Dokken is one of the bands that defined the Glam Metal scene of the 80s. Started by singer Don Dokken in 1978, this band had tons of line-up changes and worked their butts off before finally scoring a record contract and solidifying its membership. And, over 40 years later, the band is still going.

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Characterized by high-pitched vocals, wailing guitar solos, and big, big hair, Dokken was one of those Metal bands that created the 80s Hair Metal sound.

But what are the Top 10 Dokken songs? After over 40 years and 11 albums, it’s not going to be easy to choose. Still, I’ll take a crack at it and give you what I think are the best Dokken songs ever.

Dokken Band History

Don Dokken finished with his previous band, Airborn, and was looking for a new project. In 1978, he hired musicians and started recording singles and playing live concerts. This continued up until 1983, with the band working hard, touring, and recording but not really breaking through.

Membership solidified in 1983 with Don Dokken on vocals, George Lynch on guitar, Jeff Pilson on bass, and Mick Brown on drums. This classic line-up lasted until 1989, when the band split up due to infighting. However, in 1994, Don Dokken re-started the project and started working with other guitarists.

The band continues on today…

Although, Don Dokken is the only original member. They’ve put out 11 studio albums, with their last album back in 2012. They’ve received a Grammy Award nomination for their 1988 live album, Beast from the East.

More than anything, this band has worked tremendously hard for decades, touring extensively, recording, and, generally, rocking incredibly hard.

Top 10 Dokken Songs

“Breaking the Chains” (1983)

It wasn’t the first music that Don and the band put out, but this was Dokken’s first real album. Breaking the Chains was released by Elektra in 1983 and honestly didn’t fare very well. Its poor performance almost got the band dropped by the label.

At the same time, some of the tracks here are sizzling. Especially the title track, “Breaking the Chains.” This song was written by Don Dokken and George Lynch and had been released previously as a B-side to one of their first singles. But the album version is refined and cleaner.

This mid-tempo rocker chugs along like a freight train. Mick Brown plays hard and heavy, and the bass (recorded by Juan Croucier before he left to join Ratt) is slamming. The melody here is sweet and easy enough to sing along to compared to many later songs.

“Alone Again” (1984)

Just barely managing to stick with their label, Dokken came back with their 2nd album, Tooth and Nail, in 1984. This album featured more sophisticated songwriting and cleaner production. The music was largely written by George Lynch and Mick Brown, with Jeff Pilson replacing Croucier on bass.

Don and George had terrible problems working together, and the band almost broke up several times during the recording process. However, “Alone Again” is one song where Don and George managed to create a successful song together.

This power ballad has a sound that defines Glam Rock…

It has a slow, persistent beat and chugging guitar that pushes it along. Don Dokken’s vocals are clean and powerful, bringing a lot of emotion to the song. And George Lynch’s guitar solo is a piece of Rock perfection, perfectly bridging the melody with the vocals.

“Just Got Lucky” (1984)

Next on our top ten Dokken songs list also comes from their second album, 1984’s Tooth and Nail. This song is very guitar-heavy, and that’s no surprise since it was written by guitarist Lynch and bassist Pilson.

It has a much faster beat and starts with an incredible sliding and wailing guitar riff. Don’s vocals aren’t so much the focus here – it’s more Lynch’s guitar work that stands out.

And the video for this song has an incredible story behind it…

Lynch was flown out to Hawaii to film him playing his solo on top of an active volcano. It looks great and totally realistic – because it was. The volcano was heating up, releasing steam, and even quaking during the filming. And it erupted the very next day!

“Lucky” for Dokken fans, Lynch was already out of harm’s way, and able to continue rocking. This song was also played live and recorded for the classic 1988 live album Beast from the East.

“Unchain the Night” (1985)

Also included on the live 1988 album Beast from the East was the song “Unchain the Night.” This is a great song from the band’s third album, Under Lock and Key, which they put out in 1985. This album eventually went platinum, thanks in part to this excellent track.

This is a mid-paced slamming Rock song with a heavy beat and more chugging guitar that makes the Dokken sound. Once again, Lynch plays a couple of sizzling solos that fly into the highest registers that the instrument can achieve.

Don Dokken’s vocals are also very strong on this track. He hits some wailing high notes that approach animalistic growls and add a hard edge to this song.

“Lightning Strikes Again” (1985)

Also from 1985’s Under Lock and Key is the flaming track “Lightning Strikes Again.” This song positively sizzles with electric energy. Brown plays a fast, heavy beat, and Pilson follows along with a heavy bassline. But it’s Lynch’s palm-muted staccato guitar chords that push the energy of this track.

This song, like the whole album, is credited to the whole band, and it shows. Everyone’s on top form here. Lynch’s solo whines and wails, and Don Dokken’s voice is full of power.

He hits some of his highest notes ever on this track, while the backup vocals reinforce him, and Brown plays some incredible drum fills. This song is Dokken playing at their fastest and finest!

“In My Dreams” (1985)

Still in the Under Lock and Key album, our next top Dokken track is the mid-tempo “In My Dreams.” This is actually a love song, or rather, a song of longing for lost love.

The emotions of this song are enhanced by the video they made for it in 1985. The band is shown rocking hard in the rain, making them one of the first bands to use this classic, and by now, somewhat clichéd image.

What sets this song apart is the strong backing vocals, chanting the chorus. This allows Don’s voice to soar above and creates a great texture here. And, of course, we get another flaming guitar solo from George Lynch. He incorporates slides, tapping, and squealing feedback to create a glam metal solo of pure perfection.

“It’s Not Love” (1985)

The last top 10 song to come from the 1985 album Under Lock and Key is “It’s Not Love.” This song is something relatively different for Dokken, and that’s what makes it stand out. It still has the elements that make up their normal sound – chugging guitar, a heavy mid-tempo beat, and a soaring lead vocal.

But they add a couple of new things…

First, there’s a second guitar track from Lynch here playing quarter notes sort of softly and in a minor key to create a slight feeling of tension at the start of the song.

Then, there are the group vocals in the pre-chorus and the chorus. They’re chanted loudly, giving the song a lot of fun power and a sound not unlike Def Leppard. Altogether, it’s a fun song and something different but still distinctly Dokken.

“Lost Behind the Wall” (1987)

The last three songs on my list of the top 10 Dokken Songs all come from their fourth studio album, 1987’s Back for the Attack. This album shows the band working at the top of their game. Their songwriting is much more mature, and their playing is tight and perfectly controlled.

“Lost Behind the Wall” is a powerful track from this album, another mid-tempo of the type Dokken does so well. They toss their hair and play heavy and strong on this track.

It starts with bass and drums sounding a bit like Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” before the guitar comes screaming in, and Don Dokken’s vocals start wailing. More chanted group vocals in the chorus push the energy of this song and make it a great stadium rocker.

“Kiss of Death” (1987)

Dokken is Back for the Attack with the blazing track “Kiss of Death.” This song is led by an incredible chugging guitar riff courtesy of George Lynch. He’s followed by Pilson slamming the bass and Brown doing some of his hardest drumming ever.

Don Dokken sings brilliantly, and the band backs him up with more chant-style group vocals. This is a great song about fatal attraction, and Don’s soaring vocals express that theme perfectly.

Lynch plays what is possibly the best solo of his career on this track. He chugs, taps, and flames through the registers as Brown pushes the tempo and smashes the drums. This is one screaming, high-energy song.

“Dream Warriors” (1987)

The last track on my list and the last from 1987’s Back for the Attack is “Dream Warriors.” This song was written by Pilson and Lynch for the soundtrack of the 1987 horror movie Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. This song, and the film, are about fighting back against nightmares.

Don Dokken’s vocals here are strong and solid. He sings forcefully, sailing up into his high register. The rhythm section is solid as ever, and Lynch adds tons of texture by playing screaming and screeching sounds throughout the track.

This song was strong enough to stand on its own. But, with help from the film soundtrack, it became an instant Metal classic.

Want More Songs That Rock Hard And Heavy?

If so, check out our thoughts on the Top 10 Evanescence Songs, the Top 10 Shinedown Songs, the Top 10 Papa Roach Songs, the Top 10 Meat Loaf Songs, and the Best Styx Songs of All Time for more fantastic song selections.

The Top 10 Dokken Songs of All Time – Final Thoughts

Dokken was one of the hardest-working bands in the Glam Metal scene. These big-haired rockers worked for years before really making it big and distilling the Dokken signature sound.

Led by the volatile combination of George Lynch’s screaming guitar and Don Dokken’s searing vocals, they created a sound that helped to define 80s Glam Metal.

Despite over 40 years of history…

It’s their classic period from 1983-1989 that produced Dokken’s best songs. They keep rolling along even today, but it’s that period, and their first four albums, that stand out. So, whether you love the classic period or are happy that Dokken keeps on rockin’, this is a band that truly defined an era in Rock Music history.

Until next time, happy listening.