The fourth studio album from alt-rock mainstays Alice in Chains. Released in 2009, Black Gives Way To Blue is band’s first record to feature William DuVall sharing vocal and guitar duties with founding member Jerry Cantrell, alongside bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney. Includes the singles “A Looking in View,” “Your Decision,” and the Grammy-nominated “Check My Brain.”

While half of the album is delivered in the trademark snarling fashion of second single Check My Brain and the relentless but melodic chugging of Last of my Kind and A Looking in View, the title track is wholly indicative of the record’s musical flipside. Featuring tinkled ivories from none other than Elton John, the touching ballad serves as a fitting tribute to the band’s late friend and colleague.

They slip into the gentle balladeering more frequently than you might expect, but with a songwriter of the calibre of Cantrell there are always surprises and, in this case, they’re more than welcome as the band showcase their all of their talents with ease, and often overwhelming elegance.

Side A
1. All Secrets Known
2. Check My Brain
3. Last Of My Kind

Side B
1. Your Decision
2. A Looking In View
3. When The Sun Rose Again

Side C
1. When The Sun Rose Again
2. Acid Bubble
3. Lesson Learned

Side D
1. Take Her Out
2. Private Hell
3. Black Gives Way To Blue