Black Gives Way To Blue Review

Released: Sep 29, 2009
Genre: Rock, Alternative Metal
Label: Virgin/EMI Records
Number Of Tracks: 11
Alice In Chains does a fairly convincing job of proving that it can move forward without the late, great Layne Staley.

Sound:	9.3
Lyrics:	9.3
Impression:	9.5
Overall rating:	9.4
Users rating:	9.1
Comments:	66

overall: 9

Featured review by: UG Team, on september 29, 2009

Sound: Layne Staley fans are likely suffering an internal dilemma at this moment. On one hand it’s likely they want the spirit of the late vocalist to be the one-and-only frontman to take the reins of Alice In Chains. Of course, the music was in large part due to Jerry Cantrell’s songwriting skills, and who’s to say he shouldn’t carry on with the band? Well, it seemed like there wouldn’t be any new discussions made about this topic, but after a highly successful reunion in 2005 at a benefit for tsunami victims, the ball began to roll. That re-introduction into the public eye led to a variety of songwriting sessions, and eventually, their 4th studio album Black Give Ways To Blue. The record is the first with new vocalist William DuVall (Comes With The Fall), and it sounds…drum roll please…remarkably like Alice In Chains circa 1993.

To accomplish anything close to the classic AIC sound, you need to recreate the trademark harmonies of Cantrell and Staley. DuVall is a perfect replacement, which becomes quite clear when you become hard-pressed to tell the difference between he and Staley in more than a few new tracks. Black Gives Ways To Blue may not match the quality of an album like Dirt, but it at least gives fans confidence that AIC does not necessarily have to rely on Staley to deliver a quality song. The majority of the songs revolve around the joint vocalization/harmonization of DuVall and Cantrell, and in a way that ensures that we aren’t scrutinizing every aspect of DuVall’s lead vocals – at least at this point in the game.

When you take the focus away from the individual performances and concentrate on the riff work and general songwriting, there are some novel arrangements. “All Secrets Known” revolves around a cyclical guitar line that is heard underneath a good portion of the song. It doesn’t set out to blow your mind with crazy guitar tricks or a fast tempo. Instead, you can tell everything is thought out carefully, from the symbolic lyrics to the short and subtle (yet dramatic) guitar solo. The first single “Check My Brain” certainly is a track that is most reminiscent to old school AIC material, and it does succeed at having a memorable melodies and harmonies.

DuVall does have his moment in the spotlight with “Last Of My Kind,” which at last allows you to dissect his style a little bit more accurately. Let’s get one thing straight – the guy is a highly capable vocalist, regardless of how closely he resembles Staley. He actually sounds like more of a hybrid of Staley and Sebastian Bach, which is not a bad combo. Out of the entire batch of new songs, however, it’s probably “Acid Bubble” that makes the biggest impression for its twists and turns in arrangement, as well as the incredible sludgy tone on the guitars. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: It’s hard not to love a CD that sends out an in-your-face message immediately. The first track answers the naysayers with the opening line, “Hope; A new beginning; Time; Time to start living like just before we died.” You just don’t capture the mood of the band and/or the audience better than with lyrics such as those. While the entire album doesn’t take on the topic of resurrection or new beginnings, you still get some fairly intense personal material along the way. // 9

Impression: This particular reviewer has been a dedicated AIC fan since about 1990, and it was originally hard to even fathom the idea of another individual taking over Layne Staley’s role. Black Gives Way To Blue at times seems like Cantrell is easing us into the newest phase of AIC, and that’s probably for the best. Cantrell’s own voice has a strong presence on the album, while DuVall is usually kept back in the mix (not counting “Last Of My Kind”). Staley had such a strong presence in his vocal delivery that the magic probably won’t ever be completely recaptured. However, in terms of the grunge/sludge style of Cantrell’s guitar and the general heart of the songwriting, Black Gives Way To Blue is an album that should satisfy most AIC fans from back in the day. // 9

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: kurtshapedbox, on september 29, 2009

Sound: To hear this new Alice in Chains record at a time when local alt./rock stations are flooded with integrity-lacking corporate rock acts like Nickleback and Three Days Grace, is very refreshing. You shouldn't expect Jerry, Mike, and Sean to have gone back to 1996 in their heads and written an album of themselves pretending to be young and in the nineties again, trying to recycle every shred of the old AIC formula to make a marketable easy-money product. They certainly didn't. If the Tripod album marked the direction of AIC's sound in 1995, and the tracks "Get Born Again" and "Died" represented where their songwriting heads where in 1998, I think it's fairly safe to say that Black Gives Way to Blue sounds like where Alice in Chains would have progressed to by 2009 had they never disbanded in the first place. Have no fear though, still sounds like an Alice in Chains record every minute of the way. It starts off on a much slower tempo than Facelift, Tripod, or Dirt, all of which began with the thunderous sound of We Die Young, Grind, or Them Bones.

01. Instead BGWTB starts off on All Secrets Known, with a slow almost prog-rock sounding riff that builds up and starts the first Jerry Cantrell led vocal line singing ""Hope, a new beginning. Time, time to start living life just before we die". It is a very epic and different sounding start for an AIC album...but sounds strangely every bit like an AIC song.

02. The next track is the single Check My Brain which really stands as proof that AIC can still write a good catchy radio friendly song without musical or integrity compromise. It also demonstrates just how well new vocalist William Duvall has control over a very high vocal range and blend harmonies just right with Jerry Cantrell.

03. The album gets a little dirtier and angry with "Last of my Kind". This song has some serious Dirt-esque aesthetic with the trippy distorted atmosphere and harsh standalone vocals from Will...possibly one of my favorite vocal performances from Will on the entire album.

04. The next song is "Your Decision" which is a sweet modern take of some good ole' AIC acoustic sound. This song is a little less ominous and sounds more hopeful than AIC albums past have sounded.

05. Next on the list is A Looking in View, a long song that really brings the heavy and sets a dark sludgy atmosphere only to lead us into another acoustic track.

06. When the Sun Rose Again has Jerry Cantrell and Will harmonizing an incredibly brooding classic Alice in Chains acoustic number with a powerful solo in the middle that almost reminds me of something that could have been on a take for "Whale and Wasp".

7.) Next up is the sludgiest track on the entire album "Acid Bubble". The song harkens all the way back to AIC's Facelift style and shows that William Duvall certainly has the ability to to tap into the incredibly emotional and technically proficient segments of Layne's 1991-93era vocal range. Lines like "I am the child that lies and cries in the corner" can really be felt soulfully through the depressing harmonies of Jerry and Will. This is another spot on the CD that Will really shines,

08. Lesson Learned is a very typical Cantrell sounding rock song. It's not one of the strongest songs on the CD, but a good song and fun listen regardless.

09. Take Her Out sounds has a different sound or Alice in Chains. It's almost more reminiscent of an upbeat track off of a Jerry Cantrell solo album, but done with all the class and standards of an AIC track.

10. Private Hell is up next and is one of my favorite Alice in Chains tracks ever. It sounds dense, slow, saddening, dark, and brooding and the vocal harmonies/guitar solos sound straight off of Jar of Flies.

11. The final song on the album, Black Gives Way to Blue, is "a beautiful song for a beautiful man" as Jerry Cantrell himself puts it. Written about none other than Layne Staley, it is a masterful heart-stirring tribute to a man who deserves nothing less. The way the final line "I remember you" fades out to end the CD is sure to send a slideshow of Layne Staley pictures/videos running through your brain in true tearjerking fashion...a high class AIC track with some awesome piano played by Sir Elton John. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: AIC lyrics have a tendency to look like nothing special on paper, but when heard in the context of the song take on a strong a powerful message unlike any other. This CD is no exception. The topics of the lyrics have definitely taken on a different tone. The lyrics don't sound as hopeless and sad as they once did, but they certainly sound every bit as meaningful and honest to the person who wrote them. The purity in what AIC is doing is every bit in tact, and sure to leave a large impression on the listener. // 9

Impression: I agree whole-heartedly in Alice in Chains decision to carry on and release this album. Will not only has the vocal range to fill in all the right spots of the vocal spectrum for AIC, but he also has his own unique voice and personality that allows him to not sound like a cheap Layne Staley rip off. The songwriting hasn't skipped a beat in the AIC camp...nothing but quality through and through on this CD. Private Hell, Acid Bubble, and Black Gives Way to Blue alone certify that this album is totally worthwhile for me. It might not be the greatest AIC album ever to be recorded, but it is certainly up there with any of their previous work, and it certainly feels really good to have these guys back. // 10

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: KurdtStaley, on september 29, 2009

Sound: Well this is AiC's first studio album in well over a decade, and without Layne so obviously there is going to be a somewhat significant change in sound. For one DuVall's vocals sync up with Cantrell's in such a way that a lot of people might think Cantrell is the lead singer now. Which is the only place I'd say the band is worse. It's still good, but i feel Layne's unique voice added another dimension to the music.

Cantrell's guitar tone's have also changed a decent amount during the hiatus. I'm thinking it's mainly due to using Chorus effects. That thicker more metal like distortion that is heavily featured on albums like Dirt isn't really a big part of this album. They still have a decent amount of songs that are real heavy though.

Their sound hasn't changed so radically that someone would think it's a new band or anything. I'm sure any AiC fan who heard this would instantly recognize it. Overall I'm gonna give the sound an 8. Personally I think it's far better than most of the bands of my generation, but I like the sound of some older grunge albums more so that's why it isn't higher. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically this a fairly good album. Lyrics are usually the part of music a criticize most harshly. I find most younger/newer band to have very immature lyrics. Mainly oriented around the same topics (primarily love) which really gets old. I don't want to listen to a whole album full of full of shit love songs.

This album touches on a lot of topics. A lot of it seems to be about coming back after Layne's death and persevering. Obviously it's written in a style that never directly mentions that so anyone can relate to it. A lot of it is really about the highs and lows of life and how you reach those places. Take for example Your Decision which is a softer mainly acoustic song that talks about the small decisions you make in your life that could make it good or bad, and how people don't knowingly choose a path of ruin but how it happens gradually without one knowing.

The singing sounds a lot more like songs sung by Cantrell. If I didn't know DuVall was in the band I honestly would think it was just AiC minus Layne. It works good though. The only think lost in the singing that I was a big fan of is the grit and emotion conveyed in Layne's voice. // 9

Impression: Overall I'd say it's a very good album. It still leaves a little something to be desired, but that's purely because of the expectations I've created from their prior works. It's different from those but still quite similar. This album doesn't have as much of the dynamic shifts all in one song (like in Heaven Beside You), that I miss. Instead there are a few soft songs, and the rest of the tracks are distorted from start to finish.

It's difficult for me to pick out my favorite tracks from the album but if I had to, I'd go with Last of My Kind, Lesson Learned, When the Sun Rose Again, and A Looking in View. It's hard to find tracks that really stand out as being either better or worse than the average track. I enjoy every song. It's a solid album, if it were lost of stolen I'd definitely replace it. // 9

overall: 10

Reviewed by: Sickhick, on october 19, 2009

Sound: While it has been fourteen years since their last studio album, the sound of Black Gives Way to Blue is pretty much the same dark sound as Alice In Chains's earlier albums, which is definitely a good thing: awesome riffs and extended solos on most tracks. The one track that stands out the most is the title track, Black Gives Way To Blue, (which, of course, is about the band's previous vocalist, the late and great Layne Stanley) as it features Elton John on piano. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics, written almost entirely by guitarist Jerry Cantrell, deal mainly on depression, grief, and hope. An example, from the song Acid Bubble:

"And I always paid attention to the lines you crossed
Forgive this imperfection it shows, and know
I am the child that lives and cries in a corner
Dies in a corner"

Vocalist William DuVall's voice complies well with Cantrell's and with the music. Fortunately, he makes a conscious effort not to imitate Stanley, which would have been a distasteful thing to do, yet he has a similar style. // 10

Impression: The most impressive songs on this album, in my opinion, are the first single, Check My Brain, A Looking In View, Black Gives Way To Blue, and my personal favorite, Private Hell. I like the darkness and sadness of this album, as it is done in a mature way (not in an "emo" way), although this mood is not for everybody. // 10

Comments

[Masamune]

i will definitely be giving this a listen. AIC is one of my favorite bands, I hope I enjoy it.

[Jugulator_cro]

Damn I still have to wait til they get it in my godforsaken country.

[JayPresto]

It's pretty good considering they haven't made an album in however long and they have a new singer. they still retain the alice in chains sound and are still movin forward, the album has some cool songs, It's all good

[mdclay]

Album cover fail = http://i15.ebayimg.com/02/c/06/d4/36/ab_32.JPG

The whole heart thing was done by a band called "Kutless" years ago. Their CD is called "Hearts of the Innocent".

[ESPVpr104]

GREAT ALBUM! if layne was still alive and had sung on this CD it would destroy everything!

[Stone Agean]

Its pretty clear that the album cover isn't a copy of 'Kutless'. There would be countless bands with hearts on the cover. Aic's one actually reflects the album name and theme, also.

[mdclay]

ts pretty clear that the album cover isn't a copy of 'Kutless'.

No doubt. I'm sure the AiC guys have never even heard of Kutless. It's just kind of lame that I have two CDs that look very similar.

[JSmith38]

i listened to it when they streamed it in its entirety last week. it ****ing rocks. layne would be proud

[adipokerface]

mdclay wrote:

Album cover fail = http://i15.ebayimg.com/02/c/06/d4/36/ab_32.JPG

The whole heart thing was done by a band called "Kutless" years ago. Their CD is called "Hearts of the Innocent".

its nothing like it! sure its a drawing of a heart but Kutless dont have the rights to accurate drawings of the heart!

[Cade_nickels]

Just picked it up from the store! It's great, sounds like a mix between Jerry's solo albums and AIC's albumds.

[Misfit-FTB]

mdclay wrote:

Album cover fail = http://i15.ebayimg.com/02/c/06/d4/36/ab_32.JPG

The whole heart thing was done by a band called "Kutless" years ago. Their CD is called "Hearts of the Innocent".

Who gives a shit. Are we buying albums for cover art now?

Anyways, I did download this album, but after listening to it, I went out and bought it. Great album. Not as good as Facelift of Dirt, but still a very good album.

[Dakkstar]

I had a hard time getting into this album. Not because of the new guy, but because it didn't sound like the AIC I liked, I own Facelift, Jar of Flies and the best of, and the new stuff is to sludgey and doesn't have the hooky guitar lines. I dunno... might just be me. I'l have to give it a few more listens, but I don't see it as anything special. Very forgettable.

[Kelicon]

Dakkstar wrote:

I had a hard time getting into this album. Not because of the new guy, but because it didn't sound like the AIC I liked, I own Facelift, Jar of Flies and the best of, and the new stuff is to sludgey and doesn't have the hooky guitar lines. I dunno... might just be me. I'l have to give it a few more listens, but I don't see it as anything special. Very forgettable.

Thats the issue, pick up their self titled or Dirt. This is DEFINITELY AiC!

I'm so happy this album wasn't a fail. AiC was one of my favorites, thrilled to have them back.

[aocrkid]

could have been better. the music was great, the title track is amazing. just horribly produced is all.

[SuicidalFreak]

"Check My Brain" is the best Alice in Chains song in years. I'm gonna check out this album the next time I go shopping.

[mlukeroberts222]

AIC is one my three favorite bands of all-time and they did not disappoint with BGWTB. Let's face it---there will never be another Layne Staley, but AIC lives on through Jerry and Layne would be very proud of this collection of tunes. To me this is the best cd of the year and a testament to AIC's greatness. By the way, 'Last of My Kind' is mesmerizing and an instant classic!!!

[outlawtorn003]

mdclay wrote:

Album cover fail = http://i15.ebayimg.com/02/c/06/d4/36/ab_32.JPG

The whole heart thing was done by a band called "Kutless" years ago. Their CD is called "Hearts of the Innocent".

Who cares? I don't by CDs because of the cover art. I buy them for the music.

Back on topic, just bought the CD and so far from what I've listened to its pretty solid. Not their best material but a good return.

[Creep_C-1]

bought the album today.. vintage AIC grungy sound. 10/10

[grille]

Relly has that Alice in chains feeling. So awsome to hear.

[jj48thechamp]

fellas (and lady fellas).. i don't no.. no staley.. at first i was considering shunning this record all together.. pretendin it didn't exist.. like it wasn't true.. just a bd dream.. but with the way you all are talkin i guess i'll have to buy it and see shat its up to.. but more importantly.. KISS!!! NEW ALBUM!!! OCT. 6 KISS ARMY!!! YEA BOI!!!

[PANTERAFAN^666^]

I got black gives way to blue, today and i got to say it was alot better than I thought, thank you AIC for coming back, and i hope to hear more from you guys. GRUNGE STILL STRONG!

[Andragon]

UG Team has lost it; he sounds nothing like Layne. Some melodies sound similar, because Jerry comes up with most of em, but his style is distinct.
The album grows on me listen after listen.

checked

[Pete Bonelli]

: )

[Wolf Dog Moon]

I have heard two tracks off the album, and like both. Welcome back AIC, despite the loss of Staley, who was the MAN, but, they sound great with the new singer.

[Turkeyburger]

Did anyone else notice that "Your Decision" sounds just like "Nutshell"?

[uberphreak]

jj48thechamp wrote:

fellas (and lady fellas).. i don't no.. no staley.. at first i was considering shunning this record all together.. pretendin it didn't exist.. like it wasn't true.. just a bd dream.. but with the way you all are talkin i guess i'll have to buy it and see shat its up to.. but more importantly.. KISS!!! NEW ALBUM!!! OCT. 6 KISS ARMY!!! YEA BOI!!!

KISS? More importantly? Surely you can't be serious. gtfo

But yeah, new AiC is pretty goddamned awesome.

[SGofawesome]

Stone Agean wrote:

Its pretty clear that the album cover isn't a copy of 'Kutless'. There would be countless bands with hearts on the cover. Aic's one actually reflects the album name and theme, also.

Except for the fact that Kutless blows ass.

[SGofawesome]

Andragon wrote:

UG Team has lost it; he sounds nothing like Layne. Some melodies sound similar, because Jerry comes up with most of em, but his style is distinct.
The album grows on me listen after listen.

WHAT!?!? Obviously your ears are up your crack.

[SGofawesome]

SuicidalFreak wrote:

"Check My Brain" is the best Alice in Chains song in years. I'm gonna check out this album the next time I go shopping.

Probably because "Check My Brain" is the only song AIC has written in years...

[thedefrockednun]

The most important and suprising thing is that they managed to keep the AIC sound with a vocalist who manages to sing in the smae league as the late Layne Staley.

I recommend this album

[areese82]

Sorry, its not AIC...sounds like Cantrell's Degradation Trip

[Apejack Cuba]

areese82 wrote:

Sorry, its not AIC...sounds like Cantrell's Degradation Trip

And who wrote most of AiC's songs, again?

[Astaldo]

great album! REALLY great voices, great tone!

[cal1]

I think Jerry Cantrell did a great job here with easing in DuVall's vocals (which are great by the way). I'm pretty impressed with this album and new lineup.

[Ducky-Kun]

This album blew me away, really fantastic album.
I'm a huge megadeth fan and I loved Endgame, but I have to say that for me BGWTB was the best album to come out recently.

[JD Blue Venom]

i liked this album, sounds more like the dirt sound than facelift which is good i guess either way would have been cool, the riffs still melted my brain like the old stuff does so im satisfied i dont really go with the ''not the same without(insert original member)'' band wagon

[perilouspete]

Dakkstar wrote:

I had a hard time getting into this album. Not because of the new guy, but because it didn't sound like the AIC I liked, I own Facelift, Jar of Flies and the best of, and the new stuff is to sludgey and doesn't have the hooky guitar lines. I dunno... might just be me. I'l have to give it a few more listens, but I don't see it as anything special. Very forgettable.

I felt the same way when I gave it my first listen. Now I think it is absolutely amazing and some of their best work. My favorites are Your Decision, Private Hell, Last of My Kind, and Take Her Out

[perilouspete]

Ducky-Kun wrote:

This album blew me away, really fantastic album.
I'm a huge megadeth fan and I loved Endgame, but I have to say that for me BGWTB was the best album to come out recently.

Endgame is really good to, but I would also take BGWTB. Very strong efforts by both bands, what a great couple weeks in rock.

[grind]

Apejack Cuba wrote:

areese82 wrote:

Sorry, its not AIC...sounds like Cantrell's Degradation Trip

And who wrote most of AiC's songs, again?

True, but I liked the really dark ****ed up stuff that Layne brought to the table. There was definitely a distinct difference between their two styles.

[Ciaphas]

Amazing album, Jerry Cantrell is a fantastic song writer/guitarist and this album definitely did not disappoint. However, even though DuVall did a great job, to me its just not Alice In Chains without Layne.

[DavidsonTFP]

great album, has ****in' awesome tracks. if Layne sung on these tracks, I'm sure it could have become one of Alice's best record. either way, it's great.

[AlisonHell56]

The AIC album kicks some serious ass, and gives a big **** you to all the haters that said new vocalist William DuVall could not pull off what Layne Staley did back in Alice in Chains' heyday. The CD is a powerhouse filled with great techniques and the signature sludge of Jerry Cantrell, along with acoustic epics, in particular "Black Gives Way to Blue", the title track featuring Elton John on piano, which is also Cantrell's tribute to the late Layne Staley. Tracks like "All Secrets Known","When the Sun Rose Again", and "Check My Brain" go back to the traditional AIC sound. The new disc has some "diamonds in the rough" as far as songs go however. The track "Last of My Kind" is a full throttle assault featuring DuVall's shining moment as he sings alone...its safe to say that Layne would be proud of his vocals on this song. Another standout is the epic "Acid Bubble" containing the signature AIC vocal melodies and melodic verses, but then it is taken into another direction as Cantrell's guitar just rips through and the refrain is sung. It is no doubt that Alice in Chains is back with a vengeance. Cantrell and the original members have not lost their flavor, and as for DuVall, the world is going to have to be ready for the new lead vocalist to take charge as he fills Staley's shoes...overall, a masterpeice and a muste-hear for all devout AIC fans!

[kyngofhearts]

mdclay wrote:

Album cover fail = http://i15.ebayimg.com/02/c/06/d4/36/ab_32.JPG

The whole heart thing was done by a band called "Kutless" years ago. Their CD is called "Hearts of the Innocent".

it's a human heart.
being as we're all humans here (supposedly), i would think that such a key image could be used over and over.
and if not, i have no doubt in my mind that another band did it before Kutless.
IT'S A DAMN HUMAN HEART

[Jack Darkley]

Do we really want to talk about ripping off covers? really
Well okay, here's another Kutless record: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:StrongTowerCover.jpg

An d here's a Who cover: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_who_face_dances_album. jpg

Any questions?

Back on topic, BGWTG is an album I have been waiting for for a long time, and it does not disappoint at all. My favorite album this year so far.

[RUSTDOGG666]

It's amazing how well the vocalist came close to Layne but nothing will ever replace him. RIP Layne.

[morellostheman]

i really like it so far and i was a little worried because layne staley is my favorite singer but the new album is good and it brings aic back into the spotlight and it is also a tribute in my opinion because now people are talking more about layne than they have in years which is always a good thing

[Co&Ca11]

I am surprised by how good this album actually is, most bands who have been gone for over a decade come back with a really crappy album in an attempt to make money. This album is actually very good, Will sounds about as close to Layne as anyone could get.

[Shinsen88]

I've been a bit skeptical of how they would be without Layne, but all the reviews I've read/heard have been positive. I'll need to check this one out...

[TheEchomaker]

Got the album today and it is great. Yeah there is no Layne but since jerry is still singing it doesnt stop them from sounding like AIC.

[kurtshapedbox]

Man, I just reread my review and I must say the amount of amount of grammatical errors I made is embarrassing. Sorry guys. I was hoping this one would make up for my 3 other pitiful contributions to this site done when I was a little younger and a lot more stupid....however I think I failed at this task though improvement is evident.

Great CD though!

[Jugulator_cro]

kurtshapedbox wrote:

Man, I just reread my review and I must say the amount of amount of grammatical errors I made is embarrassing. Sorry guys. I was hoping this one would make up for my 3 other pitiful contributions to this site done when I was a little younger and a lot more stupid....however I think I failed at this task though improvement is evident.

Great CD though!

Doesn`t matter brah, your intentions were good.

[Firenze]

The guys from AiC did not age well. Great album though.

[Riffrocker83]

AIC is easily in my top 3 or 4 favorite bands of all time; and I gotta say, I'm pretty disappointed. To me, it sounds like a Jerry Cantrell solo album. I understand that Jerry has always been the chief songwriting force in AIC, but still, does he have to dominate 95% of the vocal mix on the record? Why even bother bringing William Duvall in as a singer if he's barely featured on the record?

Most of the songs were bland. After 14 years, I expected a much bigger bang. However, I do LOVE Acid Bubble, A Looking In View, and Last Of My Kind. Your Decision is okay too. The rest of the album I could do without.

All that said... still looking forward to seeing them live again and glad to see they're back together.

[jasonbloss]

the best album ive heard all year. no joke.

[StilletoBoy]

Best comeback album I have heard in years, it's a ****ing kick ass album, many good bands are getting back, we got Alice in Chains, Megadeth, Motley Crue did a kick ass disc on ma opinion but, FUCKING DAMN Alice in Chains is my favorite band, Layne's lives deep in my soul, I feel his pain in his songs, this man was great, he most be thinking , why did it took ya so long you ****ers, I loved this album, waiting for more..CHEERS

Enrique

[Right-Wing Dick]

For me, this album sounds as if Jerry and Co. made a conscientious
effort to keep William subdued as a lead singer, and focused more on the AIC "sound" of harmony vocals to help the transition for those of us who are loyal AIC fans. I personally think that was a mistake. Other people have commented about this as well, but what really comes to light for me from this record is what is missing, and that is the power and talent of Layne Staley. Before hearing BGWTB, I really didn't think that Layne being gone would have been such an issue, especially with the effort Jerry put in on the "Tripod" record from both a songwriting and singing standpoint. After listening to the new record, its painfully obvious that Laynes absence is significant, but again, that may be because William wasn't really given a chance to make a substantial contribution. I hope that on the next record William is allowed to step up and define his role as the new singer for AIC.

[Deviant92]

Jugulator_cro wrote:
Damn I still have to wait til they get it in my godforsaken country.

+1

[GoToSleep]

Is it just me or am I the only one not impressed by Duvall's contributions? He's a very capable vocalist, but to me he's not lead on here, Jerry is. And my biggest complaint is how his parts sound so muddled, like he's singing through a megaphone with a lot of effects. I don't know I guess I don't like the production, but it was just okay for me. The production isn't great but everything sounds good except for WD.

[Rokeman]

I think William will have a greater contribution on the next album, as it won't be tied to Layne like this one was. I still think it's a good album though.

[fendercobain87]

black give way to blue was actually good being along time fan of the band it really amazed me at how some of the songs reminded me alot of layne, but he cannot be replaced but william du vall did bring his a game and they will be a force to be recognied with again.

[jonandbrit1990]

I really like this album, it's really good.

[Sickhick]

kurtshapedbox wrote:

Man, I just reread my review and I must say the amount of amount of grammatical errors I made is embarrassing. Sorry guys. I was hoping this one would make up for my 3 other pitiful contributions to this site done when I was a little younger and a lot more stupid....however I think I failed at this task though improvement is evident.

Great CD though!

No, your review was really good. Mine was too short and lacking of detail, but it was the first time I've ever reviewed anything.

[p_a_n_a_m_a]

awesome ****ing cd.

[guitarguy1347]

I'd say Acid Bubble and Check my Brain are the two best.

[Mookystinks]

this has got to be one of my new all time favorite albums to come out in a very, very long time. i love it. my two favorite son on the album is "A Looking In View" and "Last Of My Kind". i love all of their music.