Only a handful of bands have ever managed four consecutive stone classic albums. Dokken is in that elite club, and now BMG has released those records as a boxed set. “Dokken: The Elektra Albums 1983 - 1987” compends their incredible run, from their “Breaking the Chains” debut to “Tooth and Nail,” to “Under Lock and Key,” and finally to the double LP, “Back for the Attack” in one collection, available in Album or CD formats.

The tunes are not rerecorded, thankfully; the remastering is perfectly done. The songs aren’t altered in any overt way; they don’t need it.
If you don’t really know Dokken, then (How? Why?) this is the perfect way to become acquainted. These four albums showcase them at their peak. Each on its own is a timeless classic, loaded with edge, romance, heartbreak. . . and ok, yes, a little bit of 80s cheese. . . but the earnestly melodramatic moments add to the greatness, they don’t detract. Musically, Dokken were the best of their Heavy Metal subgenre, delivering exquisite balladry alongside white hot Metal, crafted with top-tier songwriting. Dokken/Lynch/Pilson and sometimes Brown were an A-Team of melody and riffs. And by the way: Dokken were far more than a “Hair band;” they also excelled at Hard Rock, Traditional Metal, AOR, and even Pop.
The vinyl “warmth” (if you believe in such a thing) of the records somehow really works for these songs. It’s not that Don Dokken’s satin voice or George Lynch’s surgical steel guitar tone cry out for needle and groove, but the analog touch somehow touches on a stripped down kind of purity.
Regardless of the format, however, this collection really illustrates what a powerhouse Dokken were, during their ascendant time. My only complaint is that there are no extras included, just lyric inlays. Sure, art and/or color on the records can be fun, but I’m the kind of music fanatic who appreciates a little extra behind-the-scenes info. A few words from anyone in the Dokken team of the era - - or even a journalist - - would have added to the specialness. These kinds of bonus materials mean a lot to the superfans who typically buy these boxed sets.