Alice in Chains – Black Gives Way to Blue (2009): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in September 2009, Black Gives Way to Blue is Alice in Chains’ first studio album in 14 years and their first without original lead singer Layne Staley, who passed away in 2002. The album features new vocalist William DuVall, who joins Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, and Sean Kinney to carry the band forward while honoring their signature dark, grunge-heavy sound.
Album Overview
Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, Black Gives Way to Blue blends grunge, alternative metal, and melodic hard rock. The album explores themes of loss, addiction, grief, and personal reflection, providing a mature, introspective perspective on life and mortality.
Musically, the album combines classic Alice in Chains harmonies, heavy riffs, and atmospheric arrangements, making it a natural continuation of the band’s 1990s sound while introducing the fresh energy of DuVall’s vocals.
Tracklist – Alice in Chains: Black Gives Way to Blue (2009)
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All Secrets Known
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Check My Brain
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Your Decision
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A Looking in View
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Lesson Learned
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Take Her Out
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Last of My Kind
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Private Hell
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When the Sun Rose Again
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Acid Bubble
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Black Gives Way to Blue
Album Review
Black Gives Way to Blue opens with “All Secrets Known,” a heavy, brooding track that sets a reflective, emotional tone. “Check My Brain” became the lead single, featuring a groovy, riff-driven sound and showcasing the band’s ability to craft hard rock hits in the modern era.
“Your Decision” and “A Looking in View” explore deeper emotional and psychological themes, highlighting the band’s lyrical maturity. The title track, “Black Gives Way to Blue,” is a haunting tribute to Layne Staley, featuring Elton John on piano, and stands as one of the most poignant songs in Alice in Chains’ catalog.
Songs like “Lesson Learned” and “Take Her Out” display the band’s heavier, guitar-driven edge, while “When the Sun Rose Again” closes the album on an introspective, atmospheric note. The combination of DuVall’s vocals with Cantrell’s harmonies preserves the classic Alice in Chains sound, making the album both a tribute and a new beginning.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Black Gives Way to Blue is a tribute to Layne Staley, with the title track directly honoring his memory.
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• Trivia: Elton John played piano on the title track, marking a unique collaboration for the band.
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• Did You Know? This is Alice in Chains’ first album with William DuVall as the co-lead vocalist, helping the band continue their legacy.
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• Fun Fact: Check My Brain reached #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, showing the band’s continued commercial relevance.
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• Did You Know? The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance, reaffirming Alice in Chains’ critical acclaim.
Black Gives Way to Blue is a powerful, emotionally resonant comeback for Alice in Chains, blending classic grunge heaviness with modern production and heartfelt tributes. It solidified the band’s return and introduced them to a new generation of fans.
