Broken Bones

As a Dokken fan since 1985, this album has more than met my expectations. I love the album, any "true" Dokken fan will. Especially those like me, which enjoy the more obscure tracks on all the previously released albums and on the Japanese releases. Some of the best songs I feel are Empire, Blind, Waterfall, Fade Away, Best of Me, Tonight and my personal favorite For the Last Time. Perhaps, there are those that don't agree with my opinion, but the best way to decide is to keep an open mind, remember we all change the way we look at the world and understand the same album can't be rewritten repeatedly. There are samples of it, possibly even the entire album on the internet. If you don't like it don't buy it, but understand others should have the opportunity to form opinions for themselves. I also realize there are some out there that seem to take pleasure in ganging up on Don for the changes in his voice, but I love the edge he has now. He's done quite a remarkable job of adapting his voice, which sounds great for all he's been through. Especially, trying to ensure all of us fans can enjoy listening to him for a good while longer; have a heart, be a fan, and give him a break. Let's face it kiddies, all of us are getting older and things happen to all of us whether it is by our own making or not. Now my answer to the rant about this not being Dokken because George Lynch isn't part of the band or there are "newer" members. First off, George didn't like being in Dokken and especially didn't like that he's stuck with being a significant part of the Dokken sound, which to me, he seems as though he's always trying to distance himself from that piece of history. However, Jon Levin's abilities more than make up for what George would ever have contributed. Jon has truly brought his own style and has made Dokken much better with his presence. Jon is undeniably that good. I really respect him for his ability to ignore the whims of a few, who long for the past and truly contribute, as well as improve upon a gift from the 80s. I was fortunate to have seen Dokken live recently; I love the fact that "Wild" Mick is still hanging in there, but Jimmy DeGrasso does a wonderful job filling in for Mick while he's touring with Ted Nugent and Sean McNabb wows everyone with his energy and abilities on bass as well. Don has said, Dokken will continue to tour because it is their passion. So, if you can, please go out and support these guys. They deliver a kick ass show. I don't believe you will be disappointed, and this album is definitely proof of the hard work they put in for the fans.

After 3 months of waiting, i've fanally got my copy of Broken Bones.I'll start with the songs... 3 stars, there are 3 or 4 songs that stays on your head, memorable, but the rest are forgetable. Empire, Broken Bones, Tonight are amazing songs, with great guitars, great choruses, great solos and they stick on your mind for a long time. The rest of the songs allthough are good, are conventional & sometimes when you're not paying attention, it seems you're listening to the same song (due mostly to Don's lower vocal range)Solos: 4.5 STARS. Oh my... Jon finally got off George's shadow on this one!! he is playing his way, his rules, not trying to be George. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of the record. Most of the songs have excellent solos. Way to go Jon!!Voice & Choruses 3.5 STARS: Ok... we all know Don's voice is all screwed up, but the good thing here is that he found a tone where he is confortable and he can sing, sounds repetitive sometimes, but is way better than listening to him trying to reach the high tones without good results. The good thing here, is that they add lots of choruses and voices like the good old records, so the choruses sound really good, no matter that Don's singing the lower parts, its good enough.Production: 4.5 STARS: I have to say, this is the best Dokken record in terms of production since Disfunctional. Sounds amazing! the sound quality and the little details are really well taken. I gave the first listen with earphones and listening to the CD directly. I like the songs way better that way. After that I add them to my ipod and you loose a lot of sound quality.I recently bought T&N which I think is a great great record. I feel they play with more energy, and the songs are more memorable sometimes, But the production is not the same and the solos are better in Broken Bones (Yes, George was second place this time)Bottomline... A great & honorable record for a band that survived it all and it's saying goodbye.

I am a fan of Don Dokken...In my opinion, he has yet to release a bad record (even "Shadowlife", my least favorite of his LPs, has some fine moments). Don's voice sounds stronger on "Broken Bones" than it did on the last LP, the truly exceptional "Lightning Strikes Again". The vocal harmonies, featuring the excellent Mark Boals, are terrific throughout the record. Boals' voice blends beautifully with Don's smooth, smoky growl.Jon Levin distinguishes himself on this latest record as well, as his guitar playing is the least Lynch-esque of his time in the band. There are clever layers of guitar sprinkled throughout the record and perhaps his best tones on record.Fill-in drummer Jimmy DeGrasso is also terrific (Mick Brown does not play on the recording). He brings a fresh feel and a renewed energy to the Dokken sound. I would like to hear his performance of Dokken classics, as I seem to prefer his playing to Mick Brown's.The tunes are growers, as repeated listens are rewarding with this material. While "Broken Bones" is not quite as stylistically diverse as the best of previous Dokken releases, the production is powerful and has a lot of depth and nuance. When this was first released, I listened to mp3 samples of "Broken Bones" and was disappointed as it sounded so distorted and overly-compressed...I hesitated buying the CD...However, I am so glad that I did purchase the CD as it is beautifully mixed and sounds brilliant through my home system.While not quite as inspired as Don's best work (in my opinion, "Back for the Attack" and "Up from the Ashes" are his best LPs), "Broken Bones" is a strong release by one the great voices of classic rock.

This is Definatley the best album with Jon Levin on guitars . Huge riffs & catchy tunes , which is a good reminder of their sound during their heyday.Credit is to be given to Don for tuning down a notch and still sounding good vocally . We All Age Guys , but once the heart keeps on going , you know you'll be Alright . This is just what Dokken have done here . You can tell that there is a lot of heart and effort put into this Album , and It had made put both Thumbs up when spinning and after the first two songs , I was driven to crank up the volume . The guitar work put in by Levin here is just HUGE , and will also have G.Lynch himself smiling I'm pretty sure of it ...it's just Great .The rhythm section of Sean McNabb on bass and original drummer Mick Brown put out the thunder Brilliantly and compliment every note and Hit to make this Album really good . By Giving this less than a Five Star review , In my eyes you do not qualify to be called a Hard Rock Lover ...

Well as we probably know by now this will be the last Dokken album, and true to form it's not to dissimilar to their early music.It's definitely a formula they have kept over the years, great production, excellent songs, you can't go wrong with their final album.

Weak by their standards. Hate to admit it but Don may have finally lost it...Some good guitar playing but weak songs and vocal let it down...

Dokken return with one of their best albums ever. A MUST for every Dokken fan. It's pure rock from start to finish. Just a shame that this is rumoured to be their last ever album.

A good sign off - well played produced and packaged