From The Archives: 90s Vol 8 – Alice In Chains – Dirt

The Album Breakdown

This album from ’92 is often considered the best by Alice In Chains. Arriving at Grunge’s height it stood out due to how honest it was, even in cases brutally so.

The record dives into addiction, depression and struggles in the band members personal lives. Staley’s vocals carry ounces of emotion while Cantrell on the guitar brings some ridiculously heavy riffs.

The power of the album comes from the balance between heavy and atmospheric. Some songs hit you with crushing intensity while others slow it down and focus on being haunting. It’s not the easiest of listens but it is really damn compelling.

Highlight Tracks

This is easily one of the bands more iconic songs, with a bass line that grabs your attention. The song itself builds slowly before the massive chorus. The vocal harmonies on this track are probably their best.

Alice In Chains – Would? (All Rights Are Retained By Alice In Chains)

Yet another stand out moment, written by Cantrell about his father’s time in Vietnam it carries massive emotional weight. The slower build and huge chorus make it memorable for all the right reasons.

Alice In Chains – Rooster (All Rights Are Retained By Alice In Chains)

This track shows the bands more vulnerable side, acoustics allow the lyrics to take centre stage. It’s both reflective and haunting in equal measure and an emotional high point on the record.

Alice In Chains – Down A Hole (All Rights Are Retained By Alice In Chains)

Other Notable Albums From The Band

Facelift

Alice In Chains

Black Gives Way To Blue

All rights to the songs used in this post are retained by the band/artist. This site claims no rights over them.


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2 responses to “From The Archives: 90s Vol 8 – Alice In Chains – Dirt”

  1. robjtriggs avatar

    Love some Alice in Chains; DiaH is easily my favourite. I’ve never totally got Rooster, though – partly because I’m not that big on either heroes or soldiers, but also because I can’t tell which side Cantrell’s on, and I don’t want to know if/that he idolises soldiers. Just makes me a little uncomfortable.

    An incredible album, though. Them Bones is an incredible opener, and Dam That River (based on a fight Cantrell had with Kinney) is underrated. Angry Chair too. Listening to Unplugged the other day and it’s remarkable that a grunge band uses vocal harmonies so strongly – I can’t think of any other ‘heavy’ band that does it (not Linkin Park – their vocalists take turns), notwithstanding the occasional Supper Furry rock-out.

    Also the album that gave Godsmack their name, I believe

    Like

  2. K Mark Schofer avatar

    Not exactly my genre, but I love the grit and determination of this band

    Like

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