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The Essential Alice in Chains cover

The Essential Alice in Chains

Alice in Chains

Album 2006
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About this album

Sound: "A haunting blend of heavy riffs and introspective lyrics that define the grunge era's darker side."

Where they were

Released in 2006, 'The Essential Alice in Chains' marks a retrospective compilation after the band's hiatus following the death of lead vocalist Layne Staley in 2002. This album showcases their influential catalog during a period when they were re-establishing themselves with new material and tours.

Why it matters

'The Essential Alice in Chains' reached commercial success, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart. It serves as an important cultural touchstone, highlighting the band's legacy within the grunge movement and influencing a generation of musicians that followed.

Essential tracks

  • "Man in the Box" — This track exemplifies Alice in Chains' signature sound with its eerie vocal delivery and powerful guitar riffs, making it a definitive anthem of the grunge era.
  • "Rooster" — A deeply personal song reflecting on frontman Jerry Cantrell's father's experiences in Vietnam, 'Rooster' resonates with listeners through its poignant storytelling and haunting melody.
  • "Would?" — 'Would?' captures the essence of the band’s lyrical depth and harmonies, addressing themes of addiction and loss while showcasing their unique vocal interplay.
  • "No Excuses" — With its laid-back groove and introspective lyrics, this track represents a shift towards a more melodic sound, highlighting the band’s evolution post-Layne Staley.

Release Date

September 5, 2006

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 We Die Young 2:32
  2. 2 Man in the Box 4:46
  3. 3 Sea of Sorrow 5:50
  4. 4 Love, Hate, Love 6:28
  5. 5 Am I Inside 5:09
  6. 6 Brother 4:28
  7. 7 Got Me Wrong 4:11
  8. 8 Right Turn 3:14
  9. 9 Rain When I Die 6:03
  10. 10 Them Bones 2:30
  11. 11 Angry Chair 4:48
  12. 12 Dam That River 3:10
  13. 13 Dirt 5:16
  14. 14 God Smack 3:50
  15. 15 Hate to Feel 5:16
  16. 16 Rooster 6:16

Disc 2

  1. 1 No Excuses 4:16
  2. 2 I Stay Away 4:14
  3. 3 What the Hell Have I (remix) 3:54
  4. 4 A Little Bitter (remix) 3:48
  5. 5 Grind 4:46
  6. 6 Heaven Beside You 5:29
  7. 7 Again 4:05
  8. 8 Over Now (unplugged version) 5:57
  9. 9 Nutshell (unplugged version) 4:32
  10. 10 Get Born Again 5:24
  11. 11 Died 5:57
  12. 12 Would? 3:28

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