CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist : Alice In Chains
Album : Black Gives Way to Blue (2009 Virgin/EMI)
Tracks : 11
Artist website :http://www.aliceinchains.com/
OVERVIEW
This album is the first full-length release of new material from Alice In Chains since their 1995 self-titled album. It is the band’s first effort with new singer William DuVall.
The band’s legendary sound remains intact well on this album and it sounds almost like a natural continuation from where they left off in 1995. For those who are not familiar with AIC, they were one of the heavier bands of the 90’s grunge movement.
I really enjoyed this album a lot! The vocal production is great! Even when the music wasn’t doing anything interesting, the vocals made the music interesting. It made me dig out my old copy of “Dirt” and reminisce being a teenager in the early 90’s.
HIGHLIGHTS :
Check My Brain, Your Decision, When The Sun Rose Again
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – All Secrets Known
Pretty cool track.
Track 2 – Check My Brain
Very cool riff and vocal work on this track!
Track 3 – Last of My Kind
Heavy. Interesting track. Lots of chug-chug-chug.
Track 4 – Your Decision
A really pretty and mellow track. A perfect place for this track.
Track 5 – A Looking In View
Slow but heavy. Cool track. This one’s the “epic” of the album, clocking in at just over seven minutes.
Track 6 – When The Sun Rose Again
Who said acoustic guitars couldn’t rock!?! This is like MTV Unplugged all over again. Cool ballad-esque song.
Track 7 – Acid Bubble
Interesting. Gets better towards the end.
Track 8 – Lesson Learned
Very cool track.
Track 9 – Take Her Out
Interesting track.
Track 10 – Private Hell
This one is more of a mellow track.
Track 11 – Black Gives Way To Blue
This one is quite pretty.