celebrating the anniversary of DOKKEN's album Dysfunctional

This album marked the return of the classic lineup of Don, George, Jeff, and Mick, back together since the 1988 breakup of the band. The guitar tone is heavier and bluesier than in the 1980s. It's a different sound in a different time: not as polished as the 1980s, but it is a hard rock / heavy metal album with a good variety of tempos. Initially, the reception for the album was not super great from Dokken fans because it was too different, and they wanted the 1980s sound.

Unfortunately, '80s Dokken fans have been unable to get over the difference in sound, but the album certainly has good songs, and there is plenty to enjoy in it. Especially if one listens to this album as it is and for what it is, rather than listening to it wishing that it sounded just like things did in 1984.

Dokken

Dysfunctional

Sony Music

May 23rd, 1995

Don Dokken (lead vocals) - George Lynch (guitars) - Jeff Pilson (bass, vocals) - Mick Brown (drums, vocals)

1. Inside Looking Out 04:08; 2. Hole in My Head 04:33; 3. The Maze 04:50; 4. Too High to Fly 07:10; 5. Nothing Left to Say 04:30; 6. Shadows of Life 04:32; 7. Long Way Home 05:12; 8. Sweet Chains 05:46; 9. Lesser of Two Evils 04:03; 10. What Price 05:45; 11. From the Beginning (Emerson, Lake & Palmer cover) 04:12; total time 54:41

A reviewer named "Twisted Psychology" on The Metal Archives observes: "Dysfunctional still proves that Dokken is generally at their best when exerting catchy driving rock, albeit with a quirky slant. Lead single 'Too High To Fly' can border on feeling too long at seven minutes but I’m not one to argue with how well that bluesy snarl works with that slinky bass-driven hustle. 'Hole In My Head' and 'Shadows of Life' supplement their fast chugs with disorienting soundscapes in the former’s sitar and the latter’s intrusively sinister hums while 'What Price' dips into Galactic Cowboys territory with its borderline thrash eventually giving way to a fuzzy freakout." Interestingly enough, this same reviewer also notices the following: "What really makes Dysfunctional stand out compared to their peers in similar positions is how it ends up sounding like their attempt at a King’s X album? Granted Don’s world-weary croons are a way’s away from anything resembling Dug Pinnick’s signature soul, but the vocal harmonies have the sort of balanced involvement that makes one wonder if they managed to sneak Ty Tabor into the studio."

Dokken - Too High to Fly