Released 1994 Length 4:15 | Format CD Label Columbia | |
Recorded September 7–14, 1993 at London Bridge Studio in Seattle, Washington Genre Acoustic rock
alternative rock
grunge | ||
"No Excuses" is the lead single from American rock band Alice in Chains's third EP, Jar of Flies (1994). 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). The song was well received by music critics and was a charting success. It has gone on to become one of the band's most popular and well-known songs.
Contents
Composition
The song's sound (and that of the entire EP) is a departure from some of the band's better-known, heavier work. Guitarist Jerry Cantrell's subtle guitar riffs built around suspended chords (as well as drummer Sean Kinney's soft, syncopated drumming) help lend an unusually airy feel to the song.
Lyrics
The lyrics, penned by Cantrell, are thought to be about his unstable relationship with band vocalist Layne Staley, highlighting both their difficulties as well as their friendship. The final verse seems to come to a resolve in stating that Cantrell will "defend" Staley and that, should they grow further apart, he will "love (Staley) anyway."
Release and reception
"No Excuses" was released as a single in 1994. "No Excuses" found moderate airplay on alternative rock radio and is considered by music fans and critics as a grunge staple. "No Excuses" peaked at number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart, making it the only Alice in Chains top 50 song. Although Alice in Chains fared well on mainstream rock radio, "No Excuses" was their only song to hit number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart until "Check My Brain" in 2009. "No Excuses" peaked at number three on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Ned Raggett of Allmusic said that the song "proved in spades that Alice in Chains were far more than oppressive doom-mongers" and added, "Topped off with a catchy chorus, it made for another high point for a band seemingly blessed with them."
Music video
The music video for "No Excuses" was released in 1994 and was directed by Matt Mahurin, who had previously directed the "Angry Chair" music video for the band. The video features actor Max Perlich. The video is available on the home video release Music Bank: The Videos.
Live performances
Alice in Chains performed an acoustic version of "No Excuses" for its appearance on MTV Unplugged in 1996 and the song was included on the Unplugged live album and home video release.
Media usage
"No Excuses" was chosen as a playable track on the popular video game Guitar Hero: Metallica and was also released as downloadable content for the Rock Band series. "No Excuses" was also featured in the Daria episode "My Night at Daria's" during the first commercial bumper.