s, producing hits like Breaking the Chains and In My Dreams. However, they faced internal struggles and lineup changes that ultimately led to their disbandment in the late 1990s. Today, Dokken's legacy lives on through their discography, and one of their most notable works is the album Under Lock and Key, which was released in 1985. In this blog post, we’ll take a critical review of the album and discuss its brief history, music genre, best songs, and most innovative parts.

First off, let’s talk about the band itself. Dokken was formed in 1979 by singer Don Dokken and guitarist George Lynch, with drummer Mick Brown and bassist Juan Croucier joining later. Their style is often grouped under the label of hair metal, which was a glam rock subgenre that rose to prominence in the 1980s. Hair metal bands typically emphasized flashy looks, big choruses, and guitar solos, and Dokken was no exception. However, they also incorporated elements of hard rock and even blues, making them stand out among their peers.

Moving on to the album Under Lock and Key, it features some of Dokken's most well-known songs, including It's Not Love, The Hunter, and In My Dreams. The album’s sound is a mix of hard rock and heavy metal, with memorable riffs and catchy hooks. The production value is top-notch, thanks in part to famed producer Tom Werman. The band's musicianship is also impressive, especially Lynch's guitar work and Dokken's vocals.

One of the standout tracks on the album is The Hunter, which begins with a haunting intro before launching into an upbeat riff. The song's chorus is anthemic, with Dokken belting out lines like I am the hunter, and you are the prey. Another highlight is In My Dreams, which features a memorable keyboard riff and a soaring chorus. The song's lyrics deal with longing for a lost love, and it's a testament to Dokken's ability to blend emotional depth with musical catchiness.

As for the most innovative parts of the album, one could point to the use of keyboards, especially on tracks like In My Dreams and Slippin' Away. The band also experiments with different song structures, such as the intro section of The Hunter and the instrumental section in Lightnin' Strikes Again. However, it should be noted that much of Under Lock and Key follows familiar rock and metal tropes, so it may not be considered groundbreaking in that sense.

In terms of criticism, some have accused Under Lock and Key (as well as Dokken's music in general) of being too formulaic and generic. While there is some truth to that, I would argue that the band's strengths lie in their execution rather than their originality. After all, not every album needs to be a revolutionary masterpiece - sometimes, it's enough to just rock out and have fun, which is exactly what Under Lock and Key delivers.

Dokken's Under Lock and Key remains a classic album in the hair metal canon. While it may not break new ground in terms of songwriting or innovation, it succeeds in delivering catchy and well-crafted rock tunes with a distinctive sound. Whether you're a longtime fan of the band or a newcomer looking to discover their music, Under Lock and Key is worth a listen and a critical review.