On Sept. 29, 1992, the Seattle grunge band Alice in Chains released its second album, “Dirt.” It is a record that grapples with drug addiction, war and toxic relationships. Produced by Dave Jerden and Rick Parashar during the L.A. Riots in June 1992, the album feels different to discuss at age 23 than it did when I first heard it as a snot-nosed seventh grader just discovering rock music.
A Journey Through Addiction and War
The 13-track album opens with “Them Bones,” a sarcastic anthem about living life to the fullest because everyone eventually ends up in a “big ol’ pile of them bones.” The energy continues into “Dam That River,” a song primarily about a physical fight between two friends. This is followed by “Rain When I Die,” which opens with a heavy bassline and a haunting chorus: “Did she call my name? I think it’s gonna rain when I die.”
After the somber ballad “Down in a Hole,” the album shifts into “Sickman,” a track that oscillates between frantic and sludge-like tempos. “Rooster” follows as an emotional standout, written by guitarist Jerry Cantrell about his father’s experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War. The lyrics depict the difficulty of readjusting to civilian life, a struggle Cantrell’s father faced personally. (The song has also become an unofficial theme for Marine Corps machine gunners).
Vulnerability and Tributes
“Godsmack” offers a blunt, honest look at heroin addiction, while “Iron Gland” serves as a heavy, brief interlude; the band often played the track behind the curtain to open sets during their 1992-93 tour. “Hate to Feel” marks lead singer Layne Staley’s first foray into guitar composition, featuring a massive solo as he swears he will never be like his “old man,” only to realize he is following the same path.
“Would?” serves as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the frontman of Mother Love Bone who died just before the band’s expected breakthrough. Thanks to its inclusion on the “Singles” movie soundtrack, “Would?” remains one of the band’s most recognizable hits. The album closes with a powerful “one-two punch”: “Junkhead,” which pits “the junkies, stoners and freaks” against the “normies,” and the title track, “Dirt,” a slow, violent tune about betrayal.
Into the ‘Slow Hell’ of ‘Sickman’
“Sickman” is a personal favorite. It begins with Sean Kinney’s pounding drums followed by Cantrell’s sliding guitar. Staley’s vocals enter with “What the hell am I? Thousand eyes a fly lucky then I’d be in one day deceased. Sickman!” As Staley screams, the song descends into a slow, sonic “hell” that mirrors the paranoia of addiction.
Before the solo, Staley taunts, “Can you see the end? Choke on me my friend it’s slow it’s brutal.” Cantrell’s solo is masterful, telling a story through its phrasing. Having seen live footage, I find the song even more impressive; Staley’s ability to manipulate his screams during performances was one of his greatest talents.
Touring on Crutches and Changing Lineups
The band began touring for the album on Nov. 20, 1992, a run that lasted nearly a year. Before that tour officially kicked off, they opened for Ozzy Osbourne in September and October 1992 during his “No More Tours” trek. Despite breaking his leg during that run, Staley continued to perform from a wheelchair and on crutches.
“Dirt” was the final album to feature all four original members; bassist Mike Starr was fired after a show in Rio de Janeiro in January 1993. He was replaced by former Osbourne bassist Mike Inez for the European leg of the tour.
A Timeless 10/10 Legacy
It is clear that I love this album. It has only improved since its release 34 years ago. While I didn’t highlight every song, any of the 13 tracks could be my favorite on a given day. “Iron Gland” is my morning alarm, and I often spend my commute singing along to the bootlegs of one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
The album changed my life, even if some of the heavier themes went over my head at 13. “Dirt” sold 5 million copies worldwide and is consistently ranked as one of the best and darkest records of the 1990s. It peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and returned to the top 10 in 2022.
If I were to grade this album, it would be a 10 out of 10. It is vicious, beautiful and pulls no punches. Though founding members Layne Staley and Mike Starr passed away in 2002 and 2011, respectively, the work they created continues to make a global impact.
