Back for the Attack cover

Back for the Attack

Dokken · 1987

63 min · 13 tracks · hard rock

A powerful blend of melodic hooks and heavy guitar riffs that epitomizes the glam metal sound of the late '80s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Kiss of Death Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Dream Warriors — This track is notable for its memorable chorus and association with the horror film franchise, blending hard rock with cinematic themes.
  • →
    Mr. Scary — An instrumental showcase that highlights the band's technical prowess, featuring intricate guitar solos that have become a fan favorite.
  • →
    Heaven Sent — This ballad combines emotional lyrics with lush instrumentation, showcasing a softer side of Dokken while still retaining their signature sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album combines strong melodies with heavy riffs typical of glam metal, but lacks standout depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs and soaring vocals, while the second half includes more melodic and introspective songs.
  • Several tracks, such as 'Mr. Scary' and 'Dream Warriors', showcase intricate guitar solos that highlight the musicianship of the band.
  • The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace throughout, with only a few moments of slower ballads that provide contrast.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • anxiety-releasing cathartic releases
  • energetic workout motivation

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Dokken's popularity and included a notable hit single.
Themes
horror film nostalgia· melodic guitar showcases· late-night anthems
Career context
Back for the Attack was Dokken's fourth studio album, released at the height of their popularity following the commercial success of their previous album, Under Lock and Key. This release solidified their presence in the glam metal scene and showcased their evolving sound as they aimed for broader appeal.
Stylistic neighbors
Ratt· Twisted Sister· Scorpions

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Heaven Sent

    The bridge reveals a shift from yearning to hopefulness, reflecting on love's transformative power.

    This moment deepens the song's emotional arc by contrasting vulnerability with an uplifting resolution, enhancing its lyrical depth.

Tracklist

  • 1 Kiss of Death Start here 5:51
  • 2 Prisoner 4:20
  • 3 Night by Night 5:23
  • 4 Standing in the Shadows 5:07
  • 5 Heaven Sent 4:52
  • 6 Mr. Scary 4:31
  • 7 So Many Tears 4:56
  • 8 Burning Like a Flame 4:46
  • 9 Lost Behind the Wall 4:19
  • 10 Stop Fighting Love 4:52
  • 11 Cry of the Gypsy 4:51
  • 12 Sleepless Nights 4:32
  • 13 Dream Warriors 4:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata