Track List 

1987

In the Dark review

Note: A re-mastered version of In The Dark was released on Oct. 26, 2004, with bonus material that was initially only  available in the box-set, Beyond Description, The individual CD's are now available. The re-mastered versions include loads of bonus material. Be sure to get that one. 

The review is on the original album before the bonus material. 

In the Dark, ah, the breakthrough album. It certainly is poppy, with every song having at least one hook in it. And while I'm not in love with it, it's nice to hear the Dead try and write some catchy songs. The big hit, "Touch of Grey," is nice, and unless you're one of those anti-popular music deadheads, you can enjoy it as well. "Throwing Stones," and "Hell in a Bucket" manage to be quite catchy as well. The only miss is Brent's "Tons of Steel," which is an OK song, but Brent's voice ruins it for me. (And by the way, I don't hate Brent, he's a heck of a keyboardist, he just can't sing!) Things get better with "Black Muddy River," one of those beautifully poignant Garcia / Hunter songs. In conclusion, this album ain't perfect, but it's the best the Dead could have done without adding their great jams. by Zach Smith
Grade - B +

The View from the Vault IV release includes many of songs from In the Dark performed live.