Classic '80s Music Reviews: Dokken "Under Lock and Key" (Elektra; 1985)

I grew up loving the guitar and when any guitar player besides the standard five started gracing the covers of guitar magazines I took notice. My love of 80's heavy metal required that the signer could wail and hit the high notes while the guitar player could rip out a solo that made you either want to take up the guitar or quit right there on the spot. That band for me is Dokken. You may laugh at their big hair but you won't be laughing long when their wall of sound knocks you down.

You may have heard the term "Rocking With Dokken" uttered when speaking about this band, well I did just that. This was the CD that put them on the map for me. I've owned it in all media formats, album, cassette tape, CD and now digital. I'm always cueing up the solos from George Lynch and belting out the lyrics from Don Dokken. The drums just crush with Mick Brown behind the kit and Jeff Pilson thumps his bass like a master. With the familiar four writing and performing music this album was their pinnacle.

Although it only clocks in at 42:23 for time length I probably played it 24/7. I was just learning about the guitar and all the awesome music that was coming out was geared towards tasty little solos and singers who could actually sing, *sigh* days gone by. This album sparked three singles that all had great videos. Dokken "Under Lock and Key" should be in every guitar player's discography.

The album starts off with a great song titled, "Unchain the Night" and Don and George just rip it up. I really liked this album because the guitar was always going, electric or acoustic; Lynch wasn't stingy with his talent. The first of three singles that this disc released was, "The Hunter", it has a gritty slow brooding guitar part all through the song. You can almost see a heavy metal sneer while it was being recorded.

The second single was "In My Dreams" which has one of the best heavy metal solos ever! Ask any fan of George Lynch and this should be in their top three. Their video really brought Lynch more exposure because you watched him play it; I used to rewind it and watch over and over and curse my fingers for not being limber enough to produce his incredible legato technique.

The third single "Its Not Love" had a great video of them performing on a flat bed truck. The guitar is excellent and Don Dokken sang his heart out. Not every album has hits; there were a few misses but take away the silly lyrics and the music spoke louder. Some unchecked songs were, "Lightnin' Strikes Again", "Don't Lie To Me". The last song on the disc was "Till The Living End" this song just ripped up my speakers; George Lynch must have busted his strings and had blood dripping from his hand after playing that song. Dokken "Under Lock And Key" was the disc that all past efforts were measured by but none of them attained the status this one did. I'm still rocking with Dokken; discover what you missed out on.