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Rating 4.3 out of 5 stars with 220 reviews
(220 customer reviews)to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Guns 'n' Roses - New Band?
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Not the best G 'n' R album in the world, not the worst. Strong song-writing throughout, good guitar! Not worth a 22-year wait. Five-to-ten year wait? Maybe...
I would recommend this to a friendRated 5 out of 5 stars
GUNS N ROSES GET IT
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.YES YES I CANT WAIT CHINESE DEMOCRACY STARTS 11/25/08 I AM BUYING 2 COPIES
I would recommend this to a friendRated 2 out of 5 stars
Rock Music
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.This music is hard rock type music and is different.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 4 out of 5 stars
Different, Not better, Not worse, Just Different
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Chinese Democracy something that fans have been waiting for, and something that the Chinese may still be waiting for. In any case I went to Best Buy the only place it seems that you can purchase the album, and picked this up. I have to say the first few minuets were good but I felt rushed through, the music didn't seem to stick with me like previous works, but I was driving so I felt I needed to really sit with the music. When I did this is what I felt: Lyrically I was waiting for more, the lyrics were good but some points in various songs it felt like he was rushing the lyrics to the music. It seemed disjointed at points. I feel like the solos were not as smooth as previous works. Axl although I really enjoy the wailing and the screaming I felt over did it through out the album. I enjoy when he does the variations on his voice and there wasn't much of that here. In the song "Scraped" I feel like that is has the reminiscence of "My World" the short song at the end of UYI 2, and "Riad N' Bedouins" touches on the "Oh, My God" from End of Days with the faster sound & electronic backings. "Sorry" who's that directed at..hmm... Some of the lyrics sound like he stumbles to fit them in. It just sounds like he is talking to someone directly which is fine Tommy Lee did that in most of the M.O.M. The song is very emotional and maybe Axl's grown up but he's a lot nice about telling people off not like "Get In the Ring" "Shotgun Blues". Although I am a loyalist to what was, I do have to say over all i have enjoyed the music by the third listening I am finding it to be a good album that I will listen to often. I have my favorites that seem to give me what I have been waiting for in these past years. I would like to see more continuity in the music it seemed to be a collection of sounds from the past 10 years which makes sense. Some songs had the electronic sound while others the Alternative sound and still there were the ballads. It wasn't as hard hitting as I would have expected but it was good. The cover: Well I guess you could say my standards are high for GNR the artwork was not provocative, artsy, creative, or interesting to me. The front cover nice photo for a soft rock band. Inside it looks like a greatest hits with the photos of band members. The centerfold was ok but I just wasn't excited about 10years of waiting and such simple work. Overall, I would have to say this GNR album is different not in a bad way just in its own way. Axl did some good work here. I still wonder what it would have been like with Izzy's influences could we have seen more thoughtful lyrics and music?
I would recommend this to a friendRated 5 out of 5 stars
An enigmatic masterpiece
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.As a sometimes (abet less successful) songwriter and musician, and over the last few years reviewer of several hundred albums – I am left this evening somehow awestruck by what I feel is a timepiece of sorts. Like most avid rock junkies, I have been eagerly anticipating Guns & Roses Chinese Democracy to hit the shelves so we may proclaim it either an Opus of failure or statement of independence. I have also been watching over the years as release dates came and passed without fruition, and listened closely to demos that made half truths of concepts not quite understood by the masses. I am shocked. This is not the G&R of “Appetite” fame, nor the chaotic “Illusion” act that appeared in and out of the melodic clouds with a double album that ended the era of excess the 80’s was musically. In fact it could be successfully argued that this is not Guns & Roses at all – but instead the Collective consciousness of the last forty years of what we call “heavy” music packaged with a tidy bow and presented with the impact of a neutron bomb in Joe Perry’s attic. In my humble opinion, William “Axl” Rose has created with his score of unsuspecting characters not only the perfect reflection of true Rock and Roll as an art form, but what should be the ending of an era. And what an end it is. We have watched the evolution of pop turning to jazz and R&B influences over the last ten years and not without its merits, and apparently Rose has somehow understood this way ahead of the learning curve. Chinese Democracy is as Rose has been quoted for over a decade “…just a record.” - And that is in its self a statement that needed to be made. For after all is said and done - and all the hype, hoopla and A&R exec’s go to bed for the night, all that is left for the next generation is music preserved on media. Proving himself and his cast of players the ultimate chameleons by snaking every important influence post Beatles/Stones nostalgia right up to our current non –melodic “modern rock” era, Rose has blended them into a time capsule that will remain the footprint of the music that defined what will eventually determined to be rock’s Jurassic period. I know that you may question the authority that my statement has implied – but I dare an educated listener to say less upon true active listening. It’s all there – and totally unabashed in its glory and overly precise layering and focus. The simplicity of McCartney’s pianos to the brazen bravado of Iggy Pop, the trippy bombast of Stabbing Westward to the straight to the heart lyrical content of Eric Clapton - even the pioneering of REM & U2’s edgy delays and the iconoclastic cries of Tool’s desperation are documented in one piece of material. In short, C.D. is simply a marvel to behold. Sure the package is not “perfect”. The sound is at times so intense that it takes several listens to actually take it all into perspective - and this is not the simplistic rock of G&R’s earlier efforts. In fact I would dare say that this is a record that is best off without Slash and the “Beast of Burden” Stones-on-Steroids Gunner’s of nearly two decades ago. Such a statement could only be made with taking every influence into perspective, and not just punching to the gut. Perhaps the most important mark of this record is not made solely by the composer, but by the multiple guitarists layered to create the wall of sound once created by Boston and in a lesser sense, trans-genre studio pioneers Steely Dan. Robin Frip and Bucket-Head’s musical genius leave no stone unturned here, and have literally created what will be looked at for decades as how guitar players have truly shaped the art form into what is now. For once – I am unable to rate a single track on its own merits or deficits – and each track has both. Chinese Democracy has done exactly what Rose has underhandedly intended on – defining it’s self as the definitive statement of its era. Rose has smartly reached far beyond the view of the Sunset Strip Scene (Appetite for Destruction) and the lack-luster (perhaps embryonic?) Use Your Illusion this time. And that is the beauty of this album. If Rock has truly died – this is its obituary. And wasn’t life grand.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 4 out of 5 stars
Belated solid first solo outing for W Axl Rose
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.It has been roughly 13 years since recording for this porject began, and Guns 'N Roses ceased to exist shortly thereafter. On this first solo album by W Axl Rose, strangely marked "Guns 'N Roses," a very ambitious array of music is tackled. In much the same way that both "Use Your Illusion" albums showed ambition beyond the amazing accomplishment of their first groundbreaking, and greatest, album, "Chinese Democracy" moves this into the solo realm for Axl. As with most solo projects, this album features an enormous array of players, and the current Axl Rose solo band, still billed as Guns 'N Roses, is up to around 10 or 11 members. This allows expansion into keyboard and guitar layering far greater than was possible, or necessary, in Guns 'N Roses. The songwriting is solid, as one would hope, after having had 13 years to hone this down to the best material. Rose's voice is astoundingly wide-ranged, more than on previous efforts. This helps to beg the question "Is this really what you'll get live?" Or could the most astounding notes have been sung 13 years ago? Or is, perhaps, studio trickery involved? The delivery and power at even higher pitches brings skepticism on my part. It seems contrary to what is physically possible, although he hasn't had to tour much for 13 years, so that could be helpful in voice preservation. The guitar playing throughout is spot on, with moments that have a very bluesy feel (as Slash would have added on a real Guns 'N Roses album) to all out shredding (taking it out of the realm of Slash, who has great chops but is not really a true shredder in the purest sense). The opening track, which is the title song, along with the 2nd track "Shackler's revenge," and the track "Better," are the standout cuts to me (after 2 or 3 listens). Though, once again, the album as a whole is a solid effort. If compared to the work by Guns 'N Roses ("Appetite for Destruction," or "Use Your Illusions I & II") it is definitely a lesser work, but those are high benchmarks. As an album on it's own, it's a worthwhile listen, even if it doesn't spend the lion's share of it's time in your CD player. It is what it is, and it's good. Not great. Recommendation is truly a "Maybe." Read the specifics to decide if it applies as a Yes or No for YOU.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 4 out of 5 stars
The Most Expensive Album Never
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.01. Chinese Democracy - Lyrically and musically disappointing. Axl tried for a Nirvana-style songs and failed. This song is slightly better than mediocre 02. Scraped - One of the new unheard songs on the album 03. Shackler's Revenge - Another disappointing track. Inane lyrics, annoying vocal effects. I think the guitar solos are avant-garde enough to be called "interesting." 04. Street Of Dreams - New song? Or is it "The Blues" with a new title. If it is "The Blues," I hope that they reverted to the 2002 arrangement. 05. If The World - I love this song. Not what you'd expect from GN'R, but that's one of the reasons that this album will succeed/fail. 06. Better - Better is the last 18 years of hard rock crammed into 1 song. Genius. One of the best tracks in this collection. 07. This I Love - Another unheard song. I can't wait to hear it. Supposedly a ballad that Axl has been working on since before 'Use Your Illusion' came out. Allegedly part of the "Don't Cry," "November Rain," "Estranged" song cycle. 08. There Was A Time - A great song with a great guitar solo and great lyrics. Sounds like old GN'R. 09. Riad N' The Bedovins - Another rocker in the style of old GN'R. This song is good but not great. 10. Sorry - Haven't heard this one yet either, but Bas says "it sounds like doom metal." 11. I.R.S. - Already a classic. Another rocker in the old GN'R style. Great lyrics. Love it. Love it. Love it. 12. Catcher - Classic Rock at it's finest. This one encompasses the last 34 years of rock in style and scope. JD Salinger, Mark David Chapman, John Lennon, Brian May, Axl Rose ... 13. Madagascar - EPIC. This song was played by GN'R at the 2002 VMAs. It's been played live at every show GN'R has played since 1994. There are demo versions floating around, but folks that have not heard this song yet are going to be blown away! 14. Pr0stitute - Better and Pr0stitute are my 2 favorite songs here. I cannot get enough of this song. "Ask yourself why I would choose to pr0stitute myself to live with fortune and shame." this lyric explains why this album will never ever ever ever be released. (****)
I would recommend this to a friendRated 4 out of 5 stars
Good Album
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.1. Chi Dem - great catchy song "B" 2. Shackler's - great video game song, definitely different "B-" 3. Better - Top notch song "A+" 4. Street of Dreams - One of the best songs on the album "A+" 5. If the world - great new sound "B" 6. There was a time - another top notch song "A" 7. Catcher In The Rye - ok song, 1st impression is album filler "C" 8. Scraped - More album filler, waste of plastic "D-" 9. Riad - the one song on the album I actually will not listen to again, very disappointing song...or maybe I just can't open Axl's head to find the hidden meanings. "D" 10. Sorry - Would be great without the profanity "B" 11. IRS - I have not made heads or tail of yet, not a classic though "C" 12. Madagascar - this song is actually better in one of the leaked versions. In the leaked version there is a pause between "I" and "won't" that makes a difference to me. It should be "I.....won't be told " instead of "I won't be told". This is the one spot on the album that shows too much tinkering and editing. "C+-" ....would have been "A+" with less editing and no profanity 13. This I love - slow love song , beautiful song, maybe one of my new favorites "A" 14. Prost_itute*... - Not a bad song. As good as anything on the radio today, but not very special at the same time. I would have put a better song at the end of the album to close it out. "B" *best buy will not allow me to spell out the song name because they consider it profanity, go figure. My Summary: I love a few of the songs and would love clean radio versions of a couple others as well. This album has filler just like almost every other CD ever made. The filler is the worst part of the album. After this long, every song should be able to stand alone. Having said this, remember that it is still a very solid album just not quite the perfection we all think is possible from this artist.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 4 out of 5 stars
Finally, 21st Century GN'R
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.It goes without saying that the curiosity factor for 'Chinese Democracy' is perhaps unparalled; it took fifteen years, numerous changes in the band lineup and producers, and a reported $13+ million to get this beast made. Guns N' Roses-with the lone original member, W. Axl Rose, and a cast of musicians from bands ranging from Nine Inch Nails to the Psychedelic Furs-are finally ready to deliver new music to the masses. Is it good? Absolutely. "Better" is a straightforward, uptempo rocker with hints of techno and a catchy chorus. "Street Of Dreams", which originally carried the title "The Blues", is a piano driven number in the tradition of "November Rain", and probably a massive hit if the band chooses to release it as a single. There's also "Madagascar", a solemn entry in which Rose cries "I can't find my way back, my way, anymore". The song also manages to reuse the famous "failure to communicate" line from the film 'Cool Hand Luke', and featured in GN'R's epic 90's song "Civil War". Is it great? Depends. If you're looking for 'Appetite For Destruction, Part II', you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for a Guns N' Roses record that has evolved in terms of maturity and sound, the results will be much better for you. This is a poppier sounding GN'R, though there's still an edge to it. And Axl Rose definitely seems to have grown wiser as he has gotten older. One might say that Axl's lyrics show a sign of acceptance and content, compared to the songs of early GN'R which were, at times, full-out Axl rage. Will the long absence hurt GN'R? Hopefully not, but it's probably likely, at least at the beginning. People outside of the hardcore Guns fans might be skeptical whether the band could manufacture an album that meets the expectations of greatness. I'd say to them, don't bet against it. Welcome back, GN'R.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 4 out of 5 stars
will be worth buying
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.more then half the songs ive heard from this are very good, and im excitted to hear the others. i wish "if the world" and "street of dreams" (formally The Blues) was not on it, and "oh my god" was on it. some say this should be an axl rose album, not guns n roses. the reality is that so many bands from the past doing stuff now adays is not the original. pink floyd, only one remaning original member, as david gilmour was not an original member, wright just died, syd was out of the band decades ago to open a spot for gilmour, and waters is no longer a member, but if those to still in pink floyd put something out it would be pink floyd and it would be bought in the millions. smashing pumpkins is only corgan and chamberlin, still records and tours as smashing pumpkins. led zepplin, people want them to tour and record, but its not the original, same with the rolling stones, and alice in chains, and dont even get me started with the doors and queen. its become a popular trend to have line up changes and still call it the original name. better is awesome, and so is the tittle track. riad is really good, and i hope the demo of madagascar isnt what will be on the album cuz axl changed his voice in the recording and changed the song from my favorit on this album to one of my least favorits. the balled either "this i love" is sure to b a high charted and possibly award winnig song. i havent heard "shacklers revenge" but i have heard a lot of good things about it. "there was a time" is another good song. its worth buying, nothing is worth a 17 year wait, but axl rose is the only one in the world that could pull this off.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 5 out of 5 stars
Very good album from a great song writer
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review."It's been 14 years of silence, it's been 14 years of pain, it's been 14 years that are lost forever, and we'll never have again." After 14 years, thel ong awaited Chinese Democracy finally hits Best Buy. You will not be disappointed. Axl Rose has managed to get some of the best people in music to help him create one of the best all around rock albums to come out in years. With everything from the industrial rock sounds of "Shackler's Revenge" to the piano ballad of "This I Love", which is sure to hit home with the female population, this album hits a homerun in the rock industry. Don't let the absence of Slash be a turn off. If you are going to replace one of the most popular guitarists in the world, you better replace him with one of the most technically precise guitarist in the world in "BucketHead". The guitar work in this album is better than any album in years and it's fair to say that the technically superior, if not odd, Buckethead puts down tracks that Slash would not even attempt to cover on his strongest day. He may lack the "soul" of Slash, but he also lacks the sloppiness that sometimes goes along with it, and more than makes up for it with his percision. Buckethead almost never misses a note, even live, and is known as one of the best guitar players in the world as he joins one of rocks all time great voices to make an album that will find itself stuck in your CD player. Axl's voice is as strong as ever, after years of rest, and it becomes evident immediately. The combination of great guitars and Axl's all to familar voice takes over every song which leads to a great, diverse album that features at least six or seven potential singles. This album will have the staying power that can be hard to find in the rock industry today. Potential singles: "There Was a Time"- Best song on the album. Will be a huge radio hit. "Better"- just released, and a very catchy song that has been bought for a Harley-Davidson Commercial already. "Street of Dreams"- The 2008 answer to November Rain. Another potentially huge single of the ballad variety featuring AXl's strong voice and piano work with Buckethead's perfect guitar work. "Madagascar"- Epic offering features excerps from three or four classic movies during middle of song including Braveheart, Seven, and Martin Luther King speeches. Will be on the radio soon. "Rhiad and the Bedouns"- A Led Zeppelin style song that starts off with Axl's version of the Immigrant Song and leads to one of the albums most "heavy meta"l like offerings. "Sorry"- Has a Pink Floyd type feel with a little heavier edge. Features Sebastian Bach on backup vocals. Again, Buckethead really cuts loose on this tune with a variety of different levels of guitar solos. Overall, can't miss album no matter who you are. Don't pay attention to the Axl Rose haters. This is a Guns N Roses album for evey taste and if you are a fan of the guitar, this album features some of the best guitar work that I have heard in many, many years.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 5 out of 5 stars
Time For a Change
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I just listened to the new Guns N Roses album in its entirety. Here are my immediate thoughts. And, please, before you read on, know that I am a huge fan and admittedly biased. For starters, I will say that I truly believe—or, at least, I’m hopeful—that this album will lend a hand in the washing away of the cookie cutter music that’s been pushed down our throats over the last five or six years. This album is truly innovative and it pushes the envelope. And that translates to rock-n-roll in its purest form. Taking well over a decade to come to fruition, we all know that the release of Chinese Democracy has been a longtime coming, and that’s the understatement of the millennium. However, as a direct result of this delay (here comes the silver lining), the tracks on the album are very diverse. Some have the same bluesy intensity that propelled Appetite to the top of the charts. Others are cut from the same cloth melodically as those on the Illusion albums. There are also a few that can be said to have a mechanical and/or synthesized influence attributed to industrial rock. No matter your favored genre of music, nor the lineup of GNR that you prefer (original vs. all others), you are bound to enjoy the album as a whole. Of all the songs, in no particular order, my personal favorites are the title track, Chinese Democracy, There was a Time, Better, I.R.S., and—one that has grown on me significantly—Scraped. All of the songs will contain one key ingredient that will remind you of the days when music was relevant and creative. The ingredient, of course, is Axl Rose. Regardless of your opinions of Axl, nobody needs to be reminded of his unique, powerful, instantly-recognizable singing voice. Perhaps, though, you do need to be reminded of his exceptional songwriting ability. I highly recommend that you use your favorite search engine to retrieve the lyrics to the songs as they’re played. Or, if the CD comes with a lyrics insert, I urge you to follow along; especially during the last couple of verses to Chinese Democracy. Powerful stuff. I will not patronize you or the material by evaluating the album song-by-song and telling you what you should like and what you should dislike, or where it was spot-on and where it went wrong. We’ll each have our own perspective and each song will speak differently to the listener. That is what good music does. It invokes different emotions in different people. Again, I might be going a bit overboard, but I seriously hope that this album alone will help inspire and pump creativity into the sludgy arteries of today’s lackluster music scene. And to all of you devotees of the original lineup of Guns N Roses…Yes, I miss Slash, Duff, and Izzy, too, but it’s time to move on. Please don’t let your affinity for the late 1980’s/early 90’s prevent you from participating in a welcomed diversion from the mainstream. Thank you for reading this review. Let me know what you think of the album.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 4 out of 5 stars
My Favorite GNR album
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.But it's been 14 years of silence It's been 14 years of pain It's been 14 years that are gone forever And I'll never have again If this CD came out a year ago, this song would be more appropriate from UYI 2 since this CD came out 15 years to the day of the Spaghetti Incident. Shackler's Revenge is very catchy as is the title track. My favorites are those two, Rians n the Beldoins, IRS, and There was a Time. The songs sound very well produced and while it reminds me of Sonata Arctica's Unia in terms of sound quality and general sound, there's a lot going on here that doesn't sound too overwhelming. This CD would be what Use Your Illusion would've been if they took out the faster songs on both albums. I guess after all this time, you could see both sides of the coin with Axl's side and Slash's side by looking at this album and Velvet Revolver's CDs. This is what I prefer. I hope Axl lives up to the trilogy CD that Sebastian Bach says will come out. Maybe before I die, we'll have another 2 CDs. I'm only 35, so there's hope. Great job, Axl! I just wish I knew about the Dr. Pepper promotion when this CD came out.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 5 out of 5 stars
A great follow up to Use Your Illusion
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.It's been a long time since we have a Guns N' Roses full length studio. Instead of giving a brief history like everyone else does, i am just going to provide you with my reviews on the songs. I saw them back in 2006 at the izod center and they played roughly four-five songs from this album. 1. Chinese Democracy-good song to set up the album, heavy at its best 2. Shackler's Revenge -this is a weird one and i must say it feels out of place with the rest, but it does have that classic axl singing over himself style. 3. Better -great song, love it and currently my favorite. 4. Street Of Dreams- i believe this was "the blues" and at the concert it was a intro to nov. rain. 5. If The World -a mellow song for rose, but catchy and lyrics are powerful 6. There Was A Time -the intro drags a lil but the heavy progression of the guitars and his voice makes it a hard hitter. 7. Catcher N' The Rye - great guitar solo through out and one of the first demo songs i have heard aside from better and silkworms. 8. Scraped -the beginning whine is terrible, but once its over the guitar and drum beat is catchy 9. Riad N' The Bedouins- another out of place song, but after a few passes the song is fast and aggressive 10. Sorry -this is a classic gnr song starts off slow and ends big. very powerful. 11. I.R.S. -this reminds me of chinese democracy pure heavy no letting up. 12. Madagascar- great song, but way too much movie and political quoting breaks the flow of a great song. 13. This I Love-the lyrics are different than the ones were leaked, but its one of the non rock songs on the album. 14. Prost. -this was "this i love " on the leaks and its a great song to end with. Overall the fourteen song track list is impressive considering how much material he has(rumors suggesting two more albums in 2010,12) The 9 song leaks sound much better on the record and feels complete. Also the vinyl is just as good as.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 5 out of 5 stars
Axl's back with Guns blazing!!!!!!!
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The myth...Chinese Democracy....the most expensive album ever made.....the return of Axl Rose. This is the album the rock world has been waiting for...and rumor has it that there's two more waiting in the wings...from the opening strains of Chinese Democracy .....this album is in a word-Epic. Every song may not be for all of us....but I guarantee there's something for everyone on this album.....all Guns fans should be able to get into something on here....a few stand outs: 1.Chinese Democracy-A pseudo industrialized sleaze treck thru the Chinese struggle against the Iron Fist of communism...and general rant against oppressive authority at large....a call to arms if you will. 2.Better- A spinning, writhing mash up of mid tempo good ness into a metal breakdown that you're sure to remember....this is an amazing groove....original and intense in it's scope but close enough to vintage Guns that old school fans will dig it.....amazing guitar work! 3.If The World- Latin Tinged, funky R&B with a suprisingly dreamy and poignant falsetto reminiscing of If the World would end today.... 4. I.R.S- A sleazy rocking jaunt that shows Axl has still got the unearthly howl that endeared him to millions......the scream is back. 5. Sorry....a grinding classic reeking of betrayal and angst......different from Rose....but original and amazing.....very Floyd meets Zeppelin meets Guns vibe from this one... 6. This I Love-The crown jewel of this album in my opinion...a beautifully haunting piano piece with a heartbroken vocal. Genuine heartbreak.....this is losing the one you love most encapsulated in song. Those are my personal standouts....I could have reviewed the whole album...as many of the others are quite good as well....but the songs listed above are amazing in my opinion.....if you want to pick up a great album that will take you on a journey.....Buy Chinese Democracy.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 4 out of 5 stars
It really is a Great Album!
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.This sounds cliche, however, you really do have to listen to this album a few times to truly appreciate it. It is overproduced for sure, but not overly distracting, Axl is a victim of his own perfectionism. This album sounds like a perfect transition from the Use Your Illusion albums, but to me, it doesn't sound dated. It cracks me up to listen to people say that it isn't G N R; that it doesn't sound like them at all, but you know those same people would be critical if it sounded the same or tried to hard to be the next Appetite. Axl has grown musically and it is definitely represented with this album. Like it or not, Axl is G N R. If you need proof, just listen to Scott Weiland singing any G N R tune live with Velvet Revolver, which is 3/5 G N R, not good at all. Motley Crue tried to be Motley without Vince Neil and that didn't work out too well. Give this album a few listens before judging it; it is actually very good. The world is a better place with this album in it.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 3 out of 5 stars
Rose N' Posers
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.First of all, Chinese Democracy isn't and never will be a true GNR record. Axl can put the GNR name on the cover because he has the legal right to do so, however in my opinion, GNR doesn't exist without Slash, Izzy and Duff. I'm a long time fan of GNR. I have all the classic GNR albums and most of the original members solo records and side project albums. I love what they did individually. My problem with Democracy is that Axl put the GNR name on it and it fails to live up to the name. I wouldn't be so hard on it if it was called " The Axl Rose Project " or something. Here's what I think of classic GNR ( with Axl, Slash, Izzy, and Duff ) versus Axl's GNR ( aka Rose N' Posers ). Classic GNR : 1. The music was instantly classic. Songs like Sweet Child, Paradise City, Patience, Don't Cry, Novermber Rain, Estranged and many, many others are instantly recognizable and just great songs. Why ? Because they have catchy melodies, great lyrics, and people love to play, hear, and sing these songs. 2.The classic GNR sound was defined by Slash and Izzy's incredible guitar tones and distinctive rythym and lead guitars. Try listening to any classic GNR song with just the right or left speaker turned on. You'll hear Izzy's rythym guitar on the left and Slash's on the right. A perfect compliment to eachother. 3. Which brings me to Slash's guitar solos. Incredible and beautiful and always complimented or enhanced the already great songs. 4. Slash and Izzy were the real hit-making songwriters of GNR. Axl was inspired by what they were doing and vice-versa. All of the classic GNR songs we know and love wouldn't exist without the incredible guitar riffs that made them so popular. Guitarists around the world are still learning and covering these songs. I know, I'm one of them ! 5. Duff's bass playing was something special. His distinctive bass runs , tone, and overall musical talent made GNR better. 6. Classic GNR is Axl, Slash, Izzy, and Duff ! If you take away even 1 member and it isn't GNR anymore. Slash and Izzy were the Guns. Duff was definetly a Rose. You take those away and what you have left is Rose N' Posers. When Izzy quit, Gilby Clarke filled in as one of the Guns, but he was playing what Izzy had already written. The Spaghetti Incident was a punk and glam-rock cover album (mostly). Now, compare that to Axl's new GNR, Rose N' Posers : 1. The songs are mostly instantly forgettable. There are a couple of good songs in Democracy like Better and Sorry and 1 or 2 others, but there's nothing here that'll be remembered a year from now, much less 20 years from now. A true GNR album would have those instant classics, so to speak. 2. The classic GNR sound is gone, of course, replaced by Bucketheads and Robins ( and like 3 other guitarists ) clashing heavy metal tones and "rythyms". Yes, it took like 5 guitarists to replace Slash and Izzy. The result is pretty horrible. Sounds and styles collide as the guitarists try to out-do eachother. Really, I found the guitars to be over-bearing and harsh. There are few songs that get it right and I think I mentioned them. 3.Oh and the guitar solos... sigh. They sound out of place on most songs. Why ? Take a look at the album credits and you'll see that they were hacked-up, re-amped, and re-engineered ! What a slap in the face to the guitarists ! No wonder Buckethead is long gone. As a side note, Slash was asked why he left GNR and he said the troubles began when Axl had Paul Tobias overlay a guitar solo over his on Sympathy for the Devil. Shame. 4. The album credits list Lyrics N' Melodies by Axl Rose. Problem is, Axl isn't GNR all by himself. His song writing talents and his voice are undeniable. The songs just aren't catchy enough. As a whole, here's what I think of Democracy and I'll use Axl's own words: " It don't really matter, gonna find out for yourself ... " It's not bad, but it's not GNR. 5. Where's the bass in these songs ? I think I'd like Tommy Stinson's bass playing if I could hear it throught the heavy-metal muck and over-bearing sound effects and voice processing. Hey, there's a song in Democracy that starts with sound effects of an empty '80's arcade. Good going Axl, way to bring us back to when GNR was great ! 6.Axl wants us to beleive that this is GNR. Problem is, like I said before, it's not GNR and it never will be. Unless, Axl, Slash, Izzy, and Duff can sort things out and make a new record. Then, together, they can once again acheive where this album fails : GREATNESS. As it is, in my opinion, it's just good. Some of you'll be p*ssed at what I wrote here. You'll say " Give it a chance, let it grow on you. You're p*ssed 'cause Slash, Izzy, and Duff aren't in Guns anymore ... yada , yada." I'll already answer by saying this: I bought the album. Axl's making money. I'm not p*ssed about Slash or any of those guys because they are all still making music and I'm more than happy to buy all of it. I'm a fan of Axl Rose and I bought this album to satisfy my curiosity. For that alone, I got my money's worth. And I got a couple of songs there that I really like, too. It's just not a true, classic GNR record.
I would recommend this to a friendRated 4 out of 5 stars
Not a classic but at times very good.
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I remember being 13 when Appetite came out as me and my sister loved the band instantly. I remember getting the Illusions albums for Christmas and now FINALLY Chinese Democracy. Although not quite on par with those previous classics this is a GOOD and sometimes VERY GOOD album. The first 10 dongs range in that category with my favorites being Schackler's Revenge, Better, and If The World. The last 4 tracks don't do too much for me but are not bad. The album drags a bit towards the end and there really isn't a classic on par with Sweet Child O' Mine or November Rain but what is on here are some great songs. I have a new guitar player to follow in Butckethead and Axl's is in fine form. The variety of musical styles on here alone make this album a worthy purchase BUT those wanting a trip back to the late 80's early 90's golden era will be disappointed. Overall though I at least was pleasantly suprised! :)
I would recommend this to a friendRated 4 out of 5 stars
Great Music, just different from old GNR
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Ok folks, the album is finally out! Anyone expecting an "Appetite" type of sound will be very disappointed. Chinese Democracy is an extension of the Illusion albums in my opinion. Obviously the new guitarists don't have the creative energy that Slash has, but he is a special and unique talent. Axl still sounds great and I thought that the Rolling Stone review was pretty spot-on. Just forget about "Appetite," listen to the album all the way through and you will be pleasantly surprised at how good the music on this album actually is. It is a shame that Buckethead left the band because he is an incredible guitar player and you can hear some of his cool technique on display throughout the album. I'm waiting for Axl, Slash & Duff to put aside their differences and make the greatest rock album of all time. But considering that is probably never going to happen Go out and buy this album!
I would recommend this to a friendRated 5 out of 5 stars
Separate the music from the artist
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.It took 15 years, it cost 20 million, Its cursed by having to carry the Guns N' Roses brand, they're my favorite band, yet I've never of any of them... Axl's got corn rows, even the basket on the cover is way too big. Its over-processed, the worst two songs on the entire CD were released first. The CD is cursed and it will always be compared to an album that sold 20 million. But I bought it and listened to it over and over. I played it while simultaneously playing TAPES of Illusions1 and 2, and Appetite. and here's my verdict. I liked GnR because of the music. If the music is separated from baggage of the CD, the CD is tremendous. Don't believe me... Look at the reviews... EVERYBODY mentions something that has NOTHING to do with the actual music. But nobody's wrong for doing that. Axl has created his own mess. The CD has its issues, but if some band that nobody ever heard of released this CD, it would be smash hit, well received, and the band itself would be the most popular rock group in the world. But Axl's already done that, so where does he go from here. Its not Jungle, Paradise City, or Sweet Child, but its definitely classic Guns. Epic in scope and length. Think Yesterdays, Estranged, November Rain. FYI... November Rain was written before anything on Appetite, and Don't Cry was a set-list staple before Paradise City, Jungle, Sweet Child, and Brownstone even existed. So I don't buy the idea that only "Appetite" is classic Guns. Go buy this thing, tolerate it not being called, Axl Rose's Chinese Democracy, listen to it a few times, and enjoy.
I would recommend this to a friend