Dokken smoothed the raw edges in favor of more commercial appeal on their third album released in 1985. It came as no surprise to me when I first heard this album because I knew Dokken was looking for a larger fan base and were talented enough to deserve it. This was the breakthrough album for them as a few tracks quickly found homes on FM radio stations across the country and established this LA metal act as a successful hard rock band.

"In My Dreams" is probably the most notable hit off 'Under Lock And Key' with it's mid-tempo pop flavorings and unforgettable chorus. This was also the first song on this record that I learned to play in its entirety on guitar because it was so simple in structure which is usually the hallmark a decent pop tune. "It's Not Love" was the other big hit, which addresses Don Dokken's favorite subject matter - love gone wrong. This album definitely isn't lacking in the catchy riffs and radio-friendly hooks department. "Don't Lie To Me" is one track that encompasses both very well.

There are a couple of burners featured on this album, "Lightning Strikes" and "Til The Living End", which are reminiscent of the rougher tracks on their previous effort, 'Tooth And Nail'. Those are nice additions although not nearly as raw. The overall mild metal style on 'Under Lock And Key' is better produced and more polished than 'Tooth', which was paramount to wider acceptance by the masses.

I love this album more because of what it meant to me at the time but it's certainly not as fulfilling as 'Tooth And Nail'. It lacks much of the aggressiveness and intensity found on 'Tooth'. But I also understand what Dokken was trying to accomplish at that time in their career and making another 'Tooth' record wouldn't have given them the commercial clout they so desired.

'Under Lock And Key' is recommended listening for 80's pop metal fans but for hardcore heavy metal purists, you'll want to leave this one be unless you're into guitarists. This is must have for all the shredders since George Lynch still burns on this one and most of his solos are more melodic than on 'Tooth'. This album is worthwhile for that reason alone.

Track Listing:
1. Unchain The Night
2. The Hunter
3. In My Dreams
4. Slippin' Away
5. Lightnin' Strikes Again
6. It's Not Love
7. Jaded Love
8. Don't Lie To Me
9. Will The Sun Rise
10. Til The Living End



Recommended: Yes