The new incarnation of Dokken has been together now, for about 4 years or so, and they seem to be gelling. Broken Bones is the 2nd with this line up in tact. We were teased with the potential of a Dokken reunion, before the release, but as always, we were let down at the last minute. Seems like once the rumors died, this record was released. Broken Bones picks up where Lightning Strikes Again left off, but fortunately, with stronger material. Lighting Strikes Again was okay, but not as in your face as the new disc is. Don't get me wrong this one, ain't that in your face, like back in the day, but it just sticks with you more.
The songs on the new disc have more substance and stay with you. It's obvious that Don can't hit many of the notes anymore, but he does a nice job not pushing his range. Anything that Don lacks vocally is picked up by guitarist Jon Levin. Levin is a bad ass, and even though he is very Lynchy, I think he has carved in his style a little more on this release. The CD is mainly full of midtempo rockers, with a ballad and a couple fast ones, thrown in for good measure. The vibe of the record is subdued and comes off like a 2nd rate Under Lock And Key, which is not a bad thing. There is some strong material on this release, which gets better with every spin.
Bottom Line: Don and the boys showing they can still do it after 30 years. The new line up proves that they can put out solid music, without tarnishing the Dokken legacy.
Standout Tracks: Best of Me, Blind, Burning Tears and Empire
-Ragman thinks that the next release may be even better, with the chemistry these guys are forming.