Dirt
Scott's Review
Don't call this grunge. It goes way beyond that silly stereotype. Dirt is a classic album by far that will be talked about for years. Let me just comment on a few things. The vocals are from another planet, and I say that in a good way. They are totally original and will be ripped off for years. The guitars are also dripping with creative strangeness. The drums have great power plus a percussive element as well. If you can only afford one AiC album, get Dirt. It's a timeless masterpiece. A rock classic. This album will take you places in your soul and mind.
Tyler's Review It's bleak, morbid and introspective. Everything an album should be. From beginning to end, this LP keeps hold of you as it runs through the cycles of isolation, depression and death. Fantastic to listen too. This album would be like Van Gogh's musical masterpiece.
- "HEM BONES: The opening song starts the album of on a bleak and deathly tone, heavy and personal, it really hits home.
- DAM THAT RIVER: great follow up song for "Them Bones", I'm just not sure about its meaning. Fun to listen too.
- RAIN WHEN I DIE: This song is somewhat darker than the previous two, but nonetheless better. Staley's voice makes this song stand out as an emotional one.
- DOWN IN A HOLE: Now this song I listen too for three weeks every morning before my day started. Need I say more.
- SICKMAN: This one freaked me out! It just has this very eerie sound to it that gives you the type of chills that'll make you listen to it again.
- ROOSTER: Every Alice fan knows the details about this one. Fantastic.
- JUNKHEAD: drug song about the junkie cult. It's sad that Staley was a small part of that.
- DIRT: This one always made me feel better since I had someone to relate with.
- GODSMACK: One of the first songs on this album that I really listened too. Drugs and what happens to you when you use them.
- IRON GLAND: Cantrell, I think this is a great and honest cover of "Iron Man" and it flows so well into the next song.
- HATE TO FEEL: Greatly written by Staley, this shows his maturing as a songwriter.
- ANGRY CHAIR: Staley's classic song is one of the best Alice songs ever! I love listening to it when I'm down and tied up.
- WOULD?: The end of a vicious cycle of an album is bleak yet comforting to me, this song, out of all the songs Jerry has written, is the best he has done ever. Long live Andrew Wood and Layne Staley!! And keep rockin' you fuckers!
Josh's Review
I grew up in the 90's listening primarily to Led Zeppelin, GnR, Aerosmith, Van Halen, etc. I later got into Nirvana as I got a little older but for some reason I never seemed to embrace bands like AiC, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. I'm now 21 years old and I really do not care for Nirvana at all and I can't seem to get enough of Alice in Chains. The record, Dirt is such a great classic. Alice in Chains is one of those few bands that actually make you think and feel. They take those feelings that we like to subconsciously bury away and kind of rip them out into the open. Layne Staley had a unique gift (and still does every time I listen) of giving the true essence and meaning of the lyrics out. Jerry Cantrell is a true and talented musician. He is one of the few modern-day guitarist who can actually formulate a decent guitar solo. This is a thoroughly outstanding album and you should not be disappointed.
Nick's Review
I only just discovered Alice in Chains after hearing "Rooster" on TV and thinking "God, this stuff is WAY better than anything me or anyone else is listening to now!" so I went out and bought Dirt. After flicking through all the songs I was blown away by all of them, especially "Junkhead" and "Down in a Hole". It just makes me wonder why everyone is listening to this emo rubbish and not masterpieces like Dirt. Songs like "Them Bones" and "Rooster" are timeless classics that stand out from every other piece of music ever (I'm 14 and was listening to all this new rubbish until Alice... completely changed it and blew everything else out the window). Particular favourites are:"'Rain When I Die" - a great slow-burning intro that explodes into an awesome riff. Amazing chorus as well, with Layne's amazing voice shining out yet again. "Them Bones" - an obvious choice, but had to go on anyway.
An anthem of the nineties (pity I wasn't alive when it was at its' most popular); has an amazing solo as well. "Junkhead" - another epic track with quite an obvious meaning. I particularly love the chord progression on the chorus and the solo, which is a break from the usual wild, fret conquering solos. "Rooster" - my favourite track. Excellent slow-burning epic, with a bassy, chorused guitar and a mean bass line. I love the lyrics (yeeeaaah here comes the rooster...) Overall, one hell of a fine album, every track a dark, gloomy but amazing anthem with the amazing, gravelly voice of Layne and the original and grungy guitar playing by Cantrell, rounded off by the deep, thumping bass by Starr and excellent drumming by Kinney, who rounds of the perfection of Dirt. A definite ten out of ten!
Vince's Review Where would one begin when giving a review for the best hard rock/metal album of all time? I'll start by saying that words can't express the impact that Dirt by legends Alice in Chains had on me as a teenager. Still to this very day, on top of everything that I listen to (mainly metal), Dirt gets the most rotation in my CD tray. I've bought about 12 copies of this album because I have either lost it or worn it out. Anywhere I go, I MUST have a copy of this album with me. Dirt transmits an essence that has never been done before by any other band in the rock or metal genres.
The albums opener, "Them Bones" is a bludgeoning of speed riffing and toxic soloing. The following songs take you on a rollercoaster of the inner turmoil of the late Layne Staley. Every single song on this album is brilliant. You can tell that everything and more that Alice in Chains had within themselves was put into the making of this special album. I've had people ask me what my favorite songs are on Dirt and I can't pinpoint any one because each song has a different purpose for different personal matters.
Sonically, Jerry Cantrell's guitar work is more mature than that of earlier work (though the earlier work was amazing) and Layne's vocals, especially on the more aggressive songs, transmit a talent that is so scary, it seems too good to be real...or true. But they are...and it is. Thanks to the guys from the amazing outfit called Alice in Chains for bringing me the best music ever made. It's a legacy that can't be touched
Janne's Review
I grew up in very small town of only about 5000 people. I listened to bands like Skid Row, GnR and such until I found AiC. First record was Facelift and I liked it a lot, but Dirt finally changed me to a person I am today. Normally I would say, that music can't change people, but it did happen to me. Despite the fact, that Dirt was very dark, gloomy album and the things described in songs were heavy stuff I saw the album in totally different way; as a way to cleanse one's thoughts and start everything fresh. I don't know if this makes any sense to anybody else but me, but I don't even think that it matters. I do think, that everything there is to say has been said over these years about Dirt and its songs. I just wanted to say thank you.
Sickman's Review
"Them Bones:" this song is an anthem for any grunge rocker just as "Enter Sandman" is for any metalhead. Layne's whining vocals stay in your head long after the song is finished and Jerry Cantrell's guitarring and monster solo make the hairs on my arms stand on end. What an opener! "Dam That River:" Great riff, intriguing lyrics. I sat and philosophized about what it was about for years until I bought the Music Bank and read what it was about! "Rain When I Die:" Layne Staley's scream of "did she call my name?!" in one long breath is truly inspiring, one of Alice In Chains' most haunting songs, I'm guessing Layne had quite an input in the lyrics. One of my favourite songs by AiC ever. "Sickman:" Quite sick lyrics, this song is an assault on the listener, bringing you ever deeper into Layne's head, his relentless screaming mixed with the whining vocals on the chorus truly are distressing. Quite a song.
"Rooster:" Perhaps Jerry Cantrell's most personal song, and what a video! Layne's powerhouse vocals come the chorus never fail to raise the hairs on my arms! An Alice classic "Junkhead:" Another invite into Layne Staley's personal hell, a distressing and ever-haunting account of life from a junkie's point of view. Layne was such an honest song-writer. One of my favourite songs from Dirt. "Dirt:" A disturbing, horrible, sickening song... and not to mention AMAZING! Straight from the offset with the haunting riff it throws you right to the bottom of the deep dark hole you were plunged into from the opening track. Such lyrics as "I want to taste dirty, a stinging pistol in my mouth, on my tongue, I want you to scrape me from the walls" haunt you for hours after the song has finished.
"God Smack:" More inspiring lyrics, more junkie confessions and points of view, a good song. "Hate to Feel:" Another really honest song by Layne "all this time I swore I'd never be like my old man, now it's time to face exactly what I am" Inspiring lyrics. "Iron Gland" [unlisted track]: A standing joke, something Cantrell came up with. Waste of disc space haha. "Angry Chair:" One of Layne's solo song-writing efforts, a catchy riff and some intriguing lyrics. Not bad, not sure it was good enough to be a single though. "Down In A Hole:" Another true classic, I think their first ballad-type song, very touching and honest. Good lyrics. Another sing-along anthem. They totally transformed this song when they performed it Unplugged.
"Would?" An old-school anthem even rockers who weren't into the grunge scene were all rather partial to this classic. A kick-ass video Layne is effortlessly cool as ever, this song featured on the Singles soundtrack, it is supposedly dedicated to Mother Love Bone's Andrew Wood R.I.P. The lyrics "Am I wrong? Have I run too far to get home? Am I gone and left you here alone? If I would could you?" have me philosophizing quite a lot but I think it would spoil it if I knew what they meant. A classic, according to Jerry Cantrell it supposedly offers a glimmer of hope after all the other songs that plunged you down in a hole. Not sure I agree but it's an awesome track and not one I get tired of.
Matt's Review
I got my copy of Dirt a year after it came out because at the time of its release we did not have a decent rock station in Kansas City so there was little airplay I mean you were lucky if you heard anything that was not Nirvana or Pearl Jam at that time. So the first time I heard "Would?" that was it; the song was so brooding and seemed so honest that I was instantly hooked.
When I bought the disc I could not believe how many good songs were on there. This is one of about ten CDs from the '90s that had more than three good songs on it. "Them Bones" was a great song; killer riff cool solo. "Rain When I Die" — being a teenager in this time period this was another song that meant a lot to me.
Even the more obscure songs were to me just the best like "Sickman" and "Junkhead" I used to go around the hallways at school humming the intros to "Sickman" and "Down In A Hole." Wow, it's just so right. Again, you could feel the pain the honesty in what they were doing. This made it believable and made you wanting more; this song was just not long enough and I used to hit the back button and hear it again. Once was never enough.
"Angry Chair" is another one of my favs and by the time radio picked up on Alice In Chains out here in Kansas City this was the song the played every hour on the hour. It was like nothing else and still stands up as one of the classic grunge tunes from that era. It's better than "Teen Sprit," sorry Nirvana fans. The title track "Dirt" — killer the intro killer that reminded me of Black Sabbath.
This has to be the best "dark" albums of all time. I mean there was no ray of sunshine in this one. It showed us heavy metal fans that you didn't have to play 10000 miles an hour to have a great heavy song. The disc showed the darker side of drugs and being an addict which is what Guns N Roses did but Alice In Chains took the fun out of it made it dark sad honest and extremely brilliant all at the same time.
Gia's Review
As Master of Puppets was to Metallica, Dirt is to Alice in Chains. It is one of the essentials to any Alice fan, or even to a new one. From the opening riffs of "Them Bones" to the last words of the album "If I would, could you?" from "Would?" the album marks a spot in rock history. It certainly is a dark, melodic trip through the mind of Alice, touching the subjects of drugs, death, to even a father. *Note: Not all of the songs are in order*
- Them Bones: The powerful opening song of the album shows a heavier side to Alice, including one of Jerry Cantrell's most memorable solos.
- Dam That River: A song made to rock out to. The song is amazing both on CD or live.
- Rain When I Die: A song that shows a heavy yet beautiful side to Alice's music.
- Down In A Hole: Lyrically and musically a great song, and a great example of Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley's harmonies.
- Sickman: Sean Kinney's drumming sounds amazing in this song. The guitar riffs sound a bit twisted but make musical sense.
- Rooster: About putting yourself in someone's shoes. Jerry Cantrell's father, as most Alice fans know, fought in Vietnam. War is not a pretty thing, and this song shows it. Amazing song and one of Alice's most classic.
- *combined* Junkhead, Godsmack: Songs about drugs, the effect they have on people, and using them. Musically and lyrically great.
- Dirt: With Jerry's melodic guitar riffs and Layne's voice filled with emotion, this song is definately worthy of the album's title.
- Iron Gland *The unreleased track off this album*: A musical mix-up slapped on the album...
- Hate To Feel: Great song again musically and lyrically.
- Angry Chair: One of Alice's most recognizable songs. Drumming, guitar, vocals are great.
- Would?: One of the few songs where the bass line is easily heard. The drums and bass in this song go together, Layne's voice is powerful as always, and Jerry's riffs are great as usual. Also featured on the soundtrack to the movie Singles.
Josh's Review
"Them Bones" Song that gets the CD started and you pumping with energy and the theme of the song is true if you think deep into it. Awesome and one of the most memorable solos.
"Dam that River" Such an in-your-face song about fighting with somebody, I've often used this song as a reference to my mood. Amazing drums and guitar.
"Rain When I Die" This song makes me think about an old girlfriend of mine, the story tells itself to me through that song...everything is amazingly noticeable in this song.
"Down in a Hole" Still one of my top top favorites whether acoustic or electric so same response as my Unplugged review.
"Sickman" This is a dark song that makes your head bob and stays in your head for a while.
"Rooster" Awesome song, great tribute to Jerry Sr. seeing how if he hadn't survived Vietnam, we wouldn't have Alice in Chains :-(
"Junkhead" This song is about drugs, obviously, such a good song.
"Dirt" Worthy for the album title seeing how it's the only one.Jar of Flies, Sap, Facelift, Alice in Chains and Unplugged, none of these are songs, good titles, but not songs, this song was that fucking good, this song hits home and makes me think of a special someone...
"Godsmack" Another great song about drugs, one of my favorites, amazing job, amazing song.
"Iron Gland" Reminds me of something me and my friend Tyminki would do, just make something funny to make ourselves laugh...
"Hate to Feel" Crazy song, amazing beat and just wow, what else to say...
"Angry Chair" This song is haunting and scary with a hint of sadness and grief...Awesome...
"Would?" This song hits at home so much that the chorus is the quote that I wanted to be remembered by my senior year...Besides the fact that everyone associates me to over listening to Alice in Chains but hey Fuck them....hahaha Alice in Chains will live forever.....
Bury me softly...
Nuno's Review
I am Portuguese and 26 years old. Like someone said before me, I also loved Skid Row, Metallica, Guns N´ Roses and Iron Maiden. Then I was overwhelmed.... When I heard for the first time the song "Them Bones" I said: "What the hell is this?? Who are these guys??" It was completely different from any other stuff I had ever heard. Back in those days it was hard to get a copy of certain "non commercial" bands in Portugal so I had to buy it in England. I used to skateboard and surf, so screaming '...here comes the rooster... yeah!!!' while skateboarding or surfing became kind of a prayer with my friends. Those were the best days of my life. I´ll never forget them.
To be honest, Dirt is for me the reference album, cause no other sounds like it. So RAW..so fine...so plain...so pure...yet so dark. Layne's voice combined with Jerry's is something that will live forever in my head cause it's just perfect. All the songs in the album are great. With great attitude, nice riffs and we can all identify with some of the anger demonstrated both in lyrics and in music. I didn't assimilate the lyrics as bad stuff or as a dark passage. I just took the experience and absolved to give sense to life as it should be. We all cry. We all laugh. When I hear Dirt I mix both feelings. Yet, I smile with joy and pleasure cause I am grateful to be one of the lucky guys who are fortunate to have listened to AiC. From that day I have never ever stopped listening to AiC.
Layne: Hope you´re in a better place. I know I am every time I hear your voice. THANK YOU ALICE IN CHAINS FOR EXISTING. You are my favorite band ever.
Nick's Review
This album completly changed my life! To me without the best album from AiC. "Them Bones" is an absolute rock anthem and anybody who likes music should like that song. "Dam That River" just reading the lyrics to that song gave me a million questions to ask, which is the feeling I'm left with when I hear most of their songs. "Rain When I Die" wow!!! This song left me in pure amazement. The song brought me to tears when I saw their live show in Oklahoma City (and I was sober).
"Down in a Hole" was the song that stuck with me the most after I heard the album for the first time. It goes to show how many things these guys could do as artists have a hard rock song. Like "Dam That River" then have a slow song like "Down in a Hole." "Sickman" one of the many great songs in this album just let you hae a small glimpse of what Layne was going through and it made me feel connected to him in some weird way I dunno can't really explain the feeling. "Rooster" this song is obviously very personal to Jerry and one of their more popular songs. Everytime I hear this song I think of the show and "Rooster" was there, excellent song. "Junkhead" If there was one song I would recommend anyone to listen to while stoned it would be this song. I had one trip where I was Layne and I was buying the drugs and kept having this vision of him dying on that couch - simply life changing.
"Dirt" Powerful lyrics is what makes this song so good for me. The lines 'You, you are so special...you have the talent to make feel like dirt' rings in my head everyday, and is my favorite line in the song, gives me goosebumps everytime. "God Smack" lets just say this. This song is good enough to have a band named after it. Powerful riffs and a great job on the vocals makes this song great. "Hate to Feel" this also has very powrful riffs, thought it would be a slower song when I heard the beginning the first time then it picks, and the back-up vocals by Jerry were also phenomanal. "Angry Chair" really good song didn't think it was good enough to be a single, but it's still better than any single Godsmack or Nickleback have ever as a single so it tells you something about how good AiC is. And finally "Would" - 'Am I wrong? Have I run too far to get home...have I gone? And left you here alone if I would, could you?' is absolutely a great line and it keeps me wondering in my head what they were talking about and I hope I never find out personally. This is the best AiC album in my opinion, and one of the best albums ever!
