"Dirt" is the second studio album by American rock band Alice in Chains, released on September 29, 1992, by Columbia Records. It quickly became a critical and commercial success, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and earning quintuple platinum certification from the RIAA, making it the band's best-selling album.
The album features five notable singles: "Would?", "Them Bones", "Angry Chair", "Rooster", and "Down in a Hole," each accompanied by music videos. "Would?" was particularly recognized, receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance and an MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best Video from a Film due to its inclusion in the soundtrack for Cameron Crowe's Singles.
Lyrically, Dirt explores heavy themes such as depression, pain, addiction, and death, reflecting the band's darker musical aesthetic. The track "Iron Gland" features vocals by Tom Araya from Slayer, showcasing the album's blend of heavy metal influences. Guitarist Jerry Cantrell primarily wrote the music, while vocalist Layne Staley contributed two tracks on his own, demonstrating his range as a songwriter.
Over the years, Dirt has been celebrated in various rankings, including being listed as one of the "100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time" by Rolling Stone and included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. It remains a landmark release in the grunge and metal genres, often cited for its innovative sound and emotional depth.
The recording of Dirt began in the spring of 1992 under producer Dave Jerden, who had previously collaborated with Alice in Chains on their debut album, Facelift. Jerden was drawn to Layne Staley’s unique voice and poignant lyrics, as well as Jerry Cantrell's powerful guitar riffs. Before diving into the album, the band recorded "Would?"—which was released on the soundtrack for the 1992 film Singles—with Rick Parashar.
The sessions took place amidst the chaos of the Los Angeles riots, sparked by the acquittal of four LAPD officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. The unrest began on the first day of recording, with the band witnessing the turmoil firsthand. Jerry Cantrell recalled an incident where he was caught in a store as looting broke out and experienced the violence of the riots firsthand. In an effort to escape the chaos, the band—including Slayer's Tom Araya—retreated to the Joshua Tree desert for several days before returning to the studio.
During this tumultuous time, Layne Staley was grappling with his addiction, having recently left rehab. Despite his struggles, he managed to go cold turkey while reading Dean Koontz's The Bad Place. Tensions between Staley and Jerden surfaced during the sessions, with Jerden later reflecting that Staley had felt animosity towards him for encouraging him to seek sobriety.
Staley wasn't alone in his battles; both drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Starr were also facing substance abuse issues, contributing to the overall intensity of the recording environment.
To achieve the album’s iconic guitar tone, Jerden creatively blended sounds from three different amplifiers: a Bogner Fish preamp for low frequencies, a Bogner Ecstasy for mid-range, and a Rockman Headphone amp for highs. This meticulous approach helped shape the heavy, atmospheric sound that defined Dirt, setting it apart as a landmark album in the grunge genre.
If you want to explore more about specific tracks or themes within Dirt, feel free to ask!
