Don't Follow

Last updated
"Don't Follow"
Single by Alice in Chains
from the EP Jar of Flies
ReleasedOctober 1994 [1]
RecordedSeptember 7–14, 1993
Studio London Bridge (Seattle)
Genre Folk rock [2]
Length4:22
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s) Jerry Cantrell
Producer(s)
Alice in Chains singles chronology
"I Stay Away"
(1994)		"Don't Follow"
(1994)		"Grind"
(1995)

"Don't Follow" is a song by American rock band Alice in Chains. It is the third single from the band's 1994 EP Jar of Flies . The song was written by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell, who sings lead vocals in the first part of the song, followed by Layne Staley in the second part. The single spent seven weeks on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and peaked at No. 25. [3]

Contents

Composition

The song is very melancholic and soft; this is largely due to the lack of electrically amplified instruments—replaced by the gentle wail of a harmonica, and especially the lack of a rhythm section during the first half of the song. Lead guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell sings during most of the song except the bridge, which vocalist Layne Staley sings. [4] Bassist Mike Inez, musician Randy Biro and Jerry Cantrell's guitar tech Darrell Peters sang backing vocals for the second part of the song. [5] Producer Toby Wright said of "Don't Follow":

"It was Jerry's concept of having him start out the song, Layne come in, and then we finish up [with a] two-sides-to-the-story type of thing, which I thought was a brilliant concept". [5]

Diana Darzin detailed "Don't Follow" to be a folk rock effort, [2] while Katherine Turman of Los Angeles Times proclaimed the song a "poignant ballad". [6] Entertainment Weekly described the track as a "countryish campfire song". [7]

Release and reception

"Don't Follow" was released as a single in October 1994, [1] and peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the week of December 3, 1994. [3]

Ned Raggett of Allmusic called the song "one of the best" by Alice in Chains, referred to Cantrell's vocals on the song as "some of his best work ever," and said that the song "finds the band at its most calm, reflective, and gently warming." [8]

Live performances

"Don't Follow" was never performed live with Alice in Chains' original lead vocalist, Layne Staley. [9] The first time the band performed the song was at their concert at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe, Arizona on September 25, 2006, with new vocalist William DuVall sharing vocals with Jerry Cantrell. [10] The song was often performed during the band's reunion concerts between 2006 and 2007. [9]

Jerry Cantrell performed the song during his solo concert at the Pico Union Project in Los Angeles on December 7, 2019. [11]

Use in other media

"Don't Follow" is the intro music for Lily Cornell Silver's IGTV interview series focused on mental health, Mind Wide Open, released on July 20, 2020 in honor of her late father Chris Cornell's 56th birthday. Silver explained why she chose the song:

I was having some people make intro music for me, and none of it was sounding quite right. And my mom [Alice in Chains manager Susan Silver] was like, “Let's think. What about an Alice song?” Hold up, Jar of Flies' “Don't Follow” was the first song I clicked on. And I was like, “Oh, that sounds so rad.” And then, Layne [Staley] obviously had his own struggles with mental health and addiction. And I've learned a ton from those guys. So it just had a lot of meaning to me in that way, in terms of what I've learned from them about strength, fortitude, stamina, and overcoming grief and loss. [12]

Personnel

Alice in Chains

Additional musicians

Charts

Chart (1994)Peak
position
US Mainstream Rock ( Billboard ) [13] 25

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alice in Chains</span> American rock band

Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987. Since 2006, the band's lineup has comprised vocalist/guitarists Jerry Cantrell and William DuVall, bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney. Vocalist Layne Staley and bassist Mike Starr are former members of the band. The band took its name from Staley's previous group, Alice N' Chains. Often associated with grunge music, Alice in Chains' sound and style is deeply rooted in heavy metal music. The band is known for its distinctive vocal style, which often included the harmonized vocals between Staley and Cantrell, making Alice in Chains a two-vocal band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Layne Staley</span> American rock musician (1967–2002)

Layne Thomas Staley was an American singer and songwriter who was the original lead vocalist of Alice in Chains, which rose to international fame in the early 1990s as part of Seattle's grunge movement. He was known for his distinctive vocal style as well as his harmonizing with bandmate Jerry Cantrell. Prior to his success with Alice in Chains, Staley was also a member of the glam metal bands Sleze and Alice N' Chains. He was also a part of the supergroups Mad Season and Class of '99.

<i>Sap</i> (EP) 1992 EP by Alice in Chains

Sap is the second studio EP by the American rock band Alice in Chains, released on February 4, 1992, through Columbia Records. Sap is mostly acoustic and marks the first time that guitarist Jerry Cantrell sings lead vocals in an Alice in Chains release, with the song "Brother". The EP was produced by Alice in Chains and Rick Parashar and features guest vocals by Ann Wilson of the band Heart, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Mark Arm of Mudhoney. The track "Got Me Wrong" became a hit two years later after being featured on the soundtrack to the 1994 film Clerks. On January 14, 1994, Sap was certified gold by the RIAA for the sale of more than 500,000 copies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry Cantrell</span> American guitarist, singer and songwriter

Jerry Fulton Cantrell Jr. is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the founder, lead guitarist, co-lead vocalist, and main songwriter of the rock band Alice in Chains. The band rose to international fame in the early 1990s during Seattle's grunge movement and is known for its distinctive vocal style and the harmonized vocals between Cantrell and Layne Staley. Cantrell started to sing lead vocals on Alice in Chains' 1992 EP Sap. After Staley's death in 2002, Cantrell took the role of Alice in Chains' lead singer on most of the songs from the band's post-Staley albums, Black Gives Way to Blue (2009), The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013), and Rainier Fog (2018), with DuVall harmonizing with him in the new songs and singing Staley's vocals in the old songs in live concerts.

<i>Jar of Flies</i> 1994 EP by Alice in Chains

Jar of Flies is the third studio EP by American rock band Alice in Chains. It was released on January 25, 1994, by Columbia Records. The band's second acoustic EP, after 1992's Sap, it was the first EP in music history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, with the first week sales exceeding 141,000 copies in the United States. The self-produced record was written and recorded over the course of just one week at the London Bridge Studio in Seattle. The tracks "No Excuses", "I Stay Away" and "Don't Follow" were released as singles to promote the EP. Jar of Flies was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1995: Best Recording Package and Best Hard Rock Performance for "I Stay Away".

<i>The Essential Alice in Chains</i> 2006 compilation album by Alice in Chains

The Essential Alice in Chains is a two-disc compilation album by the rock band Alice in Chains, and part of Sony BMG's The Essential series. Originally scheduled to be released on March 30, 2004, it was delayed until September 5, 2006. The album was reissued in 2010 with different artwork. A DVD with the mockumentary The Nona Tapes came as a bonus disc with the compilation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down in a Hole</span> 1993 single by Alice in Chains

"Down in a Hole" is a power ballad by Alice in Chains, and the fifth and last single from their album Dirt (1992). It is the twelfth song on most pressings of the album and fourth or eleventh on others. The song was written by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell for his then-girlfriend, Courtney Clarke. The single spent 21 weeks on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks and peaked at No. 10. The song was included on the compilation albums Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999) and Music Bank (1999). An acoustic version performed on Alice in Chains' MTV Unplugged in 1996 was released in a live album and DVD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Excuses (Alice in Chains song)</span> 1994 single by Alice in Chains

"No Excuses" is the lead single from American rock band Alice in Chains' third EP, Jar of Flies (1994). Written by guitarist and co-lead vocalist Jerry Cantrell, the song was well received by music critics and was a charting success, becoming the first Alice in Chains song to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, spending a total of 26 weeks on the chart. It has gone on to become one of the band's most popular songs. The song was included on the compilation albums Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999), Music Bank (1999), Greatest Hits (2001), and The Essential Alice in Chains (2006). Alice In Chains performed an acoustic version of "No Excuses" for its appearance on MTV Unplugged in 1996, which marked the last time they performed the song with Layne Staley, and that version was included on the band's Unplugged live album and home video release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grind (song)</span> 1995 single by Alice in Chains

"Grind" is a song by American rock band Alice in Chains. It is the opening track and the lead single from their third studio album, Alice in Chains (1995). The song was written by Jerry Cantrell, who also sings lead vocals with Layne Staley harmonizing with him. "Grind" spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, peaking at number seven. The song was included on the compilation albums Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999), Music Bank (1999), Greatest Hits (2001), and The Essential Alice in Chains (2006). It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Stay Away</span> 1994 single by Alice in Chains

"I Stay Away" is a song from Alice in Chains' 1994 EP Jar of Flies, and the second single from the album. This song marked the first time the band wrote with bassist Mike Inez. The single reached No. 10 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks, and stayed in the chart for 26 weeks. "I Stay Away" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1995. The song was included on the compilation albums Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999), Music Bank (1999), Greatest Hits (2001), and The Essential Alice in Chains (2006).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sea of Sorrow</span> 1991 single by Alice in Chains

"Sea of Sorrow" is a song by the American rock band Alice in Chains, featured on their debut full-length album Facelift (1990). The song was included on the compilation album The Essential Alice in Chains (2006). A demo version of the song was included on the box set Music Bank (1999).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heaven Beside You</span> 1996 single by Alice in Chains

"Heaven Beside You" is a song by American rock band Alice in Chains and the second single from their third studio album, Alice in Chains (1995). It was written by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell about his relationship with his then-girlfriend, Courtney Clarke. Cantrell sings lead vocals, with Layne Staley doing harmonies during the chorus. The song spent 26 weeks on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and peaked at No. 3. An acoustic version performed on Alice in Chains' MTV Unplugged in 1996 was released in a live album and DVD. "Heaven Beside You" was included on the compilation albums Music Bank (1999), Greatest Hits (2001), and The Essential Alice in Chains (2006).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Got Me Wrong</span> 1994 single by Alice in Chains

"Got Me Wrong" is a largely acoustic song by the American rock band Alice in Chains, originally featured on the band's 1992 EP, Sap. It was written by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell, who also shared vocals with Layne Staley. A slightly different version of the song also appeared on the soundtrack to the 1994 comedy film Clerks, and is played when the character Randal first appears in the movie. "Got Me Wrong" was released as a single in 1994 after being featured on Clerks. The song was included on the compilation albums Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999) and Music Bank (1999). An acoustic version performed on Alice in Chains' MTV Unplugged concert in 1996 was released on a live album and DVD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Over Now (Alice in Chains song)</span> 1996 single by Alice in Chains

"Over Now" is a song by the American rock band Alice in Chains. Written by Jerry Cantrell, who also sings lead vocals, the song is the last track on the band's third studio album, Alice in Chains (1995), and it is about the 1995 breakup of the band. The song closed the televised broadcast of Alice in Chains' MTV Unplugged performance, and that version was released as a single in 1996. The B-side is the original studio version. The single peaked at No. 4 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and at No. 24 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1996. The song was included on the live album Unplugged (1996), on the box set Music Bank (1999), and the compilation album The Essential Alice in Chains (2006). The MTV Unplugged concert was the first and only time that Alice in Chains performed the song. It was performed again 23 years later at Jerry Cantrell's solo concert at the Pico Union Project in Los Angeles on December 6, 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Again (Alice in Chains song)</span> 1996 single by Alice in Chains

"Again" is a song by American rock band Alice in Chains. It was released as the third single from their self-titled 1995 album. It peaked at No. 8 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1997. The song was included on the band's compilation albums Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999), Greatest Hits (2001) and The Essential Alice in Chains (2006). A remixed version of the song was included on the box set Music Bank (1999).

"Nutshell" is a song by Alice in Chains that originally appeared on the band's 1994 extended play Jar of Flies. The band played it on MTV Unplugged in 1996, and this rendition of the song was included on the compilation album Music Bank (1999), as well as The Essential Alice in Chains (2006). Since 2011, guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell dedicates "Nutshell" to Alice in Chains' late original members Layne Staley and Mike Starr during the band's concerts.

"Brother" is a song by the American rock band Alice in Chains and the opening track on their 1992 acoustic EP Sap. The song was written by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell for his younger brother, David. Cantrell sings lead vocals in the song, while Heart lead vocalist Ann Wilson sings backing vocals. An acoustic version performed on Alice in Chains' MTV Unplugged in 1996 was released in a live album and DVD. The song was included on the compilation albums Music Bank (1999) and The Essential Alice in Chains (2006).

"Black Gives Way to Blue" is a song by American rock band Alice in Chains, and the last track on their 2009 studio album of the same name. Written and sung by guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell, it features Elton John on piano. The song is a tribute to the band's late lead singer, Layne Staley, who died in 2002. Cantrell described the song as the band's goodbye to Staley. The first concert that Staley attended was Elton John's, and Cantrell's first album was Elton John Greatest Hits (1974). A piano mix of the song is a bonus track on iTunes. The lyrics to "Black Gives Way to Blue" are printed on the base plate of Jerry Cantrell's signature Cry Baby Wah-Wah pedal.

"Sunshine" is a song by the American rock band Alice in Chains and the eighth track on their debut album, Facelift (1990). The song was written by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell as a tribute to his mother Gloria, who died in 1987.

"Never Fade" is a song by the American rock band Alice in Chains and the third single from the band's sixth studio album, Rainier Fog, released on August 24, 2018. The song was written by vocalists/guitarists Jerry Cantrell and William DuVall, who also share lead vocals, with DuVall singing the verses and the pre-chorus, while Cantrell sings the chorus. "Never Fade" is a tribute to DuVall's grandmother, Soundgarden lead vocalist Chris Cornell, and Alice in Chains' original lead singer Layne Staley. The song was released as a single on August 10, 2018 via YouTube, streaming and digital download. "Never Fade" peaked at No. 10 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.

References

  1. 1 2 "Mainstream Rock Songs - The Week of October 29, 1994". Billboard. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  2. 1 2 Darzin, Diana (February 1994). "Unchained!". Kerrang!.
  3. 1 2 "Alice in Chains "Don't Follow" Chart History – Mainstream Rock". Billboard. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Dusting 'Em Off: Alice in Chains – Jar of Flies". Consequence of Sound. 25 January 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  5. 1 2 de Sola, David (August 4, 2015). Alice in Chains: The Untold Story. Thomas Dunne Books. p. 209. ISBN   978-1250048073.
  6. ↑ Turman, Katherine (January 23, 1994). "Alice in Chains 'Jar of Flies' Columbia". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  7. ↑ Sinclair, Tom (January 28, 1994). "Jar of Flies". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  8. ↑ Raggett, Ned. "Don't Follow". Allmusic. Retrieved 2009-02-27.
  9. 1 2 "Don't Follow by Alice in Chains Song Statistics". Setlist.fm. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Alice in Chains Concert Setlist at Marquee Theatre, Tempe on September 25, 2006". Setlist.fm.
  11. ↑ "Jerry Cantrell Concert Setlist at Pico Union Project, Los Angeles on December 7, 2019". Setlist.fm.
  12. ↑ Grow, Kory (August 7, 2020). "Chris Cornell's Daughter Lily Cornell Silver on What Her Dad Taught Her About Mental Health, New IGTV Series". Rolling Stone.
  13. ↑ "Alice In Chains Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.