Search - Dokken :: Dysfunctional

The best Dokken album

Dave | Detroit | 08/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK, I was a huge Dokken fan in the 80s.



I can see where some fans might be disappointed in this record if they were looking for the "classic" 80s Dokken sound when the band reunited after a 6 year break up to make this album and release it in 1995. As much as I love the 80s stuff, "Dysfunctional" shows a different, more mature Dokken. And, this album is far better than any record they've released since.



Everyone will have their own taste/opinion, and here's mine: This is the greatest record Dokken ever wrote and recorded.



This is one of those records that took a few listens- as well as reading/studying the lyrics in the CD booklet. There were some songs, like Sweet Chains and Shadows of Life, that took a few listens but grew on me.



As Jeff Pilson said on the live video/DVD that followed in 96, Don wanted to make sure every single word of every song on this record was from the heart.



The album is from the heart. It is dark and definitely I connect with it.



This record is a masterpiece which still holds up after almost 15 years. I love every song and this album has changed my life. Standout tracks include The Maze, Long Way Home, Too High to Fly, and From the Beginning. If you really want to hear an awesome song, get the Japanese version of this album which includes a bonus track, "If the Good Die Young" - which is one of my favorite Dokken songs.



I place this album in the top 10 best records ever made by any rock and roll band."