With a new album imminent, we're excited about listening to Alice In Chains again.

We know that trying to nail down the very best Alice In Chains tunes will be a challenge, but it’s one we’re up for. Here's our Top 8.

8. Hate To Feel

Album: Dirt (1992)

I think Jerry Cantrell can sum this track up better than the rest of us; “there's a lot of pride in seeing Layne grow as a guitarist and songwriter to create something so heavy. He's always been so honest in his songs, which is like all of us. We don't bullshit in our music, we always pushed each other to say it as it needed to be said. We've always been fully for letting it all out."

I particularly like this song for the time changes and mood swings, it’s like two songs in one. A belter from Dirt with one of my favourite guitar solos that plays over stark drums and basslines. Beautiful song. 

 

7. Nutshell 

Album: Jar Of Flies (1994)

An almost completely acoustic song that’s probably best remembered as the opening track to the bands MTV Unplugged appearance. Although this song didn’t appear in any charts, nor was it released as a single, it remains as one of the bands best-known songs, and a staple of 90s alternative music. Covered by bands like Staind, Shinedown, Seether, and acoustically by Corey Taylor, it’s revered by peers and remains a crowd favourite. 

Here's that live version from MTV Unplugged. Stunning. 

 

6. Stone

Album: The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013)

Any AIC fan who didn’t lose their mind when this one dropped is kidding themselves. A huge laid back dirty groove accentuated by that fat riff, heavily distorted bassline and powerful vocal performance by William Duvall (who’s voice marries Jerry’s so well) was an absolutely winning combination that reminds me of the way things once were, but a leap forward for the band. A great album, and an awesome song. 

 

5. Rooster

Album: Dirt (1992)

I battled with myself on this one. I love it, a lot, and it’s worthy of a top 5, and given my mood, time of day or the day of the week, this could very well be the number 1 from Alice In Chains. It will always be Top 5, if not Top 3, but I’m trying to be objective. And this is not easy. What a hauntingly beautiful song, again highlighting how good Layne’s voice was. A crowd favourite that often causes the fans to sing with so much gusto at live shows that it can drown out the band. 

 

4. No Excuses

Album: Jar Of Flies (1994)

A definite departure from the bands normally raucous grunge sound, this has an almost airy, ethereal feel to it, thanks largely to Jerry’s suspended chords and the syncopated drums of Sean Kinney. Very laid back, somewhat acoustic meets country campfire sing-a-long. What this song does best out of all of their songs is highlight how well Jerry and Layne’s voices meshed on harmonies, adding to their distinctive sound. 

 

3. Man In The Box

Album: Facelift (1990)

The song that put them on the map. Hard to go past this one in the top 3. Jerry Cantrell's talk-box effect on his guitar was a great addition and Layne’s lyrics in response to censorship in the mass media are bang on. The launching place that got so many of us in and rewarded us with everything that followed. 

 

2: Would? 

Album: Dirt (1992)

“this should be their number one!” I hear the cries now. Too predictable. This was the very excellent closing track from Dirt, and became a much loved song for fans, and of course remains a staple at concerts to this day. Super powerful, and at times mournful vocals from Layne in what some would say is his best performance. A worthy second place. 

 

1: Them Bones 

Album: Dirt (1992)

This is the best AIC song of all time. It LAUNCHES their Dirt album with a fury and pace that sets the scene for the ride ahead. A huge riff, primal Layne scream, and just the killer and quintessential AIC sound and vibes. This is the number one, no doubts.

 

Well, I couldn’t bring you this far and not talk about the new track and pending album now could I? 

Rainier Fog is due August 24th and is ten tracks of Alice In Chains goodness. The name is a tribute to the Seattle music scene that launched bands like Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, and more. 

The first single, "The One You Know", is everything that it should be. Riffy, melodic, gritty and beautiful. 

 

The second single from Rainier Fog, "So Far Under", begins like something that Black Sabbath would have done in the 70s. Written by William Duvall (who also plays the solo) says about the song “It's about feeling completely up against it – outnumbered, surrounded, facing seemingly unbeatable odds and being really pissed off about it. It was inspired by personal circumstances, as well as events in the wider world”.

Check it out to whet your appetite for the new album! 

 

For more sludgy, grungy, heavy goodness, listen to AIC all day with Spotify's This Is Alice In Chains playlist...