What makes Up from the Ashes by Don Dokken notable?

The album's lead single, 'Forever,' achieved considerable commercial success, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Additionally, it solidified Dokken's reputation as a prominent figure in hard rock while demonstrating his ability to craft hit ballads amidst changing musical trends. Released on October 21, 1990, 'Up from the Ashes' marked Don Dokken's first solo venture after the disbandment of Dokken, following their success in the 1980s. This album arrived during a transitional period for both him and the genre, as grunge began to rise and reshape the rock landscape.

How many songs are on Up from the Ashes?

Up from the Ashes has 11 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Released 36 years ago today

Up from the Ashes

Don Dokken · 1990

54 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

Melodic hard rock infused with emotional balladry, showcasing powerful vocals and guitar-driven anthems.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Forever — This track encapsulates Dokken's knack for blending emotional depth with melodic hooks, becoming one of his most recognizable songs and a staple of rock balladry.
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Crash 'n' Burn — Opening the album with high energy, this song showcases Dokken's signature sound through punchy riffs and soaring vocals, setting the tone for the record.
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Living a Lie — This track features intricate guitar work and poignant lyrics about deception and heartbreak, illustrating Dokken’s lyrical maturity and musical evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and performances but lacks the standout quality to elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Crash 'n' Burn', followed by a mid-tempo ballad, creating an immediate contrast.
Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that extend beyond the typical verse-chorus structure, adding depth to the arrangements.
The lead single, 'Forever', is placed fourth in the sequence, allowing for a build-up of emotional intensity leading to its release.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Crash 'n' Burn 5:06
2 1000 Miles Away 5:04
3 When Some Nights 4:29
4 Forever 5:25
5 Living a Lie 4:42
6 When Love Finds a Fool 5:37
7 Give It Up 4:13
8 Mirror Mirror 4:40
9 Stay 4:34
10 Down in Flames 5:15
11 The Hunger 5:06

What to play next

Listen next

Solitary

2008

Full Don Dokken discography Artists like Don Dokken

hard rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata