Jar (album)

Jar is an extended play (EP) by the American rock band Alice in Chains, released in 1994 on Columbia Records. It followed the band's second studio album, Dirt, and features three songs: "Rotten Apple," "Nutshell," and "I Stay Away." Jar debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming Alice in Chains' first chart-topping release.

"Rotten Apple" and "I Stay Away" were released as singles, both achieving significant radio airplay and MTV rotation. "Nutshell," despite not being released as a single at the time, became a fan favorite and is now considered one of Alice in Chains' signature songs. It gained further recognition after being featured on the band's live album, Unplugged.

The EP's title and artwork (featuring a jar containing floating fetuses) were conceived by the band's vocalist Layne Staley. The cover art generated some controversy upon release.

Musically, Jar is characterized by its introspective lyrics, haunting melodies, and the distinctive vocal harmonies of Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell. The EP explores themes of addiction, isolation, and inner turmoil. It is considered a significant release in Alice in Chains' discography, showcasing their evolution and experimental tendencies within the grunge genre.