AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Dokken

Artist:Dokken

Song:In My Dreams

Album:The Very Best of Dokken

The hard rock group Dokken were successful as an album and touring band in the mid-80s. They never had that big hit single and then they split up in the late 80s. A version of Dokken is still around. Lead singer Don Dokken formed the group Airborn in 1976 in Los Angeles. He had a couple of different lineups playing local clubs. The name Airborn was already taken. He released a 1979 single as Dokken. The band toured Germany in 1979 where Dokken met recording engineer Michael Wagener who tagged along when the band returned to Los Angeles. After that version of the band split up, Dokken formed a new version with George Lynch on guitar and drummer Mick Brown. Bassist Juan Croucier remained from the previous band. They returned to Germany in 1981 and this time they got a record deal with the French label Carrere. The 1981 album Breaking the Chains was released in Europe. It had enough success that Elektra Records singed Dokken and Breaking the Chains was released in the US in 1983. They toured with Blue Oyster Cult. But the album didn't sell and Croucier left to join Ratt. He was replaced by Jeff Pilson. Elektra gave Dokken one more album to make it or they were going to be dropped. Fortunately the 1984 album Tooth and Nail did a lot better. It was certified Platinum. In My Dreams is from the 1985 album Under Lock and Key. That album and the 1986 album Back for the Attack were also certified Platinum. As I said, Dokken never had that big hit single but they were doing OK. Unfortunately Dokken and Lynch weren't getting along and Dokken split up in 1989. This budget comp covers their Elektra recordings. Don Dokken released a 1989 solo album. Lynch and Pilson formed bands. While recording the album Dysfunctional, Columbia A&R man John Kalodner suggested that Dokken reform the band so Columbia could release it as a Dokken album. So Dokken brought Lynch and the others back. Of course it didn't last and Lynch walked out while Dokken was on a promo tour. Columbia dropped Dokken. Lynch returned for the 1997 album Shadowlife on CMC. After that album didn't go well, Dokken and Lynch split up for good. Since then Dokken has recorded for Sanctuary and currently for the Italian label Frontiers. They released a live album in 2018. Don Dokken is the only original member remaining. They have plans to record new music. Here's the video for In My Dreams by Dokken.