Sinkadotentree I don't want to bore you all with my musical history so i'll be brief, but from 1987 to about 2004 i felt like i was wandering aimlessly in my musical universe, trying different bands usually through "Best Of" compilations without any success. It wasn't until i started searching on-line that i discovered Progressive Rock and a lot of good Metal bands. My world suddnly became alive again and my passion for the many bands i've discovered since hasn't wained in the least. I'm just so thankful. It was a couple of magazines from around 2003 or 2004 that featured "Best Of" lists that got me into searching on-line and DOKKEN was one of those bands. "Under Lock And Key" was rated as one of the best 50 guitar albums of the eighties yet i couldn't find it and this was before my on-line shopping so i settled for this "The Very Best Of Dokken" compilation. I've read interviews with George Lynch and i certainly appreciate his guitar playing. The band is named after the vocalist surprisingly (well to me George is the star here). So we get a nice cross section of their careers here and believe me when i say these guys were very successful financially selling something like 10 million records. I must admit that even though i didn't own any DOKKEN in the eighties listening to this takes me back to that time and it's a good feeling.

metalmillennium Dokken were quite an influential band for many of today's Metal acts. They were leagues ahead of the typical Glam band, with competent musicians who could rock with the best of them. One thing is for sure: Dokken put out some quality material in their day. ..And guess what? Many of them are right here on this disc!

The tracks on this album contain mostly Dokken's more successful and commercial hits from their catalog, but it wasn't a bad selection, none the less. Starting from the 1983 debut Breaking the Chains all the way up to 1997's Shadowlife, this is an excellent starter for someone just getting into Dokken, or the hardcore fan that wants it all in one piece.

There's no real reason to list the highlights of this album, as nearly every track is one. Notable favorites of mine include "Into the Fire," the speed driven "Tooth and Nail," the fan favorite and emotional "In My Dreams," "Dream Warriors" which was included in the Nightmare on Elm Street 3 soundtrack, and of course, the spooky instrumental "Mr. Scary," where George Lynch really shows what he's made of behind that guitar. Also of note is "Mirror Mirror," which was a part of Don's solo career and not with Dokken.

If you're into 80s metal, such as Ratt or Skid Row, I would highly recommend Dokken. Most of the hits are included here, but sadly many gems are left out of this package as well. Still, at $12 or less, it's a bargain..so pick it up! Great to throw on at parties, too.