• Dirt (1992) – The band’s most successful album, certified 5x Platinum in the U.S.  Widely regarded as one of the best albums of the 1990s and a seminal grunge record.  Key Tracks: “Rooster,” “Them Bones,” “Down in a Hole,” “Would?”
• Facelift (1990) – Certified 2x Platinum in the U.S.  Launched the band into the spotlight with its heavy sound and dark themes.  Key Tracks: “Man in the Box,” “We Die Young,” “Sea of Sorrow”
• Alice in Chains (1995) – Certified 2x Platinum in the U.S.  Known as “Tripod” due to the three-legged dog on the cover, it showcased a darker, more experimental side of the band.  Key Tracks: “Grind,” “Heaven Beside You,” “Again”
• Jar of Flies (1994) [EP] – Although an EP, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and is certified 3x Platinum.  Acclaimed for its acoustic sound and emotional depth.  Key Tracks: “No Excuses,” “I Stay Away,” “Nutshell”
• Black Gives Way to Blue (2009) – Certified Gold in the U.S.  Marked the band’s comeback with new vocalist William DuVall and received strong reviews.  “Check My Brain,” “Your Decision,” “A Looking in View”
• The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013) – Debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.  Continued the band’s resurgence with a blend of heavy riffs and introspective lyrics.  Key Tracks: “Hollow,” “Stone,” “Voices”

1. Dirt (1992)

Dirt is a cornerstone of the grunge era, solidifying the band’s place in rock history. The album is known for its dark, brooding themes and heavy guitar riffs, capturing the struggles with addiction, depression, and personal turmoil that defined much of the band’s music. Dirt features the raw, haunting vocals of Layne Staley, paired with Jerry Cantrell’s powerful guitar work, creating a sound that resonates deeply with listeners. The album’s success was marked by its Platinum certification and critical acclaim, making it a standout in the early 90s rock scene.

Tracks like “Rooster” and “Would?” became anthems of the grunge movement, showcasing Alice in Chains’ unique ability to blend heavy metal and alternative rock influences. Dirt remains one of the most influential albums of the 1990s, continuing to impact the rock genre and inspire new generations of musicians.

2. Facelift (1990)

Facelift marked the band’s explosive entry into the rock music scene, playing a pivotal role in the emergence of grunge. The album blends heavy metal and hard rock with dark, introspective lyrics, setting the stage for the band’s future success. Featuring the distinct vocals of Layne Staley and the gritty guitar work of Jerry Cantrell, Facelift introduced audiences to a sound that was both raw and haunting.

The album’s success was bolstered by the breakout single “Man in the Box,” which received heavy rotation on MTV and helped propel Alice in Chains to mainstream recognition. Facelift was a commercial success, eventually going double Platinum, and established the band as a key player in the early 90s rock landscape. The album’s heavy riffs, powerful vocals, and emotional depth continue to resonate with fans, securing its place as a defining release in Alice in Chains’ discography.

3. Alice in Chains (1995)

Alice in Chains’ 1995 self-titled album, often referred to as “Tripod” due to its cover art, represents a darker and more experimental phase for the band. Released during a time of personal struggles and turmoil, this album reflects the heavy, introspective themes that have become synonymous with Alice in Chains’ music. The album features Layne Staley’s haunting vocals paired with Jerry Cantrell’s signature heavy guitar riffs, creating a sound that is both intense and deeply emotional.

Despite the challenges faced by the band during its production, the album was a commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and achieving double Platinum status. Songs from this album showcase the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their gritty, hard rock roots. Alice in Chains is a testament to the band’s resilience and creativity, solidifying their place as one of the most influential acts of the 1990s rock scene.

4. Jar of Flies (1994) [EP]

Jar of Flies (1994) is an acoustic-driven EP that highlights the band’s versatility and emotional depth. Released as a follow-up to their heavier albums, this EP showcases a softer, more introspective side of Alice in Chains, while still retaining the dark themes and haunting melodies that define their sound. Jar of Flies made history by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, a first for an EP.

The record features the distinctive vocals of Layne Staley, combined with Jerry Cantrell’s melodic guitar work, creating a blend of alternative rock that resonated with a wide audience. The EP’s success is also marked by its Platinum certification, reflecting its impact on the music scene of the 1990s. Jar of Flies remains a unique entry in Alice in Chains’ discography, celebrated for its raw emotion and acoustic experimentation, further cementing the band’s legacy in rock history.

5. Black Gives Way to Blue (2009)

Black Gives Way to Blue (2009) marked the band’s powerful return after a 14-year hiatus and the tragic loss of original vocalist Layne Staley. This album introduced William DuVall as the new co-vocalist, joining Jerry Cantrell in delivering a sound that stays true to the band’s dark and heavy roots while exploring themes of loss, rebirth, and resilience. The album was a commercial success, debuting at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and earning Gold certification.

Critics and fans alike praised Black Gives Way to Blue for its ability to blend the classic Alice in Chains sound with new elements, creating a fresh yet familiar experience. The album’s emotional depth and heavy riffs reflect the band’s journey through grief and recovery, making it a significant release in their discography. This album successfully re-established Alice in Chains as a major force in the modern rock scene.

6. The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013)

album The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here solidifies the band’s enduring presence in the rock world. This album, the second with vocalist William DuVall, delves into heavy themes like religious hypocrisy, societal issues, and personal struggles, all while maintaining the band’s signature dark and brooding sound. The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, further proving Alice in Chains’ relevance in the modern rock landscape.

The album is marked by Jerry Cantrell’s powerful guitar work and haunting harmonies with DuVall, which create a rich, layered sound that resonates deeply with listeners. The album’s blend of heavy riffs and introspective lyrics showcases the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here received critical acclaim for its depth and complexity, reaffirming Alice in Chains’ place as one of the leading bands in rock music.