10 Best Alice In Chains Songs

One of the most influential rock bands of the early '90s, Alice In Chains, drew from elements of metal, rock, blues and even punk, while being associated with the grunge era. They formed in Seattle in 1987 by guitarist Jerry Cantrell and vocalist Layne Staley and went on to release three studio albums, three EPs, two live albums, and four compilations. After unofficially disbanding after years of not recording, the band reformed in 2005 (after Staley's death in 2002) and just this year have finished recording their fourth album, 'Black Gives Way to Blue' with new lead vocalist William DuVall. As rated by AOL Radio listeners, the following 10 best Alice in Chain songs are taken from the Layne Staley era.

'Don't Follow'

Released in 1984, 'Don't Follow' peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and is considered to be one of the band's best by music critics.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Heaven Beside You'

Guitarist and singer Jerry Cantrell wrote this Alice In Chains song after a break-up with his girlfriend of seven years. He was unable to be faithful to her, writing in the liner notes, "Another attempt to reconcile the fact that my life and paths are tearing me apart from the person I love. All the things I write about her are a way for me to maybe speak to her, express things I could never express."

iTunes | Lyrics

'Down In A Hole'

Jerry Cantrell initially felt the song was too soft for the band, but eventually recorded it after a positive response from his bandmates.

iTunes | Lyrics

'No Excuses'

The lead single of the 'Jar Of Flies'' EP was seen as a lighter, airy alternative to the band's usual work. The lyrics, written by Jerry Cantrell, reflect his relationship with fellow band member and vocalist Layne Staley.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Rooster'

1993's 'Rooster' referred to guitarist Jerry Cantrell's father, who served in the Vietnam War and was nicknamed Rooster.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Got Me Wrong'

The single 'Got Me Wrong' is off of 1992's Sap EP and was also featured in Kevin Smith's 1994 film, 'Clerks.'

iTunes | Lyrics

'I Stay Away'

The song's instrumentation features horns and strings, as well as voice harmonies unusual to the band's trademark sound.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Would?'

This Alice In Chains song appeared on the soundtrack to 1992's 'Singles.' The band also appeared in the movie where they played the song during a scene in a bar.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Man in the Box'

1991's 'Man in a Box' garnered the band a Grammy nomination in 1992, for Best Hard Rock Performance. They didn't win the award, but the song went on to be No.19 on VH1's Greatest Metal Songs and No.50 on their 100 Greatest Songs of the '90s.

iTunes | Lyrics

'Nutshell'

Although the lyrics of 'Nutshell' are depressing, the Alice In Chains song is a fan favorite and the highest rated by AOL Radio listeners. Alternative rock band Staind has covered 'Nutshell' live and also wrote a song entitled 'Layne' in dedication to the late lead singer.

iTunes | Lyrics

List your Favorite Alice in Chains Songs

Leave your list of top Alice in Chains songs in the comments. Plus, check out William DuVall's top 10 songs that blow him away!

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Filed under: Best Songs, Top 10 Lists

Reader Comments

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1. Layne Staley was a master soul and spirit living inside a tortured vessel. His songs predicted his demise yet moved his audience to high-pitched euphoria as he delivered them. He without a doubt had the best voice, delivery, and stage presence of his time like a sphinx spellbinding the the crowd with mystery, sexuality, & spirituality. Even the Alice in Chains CD's with Layne's voice resonating can move ones heart to race, face to flush, and body to pulse. The loss of Layne on the same day as Kurt Cobain 8 years later still gives me chills down my spine and makes my heart ache as if I lost someone close to me ~ His music moved me that much. Layne we love you ~ Peace, love, soulbeats, karma dust, heartbeats, glowing light and spirit dances to you!!!

Posted at 1:40PM on Sep 22nd 2009 by KaRon

2. For once I agree with a (majority) poll. Nutshell has been my fav AIC song since I first heard Jar of Lies. Only song I would substitute is Heaven Besides You and replace it with Rotten Apple....

Posted at 2:45AM on Oct 3rd 2009 by Geoff

3. I LOVE "Don't Follow", but I thought I was in the minority on that. "Would?" is my second favorite, then maybe some off "Facelift", like "I Know Somethin (Bout You)", "Put You "Down", or "Real Thing". I can't say they have a bad song, just songs that I feel are overplayed.

Posted at 4:07AM on Jan 1st 2010 by Mike

4. "Heaven Beside You" is on this list but "Dirt" isn't? What a waste of time!

Posted at 10:16PM on May 26th 2010 by ButtMan

5. Into the flood again is another badass song!

Posted at 11:09AM on Aug 2nd 2010 by dman

6. Into the flood again? You mean Would? Into the flood again is lyrics from that song

Posted at 1:20AM on Aug 19th 2010 by Lindsey

7. Finally, Alice gets some recognition.

RiP Layne =,(

Often Imitated, Never Duplicated.

Posted at 1:20PM on Aug 22nd 2010 by Krys

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10 Best Alice In Chains Songs

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