Lightning Strikes Again

Lightning Strikes Again is an impressively accurate recreation of the classic Dokken sound. Actually, recreation isn’t the right word—it’s more of a continuation. Rather than renovate their old sound, as so many hair metal bands have attempted, Dokken faithfully returns to the style that their fans love. “Standing On the Outside,” “Give Me a Reason” and “Judgment Day” could easily fit in on Back for the Attack. Other than “Disease,” which flirts with a ‘90s alt-rock sound, Lightning Strikes Again sticks to the original recipe. Guitarist Jonathan Levin does a fine job filling in for George Lynch, the band’s original guitar god. Levin doesn’t try to replicate Lynch’s style, nor does he attempt to reinvent the position. He’s guided by taste; he knows exactly where to place a juicy lick, and exactly when to lay back and milk a brawny groove. Dokken doesn’t feel the need to prove itself — they got it right the first time, and by avoiding the tacky “facelifts” that mar so many comeback efforts, the band gives its fans exactly what they need: a great new Dokken album through and through.