Don Dokken and company return with a new studio album that may very well be the most interesting one of the band's illustrious career. The lineup is a bit different this time around as shredder John Norum (Europe) takes over the guitar duties, replacing Reb Beach who in turn replaced original guitarist George Lynch. Dokken fans aren't strangers to Norum's axe chops as he toured with Dokken once before and played on Don Dokken's solo album Up From the Ashes. The other new face is bassist Barry Sparks (Yngwie/Uli Roth), who replaces Jeff Pilson. I must mention that Sparks is a better bassist than Pilson and can also sing very well.

Long Way Home is very much a Dokken album as it features all the trademark guitar hooks, vocal harmonies, thunderous drums, Don Dokken growls and fretburning solos. Some Dokken diehards may be thrown off at first, but it will quickly grow on them. This is an album that reminded me of The Beatles' Revolver in the sense that the band takes the audience down a familiar path that leads to places they've never been before. This is a song-oriented album that is driven by variety and melody, from shredding rockers to mid-tempo mood-twisters to beautiful acoustic or piano ballads. Don Dokken's voice sounds rejuvenated and strong and his songwriting just keeps evolving and getting better. Don is not afraid to experiment and I applaud him for that, as it makes for some fresh and interesting music. Norum's guitar work is solid, song-oriented and controlled - there's plenty of shredding solos without going into overkill.

Long Way Home is a balanced album as every single Dokken fan will find something to like. It is also a perfect way to celebrate the band's history and evolution. Pick it up.

Shred Pick: "Under the Gun"

Reviewed by Henry Bocanegra

Artist Web Site: www.dokken.net

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Click here to buy Dokken - Long Way Home from