What's Spinning, Vol. 45
Fighting tooth and nail to keep their label
This second studio album for the band, Dokken, definitely kicked the band into a different level.
Replacing, Juan Croucier (who left to join Ratt), Jeff Pilson, became the bands new bassist. This would become the lineup that elevated the band to star status.
The band was up against the wall as their label, Elektra, wanted to drop them due to poor performance of their first album and the constant fighting between lead singer, Don Dokken, and guitarist, Jeff Lynch. That's where the band came up with the name, Tooth and Nail.
Another main reason for the band's success was hiring, Peter Mensch and Cliff Burnstein who also managed Def Leppard.
Songwriting came in two waves, one with Don Dokken and Jeff Pilson, who wrote, Alone Again. The other was Jeff Lynch, Pilson, and Mick Brown, who enjoyed great chemistry. This did not stop constant tension as Lynch, did not want a ballad on the album and preferred a heavier sound. Due to this, Lynch, auditioned with Black Sabbath to replace the recently deceased. Randy Rhodes. After not getting the gig, he returned to the band.
Overall the album was a success and the label retained the band, and some even call it one of glam metal's best albums. To support the release of the album, the band began their US tour in Texas. During the tour they were opening act for Twisted Sister and Y&T,Dio, and Kiss.
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Dokken - Tooth and Nail
Elektra, 1984
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