Review Summary: Alice In Chain's comeback album is a touching tribute to Layne Staley.
2009's "Black Gives Way to Blue" marks the return of "Alice in Chains" after a 15 year absence. This is the band's first record since the passing of lead singer Layne Staley who died of a drug overdose in '02. Musically, it is a return to form since it contains the grunge-flavored, heavy metal sound of their debut album "Facelift". Thematically, it is a partial homage to Staley with the title track being a direct tribute to the late singer's memory. "Black" is undoubtedly an AIC album thanks to the easily recognizable guitar riffs by Jerry Cantrell and new vocalist William DuVall's Staley-like performance, but it also hits a few new notes. The album has a softer rock tone in ballad-like songs such as "Your Decision". But while it never reaches the creative heights of the band's best efforts "Dirt" and "Jar of Flies", it is a worthy comeback.
"Black Gives Way to Blue" was actually my first AIC album. When I first bought it I didn't know what to expect, not only cause I was just discovering the band, but because I was new to heavy metal music. Previously, I had just been into the pop/Goth band "The Cure" and a few alternative indie bands from overseas. I had been a casual listener of rock n' roll, but never a true fan. Besides the albums of "The Cure" and a couple of "U2" records, my shelf was devoid of any classic rock sound. Since "Black", I've collected plenty of the essential works of the all-time greats including the earlier albums of "Alice". One of the problems die-hard fans of the old "Alice in Chains" may have with this more recent work is the lack of the sludgy, gloomy feel of "Dirt" and its respectable follow-up, the self-titled album dubbed "Tripod". "Black" also feels a tad repetitive since certain songs have a similar sound. This isn't a complaint from this listener, just an observation.
Ultimately, "Black Gives Way to Blue" is a solid comeback album. It has all the classic hooks of the Layne Staley-led "Alice In Chains" but with a more gentle side to it. The singles may not have the time-defying power of let's say "Rooster" or "Man in the Box", but that's okay. This album is a re-birth and a continuation of one of the great grunge bands from Seattle. They might not be entirely the same as they were in the early '90s, but the same can be said of any long lasting rock group. This AIC is a good rock record. It may not be a masterpiece, but fans should be pleased with it and new listeners of rock will probably appreciate it.
