Customer Ratings & Reviews

If, like me, you've been a G N' R fan since the 80's you will be both disappointed and impressed by this album. It's not as good as their four previous official albums. The sound is all over the place. Alot of the songs just aren't very good. I miss Slash, Izzy, Duff and Matt...so does the sound... Here's the rub...some of the songs are actually pretty darn good. The more I listen to them, the more I like them. Alot of people have said that they grow on you and I'd have to agree. I had such low expectations for this one that I was genuinely impressed by some of these songs. Axl can still sing as good as he ever could. Bottom line...it's actually not that bad and you'll most certainly dig it one way or another if you are a G N' R fan. Hats off to Axl for defying the odds and producing a couple of good songs worthy of the name. Give it a chance.

Chinese Democracy is an awesome album. Worth a purchase and multiple listens Axl is in great form throughout the record and the music is unbeleivable. Its been a while since the last GNR release, and let me tell you its worth the wait. While many people will complain that this is not GNR but an "axl rose' band, well its definelty Axl and Axl is GNR. Personally the talent that play on CD (Buckethead, Robin Finck, Ron Thal, Brain and others) have so much skill that Slash, Duff and the gang are not missed that much. But bascially if your expecting AFD, you will be slightly disapointed. But if your expecting more UYI I&II (especailly Novermber rain and Dont cry type songs) and somthing different from all the rap, hip-hop, and pop that dominates todays music, then CD is it. There are many song-bysong reviews on the web to check out, so I will not go into detail, but stand out tracks are Better, Street of Dreams, Sorry, and IRS are standouts amoung masterpieces. Chinese Democracy is a instant classic and well get many spins at my home. I look forward to a tour and the speculated 2nd and 3rd follow up albums.

...Axl Rose *IS* Guns n' Roses. Period. I'd like to start with the three thoughts I NEVER had while listening to "Chinese Democracy": 1) This needs Slash. 2) This needs Duff. 3) This needs Izzy. You get the idea. "Chinese Democracy" is - forgetting all the hype, history, etc. - a brilliant hard rock album, where not a single track is wasted. I planned to make no comparisons to previous GN'R albums, both to give it the chance to shine on its own merits and to avoid disappointment; about halfway through, I realized that was completely unnecessary. Everything that's great about this "band" is here. As Simon Cowell says, "If I'm being completely honest," this may be a superior album to "Use Your Illusion I & II" (albums I grew up on that shaped the way I listened to and wrote music) and "Appetite for Destruction" in many ways. Each song stands out, pushes the envelope just enough without sacrificing identity, and makes you think. Some are just as gritty as "Rocket Queen" or "Mr. Brownstone" from "Appetite for Destruction." And nearly all of them have the anthemic qualities that pervaded the "Use Your Illusion" albums. I hope fans of both GN'R and hard rock in general accept "Chinese Democracy" as more than simply vindication for Axl Rose - it deserves to be recognized for the incredible work (if not masterpiece - only time will tell on that one) that it is.

The album opens with a crescendoing guitar riff that soon cues the sound of drums that can only be described as EXPLOSIVE. This is followed by the long awaited screech of sir Axl, the scream we've all been waiting for for so long. And this is just the first minute or so of this incredible album. Granted, some old school Guns' fans are having a difficult time wrapping themselves around the new sound and line-up, some go so far as to say it's not even Guns N' Roses anymore, and simply put, they might be right. A buddy of mine described the album to me as sounding like "progressive metal," what ever that is, it sounds amazing!! The production quality overall is most EPIC, truly well mastered tracks. The lyrics are as powerful as Axl has ever put out, not to mention a flawless delivery by the AxMan through a variety of new vocal styles. The army of alternating guitarists bring a new level of intensity to 'Chinese Democracy,' for any one who doubts this, listen to the squadron of guitars as they collide in "Better," one of the heaviest songs on the album. Keep in mind, this is far from Appetite For Destruction, but nonetheless, if you were a fan of Guns back in the day, you'll find little to dislike about the modern day lineup.

Several people have said this album takes several listens to really get into. That's not to say the songs aren't good, or, on the whole, the album isn't GREAT. Because it is! No, its because there's SO MUCH to listen to. This album is BIG. Its the musical equivalent of a James Cameron film: its big, bloated, long, took years and lots of money to make, and ultimately is something you come back to over and over again. Because there's so much THERE! Seriously, nothing is worth this long of a wait. But in terms of production, sound, songs...this album has got it. Lord forbid an artist wants to actually EVOLVE, but that's what Axl has done. Its a natural progression...albeit 15+ years worth - from Use Your Illusion 1 & 2. The guitar work - mostly from the since departed from the band Buckethead (interesting he's the second picture in the booklet) is amazing. Axl's vocals soar, growl, whisper, scream. Highlights include "Shackler's Revenge," "Catcher In The Rye," "Riad N'The Bedouins," "There Was A Time" (fantastic solo on the outro) and possibly the best track, "This I Love." Each have lot's going on - big guitars, interesting rhythyms, big hooks. Get it. Listen to it objectively. Its not 1988 anymore. Enjoy it.

So I haven't technically bought it yet, but hearing the leaks and such have been enough to prove this as a superior album. Save for Death Magnetic it will be the first CD I've bought since the '90s, perhaps the last. Several of the songs are absolutely stellar (Better, There Was A Time, Madagascar), right up there with Child or Jungle. Others, like Street of Dreams aka The Blues, range from very good to decent. A couple of songs have been included of which I'm not a fan. But hey, I didn't like My World or It's So Easy either. Several tracks have never been released or performed in any form, and will thus be a complete surprise. Sebastian Bach has been drooling over Sorry for years though. Suffice to say Chinese Democracy is not Appetite part II or Use Your Illusion III, nor should it be. I don't know why so many expect to hear the sneering glam/punk/metal as if this were still 1987. Every Guns album has been of different character, and although it's too early to see exactly what this one's will be I can say it has variety. One thing all their records share is quality of the highest caliber and Chinese Democracy is no different. Buy this album if you are a fan of great music, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I listened to this album with the ear of a skeptic and I must say that this album is a serious collection of songs. Even the most devout Axl hater must mumble under their breath and shuffle their feet in the sand like an upset toddler after listening. In a generation built on Emo rock and American Idol puppets, this is more than a breath of fresh air, this is category 5 hurricane. Each song has the musical depth that you just don't hear anymore, the lyrics are reflective and unapologetic. It's clear that the album took this long to create because Axl doesn't compromise. Purchase this CD completely confident that all but the lowest common denominator will be thoroughly impressed with this masterful piece of musical art. Listen to it 10 times and each time you'll go deeper into what was purposefully done here, nothing seems to be by accident. There's not a person out there that would not want to hear a few tracks if they saw it sitting on your coffee table, throw on "If the world" followed by "sorry" to leave them speechless. Guns and Roses has set a new bar by which all bands should hope to aspire. I hope I don't have to wait another decade for more.

It's appropriate to say that no album in existance can ever live up to 13 years of anticipation. Especially an album from a band that was as huge as Guns N' Roses. That being said, however, Chinese Democracy is one heck of a good record! I was afraid that what we'd get is a vain attempt by Axl to recreate his earlier albums. Instead, Chinese Democracy is an extension of them. It doesn't try to invoke the past, it uses it to build on top of it. The result is an album that sounds confident and new. "Chinese Democracy", the lead single, opens strongly and then is quickly followed by the short "Shackler's Revenge". Then comes the second single, "Better", which begins a string of excellent tracks. The guitar riffs are well-played even though Slash is nowhere to be found. Some songs have 5 guitarists that played on them over the 13 years of hiatus, yet you can never tell that. The production is seamless. The jury is still out on whether the world will find that this album justifies such a long wait, but I think it does, and this is one of the best rock albums out there. Let's hope it won't be another 13 years before the next one comes out!

Even though I was way younger to know who Guns N' Roses was, I still can't believe it took this long to come out with another record! A full 17 years!! Sure W. Axl Rose is the only original member left, but that doesn't mean the music is bad!!! He still maintains his powerful voice from the lows to the highs and everything in between! The music is also very refreshing by not having a similar song play one after another. They've really got some variety on this CD and while it may take a few listens, it'll grow on you. It's also very cool having Buckethead help out on guitar for this CD!! His solos are out of this world!! Overall, while to some people this 17 years may seem like a waste of time and over hyped. Also by not being the band they were back in 1987-91, people may also be disappointed. But to me, it was worth it and a release like this may never happen in the media industry again! So own a piece of history! Recommended Tracks: Chinese Democracy Shackler's Revenge Better Street of Dreams There Was A Time Catcher in the Rye I.R.S. Madagascar This I Love P******

I've been listening to Guns N Roses since 1987 when I was 14 years old. I love them. Even with the departure of the original band, Axl has prevailed nicely. I like Velvet Revolver too, but a new sound is good. Change is good. I've heard most of the new songs on the NewGNR website and the music is phenomenal. I've seen concert footage and it is freaking awesome. Axl brings perfection to the band and the new band members are fantastic musicians. I check the Best Buy Site everyday so I can order the album to add to my other 5 CD's that have been waiting for like 14 years for Chinese Democracy. Axl was my idol as a teenager. Guns new or old in my opinion is better than the Beatles. If the old band ever united though it would be the biggest thing in the world. Chinese Democracy is going to be the biggest rock album in many years and years to come. Check out GNR live at the RItz in NY in 1988. THat's one of my favorite concerts ever. So is the new GNR rock am 2006. I'm going crazy waiting for this album. I check GNR website everyday, haven't seen anything on there yet.

Axl Rose needed an epic album to silence the critics who would undoubtedly hammer him for the fact that the album took 15+ years and for using the GNR name without any other original members. Thankfully Axl has delivered exactly that. Chinese Democracy is an uncompromising hard rock record with an incredible variety and some truely stunning moments. From the grinding rock of Chinese Democracy, to the industrial sounds of Shackler's Revenge, to the Elton John style piano on Street of Dreams, to the epic vocal performance on There Was A Time, to the soft but powerful lyrics of This I Love, this album has something for everyone. Chinese Democracy is without a doubt one of the best rock albums in a long LONG time. I will not put it up against Appetite because it is not the same band, both albums are masterpieces in their own right. Do not miss out on this album just because you are upset that it is not the original Guns N' Roses. I would love to see them get back together just as much as anyone, but if you give this record a chance you will not be disappointed.

First thing's first, no slash isn't there. He's to busy rehashing 90's rock. This is axl's musical genius showing through. It has tinges of every genre, on an epic scale. There is folk, pop, rock, jazz, classical, and metal, even hints of r&b, hip hop, industrial, and funk. There's actually even expierimental bits, roughly in the style of the 20th century french. I am intoxicated with it. I knew sort of how it would be based on the demo's that leaked, but this is something more grand than i was expecting. There is so much detail, so much complexity, so much power. This is not appitite for destruction... this is not use your illusion...do not go into this thinking it will be a blues-rock/metal album. This is completely, thoroughly modern album. You know thati it doesn't take 14 years to record a blues-rock album, and if you thought it did, then i guess you've never recorded any blues-rock. Axl wouldn't have spent this much time on it if he wanted it to sound "raw". This is a masterpiece, and i can't wait for more.

IT STILL HAS THAT GUNS N' ROSES RING TO IT. I AM SO IMPRESSED THAT WITHOUT A SINGLE OTHER MEMBER OF THE BAND TO CONTRIBUTE, AXL STILL HAS THAT GUNS SOUND. HATS OFF TO THE NEW MEMBERS FOR HELPING KEEP THE OLD SOUND AND ALSO FOR THE NEW SOUND AS WELL. LISTEN TO IT. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, LISTEN TO IT AGAIN. IF AFTER LISTENING TO IT A FEW OR MORE TIMES YOU STILL DON'T LIKE IT GIVE IT TO A FRIEND. IT'S THE BEST GUNS TO DATE. BACK IN 1986 I BOUGHT APPETITE FROM A HIT PARADER MAGAZINE BEFORE IT WAS STUDIO RELEASED, FOR .50 CENTS MAKING MYSELF ONE OF THE FIRST TO HEAR IT. TAKE IT FROM A REAL GUNS FAN THIS IS THE BEST ALBUM TO DATE. FOR PEOPLE WHO REALLY LOVE AND APPRECIATE THE ARTISTS WE SHOULD THANK AXL AND GUNS FOR GIVING US ANOTHER GREAT PIECE OF ART TO SOOTHE OUR LISTENING CRAVINGS! GOOD JOB!!!!!!!

I am amazed at how great and new and refreshing this release is. It is not classic GnR sounding but instead is an amazing full body of work. There are traces of everything, GnR, Bee Gees, NuMetal, Beatles.). The whole album is a new direction for music as a whole. Noone has written music with these kind of chord changes in quite a while. I just say, listen to it as if you are hearing a completely new band and not classic sounding GnR you will love it. It has music for everyone. Complex layers of music and orchestration over great vocal melodies. Great job Axl, this was definitely worth waiting for.

This is a great album, AXL sounds good and the lyrics are awesome, however some of the electronics could have been left out, I'm gonna let people form there own opinion but there a few song on here for me that if taken out would not be missed and would make the album much better, it would also improve the flow of the album greatly, but as a long time GnR fan I do think this album is good and some of you will love it and others will hate it for not being a clone of appetite.

Honestly, I think this is the GN'R album with more EPIC songs: Street of Dreams, There Was a Time, Catcher in the Rye, Madagascar, This I Love and Prost... All of them are amaizing songs with great singing and impresive guitar solos... There are also great commercial songs like Better or Shacker's Revenge. I bought my copy for just $9.99... so I'm so happy with this music... and the this new lineup is composed by grat musicians! Just listen to any Bumblefoot or buckethead CD and you can see.

First let me say thanks to AXL for putting out this CD !!!! I have been a fan since the group first came out. Its been a long wait but its worth it. You can tell there was a lot of work put in this cd, he did it his way. To everyone who says that the group still should not be called Guns N Roses, WHY?? So what he is the only original member, he was one of the co-founders and when I think of Guns N Roses the first person I think of is AXL. What would the group sound like with the other members and a different singer?? Not GNR to me. The new GNR music sounds great, I do get some of the old influence in the music with alot of new. When you listen to the music no group today can draw you in like Axl can. I can't stop listening to it. When I put this cd in I can see myself listening from start to finish, not skipping from song to song. How many cd's can we say that about today? Just remember its not 1987. Keep an open mind and enjoy the NEW music!!!! WAY to go GNR, I hope there is more to come!!!!

Okay, it's not Appetite for Destruction. But if I were to criticize every album that isn't up to that standard, I'd be exhausted. And while I loved the Use Your Illusion albums, let's face it, there was a lot of filler there. "Get in the Ring" "Shotgun Blues" and "You Ain't the First" only served to lengthen an already epic release. Like most everyone else, I miss the rest of the band. Izzy especially. He seems to be the unheralded ex-member, but he was a great songwriter, and I feared an album without his influence. What we have with Chinese Democracy is pretty good. Heavy and melancholy, aggressive, but with the ballads to balance it all out. "There Was A Time" and "Madagascar" stand out in what I've heard so far. But what this comes down to is a balancing act. If you compare it to the raw fury of Appetite, Chinese Democracy pales. If you compare it to what is currently dominating the airwaves, it's a masterpiece. The bottom line here is this: The world needs Axl Rose.

I've read a lot of reviews on the new GNR and there really isn't much I could say that has not already been said. I must say this though. There has been a lot of reviews stating that the listener sampled the new album on My space. Let me just say, "DO NOT JUDGE THE ALBUM FROM STREAMING AUDIO". The first time I heard "Chinese Democracy" I listened to it on My space and I hated it. But being a huge fan of Axl Rose, I decided to buy the album anyway. I listened to it in my car and had a completely different experience. If your a fan of great music, this is an amazing album!!!

If this were called the Axl Rose Project or GNR v2 then it wouldn't be held to classical GNR standards. On it's own it's actually a pretty good album. Took me three listens to really get into. I would love to see how it would have shaped up if Slash was actually on guitar. Message to Axl: Either call it the Axl Rose Project/GNR v2 or get the guys back in the band. Further releases under the GNR name should either be of the original band or it would be better suited for a music file sharing service. I don't regret spending the money, but again, it's NOT GNR!