Black Gives Way To Blue
by Alice in Chains
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Sep 29, 2009
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 149 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 142 out of 149
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 149
  3. Negative: 1 out of 149

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  1. AmitG.
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    Great AIC album with no qualifications whatsoever about new vocalist, after so many years etc etc; just loving it!!!
  2. SamanthaF.
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    AIC is amazing. I am so glad they came out with this rocking album. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. It is near flawless!
  3. NeilA.
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    I'm not saying that this is a perfect CD but considering I didn't they should have even bothered, it is a great addition to their catalog! Dirt is still their "masterpiece" but they don't lose a step with this effort. Layne Staley could never be replaced although Duvall's voice blends just as nicely with Cantrell's and is different enough to give him a unique I'm not saying that this is a perfect CD but considering I didn't they should have even bothered, it is a great addition to their catalog! Dirt is still their "masterpiece" but they don't lose a step with this effort. Layne Staley could never be replaced although Duvall's voice blends just as nicely with Cantrell's and is different enough to give him a unique quality. Superb comeback!… Expand
  4. SkullScience
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    I must admit to being extremely skeptical when I heard Alice In Chains where reforming. Especially after all the vitriol towards William DuVall on many a forum and YouTube. I thought I would trust Jerry Cantrells judgement and give this a chance. I mean, who knew Layne like Jerry did? To say I am not disappointed is an understatement. The album is awesome. DuVall is awesome, not quite I must admit to being extremely skeptical when I heard Alice In Chains where reforming. Especially after all the vitriol towards William DuVall on many a forum and YouTube. I thought I would trust Jerry Cantrells judgement and give this a chance. I mean, who knew Layne like Jerry did? To say I am not disappointed is an understatement. The album is awesome. DuVall is awesome, not quite Layne Staley, but who is. His performance in the band Mad Season proves that. So the fact William DuVall nearly reaches those heights shows that he is a vocalist of great quality. The songs range from dark and moody, typical AIC, to heart rendering ballads, a beautiful tribute to Layne. Buy this album. Don't be close minded. Only AC/DC managed such an epic return after the death of their lead singer, Bonn Scott, with Brian Johnson and Back in Black. Layne would be proud.… Expand
  5. JamesS
    Nov 20, 2009
    10
    Amazing
  6. JohnP.
    Oct 3, 2009
    10
    Another underrated album from an underrated band. Alice in Chains will never get the proper recognition they deserve.
  7. TylerD.
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    Duvall sounds great and the music is top notch. I was very weary of a new lead singer in AIC but this is the band we all grew up with and the band we all know. Some of these tracks will be labeled "classics" in 10 years. Please buy this album.
  8. MichelleW.
    Sep 30, 2009
    10
    I can't imagine what the guys from Hot Press, Rollingstone and Spin were listening to. It wasn't the album I just heard.
  9. Sean
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    This went above and beyond my expectations. I never thought I'd have these songs in the same playlist as all my other AIC, but I was wrong. It's dark and it's heavy, and although it doesn't have quite the haunting effect that only Layne could provide, it does the job well enough. My only real complaint about this album is that it lacks some of the creativity that could This went above and beyond my expectations. I never thought I'd have these songs in the same playlist as all my other AIC, but I was wrong. It's dark and it's heavy, and although it doesn't have quite the haunting effect that only Layne could provide, it does the job well enough. My only real complaint about this album is that it lacks some of the creativity that could be found in their earlier work. The songs follow a simple pattern of verse, chorus, verse, chorus, Cantrell solo, verse, chorus, etc. and don't really build up to anything or stray away from that mold. Many of their classics took off in another direction and I think that's why they were so different and so much better than a lot of other music at the time. Still, I would give it a 9.5 overall, because I don't think I've enjoyed a new album this much since Lateralus by Tool.… Expand
  10. JoshuaP.
    Oct 1, 2009
    10
    After Layne died I thought that AIC was over. When I found out that they were putting another album out I about crapped my pants. This album was the first CD that I have bought in a long time. It was definitely worth the wait. I loved every single song. The song "Black Gives Way To Blue" was one of my favorites. This album is a DEFINITE MUST HAVE!!! You'll thank me later.
  11. AdamH
    Oct 21, 2009
    10
    This album is further evidence that these elitist critics have become so insulated by their criteria for "good music" and desire to fetch readers for their bosses from the mass pool of "big money" age demographics, that they've completely lost touch with reality.
  12. KeatonR
    Oct 14, 2009
    10
    Best album to be released in a very very very long time, I cannot stop listening to it, even if I try to, every single song on this album is beautiful and bursting with talent, a hard thing to come by today, this album can only be described in one word. Masterpiece.
  13. Bruce
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    This album exceeds Jar of Flies. The vocals sound like Layne Staley, the songs have melody and punch and the guitars are thicker than ever. I'm on my 50th listen in the past two weeks. This record has just overtaken Oasis' Dig Out Your Soul as my top pick of the year.
  14. agunZagun
    Jan 3, 2012
    10
    You can't judge the Jerry. He wanna make some music and sell some records. He used the "Alice in Chains" name for selling records. OK, I know, it's not Alice in Chains anymore, but that doesn't mean this album is sh*t. It's a very good album, out of my expectations..
  15. Gabera-EPM74
    Dec 8, 2011
    10
    Surprisingly for some, this is probably the best AIC album. Every track has that special touch which makes every bridge or chorus irresistible, even for the non-fan, and positively not turning it into a cheap work in exchange. Jerry Cantrell shows again - and better than ever - why he's the most gifted songwriter and guitar hero from that rainy, unbelievable hometown. William DuVall is aSurprisingly for some, this is probably the best AIC album. Every track has that special touch which makes every bridge or chorus irresistible, even for the non-fan, and positively not turning it into a cheap work in exchange. Jerry Cantrell shows again - and better than ever - why he's the most gifted songwriter and guitar hero from that rainy, unbelievable hometown. William DuVall is a blessing from the heavens and his strong presence in each required situation grants him nothing but admiration. There's no such "roller coaster" feeling as you travel through the record, what I believe was some kind of "regular irregularity" present in the previous releases.… Expand
  16. Trojans05
    Jun 21, 2012
    10
    Great album, great band. Enough said.
  17. criticsbedumb
    Mar 26, 2013
    10
    Other than the replacement of the junkie Layne Staley with William Duval (whose vocals are almost always overshadowed by Jerry Cantrell), this is classic AIC. No complaints here.
  18. 3raz3r
    Sep 12, 2013
    10
    A terrific comeback album by the best grunge band of the 90s, Black Gives Way To Blue is heavier and has greater sludge influences than the earlier albums, but that just adds to the allure. It is the perfect mix of heavy tracks such as "Check My Brain" and "A Looking In View", and mellow ones such as "Your Decision" and "When The Sun Rose Again". The title track is a heart-warming tributeA terrific comeback album by the best grunge band of the 90s, Black Gives Way To Blue is heavier and has greater sludge influences than the earlier albums, but that just adds to the allure. It is the perfect mix of heavy tracks such as "Check My Brain" and "A Looking In View", and mellow ones such as "Your Decision" and "When The Sun Rose Again". The title track is a heart-warming tribute to Layne Staley, who will remain in our hearts forever. Will DuVall is a fitting replacement and ensures that there is no decline in quality as far as the music is concerned. All in all, an amazing return. Grunge is back.… Expand
  19. DavidB.
    Oct 1, 2009
    9
    Unexpectedly great record. A real pleasant surprise from one of my favorite bands of the 90's.
  20. KY
    Oct 1, 2009
    9
    Layne Staley will never be replaced but his CD sounds fantastic. I've seen the band live with DuVall and it was a fantastic performance.
  21. danielh.
    Oct 1, 2009
    9
    I think that all the critics are expecting a "Back in Black" type album and some of their reviews are really just disappointment that it wasn't. "Black Gives Way To Blue" is a good album, every bit as good as the last studio album, "Alice In Chains". DuVall is a great addition to the band, not quite Layne but a good singer. What always amazed me about the band is the harmonizing, I think that all the critics are expecting a "Back in Black" type album and some of their reviews are really just disappointment that it wasn't. "Black Gives Way To Blue" is a good album, every bit as good as the last studio album, "Alice In Chains". DuVall is a great addition to the band, not quite Layne but a good singer. What always amazed me about the band is the harmonizing, Give it a couple of listens, it will grow on you. Maybe in need to check my brain.… Expand
  22. barryg
    Oct 20, 2009
    9
    Well it's for the better than the worst the lead singer the perfect replacement for layne, music wise it takes 3 to 4 spins in your cd player to get the feel for it . it grows on you the more you listen to it.
  23. RandyQ.
    Oct 1, 2009
    9
    Love it! Almost perfect
  24. gabriels'
    Oct 11, 2009
    9
    Well, I'm a fan of AiC, and the first thing I said when I heard the rumors about new album was, well Layne that's how much you mean to them, but after I heard the record I was like......WHAT THE HELL IS THIS, this sounds so good and this guys are back on track! But still there is the LAYNE factor, no matter how good is William he will never replace Layne, I can just imagine how Well, I'm a fan of AiC, and the first thing I said when I heard the rumors about new album was, well Layne that's how much you mean to them, but after I heard the record I was like......WHAT THE HELL IS THIS, this sounds so good and this guys are back on track! But still there is the LAYNE factor, no matter how good is William he will never replace Layne, I can just imagine how this songs would've sounded with him.I can't go through the fact that this sounds pretty much like Jerry's single records but with William's back up vocals, for the future if there are any new AiC records, I'd like to hear William in the front, as it was with Layne.… Expand
  25. GrungeMatter
    Oct 4, 2009
    9
    Great album. I definitely needed some new AIC material! Duvall does a great job. Hope to see more albums by the band!
  26. SrikanthC
    Jan 11, 2010
    9
    Great album! Typical AIC stuff. I like that very much.
  27. AndrewR.
    Jan 21, 2010
    9
    Once again the critics show themselves to be fools with no taste. This is a brilliant album that rivals anything with Layne. A little bit more mellow than their older work, but this isn't surprising since they're all into middle age. A must-buy.
  28. WilsonC.
    Oct 1, 2009
    9
    An excellent return to form, especially with everything that's happened, and the difference in time and the loss of Layne.
  29. JoeE.
    Oct 1, 2009
    9
    Black Gives Way To Blue shows how this band has stuck to their guns. The lyrics have sadness in them, but not as dark as previous albums. The sound, as always, is undeniably that of when Jerry Cantrell puts his pick to the strings of a guitar. William DuVall, with a strong voice in his own right, does a great job of stepping up...not looking to replace Layne Staley, but stepping up Black Gives Way To Blue shows how this band has stuck to their guns. The lyrics have sadness in them, but not as dark as previous albums. The sound, as always, is undeniably that of when Jerry Cantrell puts his pick to the strings of a guitar. William DuVall, with a strong voice in his own right, does a great job of stepping up...not looking to replace Layne Staley, but stepping up nonetheless. All-in-all, great to have them back on the field with other great (and original) alt-rockers Pearl Jam and The Smashing Pumpkins!… Expand
  30. MarcusS.
    Oct 1, 2009
    9
    Spin and Rolling Stone don't know what they're talking about; both lost credibility a long time ago. I don't even think Spin listened to the songs; Duvall sings lead on perhaps 2-3 tracks, at most-the rest are either harmonized with, or lead by, Jerry.
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2009
94
#94 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Boston Globe
    70
    While there are a few lulls, none are glaringly offensive, and the band builds up so much good will with the stronger material that it’s easy to surrender again to these Chains.
    Read full review
  2. Hot Press
    50
    There’s still something oddly admirable about Alice In Chains’ stubborn refusal to change.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    50
    What Black lacks are great tunes and a sense of can't-look-away drama.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »