Sometimes when main members exit rock bands, the group's sound changes significantly. This has not proven to the case with melodic metallists Dokken. Although six-string hero George Lynch was a major part of the group's initial success, his 1997 departure hasn't proven to alter the group's sound as much as originally believed, as evidenced by such subsequent post-Lynch releases as 2008's Lightning Strikes Again. In fact, from a production, sonic, and songwriting standpoint, the album could have been released in 1986, and Dokken's legion of hair-sprayed/fingerless leather glove-wearing fans would have undoubtedly snapped it up. Frontman Don Dokken still sings about love gone bad ("How I Miss Your Smile") while guitarist Jonathan Levin offers Lynch-esque riffs and solos by the bucket load (the album opening "Standing on the Outside"). Sure, you'll have heard it all before if you're a longtime Dokken fan. But with the resurgence of '80s metal sounds in the early 21st century, Dokken are no dummies, and they wisely stick to the sound that made them famous in the first place throughout Lightning Strikes Again. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
Don's voice is shot. He does an admirable job on this album considering what he's working with, but his range is not there anymore. Dokken rocks, but I prefer to remember the "good old days".
Don's voice is defiantly not what it use to be but it still great. It is a little rougher but this roughness adds something to the songs. The kind of roughness and maturity that Johnny Cash's voice brings to his songs. You defiantly saw this if you were at his all acoustic concert. Ignore the critiques. This is a great album.
This is awsome. I can't believe how well Dokken has survived the ages. Ther sound is still hard,moving and makes me wanna re live the 80's all over again!