by Derric Miller
— Managing Editor —
Originally only available at live shows in 2009 when Don Dokken opened for Queensryche, this version of Solitary has some added tracks to the original release. In short, Solitary is a masterclass in self-indulgence and the final death knell that the vocalist Don Dokken we knew will never be, again.
Don Dokken IS a Rock star. The first four Dokken releases and his solo album Up from the Ashes showed a master of his instrument, a singer who could expertly wield razors or silk. Those days are long lost …
The track “In the Meadow” has sort of a bucolic Led Zeppelin appeal, and is best song on the album. Dokken croons, makes sparse but excellent use of his vibrato, and he sings with spellbinding conviction.
The main problem with Solitary is that many of the songs sound too similar, vocally, not always musically. Perhaps a prisoner of his own past, the song “Where the Grass is Green,” is a catchy, more upbeat composition than most of the release. It inevitably leaves the listener wanting more, and when you get more, like on the high note of the track, it’s likely guest backing vocalist Kelly Keeling hitting that note.
The self-indulgence nod comes to fruition on the Celine Dion cover of “My Heart Will Go On.” When tackling a world-class vocalist, taking all of the power out of their signature song just leaves you with a deflated balloon. There’s no palpable crescendo, it just sails along smoothly without a ripple, unable to sink anything except the spirits of fans.
Solitary is asking far too much from those who still crank Dokken songs like “Seven Thunders” or “Tooth and Nail.” While any rocker wants their fan base to grow with them, it’s really up for discussion if this album can be called growth or atrophy. Dokken the man is still a Rock star … but his voice ceased bearing that mantle over a decade ago.
Genre: Acoustic Rock
Band:
Don Dokken – vocals
Tony Franklin – bass
Vinnie Colaiuta – drums
Various other guest musicians
Tracklisting:
1. In The Meadow
2. I’ll Never Forget
3. Where The Grass Is Green
4. Jealous
5. Ship Of Fools
6. You Are Everything
7. Venice
8. Sarah
9. My Heart Will Go On
10. The Tragedy
11. Someday
12. All That Love Can Be
Label: Deadline Music
Online:
https://orcd.co/dondokkensolitary
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(5.9 / 10)
