Black Gives Way To Blue
by Alice in Chains
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Sep 29, 2009
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Mojo
    60
    A decent return, Alice mostly impresses despite the limiting permutations of their angst. [Nov 2009, p.94]
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  2. Uncut
    60
    Now regrouped by leader Jerry Cantrell, the bands' sound is still full of menace, melody and doom, chock full of Cantrell's trademark heavy riffs. [Dec 2009, p. 85]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Hot Press
    50
    There’s still something oddly admirable about Alice In Chains’ stubborn refusal to change.
  5. Rolling Stone
    50
    What Black lacks are great tunes and a sense of can't-look-away drama.
  6. Spin
    50
    As with latter efforts Jar of Flies and Alice in Chains, Black's most tender moments ('Private Hell') are its most essential. And while William DuVall is a serviceable Staley impressionist, this comeback would register with more purpose had guitarist Jerry Cantrell assumed the vocal lead.
  7. NOW Magazine
    40
    ew singer William DuVall spends half his time replicating Staley’s nasal misanthropy and the other half buried by Cantrell’s vocals.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2009
94
#94 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 149 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 142 out of 149
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 149
  3. Negative: 1 out of 149
  1. eliteco3
    Jan 16, 2011
    9
    Incredible return by one of the kings of grunge music. The 14 year layoff was worth the wait with this original bone jarring album that willIncredible return by one of the kings of grunge music. The 14 year layoff was worth the wait with this original bone jarring album that will hit you right in the gut. The late rock legend Layne staley is replaced with William Duvall who brings his own edge to the band. Cantrell is back with his intense sincere solos and rhythm guitar. Cantrell sings as much in this album as any Alice in Chains album as Duvall is eased into the role of the new lead singer for fans. Highlights include private hell, acid bubble, and a looking in view. The feel of the band has evolved from the heroin addiction they faced in the 90's to a more developed controlled sound that unleashes its fiery on you like a tornado.… Full Review »
  2. SodaPopDumb
    Dec 1, 2010
    8
    Alice In Chains. One of the greatest bands i know.

    With the death of Layne Staley, the band haven't done a album in years. I personally    Alice In Chains. One of the greatest bands i know.

    With the death of Layne Staley, the band haven't done a album in years.

    I personally think this was a definitely this was a great comeback album and show they still got their talented Jerry Cantrell as song writer and I think this album is great with their new singer William Duvall.

    Rip Layne    … Full Review »
  3. agunZagun
    Jan 3, 2012
    10
    You can't judge the Jerry. He wanna make some music and sell some records. He used the "Alice in Chains" name for selling records. OK, I know,You can't judge the Jerry. He wanna make some music and sell some records. He used the "Alice in Chains" name for selling records. OK, I know, it's not Alice in Chains anymore, but that doesn't mean this album is sh*t. It's a very good album, out of my expectations..… Full Review »
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