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Black Gives Way to Blue

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Untitled

Black Gives Way to Blue is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Alice in Chains, which was released in Australia on September 25, 2009 and in the United States four days later.[13] The first Alice in Chains album in nearly fourteen years, Black Gives Way to Blue is their first release with new vocalist William DuVall, who took over for the late Layne Staley. This is the first Alice in Chains album released on Virgin Records and their first venture away from Columbia, who handled all of their previous releases. The album has been certified gold by the RIAA on May 26, 2010, with shipments exceeding 500,000 copies.

The span of nearly fourteen years between the self-titled album and Black Gives Way to Blue marks the longest gap between studio albums in Alice in Chains' career. The band had been working on new material since early 2006,[14] shortly before hiring DuVall as their new singer. By April 2007, Alice in Chains had been writing and demoing songs for the album,[15] but the band did not show further signs of progress until October 2008, when they announced that they had begun recording with producer Nick Raskulinecz (of Foo Fighters, Stone Sour and Rush fame) in the studio.[16] The writing and recording process was completed on March 18, 2009, guitarist Jerry Cantrell's 43rd birthday.[17]

Background and recording

In 2005, Cantrell, bassist Mike Inez, and drummer Sean Kinney reunited to perform a benefit concert in Seattle for victims of the tsunami disaster that struck South Asia.[18] On March 6, 2006, the surviving members performed at VH1's Decades Rock Live concert, honoring fellow Seattle musicians Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. The band followed the concert with a short United States club tour, several festival dates in Europe, and a brief tour in Japan. Comes with the Fall vocalist DuVall joined Alice in Chains as lead singer during the band's reunion concerts.

Kinney mentioned in a February 2006 interview that he would be interested in writing new material, but not as Alice in Chains. He explained, "If we found some other dude, I'd love to move on, write some cool tunes and change the name and go on like that. I don't see continuing as Alice and replacing somebody. ... We're not trying to replace Layne. We want to play these songs one more time, and if it seems like the right thing to do, it'll happen. I don't know how long it will go or where it will take us. It's kind of a tribute to Layne and our fans, the people who love these songs. It's not some 'I'm broke and I need the money' situation. We love playing together."[14] AliceinChains.com reported that the band had begun writing new material, with DuVall on lead vocals.

In April 2007, the band's "official blogger", Baldy, posted an update on progress towards the writing of the album, saying that Alice in Chains had been in Los Angeles, California for five days, "sat through three rehearsals and one demo recording session, listened to several other demos" and the new material was "kicking his ass right out of his pants."[15] In September 2008, it was reported that Alice in Chains would enter the studio that October to begin recording a new album for a summer 2009 release.[19] Recording began on October 23, 2008 at the Foo Fighters' Studio 606 in Northridge, California with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Stone Sour, Trivium, Shadows Fall, Death Angel).[16] In mid-2009, Cantrell told Revolver Golden God Awards that Alice in Chains had finished recording the album on March 18 (his 43rd birthday) and were in the process of mixing it for a September 29 release.[17]

Music and lyrics

In April 2009, a blog post from the band expressed the hope that "these songs will strike a chord and make a similar impact on all of you out there that were moved by this band in the first place."[20] Kinney said that the music on the album doesn't deviate too far from the band's past music, adding, "It's nice to sound like yourself...It's not really that hard, actually. I know people are blown away that we really sound like ourselves, and I understand the apprehension, but it's not really that big a stretch to sound the way that you sound."[21] There are hard rock as well as acoustic songs featured on the album.[21] In addition, Elton John appears on the album's title track.[22]

Kinney said that there are lyrics on the album that deal with original vocalist Layne Staley. He elaborated, "There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of him. And there's a lot to address, with all of that stuff coming to the forefront. A lot has happened since 1995, a lot has happened in our lives and we've never talked about it or discussed it publicly. So some of that is what's addressed here. That's the way we operate, it's about what really happened in life. We're not really the fast cars and chicks songs. It's basically what's happened in life, but a lot has happened since the last record. And it's on this record."[21] The title track "Black Gives Way to Blue" was written as a tribute to Staley.[23] Regarding the lyrics to other specific songs, Cantrell said the first single from the album, "A Looking in View", "basically speaks to any number of things that keep you balled up inside."[24] The second single, "Check My Brain", features lyrics dealing with Cantrell's move from Seattle to Los Angeles in 2003.[25] The third single, "Your Decision", contains lyrics about "surviving pain and choosing to live."[25]

Release and reception

On April 25, 2009, it was reported that the new Alice in Chains album would be released on their new label Virgin/EMI,[26] making it the band's first label change in their 20-plus year career. Alice in Chains revealed parts of their new album at a listening party on July 14, 2009 in Los Angeles. They played the entire album over the PA system and performed an acoustic set including versions of songs "Your Decision" and "Black Gives Way to Blue". Another listening event took place on July 21, 2009 in New York.[23] The UK magazine Classic Rock awarded the album nine out of ten stars in its review section in September 2009.[27] Metal Hammer magazine awarded the album 10/10 in September while Nigel Britto of The Times of India lauded the album as a "stunner", later going on to describe it as a "huge, huge success".[28]

On June 30, 2009, one of the album's songs, "A Looking in View", was released as the first single from the album. It was made available for a limited time as a free download through the official Alice in Chains website in early July. The music video for "A Looking in View" debuted via Alice in Chains' official website on July 7, 2009. The second single "Check My Brain" was released to radio stations on August 14, 2009, and was made available for purchase on August 17, 2009.[29] The music video for "Check My Brain" premiered on September 14, 2009.[30] As of late-September "A Looking in View" has peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and at number 27 on the Billboard Rock Songs chart and "Check My Brain" has peaked at number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100, at number 75 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, at number one on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and Billboard Rock Songs charts, and at number one on the Billboard Hot Alternative Rock Tracks chart.[31][32]

Black Gives Way to Blue debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200, selling 126,000 in its first week,[33] and entered the UK charts at number 19 on October 5, 2009.[34]

To coincide with the band's European tour, Alice in Chains released its next single, "Your Decision", on November 16 in the UK and in the US on December 1.[35][36] The album's third single debuted on the US Rock Songs chart at #32,[37] and has since charted at #1 in the US Rock Songs, at #1 the US Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and at #4 in the US Alternative Songs charts.[38]

Black Gives Way to Blue received Gold certification by the Canadian Recording Industry Association in February 2010, signifying sales of over 40,000 units.[39] The album also received Gold certification in the US three months later, in May 2010, for sales in excess of 500,000 units.[40]

Loudness war

Waveform of "A Looking In View" from the CD release

Popdose.com reviewed the album as the newest victim of the heavy distortion and digital clipping. "This CD probably has hit new loudness thresholds in the volume wars. It is beyond jarring, and I found myself turning the car stereo down to half the usual volume level just to listen at all."[41] The band released Black Gives Way to Blue in vinyl format.[42]

Track listing

All songs written by Jerry Cantrell, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."All Secrets Known" 4:43
2."Check My Brain" 3:58
3."Last of My Kind"Cantrell, William DuVall5:53
4."Your Decision" 4:43
5."A Looking in View"Cantrell, DuVall, Sean Kinney, Mike Inez7:06
6."When the Sun Rose Again" 4:00
7."Acid Bubble" 6:56
8."Lesson Learned" 4:17
9."Take Her Out" 4:00
10."Private Hell" 5:38
11."Black Gives Way to Blue" 3:04
iTunes bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
12."Black Gives Way to Blue" (piano mix)3:01
13."Your Decision" (live)4:48
Japanese bonus
No.TitleLength
12."Down in a Hole" (live)6:46

Personnel

Awards

2010 Grammy nomination

Chart positions

Album

Chart Peak Sales
U.S. Billboard 200[33] 5 434,000 [43] Gold
Finnish Albums Chart [44] 11
UK Albums Chart [45] 19
Canadian Albums Chart [46] 4 40,000 Gold
Swiss Albums Chart [47] 21
Austrian Albums Chart [48] 14
French Albums Chart [49] 46
Dutch Albums Chart [50] 34
Swedish Albums Chart [51] 20
Norwegian Albums Chart [52] 9
Danish Albums Chart [53] 13
Spanish Albums Chart [54] 54
Australian Albums Chart [55] 12
New Zealand Albums Chart [56] 7
Mexican Albums Chart [57] 88
Croatian Albums Chart [58] 17
Belgium (Vl) Albums Chart [59] 26
Belgium (Wa) Albums Chart [60] 31

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions
US
[61] 		US Alt
[31]
[32] 		US Main
[31]
[32] 		US Rock
[31]
[62] 		CAN
[62]
2009 "A Looking in View" — 38 12 27 —
"Check My Brain" 92 1 1 1 62
"Your Decision" 109 4 1 1 57
2010 "Lesson Learned" — — — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

[63]

References

  1. ^ Thomas Erlewine, Stephen. "Alice in Chains > Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved 2009-10-04.
  2. ^ Slevin, Patrick (2009-09-22). "Alice in Chains: Black Gives Way to Blue". The Aquarian Weekly. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ Rauf, Raziq (2009-09-09). "Alice in Chains Black Gives Way to Blue Review". BBC. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  4. ^ Blabbermouth review
  5. ^ Hanscomb, Richard (2009-10-02). "Alice in Chains Black Gives Way to Blue Review". Drowned In Sound. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
  6. ^ October Issue 2009, page 100-101
  7. ^ Hoard, Christian (2009-09-28). "Alice in Chains, 'Black Gives Way to Blue'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2009-09-28. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ Kerr, Dave (2009-08-25). "Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue". The Skinny. Retrieved 2009-09-12. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ Herzog, Kenny (2009-09-15). "Alice in Chains, 'Black Gives Way to Blue'". Spin. Retrieved 2009-09-26. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ Schulz, Chris (2009-09-24). "CD review: Black Gives Way to Blue — Alice In Chains". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
  11. ^ Jackson, James (2009-09-26). "Alice in Chains: Black Gives Way to Blue". The Times. Retrieved 2009-09-26. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ http://www.allaccess.com/alternative/future-releases
  13. ^ "Alice In Chains: New Album Title, Release Date Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-06-11. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
  14. ^ a b "Remaining Alice In Chains Members Reuniting For Summer Gigs". MTV.com. 2006-02-23. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
  15. ^ a b "Alice In Chains Begins Writing New Material". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-04-26. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
  16. ^ a b "Alice in Chains Working With Rush/Foo Fighters Producer". Blabbermouth.net. 2008-10-23. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
  17. ^ a b "Alice In Chains Set To Release First Album In 14 Years". Ultimate-Guitar.com. 2009-04-09. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
  18. ^ Hay, Travis (2005-02-21). "Alice in Chains owns stage in tsunami-relief show full of surprises". Seattlepi.nwsource.com. Retrieved 2007-11-25.
  19. ^ "Alice in Chains To Enter Studio In October". Blabbermouth.net. 2008-09-05. Retrieved 2008-06-11.
  20. ^ "Alice in Chains Complete Work on New Album, Out this September". idiomag. 2009-04-16. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
  21. ^ a b c Benson, John (2009-07-02). "Alice In Chains Reunion 'Gives Way' To New Album, Tour". Billboard. Retrieved 2009-07-13. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ Moody, Nekesa Mumbi. "Alice In Chains Scores Elton John for Tribute Track". Billboard. August 11, 2009.
  23. ^ a b Goodman, Dean (2009-07-15). "Alice in Chains previews new album in Los Angeles". Reuters. Retrieved 2009-07-15.
  24. ^ "Alice in Chains Announces Tour Dates". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-06-30. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
  25. ^ a b "A studio visit with Alice in Chains". Los Angeles Times. 2009-04-25. Retrieved 2009-07-04. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  26. ^ "Alice In Chains Signs With Virgin/EMI". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-04-25. Retrieved 2009-04-25.
  27. ^ (September 2009). "Review: Black Gives Way to Blue". Classic Rock.
  28. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/Hot-Picks-today/articleshow/5229872.cms
  29. ^ "Alice in Chains Confirm "Check My Brain" Release Date & More". grungereport.net. 2009-07-26. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
  30. ^ "'Check My Brain' Video To Premiere On Monday". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-09-11. Retrieved 2009-09-13.
  31. ^ a b c d "A Looking In View Chart Position". Billboard.com. 2009-07-11. Retrieved 2009-07-11. {{cite web}}: Text "1" ignored (help)
  32. ^ a b c "Chart Beat Wednesday: Alice In Chains, Jason Aldean, Katy Perry". Billboard. 2009-08-26. Retrieved 2009-08-26. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ a b Caulfield, Keith and Monica Herrera. "Barbra Streisand Surprises With Ninth No. 1 on Billboard 200". billboard.com. October 7, 2009.
  34. ^ "Top 100 Albums Chart". theofficialcharts.com. 2009-10-05. Retrieved 2009-10-05.
  35. ^ "Alice In Chains To Release 'Your Decision' Single". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-10-12. Retrieved 2009-10-16.
  36. ^ http://www.allaccess.com/alternative/future-releases
  37. ^ Debut @ Billboard.com Retrieved December 15, 2009
  38. ^ 24 Gain @ Billboard.com Retrieved December 15, 2009
  39. ^ [1] Retrieved March 21, 2010
  40. ^ [2] Retrieved May 25, 2010
  41. ^ http://popdose.com/cd-review-alice-in-chains-black-gives-way-to-blue/
  42. ^ http://mp3-music.front.lv/products/details/B002Q0F6V0/CustomerReviews/page:10
  43. ^ "ALICE IN CHAINS Interviewed By VOICE OF AMERICA". Blabbermouth.net. 2010-04-13. Retrieved 2010-04-20.
  44. ^ Suomen virallinen lista
  45. ^ [3]
  46. ^ Canadian Albums @ Billboard.com
  47. ^ Swiss Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  48. ^ Austrian Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  49. ^ French Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  50. ^ Dutch Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  51. ^ Swedish Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  52. ^ Norwegian Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  53. ^ Danish Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  54. ^ Spanish Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  55. ^ Australian Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  56. ^ New Zealand Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  57. ^ Mexican Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  58. ^ Croatian Albums Chart @ hdu-toplista.com
  59. ^ Belgium (Vl) Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  60. ^ Belgium (Wa) Albums @ Australian-charts.com
  61. ^ "Hot 100 Airplay - Alice in Chains". Billboard charts. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  62. ^ a b "Check My Brain". Billboard. Retrieved August 2009.
  63. ^ Alice In Chains Charts @ Billboard.com Retrieved December 15, 2009
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