“Heaven Comes Down” is the 13^th studio album from the legendary rockers from the 1980’s. A lot has happened since the glory days…a split in late 1989, a brief reunion, a few more studio albums, some well-documented painful vocal performances from Don, another split, more reunions, and now we have the Don Dokken fronted band without any of the original members. There are several factors out of the gate you have to consider before undertaking the review. Yes, I was a big fan and spent much of my teenage years listening to them in their heyday. For me, George’s guitar pyrotechnics combined with Don’s vocals, and Pilson’s solid bass playing and backing vocals was a great combination. But that heyday has long since passed.

 First, and one would have to be blind not to notice, Don’s live vocal performances have been pretty awful lately. Second, three of the original members are gone, but this can sometimes be a good thing depending on what fresh new music the newer members can provide. Third, and this is a big one, there has been a lot of time that has passed since this band knew success. 80’s bands can often make a living from live performances because there is a lot of nostalgia surrounding them and people that are old, like me, and lived through their heyday as a teenager/young adult can still re-live some of their past through these concerts. But I refuse to hold onto the past. It’s all about “what have you done for me lately” when it comes to music, and I am always seeking out new music. This band was pretty special to me back in the day, so let’s get to the review.

 “Fugitive” is first, with a bit of a slow start to the main riff that echoes the clean intro. Don sings within his current range, and it fits the music much better. But, he lacks that energetic punch that he once had. The riff isn’t bad, nor are the harmonized leads. “Gypsy” is a little faster, but barely comes off as out of mid-tempo range. Some of the trademark DOKKEN harmonies are also present, and the leads are strong, but they really need to kick it into gear. “Is it Me or You?” is another mid-tempo rocker, and too many of these songs on an album can really hold back the work that they band does with melody.

 “Just Like a Rose” is a little faster and a bit heavier as well. They also have some blues tinge to the song, and although the melodies are relatively simple, they are somewhat catchy, which is half the game. “I’ll Never Give Up” is a bit softer, and a bit more emotional, but Don isn’t giving his all in the vocals. The vocal harmonies are nice and solid, but this album needs an injection of energy. “Saving Grace” is sturdier and heavier, with a pounding riff. But it’s yet another mid-tempo song with some odd vocal progressions at times. “I Remember” has nearly the same chord movements as “Dream Warriors” in the opening verses. Old habits die hard I suppose. The chorus is catchy and tender however.

 “Lost in You” reverts back to the power of earlier track, but it nearly the same pacing once again. The tender “Sante Fe” closes the album, with a bit of personal meaning, recounting the days of Don’s youth. Overall, this wasn’t a bad album per se, but Don’s vocal limitations means he can never get into the upper ranges and unleash the beast, so to speak, and it’s hard not to make comparisons with the DOKKEN you know from yesteryear. Many of the songs just lacked that ummph that made the band famous. Some harmonies and melodies were present, but it sounded more like a Don Dokken solo album for me, and they just did not have any of the energy that they used to have.