10 Best William DuVall Era Alice In Chains Songs
6. Black Gives Way To Blue
This song represents a public goodbye to their former lead singer Layne Staley.
This aching piece is as emotional as Alice in Chains has ever been. The beauty of the song lies within it's simplicity. There is nothing complex about this piece of music which is what makes it such an honest farewell to their friend. Fittingly, this is the last song on their eponymous comeback album.
The music itself is very straightforward which allows Jerry Cantrell's heart-breaking vocals grab the listener's attention fully. As if the subject matter wasn't heady enough, the group enlisted the help of musical legend Elton John to contribute piano to the song. Much to their surprise, Elton John is seemingly quite the fan of their work.
AiC have never sounded as plainly mournful as they have on this piece. One can imagine it was a key part of the healing process for them. It's entirely possible that without expressing their grievance like this, Alice in Chains wouldn't have soldiered on the way they have.