Dirt Review

"Dirt" is the second studio album from early 90's grunge band Alice in Chains.  This album represents the swift maturity of a band that stood as one of the pillars during an important time in music history.  The album has been certified four-times platinum and for good reason; "Dirt" features five of the band's top singles that have become household names (Would?, Down In A Hole, Them Bones, Angry Chair, & Rooster).  The grunge era in the early 90's wouldn't have been the same without Alice In Chains; as the band provided a muddier sound than Nirvana and had a front man at the height of his success.

Whether it be Jerry Cantrell's dirty, muffled guitar effects or Layne Staley's haunting screams, this is what made the grunge era excruciatingly good.  Besides the singles I mentioned earlier, there are some deeper cuts that pack a similar punch to the more well known tracks.  "Rain When I Die" is a powerful song that packs a deeper meaning; speaking about how if Layne doesn't get proper water, he will eventually wilt away; metaphorically of course.  The deeper meaning could be interpreted as code for his depression, or his well known heroin addiction.

One of my favorites off "Dirt" is "Down In A Hole".  The song is just down-right depressing from the get-go.  The droning acoustic guitars mixed with the somber, almost suicidal lyrics makes for one of the most obvious outcries for help you could imagine.  "Would?" is also a favorite of mine that speaks about Jerry Cantrell's friend Andrew Wood; former lead singer of Mother Love Bone.  Andrew died of a heroin overdose in 1990 and the track pays homage to their friendship and the good times they had.

Final Summary:

Basically, "Dirt" is the closest thing the band created to a full-fledged concept album.  The dreary, depressing theme to this album resonated deeply with fans back in the early 90's and to this day.  The message, the outcries from Layne Staley will make you feel all sorts of emotions; as his effort is long standing.  The honest to god truth about this album; the work Staley did was legendary.  A true pariah of the grunge era and unfortunately his potential was cut short due to drugs.  But all in all, "Dirt" leaves you with a murky feeling that sinks into your very soul.

Rating: 8.8/10