I'm going out on a limb by saying that this is the best Dokken CD since they reunited in 1994 (discounting One Night Live, which featured live acoustic renditions of their older material). Sure the band now features Reb Beach on guitar instead of the incendiary leads of original guitarist, George Lynch, but this time out, Dokken relies on their tried and true songwriting formula that emphasizes their strengths. Where Dokken's previous 90's efforts seemed uninspired and lacking in musical direction, Erase The Slate proves the band has restarted and is back on track creating tunes old fans and new fans will enjoy.

Released in 1999, Erase The Slate finds Dokken adhering to the hard rock style that brought them fame in the mid 80's. The title track is a fiery tune that opens the album and sounds like it could've easily been included on their 1987 Back For The Attack record, subject matter aside. Don Dokken has been known for tackling his personal demons, relationships and conflicts in his music, and the track "Erase The Slate" (and album title) presumably refers to the not-so amicable departure of Lynch and Dokken's new beginning with Beach as Lynch's comparable replacement.

The band appears more focused on Erase and the music is tighter than on their two previous studio efforts which were both all over the map in styles and sounds. There are some adequate up-tempo rockers like "Change The World", "Maddest Hatter" and "Crazy Mary Goes Round", in which drummer Mick Brown takes over on vox. Naturally, a Dokken album would not be complete without the presence of at least one power ballad. Erase actually contains two in this department with "In Your Honor" being the better of the two.

Dokken also feel the need to cover Three Dog Night's "One" which is an interesting choice. Is it me or does Don Dokken sound like he has a cold? Don's vocals normally sound very nasally, but on Erase he sounds like his nose is plugged. Reb Beach, former guitarist for now defunct pop metal act Winger, provides his own fret-dancing pyrotechnics that fits the band nicely without interfering. Overall, Erase The Slate is a solid effort even though there are a few misses which can be easily overlooked. The shortcomings are understandable since this is Dokken's first attempt at getting back to the style they're more accustomed to and there's sure to be some missteps.

Even with one of my favorite guitarists George Lynch gone, this is a good CD and I think it's better than the two lackluster studio CDs released prior to Erase The Slate. Although it falls short of the material they released in the 80's, I think old school Dokken fans and hard rock fans will be pleased with this CD as Dokken makes its unheralded return to familiar territory. It's unfortunate George and Don couldn't work out their differences so they could share the ride together.

Track Listing:
1. Erase the Slate
2. Change the World
3. Maddest Hatter
4. Drown
5. Shattered
6. One
7. Who Believes
8. Voice of the Soul
9. Crazy Mary Goes Round
10. Haunted Lullabye
11. In Your Honor



Recommended: Yes