Dokken wasted no time in issuing a follow-up to its breakthrough 1984 release, TOOTH AND NAIL. Although the band had been on tour constantly since the debut's release, Dokken went directly back into the studio, issuing UNDER LOCK AND KEY one year later. The new album bore stylistic similarities to its predecessor, although it was apparent that the members of Dokken were becoming better songwriters. Though the album's cover shot seemed inspired by the then-popular glam metal scene, Dokken soon rejected the look during the album's ensuing tour.
Like its predecessor, a single/video issued several months after the album's initial release ensured this record's commercial success--this time it was the melodic rocker "In My Dreams." Other highlights include the rockers "Unchain the Night" and "The Hunter," as well as "It's Not Love," the last of which was made into a promo video featuring the band playing on a flatbed truck while cruising Los Angeles. A prime opening spot on Judas Priest's sold-out tour in support of Priest's TURBO album helped solidify Dokken's stature as one of the more popular U.S. metal bands of the mid- to late '80s.
