Here Today... Gone To Hell!

I work for a radio station in NY. We had a nice sit down early this morning where we were "allowed" to listen all the way through. We've only been allowed to listen to 3 tracks that were set to be played(2 you know what they are the 3rd I can't tell)  It was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I never listened to any of the demos because you will always be disappointed. So for me it was a first for 10 of the 14 (some I heard live in 02). Just somethings that stick in my head. Some good, some not so good. I enjoyed the first 4 songs as much as I have enjoyed music the last 10 years. I rated the songs on a 5 point system.

Chinese Democracy - I love this song. Say what you will about it being one of the weaker tracks but it works for me. Sure it lacks a chorus but so does every song on this album. 4/5
Shacklers Revenge -  first 10 seconds I was like this is gonna be terrible. The rest of the song is KICK ASS. One of my Favs on CD. 4/5
Better - Clearly the best song on CD. Great choice for a single. The melody sticks in your head. I will wear this one out over the next few years 5/5 :beer:
Street Of Dreams - I'm not sure about this one. Part of me likes it but the other gets a bit bored of it after 3 minutes. 3/5
If The World - WOW I can't stand this song. Sure everyone likes porno music but I like mine without singing. 0/5
There Was A Time - Not a bad tune. Once all the instruments kick in it rocks. The first verse is kind of blah. Love the "Lonely Tear Drops" line.  3/5
Cather In The Rye - Well I loved the book so it's fitting that I'd love the song. Just a beautiful song. I smell single here. 5/5
Scraped - Cut out the intro AH-AH shit and it's a kick ass song.  It's got that gritty,dirty feel that I like in my rock. 4/5
Riad N' The Bedouins - Uh....yeah it's just a bad song. Some ideas may sound better in your head. This is one of them. 0/5
Sorry - I like it, don't love it. "I don't want to do it" line is just very odd sounding. Bachs background vocals are very cool. And the solo is beautiful. It may grow on me but man that one line really bothers me. 3/5
I.R.S. - I hate the IRS and this song makes me angry. I may be in the minority here but I really don't like this song and I heard so many good things about it for the last 2 years. Seriously guys it's bad. 1/5
Madagascar - I loved it when I heard it live @ MSG in 02 but some of the magic that I heard live is missing. It's OK not the masterpiece I thought it would be. 3/5
This I love - Sounds like it belongs in CATS not on CD. Not into it one bit. My Grandmother on the other hand may like it. 1/5
Prostitute - Ok after many listens this song fucking rules. It gets better everytime I hear it. Great song. 5/5

Overall not a CLASSIC but a good album. The lack of catchy choruses may turn off some. If you're gonna compare to past GnR albums don't even bother getting it, you will be disappointed. but if your willing to let it stand on it's own you may really enjoy yourself. I'll rate it 3/5.

Better, Cather In The Rye,Scraped, and Shacklers Revenge are worth extra listens after you heard it all the way through.

I don't normally start threads but I was asked to write a review after the amazing listening party in LA, and not to have it buried somewhere, decided to start this topic. Maybe all HTGTH member reviews could be merged in one thread?


Disclaimer: I am not a musician nor a music expert. The following is just my review of the album as a simple listener and a fan.  Feel free to disagree, mock me, attack me, whatever. I don?t care, I?ve waited 15 years for this, I had to write it.


Chinese Democracy is a musical journey. From the amazing title track intro crafted by Caram Costanzo to the beautiful and peaceful Prostitute outro arranged by Marco Beltrami, it takes you through plenty of emotions, intensities, ups and downs that need to be experienced in order and will ultimately leave you breathless.

I had heard people complaining about being confused about the concept behind this album. Maybe lyrically it isn?t that clear. But musically the journey is more than convincing. In order to appreciate the album one should try to not think too much about it while listening. Instead, one should just feel and absorb, enjoy the experience, ?let it take you where it may?.

The first three tracks in my opinion are the strongest rockers on the album and totally grab your attention. The title track punches you in the face, Shackler?s grabs you by the balls, and Better shakes you around and throws you to the ground. After that initial shocker, you just can?t lose focus and want to hear more. Despite the wounds inflicted. And then, just to give you enough to catch up on your breath and heal the bruises, the soulful and familiar Street of Dreams kicks in. If The World follows the part of the trip where the listener enters this sort of laid back and relaxed state in preparation for the next storm. The song sounds a little different from the leaked demo in that the intro is somewhat altered and there are a couple of hooks in the middle that at first may make you think your stereo is breaking down. Worry not ? it?s meant to be like this. Some said this ruined the fluency of the song. But why should there be fluency, why should a song be predictable? Back in the saddle of intensities and emotions, There Was a Time is definitely in my personal top three of this album, and features by far some of the best guitar work ever. The final version guitar solos seem reinforced by a more audible orchestra arrangement playing the background and thus adding to the magnificence of the second half of the song. Catcher is probably the deepest song lyrically. So deep that it may be difficult to grasp fully by a lot of people not aware of the inspirations behind. Yet, the melody is riveting enough to carry the song. The new guitar layers, however, seem to be mixed a little too loud towards the end, where it is difficult to hear Axl?s voice. I heard complaints about Brian May?s solo being butchered by Finck and Bumble. Well, guess what? Either of then could easily play it note to note if they wanted to. But that?s not how it was meant to come out of this song in its final version. Drums have massively improved on this song and the new added outro is killer.

Next is Scraped, a song that to me sounds very experimental and may take me time to get used to. This is a pure speculation on my part but I suspect it is probably the newest song on the album as it seems the farthest from the perfection and complexity steaming from the remaining songs. Lyrically, I guess, it?s meant to be a message to the critics and non-believers and as such could best fit to be on the first of the comeback albums. Keeping the rocking intensity, Riad follows with a riveting new addition to the intro and improved solo in the middle. That to me seems the song that has improved the most from the leaks we heard earlier this year. It also contains the signature Axl voice throughout that isn?t gonna let your ears rest for a second. Sorry is a very very dark and slow song that just lets you cut loose and dive into your darkest mood and marvel at its beauty. I presume this is what is called doom metal. A very pleasant listen, it will be interesting to hear it live. Definitely a strong track, maybe in my top 5. I.R.S. is pretty well known, not many noticeable changes there. A solid intense rocker with a catchy albeit almost cheesy chorus, but truly outstanding rest of verses. Madagascar was the song that got the most ovations from the fans at the listening party. Seems to be widely loved and by now has sort of become a veteran GN?R song for most fans. I read reviews where Axl?s vocals were criticized as sounding like an old man. Well, maybe that?s what the intention was ? to sound beaten, exhausted, old and weak. People need to understand that in these songs Axl is not just a creator but also a presenter. In a way he is acting in his own songs just like actors act in movies trying to depict ideas, situations, or what not. A very epic track with the samples part truly telling a story that people should listen close to.

And if that wasn?t enough, here comes the icing of the cake. The last 2 tracks, reportedly the oldest songs on the album, are probably the heaviest emotionally and most intense Guns songs since Coma. Both are so solid and greatness-promising that I could see how debating over which one to be chosen to close the album may have added to the delays in finishing it. This I Love goes first ? a beautiful and stripped down song, which if you only listen to the piano and orchestra could easily mis-take to be one of Mozart?s or Beethoven?s symphonies from a couple of centuries ago. This is the song where Axl is not afraid to show his vulnerable side more than ever. Kudos for that honesty, sincerity, and openness. It takes a lot of balls to write something like this. It takes even more balls to show it to the public. Especially, when you?ve been having a career thriving mostly on a badass image and attitude. This song almost makes me cry listening to it. I could imagine how hard it would be for Axl to sing it live. Emotionally this is sort of like the Something I Can Never Have for NIN, where Trent oftentimes genuinely starts crying while singing it on stage. Except, This I Love incorporates the timelessness of its music and will thus do much better in the long run. So, what could top this genius?  The answer is, bluntly, a Prostitute. Despite its provocative and maybe dirt throwing title, this is also an exceptionally emotional and beautiful track that has some of the best Axl vocals ever. There are so many things that I would like to say about this track but I just feel overwhelmed. It has this weird effect on me where every time I listen to it, I get so intense that my heartbeat skyrockets. It?s to the point where I realize it may not even be healthy. Maybe because, partly, and sadly, it?s the story of my life too. The peaceful outro kind of fixes me though and makes me calm down at the end. There could not be a better finish for this journey. Once you are done, you definitely need a break, but then you wanna come back like an addict for more and re-live the experience over.

So, this is Chinese Democracy to me. You get pretty much everything with it as well ? you get your Disturbed, Pink Floyd, Queen, grunge, futuristic, Spanish rhythms, what-have-you, and of course vintage Guns N? Roses both AFD and UYI flavors. Is there anyone who didn?t find something that they like in this album?


In summary here is the breakdown of my favorites:

Best vocals: Prostitute
Best lyrics: Catcher
Best piano: This I Love
Best guitars: There Was a Time
Best drumming: Prostitute
Best orchestra: This I Love

On a 10-point scale, if I may:

Chinese Democracy -- 7/10 -- Great opening rocker, albeit a little spoiled when my wife said, "Is that the Beverly Hills 90210 theme?"
Shackler's Revenge -- 5/10 -- First listen I vomited a little in my mouth, and would've given it a 2.  Has a way of growing on you though.
Better  -- 10/10 -- Instant classic.  Gonna make this album sell like stink.
Street of Dreams -- 10/10 -- Instant classic.  Love everything about this song but the somewhat warbly beginning lyrics. 
If the World -- 6/10 -- Kind of song that makes you wanna smoke a joint and watch a sunset.  Sounds out of place and a little cheap though.
There Was A Time -- 10/10 -- Instant classic.  That guitar solo is like an orgasm, and helps make it my favorite track on the album.
Catcher in the Rye -- 7/10 -- Charming melody, interesting lyrics, nice guitars, but overall sort of a boring song.
Scraped -- 4/10 -- Filler song.  OK rocker, but unmemorable.  I'll be hitting the next button on this one regularly.
Riad and the Bedouins -- 3/10 -- Filler song.  This album's equivalent of Perfect Crime, may have to listen again when I'm pissed off.
Sorry -- 10/10 -- I'll let this one surprise you, as it did me.  Very nice.
IRS -- 9/10 -- Great song, just enjoyed the *ahem* 'demo version' a bit more.
Madagascar -- 9/10 -- Critics siting overproduction will point to this track, but its bombastic-ness is what makes it great I think.
This I Love -- 9/10 -- You'll either love or hate this song; I thought it was very moving, a legendary guitar solo away from being November Rain. 
Prostitute -- 7/10 -- Perfect choice to end the album, still more or less a filler pseudoballad but one I feel will improve with further listenings. 

So this one doesn't get deleted?  Those other member reviews were from 'listening parties' as well.  What a joke...

No, they weren't.

"Can't wait to hear the final tracks" doesn't exactly require lots of imagination to figure out what that's about.


If you haven't heard the final album LEGALLY, don't bother posting until you have.




/jarmo

i cba to list all the tracks.

but ill write my general thoughts upon it.
Every track minus Shacklers Revenge is good.

Shacklers is a fucking mess to be frank. Its a horrid song n is a total fail on the album.

Chinese Democracy is probably the most rocking song on the album and id probably say it is my favorite. Other good rock tracks are Better and the groove metal feel track Scraped.

Id say the album works in a few sections, first quarter, rock songs. Middle quarter Axls epic piano ballad time for quite a few tracks, while they are good, it gets tedious listening to soft song after soft song when im listening to a Guns N Roses album. Plus the ballads off Illusions are better anyway.  But the songs are good, Street Of Dreams is probably the best of the ballads, Axls vocals sent shivers down my spine.

The next quarter of the album is more funky feeling, with a touch of alternative. Sorry has a Smashing Pumpkins feel to it at times.

The album personally for me doesnt cut it. If it was not a Guns N Roses album, and was just an album , i think id be able to appreciate it more. But with the name comes a certain expectation, and this album goes against that. Producing mostly soft songs and ballad after ballad. They are good but it gets boring listening to them over n over. If there were more tracks like CD, Better, Scraped and IRS the album would of been alot better in my opinion.

And is it just me, or is the production great but Shacklers Revenge sounds like its off a totally different album production wise?

The album doesnt sound like 15 years of work, it sounds like someone could of done it in 3.

Positives. Guitar solos, fuck there are alot and they are damn good!!!

Negatives. Too many soft songs. Lyrics you cant really relate to, which was a strength with past GNR albums. THE BASS ISNT VERY IMPORTENT ON THE ALBUM!!! As a bass player i was pissed off, GNR used to have a distinct role for the bass and the bass playing was interesting. Now its very background and irrelevant other than on one song, i forget which one, where it has a small bass solo.

funny review...Hey bet you loved every single track on the new acdc album, its ok to use your brain when listening to music. Hard rok forever duuuuuude! Rate the new knickelback for me id be interested.

"Riyadh and the Bedouins
Had a plan and thought they'd win
But I don?t give a fuck bout them
Cause I am crazy"

"Gonna call the President
Gonna call up the Private Eye
Gonna get the I.R.S.
Gonna need the F.B.I"

Yeah I gotta use "MY" brain.
Good music is good music. There is some really good music here but be fair some of it is bad. There or only a handful of albums I've ever heard where everything is killer. AFD, Nevermind, Vulgar Display of Power, Dirt, Master of Puppets, Operation Mindcrime, Let It Bleed. I don't drink the kool-aid. I let every song and cd stand on it's own. I don't fault a band for a new direction but  I won't say it's great either just because of the name of the band. Like I said I never listened to the demo's so I haven't had 2 years to dissect every word or note. sometimes it takes a bit to get the feel of a record. Have you heard it yet? I'm curious to hear your thoughts. BTW AC/DC did make one hell of a hard rock record. But hey what do I know. I assume there will be many opinions regarding this CD and none of them wrong. after all isn't that what music is all about. 

Exactly how can you tell if someone has legally heard the album or not?  ;)

I know you deleted my review because you think I heard the album illegally... C'mon, it was not even a bad one. I actually like lots of the songs...  :)

Are you done whining about that?

You already got an explanation from a moderator, still you go on and on about it.

That's not good enough for you.  ::)



I'm asking people to have some decency and NOT review something they've heard illegally.

I guess it's too much to ask for from some people. That they'd wait until they heard the finished album that they either bought or heard at a listening event/on the radio.






/jarmo

I can't believe fans waited over a decade for this album and can't wait at the very most one more week to review it fairly.

low-quality rips are nothing compared to listening to the CD or Vinyl.

I'd give it a 4/5...and the one point, fair or not, is because that same line really wrankles me.  He sounds like he's putting on a bad Hispanic accent.

And I LOVE the song.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it...I dont' know why, but it's the song that completely stuck in my head at the listening party.

I mentioned, in another thread, there was "at least one song with an "old school" bluesy GnR style solo".  This is the song I was thinking of.  I LOVE the solo.  It doesn't sound like Slash, but it sounds like the type of solo that you would have found on Appetite, or maybe more UYI.  It's REALLY good, IMHO. 

i think one of the later solos in better has an old school tone to it, and similar playing style!

And from someone who heard the finished product:  While some of the leaks are close the finished product, none of them are exactly the same.  All of the "illegal" material has been tweaked and tightened up, and is better mastered,  It all sounds LOADS better, IMHO.  You're not reviewing the albums if you're listening to the previously leaked material...it's almost like night and day, IMHO.

Yeah, I like that one too (if it's the one I'm thinking of).

The one I'm talking about in "Sorry", kicks in just before Axl's lyrics about truth, I think?  Somewhere around there.  Everyone will know it when they hear it.

Now I'm more excited than ever to hear "Sorry" just so I can hear Axl's bizarre vocal everyone keeps talking about.

Is it just me or is this week going by incredibly slow!!!! Sunday, please hurry up and get here!!!!!!

CHINESE DEMOCRACY - 8/10 - much improved rocker with a very intense intro

SHACKLERS REVENGE - 8/10 - cant keep my head still while listening to it

BETTER - 9/10 - love the new "heavier" drums an (Rons?) slide

STREET OF DREAMS - 9/10 - what more can i say about "the blues" other than magIC

IF THE WORLD - 9/10 - i love this song. jus pours with musical talent from the band (plus i love 70s porn too :P)

THERE WAS A TIME - 9/10 - as much "classic" GNR as classic GNR

CATCHER IN THE RYE - 7/10 - never been one of my favs but this versions growing on me

SCRAPED - 9/10 - apart from the wine glass shattering shriek at the beginning this is a song to rock out with ye cock out to. "I am unstoppable"  :yes:

RHIAD N' THE BEDOINS - 7/10 - maybe the albums only filler for me but still a good song

SORRY - 10/10 - pink/floyd meets angry m**********r. guitar solo only angels can Repeat. up there with civil war for me

I.R.S - 8/10 - not everyones fav but i love fortus'es power chord chorus

MADAGASCAR - 9/10 - cant see why poeple dont like the raspy vocals, i do. buckets solo remains superb

THIS I LOVE - 10/10 - deeper than a whores handbag. i can sit back an drift into a world of suspense n pressure but yet come out the other end with a smile on my face. to all you who say it sounds like a disney song, f*****U  ;)

PROSTITUE - 8.5/10 - great song to end with but i still cant get the thought of it sonding exactly like the demo out of my head (MY OWN FAULT ENTIRELY FOR LISTENING TO EM I KNOW)

I'll stick to the 5 star rating system...

1. Chinese Democracy - 3/5: Great opening build on this song that is reminiscent of the opening to 'Welcome to the Jungle'...a perfect opening song not just for the album, but to reintroduce GN'R to the mainstream. The song is hard hitting and features great guitar work, however, it does lack a catchy chorus...something that you don't want your first single in 10 + years to be lacking in. Good rocker...hope it opens up future live shows.

2. Shackler's Revenge - 3/5: If you can get past the horrid intro to this song, you eventually get to some seriously scary lyrics and a chorus that is catchy as it is powerful. Song features some manic guitar soloing that, by this second song in, manages to make you forget all about Slash in this new incarnation of the band. The meat of the song is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is in a catchy chorus that will stick in your head.

3. Better - 4/5: Again, if you can get past the first few seconds of comical falsetto vocals, you get to a solid rocker that sounds very much like 'classic' GN'R. Conjuring up guitar and vocal melodies that remind you of 'Out Ta Get Me' and 'Pretty Tied Up,' this song delivers a biting chorus with venemous overtones. Although it's got some new stylings to it, if you're looking for a rocking song on this album that sounds like the 'old' GN'R...this is the one.

4. Street of Dreams - 4/5: A wonderful, piano led ballad that has everything you want from a great GN'R ballad. This song sounds like the birth-child of 'November Rain' and 'Estranged.' Beautiful lyrics/vocals and great guitar solos feature heavily on this track and (much like 'Better') if you're looking for a 'classic GN'R' sound, here's your ballad. Having said that, I feel this song had the potential of being just a bit better. I say that having heard many versions of this song (both live in 2002 and 2006, as well as some leaked versions). Gone are the siren-like guitar loops in the songs intro...and with them, some of the song's energy. A direct result of too much 'tinkering?' Who cares...still a great GN'R ballad!

5. If the World - 2/5: I commend Axl for spreading his creative wings and experimenting with new sounds and styles, however, not everything is going to workd 100% of the time. This song is a prime example. Sounding like late 70s R&B, this song sounds more like the Bee-Gees meets Isacc Hayes. The vocals are impressive, but so were the vocals on 'Look at your Game Girl.' Definitely the weakest song on the album, but nice to hear something different from Uncle Axl.

6. There Was a Time - 5/5: Intricate. Epic, Beautiful. This song has taken the 'classic GN'R ballad' to the next level and features haunting vocals mixed with layers of guitars and synthesizer effects. The chorus is a bit harsh sounding on first listen, but fits in nicely on second and third ventures. The beautiful guitar solo at the songs mid-point is the only thing even close to sounding like a past ballad staple. What follows is a rich and almost cerebral journey (or possibly a lavish nightmare) through a dilapidated mansion where we sweep through cobwebs in a hurried fashion, stopping only momentarily to glance at the broken picture frames and the faded images beneath...all the while glaring at all the beautiful dark memories that dance throught the halls. Both technically and aritistically...a brilliant song. Tied for best song on the album.

7. Catcher in the Rye - 3/5: Sweet and sweeping tune that sounds a bit underproduced. An obvious homage to the late John Lennon and the horrible events surrounding his murder, this song is simple and mostly to the point. That is, until the song's ending where, although we hear some wonderful melodies, we are engulfed in a sea of over-embelishment. Good song...great vocal bridge...not a classic tune...it's this album's 'Breakdown.'

8. Scraped - 4/5: What's with these intros? Oh...there we go...oh, wow! Song has some balls to it. Scratching and kicking it's way through your head, it serves as a reminder that this album (nor this band, for that matter) is not over with yet. 'Don't even try to stop us now...!' Perhaps they're just getting warmed up. Song builds on lots of vocal layers that culminate altogether in the final chorus in profound glory (much like they do in 'Shackler's Reveng'). A simple tune (if you strip away all the layers) but a wonderful 'guilty pleasure.'

9. Riad & the Bedouins - 3/5: Here's where using a 'throw-back 70s' guitar style works effectively...and finally a stylistic intro that I rather enjoy. Strange lyrics and high pitched vocals are the driving force of this song and the wah-wah guitars have a great hook to them. Song does remind me of something that might be used in the opening credits of 'Starsky & Hutch' or 'CHiPs'...but that's still cool in my book  : ok:

10. Sorry - 5/5: Along with 'There Was a Time,' this is clearly the best song of the album...and the best part is that it is for all the opposite reasons 'TWAT' is also. It's simple...not oversaturated (with exception to the climax at the end) and that chorus!!! Haven't heard anything that gives me goosebumps like that chorus does in, well, almost 15 years. If this song isn't about Rose's bitter 'break-up' with his former band mates (namely Slash) then I feel sorry (no pun intended) for who it has been written about as this is the be all and end all 'f#@k you' anthem of the last 20 years. If you listen to only one track from this album, listen to 'Sorry' (of course if you listen to two, listen to 'There Was a Time' as well).

11. I.R.S. - 4/5: Okay...I'll stop bitching about intros...right after this review. This song is a great, thumping rocker that picks up and reverses the paranoia of 'Out ta Get Me'...but it takes a little while to get going. When it does, it's a hard hitting beast that showcases some of the best vocals of Rose's career thus far. It's easy to get past the silly nature of the chorus' lyrics and shake your fist to this hard rock salute to those that are out ta get ya...or...er...those you're out ta get!

12. Madagascar - 4/5: Funny how some of the most simple songs on this album suddenly add a huge mess of effects and layers (and, in this case, samples) and still note destroy the ultimate sound and vibe that the song strives for. 'Madagascar' is no exception. Sounding more like something off of 'Led Zepplin IV' than 'Appetite for Destruction', This heart-felt, self-inspiring epic is only epic because of the heavy sampling arrangement in the song's middle section. Another example of lyrics that feature Axl's intentions of not going away any time soon... "I won't be told anymore...that I can't find my way back."

13. This I Love - 4/5: In the same way 'Street of Dream' is the offspring of 'November Rain' and 'Estranged'...'This I Love' is the sad helpless orphan left behind from 'Patience' and Nine Inch Nails 'Something I Can Never Have.' The lighters will certainly come out for this one and Axl pours his heart out like never before. The passion behind the vocals and lyrics make this song stand out as one of the great 'heart-break' songs to emerge in the last 10 years. Although it does get a tiny bit over-gooey at points (much like Nazareth's 'Love Hurts'), it succeeds in making you want to spend your grocery money to buy this poor guy a high class hooker for the night to ease his pain.

14. Prostitute - 4/5: Speaking of hookers! No, this song isn't what you think. The title suggests something that might sound like 'Anything Goes' or 'Rocket Queen,' however, the song is not the sleazy, inuendo-laden rock stomp. 'Prostitute,' in this case, is used as a verb as in to prostitute oneself...as in, Axl Rose refuses to prostitute himself by selling out to the pressures of celebrity and the loads of money (instead of art) he could have been making all these years. After listening to this album straight through, this songs sounds more to me like a sequel to 'Sorry.' In any case, this song's strength is an example of what this album does best. By that, I mean, it gives you a little of what you expect, a little of what you don't and heaping portion of satisfaction in the end. As the title track is the perfect opener for this album, 'Prostitute' is the perfect ending...trailing off...forever(?) Although they may think about altering the title to read 'Prostitute: v." on future pressings  :hihi:


All in all, I give the album a 4 out of 5. Solid rock record that brings new ideas to the table with some new flavor while keeping some of the original ingredients.

Top 3 tracks: 'Sorry' - 'There Was a Time' - 'Prostitute'

I agree with most of this. Bump Scraped up to 7/10

I personally think Scraped is one of the best songs on the album.

That's exactly how I felt when I heard the Solo. Very Illusion era. It's a beauty. Buckethead knocked that one out of the park. For those of you that haven't heard it yet YOU WILL BE BLOWN AWAY.

I like the song except for the Ill kick your ass part.

Awful.

And the I don't want to do it part is pretty bad, Axl sounds like a vampire.

Chinese Democracy is better then I ever dreamed it would be. I agree with much that I am reading hear except when it comes to If The World. You people aren't really digging the fuck out of it huh? Damn that is something. Personally, I think its so fucking cool I can't shake it from my head. The middle part is so fucking slick too. Oh well, feel a little sorry for those who aren't getting it. Its like Axl wrote this song just for me. It can't just be because I indulge in the sacred herb. This songs only problem is maybe that it is too cool  :smoking:

And I also disagree with some of the comments about Sorry. "That line" is escaping a lot of people. One day maybe it will click. And there is NOTHING Awful anywhere on CD. Maybe I should kick your ass  : ok: But, Oh my science do I love Chinese Democracy. I feel so lucky to have this album in my life. Cannot thank Axl enough. He did us proud. This music is already such a part of me. Absolutely amazing. It is GN'R's masterpiece.

ok here goes...my quick first official listen review of "Chinese Democracy"...I guess i'll use that 5 star system, but I wont really give too much detail on the songs in case some of you are yet to hear them...i'll be as vague as possible


1. Chinese Democracy-3/5..on its own it is an ok song...but it is a KILLER opening track for the album, great intro, hard riff...perfect to get things going

2. Shackler's Revenge-5/5 might be my favorite song on the album, if not my favorite, it is up there with them.  Great vocals, amazing chorus....

3.Better-5/5  Im with most of you on this one...it is great all around.

4. Street of Dreams 5/5 -great emotion in this song, guitar work is great.

5. If the World-2/5  My least favorite song on the album, its far from bad, but it is not my cup of tea.

6. There was a time-4/5  very unique sounding song, Axl really goes out on a limb on this one, and it works.

7. Catcher in the Rye-5/5  Was not a fan of this song till I heard it at the listening party..it has been perfected.

8. Scraped-3/5  Very solid rocker.  Cool "out of this world" intro.

9. Riad N' the Bedoiuns-5/5  Great rocker, great chorus, great drumbeats, great guitars.

10. Sorry-5/5  Amazing song...heavy on the emotional side..and sounds very different than the rest of the record

11. IRS-4/5  Always been one of my favorite rockers on the album, heard it live several times, this version had a lot more kick to it.

12. Madagascar- 5/5 This is a phenomenal tune...some peopel will complain about the sampling of the voices in the middle..but it is different and most importantly it WORKS.  Loved this song since Rio in 2001

13. This I Love-5/5 Masterpiece.  This belongs right along side November Rain and Estranged.  It is songs like this that remind me why I am such a GNR fan...

14. Prostitute- 5/5 Probably the most different sounding track on the album. I can't even label this track as being hard rock, it is so much more than that...it is really out there...I love it

Overall I give this record a 5/5 it is a knockout..It is up there with "Appetite" and better than any of the "Illusions" by themselves...You would have to take the BEST 14 songs on the "Illusions" to match it up with "Chinese Democracy"...  Every track on there is good and even the ones that arent my cup of tea are still good! This is the first record in a LONG time that is good from the first to last track.  Each song just HITS you one after the another...like a nuclear assault...just an amazing record..after all these years of waiting I feel like the record was worth every second and then some!!  I can't wait till Sunday

Chinese Democracy - 3/5 - Decent opener...at first I hated it and felt disappointed but it did grow on me...still not nearly the best on the album.

Shakler's Revenge - 4/5 - Not a masterpiece...but definitely in a category of its own.  The chorus is pretty grabbing...and Buckethead's guitar is ridiculous as always...I especially like when the chorus kicks in near the end WITH Bucketheads guitar...simply awesome.

Better - 5/5 - One of, if not the best song on the album.  Very catchy.  Lyrically incredible.  The lyrics in this song would have made the song at least decent regardless of everything else put into it.  The badass guitar riff in the middle hits you by surprise...while the Slash-like bluesy solo towards the end soothes every pore in your body. 

Street of Dreams - 4/5 - I have a soft spot for piano (or keyboards)...so this song automatically gains points in that respect.  The lyrics are, again, nothing short of amazing...especially at the end where Axl cries out "What I thought was true before were lies I couldn't see, What I thought was beautiful is only memories."  Simply fantastic...

If the World - 5/5 - I don't understand all the hate on this song.  Sure it sounds different...but that's what the whole album is all about.  According to another review, Buckethead is finger plucking the Santana-like guitar notes that follow the opening...I must say at first it was a little odd to listen to as it really didn't strike me as a "GNR" song...but after a bunch of listens and watching the movie "Body of Lies"...it really grew on me.  Yet another bluesy Slash-like guitar solo towards the end in this one...trade-mark GNR right there...

There Was a Time - 4/5 - Very rarely do I find a song where I don't like the chorus what-so-ever but I love the rest that much more...In another review, they said it best.  This song changes melodies and sound more than a 16 year old girls cell phone ring tone.  The thing is, I love the verses of the song so much...that it's worth listening to even though the chorus is so ill-fitting.

Catcher in the Rye - 5/5 - While I'm still not used to the changes, this has always been one of my favorites regardless.  The whole meaning of the song and the different sound and "blast to the past" type style it represents...actually makes the whole story that much better.

Scraped - 4/5 - Very different.  The intro really grew on me...but it's so different that I still don't really know whether I love it or not haha.  It's catchy and groovy...and it has a certain Appetite feel to it...while also remaining entirely different than anything I've heard in rock n roll in recent memory. 

Rhiad N' the Bedoiuns - 3/5 - This song also has an Appetite feel to it although the transfer into the chorus is a lot like "There Was a Time" where it's not that seemless...it sounds like it was forced.  All in all, not a bad tune.

Sorry - 5/5 - One of my absolute favorites.  Dark, deep, genius.  If this song wasn't on this album and the album came out with only 13 tracks...and somebody asked me what was missing...this is exactly the kind of song I would say.  While everything on the album sounds different...this really takes it to another level.  The chorus really grabs you...

I.R.S. - 2/5 - Probably my least favorite on the album.  His voice sounds like classic Axl and there is a nice sound to it...although some of the lyrics "gonna call the President...gonna call the FBI..." doesn't really hold up to the lyrics in the other songs on this album...

Madagascar - 4/5 - This song would be a 5/5 if it didn't have well over a minute of sound clips from Martin Luther King and Michael J Fox (from Casualties of War) in it.  The sound bites are nice...and they do kind of take you back to the Use Your Illusion songs with them...but when they are this long it kind of takes away from the song...other than that...the song is very good.

This I Love - 5/5 - This song is a masterpiece.  While it may not be as heavily produced as the others...or as it's comparison "November Rain"...but the lyrics and piano go hand in hand as they are both beautiful and the chorus really hits you with emotion just at the right time.  A classic rock ballad for the ages. 

Prostitute - 5/5 - A perfect closing to the album.  Again, the lyrics are simply superb.  The emotion of the song adds to them as well.  The drums seems like they may have been used by Dizzy Reed on the keyboards...but overall a great rock track.  The ending to the song is why it closes out the album...as it fades out with an "outro" of piano (keyboard?)...there really isn't a better ending to a song on the album to fade out to...

So here it Goes. Simply awesome musical jounrey; seems to be enough detail about the songs above so ill keep it short.  Been a fan since im 7 Im 31.  Anybody whos gonna compare this album to AFD dont, you'd be a fool. I like this record simply because axl moved on. Hes not trying to recreate something that was he created something that is.  There really is something for evryone on the album; and whatever leaks you may have heard they were not finished.  AXL & CO thanks for getting it out there i truly believe in its sucess this is in fact GUNS N'  FUCKIN' ROSES

I'm surprised by the negativety surround the opening line in Sorry.  I don't care for it either, but he doesn't repeat it.  Moot point.  Probably why Axl took so long to be satisfied with the finished product since he figured it would be nitpicked with a microscope.

chinese democracy - 10/10 - perfect way to start off the album.  it's like axl saw kurt cobain's teen spirit and raised him a nine inch nails.  is there nothing this band can't do?

shackler's revenge - 9.1/10 - rocks so hard it will bring you to your knees.  i like that axl was able to get lots of song parts and solos into a song that's still pretty short and catchy. 

better - 10/10 - will surely be the number one single of the year.  fans love it, and fans know what makes good music.  i hope they do a big video for this one.  it deserves it.

street of dreams - 10/10 - epic, inspiring and grand.  elton john is probably green with envy over this one.  i really love how he has a symphony playing in the background.  holy shit, this isn't rock -- it's true art!

if the world - 8.9/10 - not a rocker, not a ballad, but something to fuck to.  every album needs a love making song.  i love the mexican american guitars.  it shows that axl's come a long way since he used to hate immigrants.  now he lets them inspire his art!  great stuff.

there was a time - 10/10 - possibly the most epic guns song ever.  it's long and has lots of different parts and it sets the record straight about axl in some ways.  what an amazing chorus too.

catcher in the rye - 10/10 - new guitar solos are amazing.  to me, this song sounds like classic rock but with a few modern touches.  john lennon is probably smiling in heaven.

scraped - 9.2/10 - who'd have ever thought acapella could kick so much ass?  this song also makes me feel good about myself because the lyrics are so inspirational.  it's about believing in youfrself and proving assholes wrong.  and it rocks!

riad - 9.0/10 - the final version blew me away.  i admit, i didn't have much hope when the song was first played live.  but it seriously kicks ten tons of ass in the final version.  i could see this really catching on with fans of afd and the more hard rockin' gnr stuff.  i dont know what its about though.  who cares?

sorry - 10/10 - another epic.  i love how this song has a chorus i can sing along with.  it really says everything i've ever wanted to say to my bitch ex-girlfriend.  ha ha.  i love the floyd sound.  the guitar solo is great.  and i love the comic releif part when axl says 'i don't wan to do it.'

i.r.s. - 10/10 - i expected to hate this song because i hate paying taxes, lol.  but this one rocks as hard as anything i've ever heard.  axl's epic scream is the stuff legends are made of.  i dont know who axl is pissed off at, but they better fucking run because the irs is on the way.

madagascar - 10/10 - probably the defining chinese democracy song.  this one became a classic before the album even came out because they played it live so amazingly.  i love all the sound effects and the simple keyboard progression.  it reminds me of being in church... the church of axl!

this i love - 10.1/10 - this will make you cry.  it is so beautiful.  axl pours his heart out, and there are harps and orchestras to help him get the job done.  it's everything you love about broadway musicals combined with everything you love about axl.  you can share this song with your parents and they'll actually love it!

prostitute - 9.4/10 - best closing album song ever.  its so peaceful.  it is to chinese demoracy what rocket queen was to afd.  you expect teh album to end with a kick in the balls, but instead, axl sings you gently to sleep.  again, great orchestras!

Dude I like ITW But holy shit:

"if the world - 8.9/10 - not a rocker, not a ballad, but something to fuck to.  every album needs a love making song.  i love the mexican american guitars.  it shows that axl's come a long way since he used to hate immigrants.  now he lets them inspire his art!  great stuff."

If that is what you took from One in a Million than dude please, wake the fuck up! You missed that point of that song entirely. I can't believe you just said that? Obviously a new fan who know nothing of GNR history. Study up grasshopper.

I bought Chinese Democracy today in Spain. It has been one of the nicest days in my life.

1. Chinese Democracy: 8/10
2. Shackler's Revenge: 8,5/10
3. Better: 10/10
4. Street of dreams: 10/10
5. If the World: 10/10
6. There was a time: 10/10
7. Catcher in the rye: 8/10
8. Scraped: 9/10
9. Riad N' the Bedouins: 9/10
10. Sorry: 9,5/10
11. I.R.S.: 10/10
12. Madagascar: 10/10
13. This I Love: 10/10
14. Prostitute: 10/10

In my opinion, the top three songs of this album are TWAT, This I love and Prostitute. I haven't recovered yet from the first listening. It's funny that some people think Chinese Democracy isn't tough enough... I feel beaten up. It's such a powerful and terrific album.

I will ABSOLUTLEY cop to nitpicking when pointing out "the line".  The album is so fucking good......6 out of 5 good.  Scary good.  I think that's what make "that line" so jarring to me.  And it doesn't detract (much) from the song as a whole.  I still love it.  It's STILL stuck in my head.  And I agree...it's probably a moot point.  And if Axl will agree to put out another 14 tracks just like them, in a reasonable amount of time, I'd happily let him kick my ass over my nitpicking.  :)

If a broken heart was a sound, that sound would be "This I Love"

This I Love is one of the best ever. WOW, Great way to express that. A broken heart would sound just like that.

On behalf of the state of Norway...

It's a solid album :)

Shacklers Revenge is one of my favorites and the soloing in Scraped is quite good.

I was hoping for more heavy stuff with more electronic elements and some more Axl screams-
-the softer songs on the album sounds great still.

One of the great albums of this year :peace:

I just got back from the Boston listening party... it was awesome to finally hear the album... one song sounded like pink floyd, another like queen, the rest like guns n' f'n roses !  The album is simply great...
I can't give a proper review yet because I need to listen it alone a few times over... so it'll have to wait until Sunday (unless my pre-order arrives Friday)

Vess, that was a truly fantastic review.  It was great to listen to Chinese Democracy with you!

I'll write one up after I get the album on Sunday.  I wouldn't want to miss a single detail.

I'm not a critic, never have been.  My review would be horribly boring cuz I would pretty much peg each song at the top of the scale.

However, I can say that I have been listening to Sorry and This I Love for the last hour or so, over and over and over.  I think because I haven't heard them before and they move me so damn much.  Madagascar would be in there too if I hadn't already heard it before.

When I'm looking for rockers, Better, Scraped and Shackler's would be my tops.  Oh and I absolutly love the Sci-Fi feel of Rhiad.  Too cool.

I keep trying to put the headphones down and give myself a break.  Can't seem to do it :hihi:

Really glad to see your thoughts.  I was waiting for your post, considering how excited you were to receive it.

I kinda felt bad for everyone who DIDN'T get the album today.  :-[ Now that it's streaming on Myspace, I figured I could say something without making a bunch of people feel horrible.

I can't describe how incredible it is to hear NEW GNR music.  An era of anxious waiting is over.  A new era has begun ;D

1-cd-9/10
2-shackler-10/10
3-better-9/10
4-street-10/10
5-if-8/10
6-twat-9/10
7-catcher-8/10
8-scraped-6/10
9-rhiad-10/10
10-sorry-7/10
11-irs-10/10
12-madag-10/10
13-this i love-7/10
14-prostitute-10/10

this is after one listen....im sure after a few more they will be all 10's...theres a lot going on in these songs. drums are ridiculous and pitman is THE man.

Shackler 10, Sorry 7?  Hmmmmmm....   ::)

hey....different strokes
and ok ill give sorry an 8.

This I Love is the greatest Guns N' Roses song of all time. This song needs a fucking award. Imagine this played live with a full symphony backing.

I'm inclined to agree, As I said earlier, to me it's like if a broken heart was a sound, that sound would be TIL.

I prefer Sorry to TIL.....  TIL is a good song though.....

Can't decide on the best song on the album.......comes down to TWAT and Sorry for me

Well I listened to the free streaming from Myspace. I would like to first start off by saying that just because Im a Guns N' Roses fan doesn't mean I can't write a fair review and this is no way a homer statement.  This is probaly by far one of the GREATEST ALBUMS put out in the last 15 years.  The one thing that really stood out for me (besides the excellent guitar work) is the DRUMMING.  Brain and Frank did a tremendous job on the drumming, especially Better, and If The World.  I will be rating each track on a 5 star basis.


Chinese Democracy: The first single and first track off the album.  Love the pounding bass drum in the intro with the opening riff and Axl's scream.  There isn't really a chorus but if your a GnR fan you will like this hard rocker of a track.  ***

Shacklers Revenge: When I first heard it on Rockband 2 I was WOW ! what is this ! then once Axl belts into that familiar voice of his it makes you feel like getting revenge.  The industrial vibe and Bumblefoot's solo and Bucket's playing on the track it is outta this world, along with excellent drumming by Brain.
****

Better: This is the best track on the album hand's down.  The lyrics the melody just give you goose bumps, I really liked the guitar slide with the lower mix of Pittman's robotic parts.  Robin play's a Bluesy solo that is just dead on, I had this playing and everyone in the room liked it. *****

Street Of Dreams: I don't get why people are upset of the title of this song ? I like the add guitar in the intro, it's way better than the live version of 02.  I like the change of lyrics at the end.  The Piano playing and the synth's are incredible its a excellent song that alot of people can relate too. ****

If The World: WOW ! who would of thought Axl had this up his sleeve I didn't ? this is probaly my second favorite track on the album.  The spanish guitar of Bucket really add's the spanish feel to it, along with Frank tearing it up on the drums.  I love the feel and the guitars in this song. ****


Catcher In The Rye: Classic, Classic of a song.  The intro is kind of clustered with guitars but once the track get's going you will fall in love with it.  Brian May not be on it and some people argue that the demo version is better ( COME ON PEOPLE ) I'm glad they added this to the CD. ****


TWAT: It's not one of my favorite song's but I like it ! broken glass cigeratte's writing on the wall.  The Orchestra is amazing, what a great piece of music this is. I would consider it to be a wild card among listeners. ***

Riad N' The Bedouins: This song kicks major ass ! the intro just builds up the song so much and then once it starts it's like a fuck you to anyone in your way. Axl's Vocals really shine on this song I think man... Im speachless this song just kicks major ass that's all I can say. ****

Scraped: Great Rocker ! i'll give it that ! This song will half to grow on me and by the time I play it about 4 times on sunday, I will probaly be a fan of it. **

Sorry: Can anyone say Pink Floyd ? I really like this song ! is it Slash who he is talking about in the lyric's ? I hope so because that Top hat wearing SOB can listen to this song and come out and say I lied. *****

IRS: I remember hearing this live and I wasn't really into it. The Studio version I half to give it prop's Richard, Ron, and Robin really play the shit out of this song and with Axl's Vocals this makes me wanna call the president and wanna get the FBI. ***

Madagascar: I love this song since the first time I heard it at the VMA's 02.  This is a masterpiece with the sample of Martin Luther King, this a song that you can tell really means alot to Axl. ****

This I Love: I know im gonna get alot of shit thrown at me for saying this but... This I love is giving November Rain a run for its money.  What a intimate setting with Axl on the piano spilling his heart out.  First I thought it was just going to be a piano ballad, when that solo kicks in and the drums man I damn near shitted myself. *****

Prositute: Another beautiful song that just really caps off the album's greatness. What would you say if I said I loved you and then walked away, talk about powerful lyrics.  I love the end of the song with the synth's caring the song to its end makes me sad and wonder is this the last Guns N' Roses album ? ****


Overall I give this Album 4 outta 5 stars: my mom was listening to the stream with me and she love's the album ( especially If The World) I think anyone who appreciate's good music will like this album.  For being a Guns N' Roses fan this was worth the wait ! even though its a stream i'll be even more excited to jump in my car sunday head over to Best Buy with a huge grin on my face, BECAUSE I'VE WAITED FOR THIS DAY FOR ALONG LONG TIME !!! LIKE EVERYONE ELSE I HOPE YOUR EXPERIENCE WHILE LISTENING TO THIS CLASSIC RECORD IS A FANTASIC TIME. I WILL REMEMBER SUNDAY THE 23rd OF NOV AS THE DAY MUSIC RETURNED.


Favorite songs: Better, If The World, Sorry, THIS I LOVE.

I can't agree with that comment.  While the song has potential to be great, Robin sounds like he doesn't know where he's going with the solo.  It's almost like he only thinks 2 or 3 notes ahead, his phrasing is very choppy to these ears. 

If the song was just Axl and his piano, it really would be something special.

It's so exciting to actually hear every song on the album in its intended order legally and in CD quality for the first time. :)

1.) Chinese Democracy: A brilliant opening track.  The intro is a great buildup to the chorus part.  I'm so happy they added that in there after hearing the live versions from 2002.  Overall, 4/5

2.) Shacklers Revenge: I'll be honest, I didn't really like this song that much the first time I heard it.  Not because it was bad, but because its just not the type of music i normally listen to, at all.  However, it's grown on me and i've always liked the chorus a lot, the melody and the backing vocals are fucking amazing.  4/5

3.) Better: This song is going to be a huge radio hit, i think.  Such a catchy melody.  The solos by Robin and Bucket/Bumble (i dunno, which, haha) are great, and the bridge is killer.  5/5

4.) Street of Dreams: I think i like the new song name better than "The Blues." I like the distorted guitars in the intro that weren't there in the previous demo and the live shows in 06/07.  Still the great song we've been hearing since 2001.  4.5/5

5.) If the World: This song is very experimental, even for this.  It's not something you'd expect to hear on a Guns N Roses album, let alone a rock album, haha.  Axl's vocals are great though and I love how the song becomes isolated to one speaker and slowly comes back to both in the middle.  3.5/5

6.) There Was A Time: The "Lonely teardrops..." line is probably my favorite lyric on the album.  However, I don't really like the new version of the chorus, it seems to heavy or something (unless i'm just imagining it being different before or something).  Still a great song though.  4/5.

7.) Catcher In The Rye: I really miss Brian May :( But this song is still great.  Great chord progression, piano playing, guitar playing all around.  4.5/5

8.) Scraped: I think this might be my least favorite so far.  Still an okay song though, but it feels like it could be better. 3/5

9.) Sorry: Just epic.  I don't get the whole doom metal thing though, haha.  The solo and chorus are great. 4.5/5

10.) Riad & The Bedouins: I like this a lot more than the live version, it sounds a lot better here. 4/5

11.) IRS: Not much more to say about this track that hasn't already been said, awesome vocals, awesome solos (seems like i've been saying that a lot in these reviews haha) 4/5

12.) Madagascar: Another song we've had for a long ass time.  Great song.  4.5/5

13.) This I Love: Holy shit.  The piano, the vocals, the solo...so emotional, so...perfect. 5/5

14.) Prostitute: I really like this song a lot.  I want to focus my complete attention to listening to this album, so i'm just going to give my rating and be done with it. :)  Nice closer.  5/5.

Here is my full review, expanded from the one I posted on Rolling Stone


After years of studio time, polishing, and behind the scenes drama that outsiders will never fully comprehend, Axl Rose has resurrected Guns N' Roses and delivered his magnum opus.  Even if the sound and the musical style has evolved, make no mistake about it, this is a Guns N' Roses album in spirit, a group of musicians from different backgrounds with different influences coming together to make a great melting pot of a hard rock album.

Rose was smart enough to realize that they could never make another Appetite For Destruction, not even if the original lineup was still together.   That record was a snapshot of a place they were in at that particular time, a place that they would never return to.  

From the moment the minute long ambient opening of the album, it is clear that this isn't your 42 year old brother who still wears leather pants out to the bar's Guns N' Roses.  From the outset, with the title track's minute long ambient opening leading up to the crunchy, fist pumping riff, it's clear that this is something more ambitious.  At heart this is a straight forward rock song, is filled with a multitude of guitar fills and overdubs, vocal layers, keyboards, and oh yes, two guitar solos back to back, the latter punctuated by Buckethead's trademark beeping and shredding.  In other words, even the simplest songs on the album are chock full of layers and nuances that require multiple listenings to pick up.  But while Chinese Democracy is an example of a simple song that's been beefed up, the second single off the album is proof that Axl was intent that no good ideas would be left on the cutting room floor.

Better, while clearly falling under the hard rock umbrella, is impossible to pigeonhole into one category.  In this sense, it is possibly the definitive song of the album and Axl's vision of where Guns N' Roses needed to go.  An instantly recognizable and infectious processed guitar intro with falsetto vocals soon gives way to a thumping power chord riff with a surprising groove that is topped by vocals and melodies that could never be mistaken for anyone but Axl Rose.  A shred solo courtesy of Buckethead gives way to a heavy metal section, which gives way to a solo and final verse that are vintage Guns N' Roses.  A hook heavy, radio friendly rocker that manages to combined a number of musical styles and ideas into one coherent, awesome track that sounds entirely distinct and original.  This is the type of song that will make people go "oh, so that's why the album took so long to complete."

After three pulsing, hard rocking songs to begin the album, Better gives way to Street of Dreams, as Dizzy Reed kicks things off with a classical sounding piano intro that morphs into an instrumental that sounds reminiscent of a 70's Elton John song, if it were topped with heavy guitars and bluesy licks (courtesy of Ron Thal).  Meanwhile, Axl shows why he is quite simply the best rock singer of his era; nobody else sounds so completely at home on both brutal hard rock tracks and a sweet sounding piano ballads.  Robin Finck provides a wonderfully fitting guitar solo, which is followed by Axl wailing about a moment of clarity following a broken relationship:  "What I thought was true before were lies I couldn't see / What I thought was beautiful was only memories," leading into a soaring Buckethead outro solo as Axl belts out high notes that few male singers could reach.  

If The World is perhaps the most surprising song on the album, as a mysterious Spanish guitar lick segues into a funky groove that could have been the theme song to a 70's flick starring Fred Williamson or, as many others have pointed out, a James Bond movie.  The simplest and most straightforward song on the album in terms of lyrics, Axl belts out vocals that will silence anyone who doubts that he still has it, before giving way to arguably the highlight track of Chinese Democracy.

There Was A Time is the type of song that mainstream rock has been lacking for many years.  Everything including the kitchen sink is thrown in here.  A choral intro breaks into verses backed by orchestration (both real and courtesy of a Mellotron), wailing guitars, thick and heavy distorted guitars during the chorus, and featuring some of the most personal lyrics on the album:  "If there's something I can make of this, anything at all / It'd be the devil hates a loser and you thought you had it all.....if I could go back in time, to the place in my soul, there all alone / Lonely tear drops, ooh, are calling you / But I don't wanna know it now, cuz knowing you, it won't change a damn thing / But there was a time......"  The following 4 minutes slowly builds to a crescendo, as a mournful solo accompanies subdued vocals:  "Yeah there was a time, didn't wanna know it all, didn't wanna know it all and I don't wanna know it now."  A more uptempo solo accompanied by amazingly powerful screams of "I would do anything for you, there was a time!," which leads into another solo, a minute and a half soaring monster courtesy of Buckethead that is not only the best solo on the album, but one of the best on any hard rock song in recent memory.  

Catcher In The Rye is perhaps the most subdued, restrained song on the album, as a poppy, upbeat musical soundscape stands in stark contrast to the lyrics, as Axl ruminates on themes from the novel and the murder of John Lennon, whose killer was obsessed with the book.  Rather than offering up a preachy anti-violence vibe or sugary tribute to Lennon, Axl offers up cryptic lyrics that could be interpreted in a number of different ways, but seem heavily focused on the concepts of being an outcast, the trappings of celebrity, and the loss of innocence of society as a whole.  

Given the downbeat tone of most of the album, Scraped is a welcome addition.  "Don't you try and stop us now - I just refuse / Don't you try and stop us now - I just won't let you," Axl growls in during the infectious chorus.  The verses are exercises in defiance, "Sometimes I feel like my life's a catastrophe," Axl opines, before coming to the conclusion that "I am unconquerable."  Riad N' The Bedouins is another crowd pleasing rocker, as an amazing intro riff leads into a full on assault of funky basslines, thick sonic soundscapes bursting with powerful guitars, banshee wails, and an off the wall Ron Thal solo, straight from outerspace.

While the overall tone of the lyrical content of this album is reflective, largely rooted in broken relationships and wayward dreams, there are times throughout the course of this album that Axl still displays some of the venomous, nihilistic lyricism he did during the old days.  However, he has matured as a songwriter. Nowhere is this more clear than in Sorry, a scathing "fuck you" of a song. In the past, Rose probably would have been tempted to display these types of emotions in a brutal, aggressive song. Here, he makes his words that much more potent, presenting them in a deliberately paced musical environment that is Pink Floyd-esque during the verses but contains on assault of ominous, heavy guitars during the unforgettable chorus, with a gorgeous guitar solo included for good measure.

However, that's not to say there aren't throwbacks.  IRS is an old school GnR rocker in the vein of You Could Be Mine.  Angry, vindictive lyrics discussing an old girlfriend are backed by a wall of massive sounding guitars, relenting only for several acoustic breakdowns, punctuated by an absolutely blistering solo backed by slamming drums and rhythm guitars. 

On This I Love, Axl channels his hero Freddie Mercury, creating a musical piece that (minus the guitar solo) sounds as though it could have been composed 200 years ago, with a classical sounding piano track backed by a tasteful string section.  The lyrics read like a very simple love poem, and cynics will undoubtedly take pot shots and call it cheesy, but the vocals are too genuine and the music too beautiful to be denied. 

Closing the show is the grandiose Prostitute, which starts off like a pop friendly ballad, then climbs to the heights you expect for the show closer on an album like this.  "What would say if I told you that I'm to blame? / And what would you do if I had to deny your name? / Where would you go if I told you I loved you and then walked away?," Axl asks, speaking of a relationship that has been damaged beyond repair, to the point where apologies and regrets have become pointless.  One has to wonder if he's speaking of a romantic relationship, or a certain former band member.  Nonetheless, the album closes with a statement that rings true:  Axl refused to compromise himself or his vision to cater to the demands of the public, the press, the record label, and anyone else.  "Ask yourself / Why I would choose, to prostitute, myself / To live with fortune and shame / When you should have turned to the hearts of the ones that you would not save / I told you when I found you, all this amounts to, is love that you crippled for fortune and fame," as the song makes way for one last Buckethead solo before fading off into a sunset of strings. 

From top to bottom this is the type of ambitious, over the top mainstream rock album that has become all but extinct in the modern era. The style and sound of GnR is still present in many ways, but Axl embraces the bombastic, unapologetic extravagance of 70's era Queen, combining other influences as wide ranging as Isaac Hayes to White Zombie, with some of the most intensely personal lyrical content he has ever written.  The sheer audacity of including songs as drastically different Shackler's Revenge, If The World, Riad N' The Bedouins and This I Love on the same album deserves respect.  Pulling it off and making it into an effort that is somehow coherent and brilliant is almost unbelievable.  Is the album perfect or flawless?  Nope.  But I think it's safe to say there has never been any singular album quite like Chinese Democracy.  It's a wild ride, and some will say that it's a mess in certain ways, but if it is a mess, it's a beautiful and unique one.  And anyone who writes it off because Slash isn't there or because it took a long time to make is depriving themselves of one of the greatest rock albums in the past decade just for the sake of being petty or doing what they view as cool, and frankly it's their loss.

I just have heard CD on myspace and I really happy because this album full all my expectation. I have listened only one time and I can?t choose my favorite or make a complete review. I can only say that SORRY impress me, is a wonderful song. I hope tomorrow at midnight I have the album on my hands.

Just to follow up on this after additional listenings, I've got to bump all those 3's, 4's, 5's, and 7's up a point (If The World stays where it is).  The nuance in this album is just stunning, impossible to capture with just a couple of plays.  More like a symphony really.

my review (note:influenced only by mayspace stream):

Chinese Democracy album 10/10


v. ..

Overall I'm very impressed with the album. It has some key parts where it really soars and envitably some which are rather low in prominance. Allow me to break it down...

Chinese Democracy

Starts the album with a crushing blow, I love the new intro they incorporated a few demos ago with the sirens and other sound extracts and overall it makes the song much more climatic when the recognizable first riffs kick in. I think it was a fitting choice as the lead single as well. 8/10

Shackler's Revenge

Most fans have mixed reviews about this, usually they tend to hate it from my experience. I like the track and found it very industrial sounding, which was what was intended. The mixing is overall not the greatest but it pulls out to be the downfall of this for most fans. I still enjoy the track and Axl's familiar vocals. 7/10

Better

One of the best songs to emerge from post 1994 GN'R in my eyes and ears. It has a great, catchy hook and lyrics are written simplistically but also retain deep thought. I enjoyed this track ever since it first leake din 2006 and it still is a top on my list. 9/10

Street Of Dreams

I never much cared for this song even when it had the previous moniker as The Blues. It has the potential of being a great song but to me it still falls short of that level. The lyrics are thoughtful but the mix between the guitars and piano bring away the depth of what is supposed to be represented in the songs lyrics to me. I would've prefered it without the added guitar layers. 6/10

If The World

One of my favorite tracks on Chinese Democracy. Pitman soars with his bass playing here - I love the groove and funk feel that the ing riffs and bass add to the sound of the initial spanish guiatar petrformance (God bless uckethead). Overall, I love this track and would like to see nothing more then endless love for it from other fellow fans. 9/10

There Was A Time

Over produced, Over produced, Over produced! These words scream in your head from the endless guitar work on this track but it still has a raw edge to it. It's been a favorite of mine ever since the initial leaked demo. I really enjoy the solos in this track as along with the deep cut lyrics of Rose reflecting on past endeavors. This track should be shown to new GN'R listeners. 10/10

Catcher In the Rye

Another track I always favored, it had well written lyrics as well as a catchy hook when "when all is said and done" is sang. I like the productiona nd layering of this song. Nothing hits me more than the oh, no, no, no right around the 2:00 mark. I absolutely love that. 8/10

Scraped

I don't particularly care for opening vocal hamornizing but once it kicks in the true message of the song comes into effect - "no one can stop up now, I just refuse.." it's a great rock track and has good chanc eof beign a single. Nothing much more to say on the matter. 7/10

Riad N' the Bedouins

The added intro of static and other omnious sounds draws the effect of the opening ahh's in with much more power to me. The lyrics are also very poorly written (in my opinion of course) but it still pulls out to be a great ass kicking song. Great tune, glad they included it on the album unlike its fellow live only performed brother, Silkworms, which i also ahd hoped would make the album. 7/10

Sorry

Well, well, here we are...one of the centerpieces of the album. It delivers with over the top sounds and lyrics. The work by Bucket on this track is awe inspiriging. The inclusing of Sebastian bach is vague which is good, as I believe if his voice was more notticeable it would throw the balance off the track. I'll go out ona limb and say I hear presence of Pink Floyd vibes in this song. Instant classic. 10/10

I.R.S.

I never cared for this track and I still don't but it does tell the story of Chinese Democracy well. It serves as a breaker in between two epic songs, those being Sorry and Madagascar, which is what is needed. I don't like the song but I still won't deteriorate the score I believe its worth. 8/10

Madagascar

Epic, just as it was played live many many years ago. I have always loved this song. It has the best definiteion of the new Guns sound out of any other song besides Better. The lyrics themselves are touchign and the added film and MLK Jr. speech extracts are also powerful. Instant classic. 10/10

This I Love

Heartfelt, genuine, and touching - this track has all the makings of the next November Rain. It hits home with easily entertaining lyrics but they go so much deeper than that if read. The track itself is also one of Axl's oldest songs for this album, dating back to even 1993. This song is amazing but I'm sure most here agree with me. It may be very well written but I still much prefer the ballads from the band's heyday. 9/10

Prostitute

To be honest, this song doesn't really interest me as much as the others. The hype building up to this song just falls short of expectations upon listening (well it did for me). I won't deny that it doesn't have potential of being a great track in the eyes and ears of other fans but I just don't see how well it would be pulled off live, even if it does get to that stage. 8/10

Undoubtedly one of 2008's best and most anticipated albums comes out just when it is needed - in times of chart failures (Nickelback sucks) and other mediocre bands.

I give the album a 9/10 total.

:)

mmm ...well.... i was out a long time !!!   ;D

I THINK THIS ALBUM , REMIND ME LIKE AN ALBUM  LIKE THAT 7O`S EPIC RECORDS !!!!

just like LED ZEPPELIN , QUEEN , THE WHO , SUPERTRAMP, THE BEATLES.....



WOA !!!!!!!!!!!


14 year `s  worth to wait !!!!

Chinese Democracy
Great song, great intro, great way to introduce the album. I think the rhythm guitar is what really sells the groove of the song. I've read alot about the "chorus that never happens" in this song and I really don't understand that. The chorus in this song is as catchy as anything I've heard qualify as a chorus in ages. The guitar solos are awesome. They do the same thing the song does; prepare you for what else you're going to hear. The outro in the song is awesome as well. The vocal layering is just too cool.
5/5

Shackler's Revenge
I like the mixing on this track as well as the solo, that's about all I can say. I don't like the lyrics. Other then the "no one is stopping you..." bridge, nothing is really catchy on this song for me. Based on the bridge, mixing and solo I can only award it a point or two.
1.5/5

Better
This is the best song Guns N' Roses has ever recorded in my opinion. This has everything you come to GN'R for; catchy melody, incredible vocals, great lyrics, awesome groove & guitar work. The drumming near the end of the song is what I was hoping for based on the live versions from late 06 and 07. A masterpiece.
5/5

Street Of Dreams
Love the introduction. Besides the guitar, the strings worked in slightly below it add to the sound. The vocals on this are incredible. A great mix of everything Axl does right. As far as lyrics go, this song contains some of my favorite ever. "As long as this road seems, I know it's called the street of dreams" and "What this means to me is more than I know you believe" both hit home for me. Robin's solo is awesome and exactly what this song needs.
5/5

If The World
The first real shocker of the album. By that I mean it's the first track to go somewhere you never thought GN'R would. I like how the intro sounds like a skip but it's not. It's actually the underlying groove to the whole song. Takes getting used to but again the groove grabs you. Axl's vocals in the verses are much stronger then the chorus, same for the lyrics. More great guitar work both in what you expect and don't (the flamenco work is sooo cool).
4/5

There Was A Time
I'm not sure how I feel about the intro on this song. I'm not sure it's necessary but I don't know how else one would jump right into the lyrics if it weren't there. I love how aggressive the song song is overall. It begins as if it's going to be a ballad but then the first chorus puts a stop to that. More great vocals from Axl, this time the chorus matches the verses. The outro vocals (both Axl and backrounds) are awesome. They match the grandiose guitar work underneath. Is the guitar work in this song the best on the album? It just might be.
5/5

Catcher In The Rye
Something about this song won't allow me to love it just yet. Maybe I need to dig into the lyrics further. From a couple listens it just seems as if it's rambling out. The melodies, guitar and groove are good enough they all just seem to be rambling. High point is "you decide..." bridge and guitar solo.
2/5

Scraped
Here's more of what you expect from GN'R. This song snuck up on me. At first I wasn't all that impressed but found myself humming it a few hours later. When I went back to check it out again I found out why I was humming it; there's a ton of stuff I missed. Here's another song where the intro hints at the rest of the song and keeps making an appearance throughout, cool idea. The solo on this is yet another great one, although weak at the end of it. The way Axl comes back in vocally deserves to have a bigger finish to the solo.
4/5

Riad N' The Bedouins
Here's another one with an intro I'm not sure about. In a word; unnecessary. The song could easily just kick in with the guitar work and take off. Seems as if the intro bogs it down. When the song does kick it, it's biggest short coming is apparent; the "Ahh Ahh" lyrics. Again they seem unnecessary or at the very least unfinished. The two high points of the song are by far the half time chorus and solo. Those two points are what got stuck in my head and brought me back for repeated listens.
3/5

Sorry
I have very little positive comments about this song. The brooding nature of it is cool but I guess I just don't get the lyrics. It's actually the delivery of the lyrics that I don't get. Example; the "but I don't want to do it" line in the first verse. I don't care who this song might be an attack on, I care more that it could've been more effective. The pre-chorus, chorus and solo stand head and shoulders above the rest of the track.
3/5

IRS
This song takes SO LONG to get going. When it finally does, it really shines but that's not until about a quarter of the way through. The rambling feeling of the lyrics come to mind again. It seems as if the lyrics are bitching just to bitch. Axl Rose has always complained but usually mentions what he intends to do about his problem. This song just seems to be a laundry list of what he might do about what he's not sure he's mad about. The solo, drumming and vocal performance stand out. The band works together to really give this song something to remember with the rocking groove.
3/5

Madagascar
Here's another vocal performance I don't understand. Maybe the worn down sound is intentional? With all the superb vocals found elsewhere on the album, that's all I'm left to assume. This, like "If The World" is one I find most different from what a casual GN'R fan would expect. It's a welcome change though. The sample section in the middle is very inventive and a nice layer over the solo. I could do without all the vocal layers from the middle on. The vocal performance and layering force a lower score for an other wise great song.
3.5/5

This I Love
Here's more I didn't expect from GN'R. This effort knocks is completely out of the park. The lyrics are so direct and sang with such heart that they express more then what's just being sang. What I didn't expect was the fairly basic production. I love how the song could have SO much more going on, but it doesn't. That says alot to me about the message of the song. The solo is incredible for many reasons. The feeling in the vocal performance & lyrics is clearly felt in the solo as well. I love the fact that the song fakes a huge ending only to stop and get back to the heart of the matter
5/5

Prostitute
Interesting intro wasted by so so lyrics, at least in the first verse and chorus. Like "IRS" this song seems to pick up around the second verse and go from there. The multiple personality the song seems to have keeps me thinking about it. This has the potential to grow on me but isn't easy on the ears at first. The outro is a high point of the song for me. I wonder which came first, that outro or the thought that this song would finish the album? Either way it's a perfect end to the record, it gives you time to reflect on everything that just happened in the last 70 minutes or so.
3.5/5

Based solely on the music, this lives up to the Guns N' Roses name as well as what I was hoping/expecting. Marketing, packaging, band lineup, etc are all things I have separate opinions on. But reviewing/giving my opinion only on what hit my ears, I must give the album a solid 4 out of 5.

I would give this 5 of 5 stars, and strongly reccomend it to ANYONE.  This has something for everyone, and nothing for nobody - except maybe Kanye fans.  The pissed off Slash fans can finally get back on the bus, the NR softies will be more than satisfied, and the youth can really go wild.

Don't want to waste space with what I like - because it is almost everything, and there is more than enough gushing going on, but three 'flaws' in my eyes that still bother me on third listen through:

1) Some songs get busy...muddled might be too extreme a word.  Some people can pick a single violin out of a 50 piece orchestra...I cannot, and it makes me focus on Axl's voice, and lose the rest as background noise.  Hopefully this is a clarity/bitrate issue on laptop which will not bother me as much when played off CD in surround sound.
2)  Intro's...some very weak intro's that seemed unneccesary in my book - at no time do they take away from the actual song, however...just a bit annoying - especially on Riad.
3) Sorry, I am assuming Sebastians part - "but I don't want to do it" has some kind of fucked up annunciation in the way he says it...jumps out and hits me every time.

Again - I am not at all finding fault - there is 70 minutes of awesomeness on this CD that I could write about for 70 pages...3 minor flaws are ALL that I could complain about - if I could stop listening long enough to bother.   : ok: : ok: : ok: : ok: : ok:

PS - This I Love, while simple and very familiar sounding, may be Axl's greatest vocal showcase.

the slower songs such as Sorry, Madagascar & This I Love are the best on the album
the other songs are from average to good

scraped and rhiad sucks

No they don't suck far fucking from it. Nothing on Chinese Democracy sucks. It is a goddamn masterpiece and is too good for you.

screw you, scraped rocks!!!

Riad is pretty beasty also

Review also posted at rateyourmusic.com (http://rateyourmusic.com):

"O.K., after all these years, and this is after all just a rock album, I mean, let's not try to make this what is not. Axl worked like hell and released it, so now let's talk about his music, doesn't matter if it took 11 years or 11 days to do it.

The album is pure hard-rock sometimes. The balladas are all there, as one would expect from Axl, and the electronic elements all over it too, but hey, that's why the band broke up in the first place anyway, with Axl wanting the sound of GNR to "progress", and Slash willing to do an old school rock album.

The highlights are the songs that really show Axl's main abilities when writing music. "Better", "Street of Dreams", "Catcher in the Rye" and "Sorry" are songs that don't leave any GNR fan missing the old days.

Songs like "There Was a Time", "Madagascar" and "Shackler's Revenge" are a bit confused, though, with the band doing everything at the same time, but nevertheless good songs.

The only songs that anyone would define as fillers would be "Shackler's Revenge" and "Riad 'n the Bedouins".

The production is high level, and in the end Axl's vocals are different but still absolutely distinctive.

And as I couldn't help myself, I keep thinking about what an album this and It's Five o'Clock Somewhere would have made..."

3.5/5 - nice album!

Hey man! Keept it easy. It was my thought after the first 2 listenings of the album at myspace.
I have now listened for the 9th time or so I guess...and fuck, it keeps on getting better.  :peace:
Some of the songs ARE really really good...potential classicals!!

Axl did a good job  : ok:

Thanks for that!!  8)

Waiting for the first video now.

Other question for those having the CD already: is the inside booklet interesting? (band / member / photo's etc...?)

It's everything the band said it was.  Like Tommy's interview a few years ago, saying it's not just another sex, drugs, and rocknroll album.  And Axl saying its going to be different and maybe not sound like Gn'R or Axl.  However true to Gn'R form and in 2008 it is different and new compared to any music that is being made now

I think you are spot on. I am rooting for this album and hope it does well. I think the songs for the most part are great, but there was something lacking for me and it is the lack of Chorus just like you said. This does not allow a lot of the songs to be catchy like some of the other GNR classics. There is no doubt the best part of this album is Axl's lyrics and his voice hands down. There are some cool guitar solos on a few tracks but very little signature guitar riffs that immediately grab you like a WTTJ, Brownstone, Its So Easy. If anything the piano and keyboards standout the most on this album on more than half the tracks. I think there are just too many ballads. They are great songs but just too many for a GNR album. There is a lack of rockers, especially for a GNR album. I almost feel like they could have done a UYI thing and done two albums to spread out some of the ballads.

Chinese Democracy - This is probably my favorite track on the CD although it lacks a chorus which I would have loved because it may have made it an instant classic. 4/5

Shacklers Revenge -  First time I heard it I was a little annoyed for like the first 10 seconds, but it grows on you and is pretty catchy. Has a cool groove. 4/5

Better - This is a great song and has a lot of potential as a single.  5/5

Street Of Dreams - This song is cool but I agree it gets a little boring after a while. It gives me that Estranged vibe, but not as good. 3/5

If The World - I don't know why but when I heard this song I thought it belonged in a James Bond Film... and yes I know it was in Body of Lies. I like that they actually played some acoustic guitar. Its good but not great just whatever. 3/5

There Was A Time - I really like this song and think it is probably one of the better songs on the album. I could see them doing a video for this one. 5/5

Cather In The Rye - This is another good song finally one with a chorus, but the chorus is ok not great . 3/5

Scraped - I like this song. I had to hear it a couple of times, but it is pretty cool. 4/5

Riad N' The Bedouins - I think they should have left this song out. Better than the leaked version but its just not a very good song, just a filler. 2/5

Sorry - This song has a lot of potential, but I can see as one of those underrated songs or one that just goes unnoticed for whatever reason. I would a video for this one. I also think it is about Slash. 5/5

I.R.S. - I have always liked this song kind of reminds me of Civil War because of the message, and has a catchy chorus which sticks in your head. 5/5

Madagascar - I love this song but I am disappointed by the version on the album. I feel it has a slower tempo and the solo was drowned out. Could have been another NR. Still awesome song. 4/5

This I love - This song you either love or hate. Sounds like something out of a musical or opera. Will either be seen as cheesy or genius. It also feels like a song a high school teenager wrote his girlfriend after being dumped.  3/5

Prostitute- I think this a very good song perfect closer to the album. 5/5

Got the album earlier today....   ;)

And the songs I haven't heard before (Scraped, Sorry and This I Love), is out of this world!!

The sound on the CD is fantastic, can't wait to get the vinyl....

It was an incredible feeling to listen to the songs in such great soundquality!!!

One thing that bothered me, is that there are spelling errors and some words/lines missing from the lyrics in the booklet...

5/5

The album is truly a work of art. Eventually, we cant help but place this album among one of the most epic albums of all time.It is reminiscent of Physical Graffiti by Led Zep. Their 15 song double album was known for the way LedZep reinvented themselves, it epic-ness and creativity, sort of what GnR has done.

GnR certainly reinvented themselves.
The big producation stands out to me and it is amazing especially when you hear it on disc, in true format !!
Madagascar has that Kashmir feel especially at the end during the sound clips and the symphony in the backround.
The first solo in IRS also reminds me of In My Time of Dying, when Page just rips it up.
The bicycle on the CD looks like it fits on Physical Grafitti's cover as well with that old, broken down building.
There is even graffiti on CD's cover.

Maybe I'm stretching abit, maybe these are just coincidences. Although in the past "a Phyical Graffiti sounding type album was what this album" was descibed as, I think by those that heard it at the time.
Make no mistake about it , overall no comparisons are necessary, Chinese Democracy stands alone

Good job GnR Thank you for delivering the goods. This is the first album ever in my possession in which I dont have to hit skip
Enjoy folks !!!!!!!!!!!!!

(PS) I am in no way criticizing this album and suggesting that they were trying to be like  another legendary band (LedZep)
The intention of this post is to spark discussion and praise for GNR.

There's tons of threads for that already floating about.

Brilliant
These songs will never age.

ChiDem- great opener, no chorus? so what great vocal and hard rock sound

IRS-classic axl vocals, Kinda raw- great guitars, great solo and that screammmm !!

Mada- epic epic epic Led Zep feel. big production. This is not your Dad's GNR anymore. Love the hoarse axl gives it a real live vibe. Love the duet at the end of hoarse axl and clean voice axl. clips and sound bytes more relevant today that 10 years ago, at times I like the way the music explodes.

TWAT- EPIC best solo ever. think of hotel calif. and Free bird the solo just keeps getting better and longer
Instant classic Axl screaming/pleading during the solo is classic.

Prost- Fire and Ice like the symphony guy said Beltrami?. Well I got a message for you ........... lyrics are beautiful

If the world- Sexy, Crunchy and raw guitars !!! very different and still very awesome !!! Love the pristine vocals here !!

Better- always makes me smile its got pop,rock, lyrics, ya know all the bells and whistles that axl uses so well, love the 2 solos

Sorry- Classic old school vibe I love it. great sabbathy sound. Love when he holds the word shut and singggggggg and the chorus and guitars kick in, beautiful !!! I love the whistling, the sounds/voices in the backround, sounds really cool.
?Could be about slash. weiland and many other folks as well. Top 3 tunes on the album. this song is for us old timers, I really dig the vibe !!!!

SOD- guitars+piano Love it, love the tempo, again has lyrics that only axl can write. should be a hit for everyone.

CITR- delete the demo this shit rocks. tempo is great all the guitars are great. I like the song beefed up like this. again delete the demo this version rules. Read up on lennon and chapman and the lyrics make more sense.

This I love-  Geez man from the opening sound? synth that cuts out? I love this track it is perfect from beginning to end.
The raw/live feeling solo is great (Thanks Robin) it contrasts with the pristine vocals/piano. LOVE It. I am not embarrsed to admit this is a tear jerker of a tune. If you have ever loved a girl/woman and lost them and still love them and miss them.......... this song will make you cry. That ok that is what axl planned for you.
This song is special. Dont compare it to anything (NR, etc) this song is a different animal altogether.

Shak/Scraped - I have to be honest I didnt let them sink in yet, too bust with the other 11. this album is too huge to digest so quickly

Rhiad - I'm liking/ again the Led Zep vibe I love!!!

There you go

Thanks AXL Thanks GNR
Be proud of all you did and us fans need to be proud as well.

U will get a fair review here. I am gonna review and rate exactly how I believe and feel with as little bias as possible.


I took 5 categories on a scale of 1/10 averaged those out to get the final score out of 10. so if i gave each category 5 "9's", that would be 45 out of 50 which of course would be a 9.0/10




Chinese Democracy: .... Never was a favorite of mine to be honest. I am amazed at how they whipped this into shape. As far as GNR openers go, i rank it below Jungle and Civil War, its sort of a little higher than RNDTH as far as openers.

Lyrics: 9/10
Melodies 7/10
Music 8/10
Guitar solos 9/10
Replay value 8/10
overall: 8.2/10


Shackler's Revenge: Absolutely love this song. It is so mean and wicked. The demons marching from hell are just out of this world. Lyrics are really scary. I mean they literally are freaky and the chorus is catchy as hell. The bridge at the end takes it to another level.

Lyrics 9/10
Melody 9/10
music 8/10
solos 10/10
replay value 9/10
overall  9/10


Better: Poppiest GNR song ever. I loved this song for a while and then I hated it. definitely catchy and one of the most radio friendly songs on the record

Lyrics 8/10
melody 9/10
music 9.5/10
Guitar solos 9.5/10
replay value 8.5/10
overall  8.8/10

Street Of Dreams: I absolutely loved this song at RIR3. I mean right up there with Estranged as my go to song when i was depressed, suicidal or whatever...... 2002 and 2006 I fucking hated it. I thought they stifled all the emotion and greatness out of it. I am so thrilled Axl got it right on CD. WOW, so awesome, emotional and powerful. This song is truly amazing.

Lyrics: 10/10
melody 10/10
music 8.5/10
Guitar Solos/9/10
replay value 9/10
overall: 9.3/10

If The World: song sounds like its been famous already for 30 years. One of the overall best all around songs on the album. This shit is just amazing and timeless.

Lyrics: 10/10
melody 10/10
music 9/10
solos 9/10
replay value 9.5/10
overall: 9.5/10

There Was A Time: This seems to be a cult favorite and everyone's pick to be like the greatest song ever....... I personally have never really got into this song like everyone else. I think it has the worst lyrics on the album, the guitar solos come close but never really take me over the top. At the end when Axl is doing his "I would do anything for you......................... I would love to hear the guitar go up high and play an awesome kick ass melody to elevate that emotion but it stays low and really doesn't do what it could have for me. It also has Axl rhyming all with all like 3 times............. Always felt the chorus was forced over a riff that it didn't really fit over.

Lyrics: 7.5/10
melody  8.5/10
music  8.5/10
solos 8.5/10
replay 8/10
overall 8.2/10

Catcher in the Rye:Not to bitch, but the Brian May solo for me was better, I don't really like the bass fill in the intro as it takes away from the piano.  Song though is hauntingly beautiful. love the lyrics, melodies and messages. I love the guitar guitar licks at the end when Axl is singing "Then the voices went away"
Not a huge fan of the solos as I think they don't really serve the song...... thats the thing sometimes with guitar solos. Its about serving the song, being a song within the song its not a bad solo but I 've been spoiled hearing the May one which is my fault. with Catcher, I feel like the guitar doesn't quite match the mood of the song.

lyrics 9/10
melody 9/10
music 9/10
solos 7/10
replay value: 9/10
overall: 8.6/10


Scraped: what the fuck is up with that intro? HAHA, that will take some getting use to:This is a pretty top notch rocker. I don't love it yet. it may take a few listens to really grow inside of me, so this review is subject to change on this one: closes thing to filler on this CD. Its ok but it really doesn't go anywhere for me right now. Give me a few days, that probably changes.

lyrics 8/10
melody 8/10
music 8/10
solos 7/10
replay 7/10
overall 7.6/10


Sorry: Holy wow fucking shit. What a mood this fucking song has. Not sure I really hear Bach?? Song has kind of a Bob Seger "Turn The Page" vibe...................Lyrics are ok... Axl has way better on here though.
Lyrics 8/10
melody 10/10
music 9/10
solos 9/10
replay 9/10
overall: 9.0/10

Rhiad and The Bedouins: Its ok, kind of like Scraped, nothing I put the CD on especially to listen to. I hear it only when the CD gets to it............. it rocks though, should be a good live song:

lyrics 8/10
melody 8/10
music 8/10
solos 8/10
replay 8/10
overall 8/10


IRS: Never was a really favorite of mine but the final version is way better. Kinda gotta be in the mood for this song though:

Lyrics: 8.5/10
melody 8/10
music 8/10
solos 8/10
replay 8/10
overall 8.1/10


Madagascar: 7 years and I have really n ever gotten tired of this ever. I Think it is just magnificent in every single way:
lyrics: 9/10
melody 9/10
music 8.5/10
solos 7/10
replay 10/10
overall: 8.7/10


This I Love: Fantastic song, one of the greatest songs Axl has ever written by far. Only problem is that bullshit solo by Finck. Its a fucking BEND fest. God damn it dude, play a beautiful sweeping melody. Axl has captured the sound of a broken heart on a cd. one of the most emotional, heartbreaking vocals I've ever heard and u got this guitar dude sounding like he is playing a warmup for a solo...........................I honest to God wish Axl had just made it piano and voice. I want to fast forward the solo and get back to Axl. I am actually shocked that Axl allowed this to be the solo....................


This I Love is a 10/10
solo is 5/10

Im not letting the solo fuck the rating up though

so 10/10

Prostitute:  Great overall song, some of the best lyrics and melodies Axl has came up with........... the song though just seems to lack something............ I wish this would've been an epic changer a La Estranged. The song at times seems like one giant verse......... not a ton of musical variations but the song is great and beautiful


lyrics: 10/10
melodies 10/10
music 9/10
solos 8/10
replay 9.5/10
overall: 9.3

Top 5 songs on the album
1.This I Love
2. If The World
3. Prostitute
4. Street of Dreams
5. Shackler's Revenge/Sorry Tied


Overall the CD grades out to 8.6/10

Of course I got to give Scraped and Sorry more listens and those scores could be elevated.

I must say, Chinese Democracy has more than exceeded my expectations.

Axl proved that he can make an amazing masterpiece album without the old guys. Thats a huge feat and a Huge weight off his back.

Nice review, D.  Very thought out and I liked your rating system.

I disagree with a lot of your points (I love the This I Love solo), but I guess that's the point of music in the first place!  : ok:  :peace:

This is my first vote for the songs.

Chinese Democracy: 7/10
Shackler's Revenge: 7/10
Better: 10/10
Street Of Dreams: 8-9/10
If The World: 9/10
There Was a Time: 10/10
Catcher In The Rye: 8/10
Scraped: 10/10
Riad N' The Bedouins: 7/10
Sorry: 9/10
I.R.S.: 9/10
Madagascar: 9/10
This I Love: 7-8/10
Prostitute: 9/10

I bought today the album an heard it once. I need to hear it more times

Wow what to say about this album?

Too early for me to review it all, but I'm impressed with it. i have so many thoughts on this, like we all do I'm sure.

It's a great cd.

My intial impression,

4 stars out of 5

       OK, I decided to write a review for Chinese Democracy. I was thinking should I do this or not. But I decided I may as well be completely honest in how I feel. And this is tough for me, cause GNR has been such a part of my life , and people relate to things in different ways. So I want to examine this if anyone cares to read on how it affects me.As I know it effects everyone who has been a fan thru all the shit, and probably personal shit, And GNR has been the rock to keep you going.

       The songs:

CHINESE DEMOCRACY

  This track when I first heard it live , was like wtf ? Back in 2001. Wasn't a favorite of mine at all. Yeah I dug the beats and stuff, but remember back then it was just live stuff, in my head I was thinking , god it has to get better. ON the outside I as always pulling for the new band, but Ill be honest to say, Axl I love your voice but what is this that went thru my head. So fast forward its out, and first single off the album. And back then I woulda said , cause I listened to all the demos and leaks, bah this is 2/5 at best. But the song kept evolving in subsequent shows I went to and of course leaks, and I thought, wow this isnt what I first thought. It got me more excited. And the lyrics connect , and this is just personal reflection, but lyrics and hard pounding opening, "It don't really matter", after the build up really got me, now, and in retrospect, I think the times I heard it live I never really listened that much...  its a great opener, love to see it as one in future shows, the guitar work is amazing, , awesome!. This song for me is now 4/5.


 SHACKLER'S REVENGE

  This one is so damn refreshing, catchy, great hook. when I first heard this, I was like oh yeah lets just rock out. Musically I feel as if Axl wanted to have fun, and let the band just rock out, lyrically its ok for me, its a hyperactive fun song, and nothing wrong with that, at all! I connect to the lyrics, "No one is stoping you now from doing what you want to do!" And its inspiring for sure. What I feel it lacks most is its what it is, a song that was used on a video game , and outside from some good lyrics, its nothing special, but damn me if I would ever turn i off on a radio . this one I give 3.5/5.

  BETTER

  To go to a more personal level here, this is one song that really hit me first I heard, live leak wathaveyou, and its complete frutation is more than I coulda dreamed, And now its a single, Ive no doubt it will do exceedingly well. Between all the members, the awesome breakdown, the lyrics, ron, finck, richard, goin at it. Its ..um I don't want to say classic GNR,but in ways it is, cause personally I've been on this journey for 20 yrs, and every step supported , but this song, lyrically grabbed me, and its infectious groove took me away. this for me is 5/5


  STREET OF DREAMS

  One of the most beautiful songs that I have heard and went thru so many transitions, I wasn't sure what ti expect in the final version. What I can say for myself, WOW, I love every moment of it, sure some critics may say oh its sappy, yeah my response is go see the band do it live, when axl jumps on the piano before the end, and the fans go nuts, musically this is extension of a lot of ideas from Illusions, and a guy singing, hey, we walked the "Street, of Dreams", All the love didn't save , but what can one do but move and skip to their one beat, no remorse, live life, and sometimes begin to feel apprehension, and over come it, stand tall and say yes I loved you(whoever that was to him , you , me), and let that heartache go. Some brilliant, guitar work ther on this , when it kicks in the back bone drives it, bass and drums, the addition of the orchestration isn t a distraction , imo, but a welcome unbrella in the rain. THis is for me a 5/5

 

 IF THE WORLD

People may flame me but Rocket Queen wasn't my fave from AFD, took me to Illusions to really get into it, cal me gay(its no secret), but this tune to me is sexy, has that undertone of 70's porn, to me, Axl vocals are spot on, and the groove makes me think, yeah this is something I could fuck to. Being honest here. this is one song that really went under the radar, and IM glad , cause simplistic lyrics, that have amazing musicality around it. , this 4/5 for me.


THERE WAS A TIME

 Tremendous tune, This tune hit a lot of chord in me, made me think a lot of the times Ive, said this to my self, "I would do anything for you", only to get fucked, and then think I don't want to know it now. There is is a subtle, hint of longing , yet the overwhelming feeling I get (of course this is all speculative and everyone hears things different), is that no mater what just gotta push on. Musically this is the music I love to write, I love the orchestration, the intensity, how ever part falls into place, and the audacity of Axl to say it out loud, "there was a time but I don't want to know it now!" This is def a 5/5 for me.


CATCHER IN THE RYE

    There was a time when I thought, a lot abut suicide, or perhaps dreamt of eliminating people that hurt me, in a sense this is what I get, from this tune. As beautiful as it is musically its dark at the core, but light shines. And the story told is to me (aside from the obvious BOOK),  its reflective, and , I think about all the pains I had, and all the tings that felt wrong, and then I remember someone, who I really cared about and they aren't there anymore, and sometimes I think could I've done anything to prevent it, but I know I couldn't. People either love or hate this track, me its 4/5


SCRAPED

   Another awesome rocker, "Don't Even Try to stop us now!" Now how fitting is that, this tune gets me pumped , I go back again to all the heartaches , and shit, and listen to this, And its infectious not to believe, that you can move on , that you can be strong, .The band is tight. Definitely a tune I could listen to repeatedly. Its short and to the point. I may have likd a lil more to i, but I kinda like how its like a roller coaster, that pushes to to full throttle and ends abrupt. I do feel though over time that this one will be one that I may skip , cause personally I rode to many roller coasters in life, the kick in the ass is yet to come. Perhaps different things motivate me than that of others, this is 3/5 for me.


 SORRY

I'll start by saying it upfront 5/5 no doubt. I read many people comments on this, But from first listen , I fel in love with this song, yes the floydish sound, But on a personal level this tune really motivates me, makes me feel that as much as you try to help, people will shit on you, and you cant let that get you down. The doom metal thing, well its almost that, but what it is (again my own interpretation), is  an honest fuck you to anyone who ever tells anyone u cant. I don't know if its about Slash , I don't know if about anyone , I know its some thing I relate to, and thats all I need to know. Music is in the ears of the beholder. But damn I agree, this probably one of the best GNR tunes written. I used to feel bad  for myself years ago  when I had people in my life who decided they didn't want to hang around anymore,  or they died, and etc, but this tune actually put it in perspective for me, Im not sorry for me, Im sorry for the others, Ive moved on.  SO yeah 5/5 for this no doubt.!!


 RIAD N' THE BEDOUINS


 This one I heard in 2001m live version, and probably imo the most improved of leaks looking at it musically. And its cool , I cant grab anything to hang on to with it. I love the lines"all my salvation and all my frustrations:" but to me it just a rocker, to mindlessly sing back the lyrics,don't flame me I'm being honest, .love the track to just rock out to. 2.5/5  May grow, love the musicality, a lot.

ok Ill edit and ad the rest tomorrow , Im worn out and tired, and the best is yet to come!

I've posted this review at various other message boards, which is why it starts with what looks to be a disclaimer... due to character limitations, I shall post it in two parts..

First things first? yes, W. Axl Rose is one of the most controversial artists in the world.  Opinion is extremely divided about the man, his ambitions, his motivations and his actions.  Yes, Guns N? Roses had one of the strongest line-ups in rock and roll history for sheer talent, and the idea of Axl carrying on long after the departure of Slash, Duff and Izzy is blasphemy.  Yes, Chinese Democracy has been a work-in-progress for so long that it?s become a joke both inside and outside of the music industry.  Yes, all of this probably means that most people had already formed an opinion of this record long before they?d even heard a note.
So my advice to everybody is this ? listen with an open mind.  It may be difficult but forget what you think of W. Axl Rose.  Forget your preconceptions about who is and who isn?t in the band.  And certainly forget about the long, long wait.  Forget all of these things, and enter this album as if this is the debut album from a band you?d never heard of until now.

Right, now that?s settled.  Guns N? Roses of 2008 seem to work a lot like Queens Of The Stone Age.  W. Axl Rose plays the role of Josh Homme, a man with has a clear vision inside his head who collaborates with a huge number of musicians, and producers in order to achieve that sound.  This is a band in which everyone involved contributes and works together, and Axl?s insistence on giving credit to all involved attests to that.  But it?s a band where nothing is ever set in stone.  Whilst this approach often takes away from the band?s ? and specifically Axl?s ? credibility, it also means that it is a band that is able to explore a huge range of styles that other bands wouldn?t be able to (or wouldn?t want to).  Joining Axl on Chinese Democracy are keyboard player Dizzy Reed - who joined the band in 1990, Axl?s Indiana school pal and guitarist Paul Tobias ? who left the bands touring line-up in 2002 but appears to have remained as an in-studio contributor, former (and current) Nine Inch Nails guitarist Robin Finck, former Replacements bass-player Tommy Stinson, Lusk mastermind and Tool-collaborator Chris Pitman ? who provides synths and programming, as well as plenty of additional instrumentation, avante-garde eccentric genius shred guitarist Buckethead ? who left the band in 2004, but whose presence is felt through most of the record, former Primus drummer Brain, guitarist Richard Fortus, versatile guitarist Ron Thal ? also known as Bumblefoot, and drummer Frank Ferrer.  And that?s not even mentioning the numerous contributions from producers, additional instrumentalists, movie score writers and busiest drummer in the world Josh Freese who co-wrote the title track, and is contributed with drum arrangements on a number of tracks.  Who knows what configuration the band is going to be in once they set off on tour in 2009 with the recent departure of Robin Finck from the roster.

Opening with a collage of ominous synthesisers, over a gentle guitar part that eventually transforms into a huge, face-burning riff, Chinese Democracy gets off to an incredibly energetic start.  Inspired by the movie Kundun, the albums title track is a venomous attack on the policy?s of the Chinese government.  It?s a little repetitive, but its aggressive baritone vocal, and incredible licks and solos from Buckethead and Robin Finck detract from this fact enough to give the album an opener it deserves.  Its outro is almost guaranteed to leave you grinning as you shout out ?When your Great Wall rots, blame yourself!? at the top of your lungs.
Unfortunately, that track is followed up by Shackler?s Revenge, which is one of the weakest tracks on the album.  Originally planned to be part of the score that Buckethead was writing for a movie that was since cancelled, this it has drawn many comparisons to White Zombie stylistically.  It would be one of the weaker White Zombie songs if it was.  What was presumably meant as an anthemic singalong chorus falls short, and Ron Thal?s solo is one of the worst on the record.  It?s not a bad song, and on its own it can be quite enjoyable.  But it?s not going to make many people?s favourites list.  Perhaps one of the reasons it seems so messy is the sheer amount of people who get a songwriting credit ? six in total.
Next comes a song written by Robin Finck, called Better.  This is the first true taste of exactly what this band are capable of, starting with Axl in falsetto range, developing into a mid-paced rock song with nu-metalesque riffs, before going off into a million different directions.  The first few times you hear it, you will probably be exhausted by its sudden shifts which culminate in one of the albums heaviest and greatest moments, before reverting back to its original mid-pace, this time accompanied by a blues-rock guitar solo.  It may turn some people off, but to me it?s one of the most stand-out songs in years.
After the shock to the system that the first three tracks may have been, Street Of Dreams will be greeted with either relief or horror, depending on your preference.  Written by Tommy Stinson and Dizzy Reed, it is a classic, Elton John-like, piano-led ballad complete with orchestral arrangement.  Axl?s vocals alternate between his low and high range, the guitar solos by Robin Finck and Buckethead offer a healthy dose of nostalgia, and for the first time on the record we get a good listen to the wonderful bass-playing skills of Tommy Stinson.  If released as a single, it will be a radio hit.
Chris Pitman?s If The World is one of those songs that will divide opinion fairly evenly.  Programmed drums form the foundation for a 70?s style funk bassline ? provided by Pitman instead of Stinson ? and guitar that alternates between delicately finger-picked Spanish style lead, and nu-metal power chord strumming.  The result is a strange, and incredibly interesting song that may take a few listens before it really sinks in how well it was put together.  Love or hate it, though, we can rejoice as the lyrics form the first positive love song that Axl has written since a certain 1988 chart-topper.

Next up is the Paul Tobias and Dizzy Reed-penned There Was A Time.  The instrumentation on this track takes pretension to all-new heights.  Not content with six guitarists (including Axl himself), this track is accompanied by choirs, mellotron, a full orchestra, and horns.  This is probably the first track on the album to give an idea of the sheer scope of Axl?s vision, and it?s more grandiose than anything that has been released since Queen?s Made In Heaven.  There Was A Time is a true wonder to behold.  Some people will say that it?s over-produced, but in my opinion, this is the kind of song that demands a huge production, and it?s actually quite refreshing to think that songs like this are still being written somewhere? the three-minute guitar solo outro is simply out of this world.
Compared to what came before, Catcher In The Rye is actually quite a disappointment.  It has the same grandiose production, and it?s aspirations to be a Queen song are certainly admirable, but for whatever reason, it falls short.  This is another one that on its own would be enjoyable to listen to, but as part of the album it feels like filler.
The beginning of Scraped has me holding my ears, and taking personal offence at how horrible it is.  It is an extremely badly-judged attempt at Axl harmonizing with himself to no music, but the notes he?s singing simply don?t sound right together, and it sounds like a mess.  Fortunately, this only lasts for a few seconds, before one of the albums heaviest rockers kicks in with Axl once again alternating between his low and high registers ? it actually sounds like a duet between the two different sides of his personality.  At 3-minutes, it?s one of the few songs on the album that grabs you straight away and doesn?t let go until the end.  Oddly, for such an angry-sounding track, its message is a positive one? ?No one can make you do what they want to.  You know you?re stronger than the lies that they tell you?.  It?s almost like Axl?s saying ?you?d better believe in yourself, or else!?
I was incredibly disappointed that the next track ? Riad N? The Bedouins ? was written by Tommy Stinson.  Tommy is one of my favourite songwriters, and this song is really not indicative of his talent at all.  It is another White Zombie-type song in the same vain as Shackler?s Revenge, and though it does a much better job of it than the previous song, it?s another song that would sound good on its own, but not in an album.
Sorry marks the beginning of a trio of songs that appear to be ?fuck you?s? to various people who doubted Axl, or this band in general.  In this case, the targets could be posters on internet forums who think they know it all, or some former friends.  The song itself begins as a slow-paced, acoustic track, slowly building in intensity until the full-on electric guitar assault of the chorus, with an anthemic, singalong chorus that?s bound to be a hit at live shows.  One of the album?s highlights ? despite the dubious inclusion of the World?s Most Annoying Man, Sebastian Bach providing backing vocals.
The next of the  ?fuck you? trilogy, is the rocker, I.R.S.  Similar in style to Better (though without the identity crisis), this song has already had people moshing at live performances, and is an absolute belter.  The moment when Axl sings, ?It?s such a crime, you know it?s true? that seamlessly segues into Buckethead?s absolutely awesome guitar solo should send chills running through people?s spines.  Although, given Axl?s reputation, I have to question the wisdom of releasing a song that is apparently about suing people.
?I won?t be told any more, that I?ve been brought down in this storm?, Axl sings to his critics in Chris Pitman?s Madagascar.  This song has been a favourite of mine since its first performance at Rock in Rio 2001, and it?s stayed that way ever since.  The synthesisers and programmed drums that are prevalent throughout are inventive enough, but when it gets to the guitar solo, there is a sense of hugeness that I?ve always found spectacular.  Taking in samples from movies such as Braveheart, Seven, Mississippi Burning, Cool Hand Luke, and Casualties Of War as well as two speeches by Martin Luther King, both the guitar and samples building in intensity until the climax of ?Free at last!  Free at last!  Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!?, providing one of the most emotional moments on the record.
Written in 1993, This I Love is the only song on the album that Axl gets sole songwriting credit for.  Similar to some of Axl?s previous tracks, this was written after the breakdown of his relationship with Stephanie Seymour.  Once again the orchestra is present, and this time there?s even a harp.  The result sounds almost like classical music, with Axl once again switching between voices.  Probably has some of the sweetest lyrics on the entire album along with If The World, and a Robin Finck solo that tugs on heartstrings as much as guitar strings (yes, I know that?s cheesy).
The final song, Prostitute, is another slow-paced, piano track that slowly builds up into an intense rock masterpiece.  Axl appears to be singing to us all about his refusal to sell out, with such lines as ?why would they ask me to please those that laugh in my face??, and ?ask yourself why I would choose to prostitute myself to live with fortune and shame?.  The song ends with a fast-paced guitar solo before the synth/orchestral outro brings the song back down again, allowing you to get your breath back.  A very fitting end to the album.

Overall?  Apart from a couple of minor mis-steps, the record is a triumph.  It won?t go down in history as the greatest of all time, but in the current climate this is a massive breath of fresh air.  No one sounds like this... it?s a unique combination of ideas both old and new that most wouldn?t even try, and many of those who did would fail.  Whatever the reaction from the critics and the public, I believe this is an accomplishment that deserves recognition for all involved.

Chinese Democracy ? 9/10
Shackler?s Revenge ? 4/10
Better ? 9/10
Street Of Dreams ? 9/10
If The World ? 8/10
There Was A Time ? 10/10
Catcher In The Rye ? 6/10
Scraped ? 8/10
Riad N? The Bedouins ? 5/10
Sorry ? 10/10
I.R.S. ? 9/10
Madagascar ? 9/10
This I Love ? 10/10
Prostitute ? 10/10

Overall ? 8/10

I'm just going to use a basic 1-10 scale and then give an average at the end...

1. CD - 7/10

2. Shackler's - 9/10

3. Better 9/10

4. Street of Dreams 7/10

5. If the World 8/10

6. TWAT - 9/10

7. Catcher 8.5/10

8. Scraped - 7.5/10

9. Riad - 6.5/10

10. Sorry - 8.5/10

11. IRS - 8/10

12. Madagascar - 8/10

13. This I Love - 9.5/10

14. Prostitute - 9/10

AVG. for this review - 8.2

In college an 82% would be a B or B-... Without using the actual average of numbers, I would probably rate this album an A-.

My review for the entire album?  OK, well, here goes...

I would give it a 7.5 out of 10 overall.  7.5/10 on my scale is not bad, considering I rarely rate any discs 10/10.  Appetite for Destruction would be an example of a 10/10 for reference.  I gave Contraband a 6/10.

Reasons for the score from me are:

1) Axl's voice has lost a lot of range and power.  Let's face it, he's older now.  It's a shame, but his best days are behind him.  Some songs, his vocals sound great (Streets of Dreams, Sorry, Madagascar), then others are a real let down and could be helped greatly by vintage Axl (If the World, TWAT, IRS).

2) Musicianship from the band on this album is top notch.  They picked Axl up, when the vocals weren't stellar and the lyrics were a little cliche.

3) Lyrically, the disc leaves you wanting something a little more.  Some songs feel unresolved.

4) I just have a problem with the whole Chinese concept to this album.  It works for the first song, but why dedicate the entire album to this cause?  I would have preferred a more enveloping theme after all this time.

5) The album clearly reflects years of work and the craftsmanship/effort is definitely evident on EVERY song.

So, some good points, some not so good... I give it a 7.5 out of 10.  It's not going to take the music world by storm, but it's a nice stocking stuffer for Guns fans old and new.

One thing maybe ALL here will agree on..... the more you listen to the disc, the more it grows on you.  I think the musical compositions are quite complex and this is why.  My opinion gets a little better every time I listen to it again. 

 :beer:

Nicely done D.  Your review is one that I am interested in.   I'd also love it if years old members came back and reviewed.  Guys like 55555, SLC Punk, that grumpy fuck Dizzy, Misfit, GitFuckedUp, that crazy kid Justin from Michigan....he used so many names I can't remember one.....acutally I just did, "The Great One", was one of them.

Where's jarmo's review?  Come on jarmo ?!?!?!?!!!

My review -

Chinese Democracy: good rock song, i would love the riff intro to be louder in the mix than it is on the album. i like the solo, it kicks ass! a great track to kick off the album, powerful and aggressive. Still dont agree with it being the first single, it should have been better. 3.5/5

Shacklers Revenge: very average overall, although i do like axls voice in this! its a little boring and not up to the high standard of song that people would expect to be on this record im afraid. i dont dislike it, i just think its a little average for this record. 2/5

Better: great vocal, great lyrics, great chorus, great verses, great solo, great song. Hope they make a video for this and push it in terms of radio play etc....4/5

The blues / Sod: a brilliant song, emotional, powerful lyrics. Ive always liked this bad boy and so has everyone ive ever introduced to it. it would do well on the radio or as a video. 4/5

If The World: Different, catchy, i have to admit i like this although i dont want to, if you no what i mean lol! Not the best song but not as bad as some people make out - its a little experimental if you ask me. solo is cool and the chorus is very catchy - boring after a number of listens though! 3/5

There Was a Time: A belting beast of a song. A real power epic motherfucker! great lyrics and awesome guitar work here to rival any song. I like the heavier nature of the song / thicker sounding guitars in the final mix work well. 4/5

Catcher in the rye: I loved the demo and was most looking forward to hearing this in album form - at first i was pissed off, it seemed to have become a mess of music, too much goin on, no need for it, i still feel this to some extent but it has grown on me and i do love it, its a great song, even the final album version is great. awesome outro, great lyrics! i imagine itl be the song that grows on people the most from the album. 4/5

Scraped: great little rocker, axls voice is fantastic and the lyrics so strong, suprisingly catchy, good solo, good little song overall! nicley placed after the two epics of twat and catcher. 3.5/5

Riad: better than the demo, still not the best and perhaps another song that is average and should have been left off the album. again, i dont dislike it, but i would expect an overall higher standard than this track on this record. the intro is cool, the new solo is better than the original and more in keeping with the song. 2.5/5

Sorry: really like this! theres some hard feeling in this one! excellent lyrics and verses, chorus is powerful, solo is ok - overall i enjoy this on every listen. Axls voice is great. 4/5

Irs: finished version sounds class! love the drums and guitars. a good song overall! it is a bit random, the irs???? maybe its just another orgainsation axls had run ins with and truly hates lol! (questionalble whether or not this song fits on this album?) 3.5/5

Maddy: a good song. to be honest, i used to love this, but now its a little drawn out and dull. theres something extra i want it to do just to make me believe its a great song but it never really does it. i love the arrangment and the mlk speeches etc....3.5/5

This I love: Excellent, i love this song. it has the power and emotion of nr and estranged but does it without taking 9 minutes to achieve it! all aspects are great - lyrics, axls voice, solo is awesome!,arrangemnt etc etc... all great. well done axl, this is as good as and better than most other songs you have ever written.  5/5

Prostitute: Class tune, love the highs and lows, fire and ice etc.... like the guitar additions on the final version, a perfect closer on an album. one of the best tracks on the cd. He still does not say prostitute at the end! lol! 5/5


OVERALL: 8/10 for the album - 4/5 stars from me.  Over the years i have often thought, if this album is just average ill be happy, as there was so much expectation etc.... however, i really like and believe over half the tracks on the album are truely brilliant. I am more than happy with the end result of CD. It is a really good album overall. It is the most diverse album ive ever listened to. Axl is so talented as are the many musicians who have workd on this. Well done to you all. 
No one can create the best album ever if they go out to intentionally do it:  however axl has created an extremely good one showing off why he is a legend in music.

Best song - This i Love

Top quality songs:

- This I love
- Prostitute
- Street of Dreams
- Better
- There was a time
- Sorry
- Catcher (after a number of listens this is a great song)

Good Songs:

- IRS
- Scraped
- If the world
- Chinese Democracy
- maddy

Average:

- Shacklers Revenge
- Riad

I have to tweak some of my reviews:

Scraped has really grown on me. So Id definitely redo that one:

Scraped: what the fuck is up with that intro? HAHA, that will take some getting use to:This is a pretty top notch rocker. I don't love it yet. it may take a few listens to really grow inside of me, so this review is subject to change on this one: closes thing to filler on this CD. Its ok but it really doesn't go anywhere for me right now. Give me a few days, that probably changes.

lyrics 8/10
melody 8/10
music 8/10
solos 7/10
replay 7/10
overall 7.6/10


Revised Review:

I now love it. I like the intro as it really builds to the music coming in. Definitely a throw back to Axl's Punk roots.

lyrics 8/10
melody 8/10
music 8/10
solos 8/10
replay 8/10
overall 8/10


so multiple listens has pushed it up to an 8



Sorry: Holy wow fucking shit. What a mood this fucking song has. Not sure I really hear Bach?? Song has kind of a Bob Seger "Turn The Page" vibe...................Lyrics are ok... Axl has way better on here though.
Lyrics 8/10
melody 10/10
music 9/10
solos 9/10
replay 9/10
overall: 9.0/10

Tweak my ratings now: I love this song, the more i listen the more I connect.

Lyrics 9/10
melody 10/10
music 9/10
solos 9.5/10
replay 10/10
overall: 9.5/10



This I Love:
I kind of shitted on the solo a little too harshly. I've been listening with headphones and really concentrating on the solo and I've done a complete 180 on it. Thanks to all the other reviewers who made me give it another chance to hear what you hear and everything was spot on.

Solo is great for the song, does move u.

This I Love is definitely a 10/10 and as someone said in another thread, I pray they release this as a single and not SOD.


overall I give CD 9/10

My Favorite 5 songs:
1.This I Love
2. Sorry
3.Madagascar
4.If The World
5. Prostitute


Madagascar got hurt in my ratings a bit due to lack of a lot of guitar solo. I need to adjust its rating though cause it has always been one of my favorites.

Its definitely a 9.5/10 on my scale.

The guitars on this LP are phenomenal.  I just wish they were mixed in better at some points.  The intro to Street of Dreams for instance and also, the mixing could have been a lot better on TWAT.  When you listen to Death Magnetic, Rubin was obviously highlighting Hammett's guitar.  You have to do the same with guys like Bucket and Thal.  These guys are virtuosos.  Don't leave them in the dark for a synthesizer is all I am saying...

Man, there's a few songs on this record that grows the hell on you (on me anyway)..

I.R.S. has gone from being 'just another hardrock song', to one of the grooviest song on the record for me. When you get well into the song, you just can't avoid starting to headbang and feel the rythm. It's great!

Scraped is another one. Wasn't quite sure about this one at first, but oh man this is really a great tune.

What strikes me when listening to the record, there's really no filler songs here. I've tried to rank the songs in the dedicated thread while listening to the record, but for me it's impossible. For every time I go through the playlist, depending on the mood etc., the opinion differs... As I said, impossible.

By the way Jarmo, can't wait to hear your review. ;)

Another Change

Sorry is now a 10/10 on all fronts

A really, really really great album. Really everyhting I had hoped for.

Here is my chinese democracy review. Let me say first that to me this is a pretty good album. However in my review I will try to be as fair and harsh as I can be (much more interesting than continuously praising the album). Some general thoughts first?

This is a truly ambitious record, Axl did aim for the stars and mostly succeeded. The majority of the songs are great - I think most gnr fans will agree with that.

Lyrically the album is really uneven; it has some great moments (like CITR) along with some not so great ones (like Sorry, If the world). I think Axl should have worked more on some of the lyrics. Don?t get me wrong, most of the lyrics on CD are fine but taking into account the lyrical genious Axl is I have to say I am a little disappointed.
 
Production wise the album is also really uneven. On some songs (If the World, Madagascar for example) the production is superb, on other songs (TWAT, Catcher) the production is relatively mediocre. What really seems mind boggling to me is the production of the drums. While the drums on some songs sound truly great, on some other songs (like TWAT) they sound so ?flat? and ?stale?, without any depth at all.

Musical wise it is clear that some of the most talented musicians on the planet have contributed to this project. The drums are really exceptional (although the production sucks on some songs). Tommy does a fine job on the bass, same with dizzy and chris on the keyboars. Guitar wise, and I know I am an exception, robin steals the show. The outro solo in better, the solo in the blues and in twat are the best on the album. I know everyone goes crazy about bucket?s TWAT solo but it is just an extension of Robin?s excellent solo.

With regard to vocals, Axl fucking delivers. His vocals are superb (as expected).

Ok, let?s break it down now:

Chinese Democracy: great album opener, great- straight forward rock song. Good solos by both Robin and Bucket. Ron?s riffs and Frank?s drums add a lot to the song. 8/10

Shackler?s Revenge: really catchy but mediocre song. Filler IMO. 5/10

Better: Best rocker on CD, along with Scraped. At first one can be confused cause the song changes so many directions, but it is a really good song. Love Robin?s blues solo and the whole outro. 8.5/10

Street of dreams: First of all, the name is so corny, to me this song will always be the Blues (SOD sounds too much like a Bon Jovi song). Great song, love the added guitar in the intro. Great solo by Robin, great outro. I wish Axl would sing the melodies in the end the way he sang them in RAR or in RIR, but I guess that would be too much too ask. 9/10

If the world: great song, it has really improved vastly from the demo version. Great production, really mediocre lyrics. 9/10

TWAT: epic song, one of the best on CD. The ?don?t wanna know it nowwww? line after Robin?s solo is one of the best vocal melodies on CD, haunting me since the first time I listened to the song. The only disappointing thing is the production of drums, they sound way too flat and stale which is a shame since the actual drumming is really superb. 10/10

CITR: awesome song, one of the best. By far the best lyrics on CD. Axl?s vocals are fantastic. The only disappointing thing is the outro solo. It is so damn loud that distracts the listener from the last verse, a real shame since it features some of Axl?s best vocals ever. 10/10

Scraped: best rocker on CD along with Better. Love the intro and love the way Axl duets with his 2 voices. The outro has some great drumming, only thing that could be better is the guitar solo which doesn?t go anywhere. 8.5/10

Riad: It has developed vastly since the first time we heard it, but still sounds filler to me. Great drums though. 5/10

Sorry: awesome song, Sabbath meets Pink Floyd. Love the vocals (except for the ?don?t want to do it? line), the lyrics just don?t do it for me. Still 9.5/10

IRS: love the diversity of the song, it is a good song. Axl?s vocals remind me of Robert Plant. Lyrics could be better. 8.5/10

Madagascar: Awesome song, this song made me believe in new gnr when I heard it in RIR. Really awesome song. I adore Axl?s vocals, his voice sounds so beautifully broken. Everything about this song is perfect. 10/10

This I love: great song, love Axl?s vocals. The meloly Axl plays on the piano is so beautiful. The solo could be better but still such a touching song. 9.5/10

Prostitute: Great song, the description ?fire and ice? really fits the song. Awesome drums, great outro, perfect way to wrap up this monster of album. 9.0/10


Overall 8,5/10. As far as GNR albums go, CD sounds to me like the evolution of UYI II, which is amazing.

Must hear: CITR, TWAT, Maddy

Don?t bother: Riad, shackler

Chinese Democracy: 9/10
I have really gotten into this song the more I have listened to it. It has grown so much since it was first preformed live and the reworking of the intro was brilliant. It is an update of WTTJ and the similarity in style is undeniable. Teasing guitar riff and then a trademark Axl scream to kickoff the song and the whole album. I used to loath this song from its leak stages and early live performances but after hearing the final version of the song finally, it truly is an amazing improvement. I do not think it's lyrically as strong as WTTJ but this album is not supposed to just be a re-hash of AFD. There is a great flow in the songs of this album from one song to the next and Chinese Democracy (the song) really gets you going and amped to see how the rest of the album plays out.

Shackler?s Revenge: 8/10 (Possibly higher after I hear it live)
Wow, where to begin with this one. Again, lyrically not stunning but there is a certain reckless abandon with this song that I really love. Nothing like I was expecting to hear on this album. I would have dropped the low voice after the line "I've got a funny feeling and it won't go away," and had Axl just sing that rest of the verse in his more farmiliar high range. I could see that happening when this song is preformed live though and I think the potential of this song live is astronomically high.  It is very easy to just rock out to and you can feel the scream rip through you after the guitar solo. Probably one of the weakest songs on the album but in all honesty I love the cd from the first song to the last so the weak songs are still great to listen to.

Better: 10/10
One of the most unchanged songs from the demos that many of us have heard, reason being that it kicks as much ass now as it did the first time we heard it a few years ago. The few minor changes are for the better (pun intended) and this song just kills it. There is really not much else to say about it, this song is one of the strongest on the album and shows that GN'R is back to remind us all about how good rock music can be today. It raises the bar for all the other bands out there and it will hopefully inspire a new generation of rockers to strive for more than 3-chord guitar parts and angsty lyrics.

Street of dreams: 9.5/10
Of all the songs I heard live, I was worried that this might end up overproduced and too altered to recognize. I am glad to say that I was wrong. The song is really beautifully done and I think the way Axl sings the outro works for the studio version of the song. I still prefer the live version right now, but that's because it seems to just have more magic about it live. A truly amazing song with similarities to UYI Guns.

If the World: 9/10
At first I hated the production for the final version of this song but after a few listens I have come to appreciate the changes for the part of the song where Axl sings ?La, la di da.? The demo just sounds cleaner but I think that is one of the problems with hearing the leaked demos. As you hear them you begin to expect the final version to sound almost identical and you are disappointed when it does not. Truth is this song is fantastic, I can?t stop grooving to it and it really shows the versatility of Guns. It is definintly not what you would expect from them but it works. The guitar work is superb and you can hear just how much Buckethead contributed since the Spanish guitar style sounds so identical to his rendition of Sketches of Spain (For Miles). It has become one of my favorite songs as a whole and it adds a great deal of diversity to the album.

TWAT: 9.5/10
Will end up as one of the all time greatest songs to ever come out from Guns regardless about how people feel about the ?new band.? There Was A Time is a definitive Guns N? Roses song. The only drawback of the final cut is the drums which many people have already pointed out. I do not know what happened there but somehow the drums are much stronger in the demo then the final cut. Still an amazing song though.

CITR:  7.5/10
Perhaps some of the best vocals are on this song but I am still undecided on how I feel about it as a whole. I am not torn to either love it or loath it, it just is. It is a good song but I think that it might be in the wrong spot of the album. It is not strong enough of a song for me to be sandwiched in-between the epic TWAT and the surprise song of the album Scraped.

Scraped: 9.5/10
Holy Hell!  This song was the biggest shock on the album for me and has the same ?**** off? attitude of the likes of Out to Get Me. A great head banging rocker that has an undeniable touch of classic Guns with an updated twist, this song just flat out rocks.

Sorry: 10/10
One of the most personal songs next to This I Love for Axl lyrically. He lashes out and beautifully stands up for the process of making this record and all the hard times and skeptics that haunted him over the past 15 years. The whistling is a phenomenal touch and subtle. My only gripe is that I feel like the guitar at the end is competing with the vocals, one of the two should have been brought down a little on the mixing board. A possible single but more likely will gain a cult status with us fans and could end up being played on radio as DJ?s see fit. Only time will tell. 


Riad and the Bedouins: 7.5/10
Perhaps the most improved song of them all, but still not there. I personally like the song but after hearing Sorry, Rhiad just seems to be lacking. Some excellent guitar work and vocals, but it?s just not lyrically there after being spoiled with Sorry.

IRS: 8/10
One of my favorite guitar solos on the whole album but not one of my favorite songs.  I.R.S. to me speaks about the money put into this record and the pressure to release it but I am not sure if I am right in that assessment. It?s a good song to listen to and I absolutely love how Axl holds such a high note mid-song ?It?s such a crime you know it?s true!?(10 second hold). I.R.S. is a good song, just not a truly great one.


Madagascar: 9/10
For me this song suffers from the same syndrome as the Blues er?Street of Dreams. I think you can?t capture the full majesty of this song on a CD. It is a song best listened to live. I love the interlude with snipits of Martin Luther King?s I have a Dream Speech. Great guitar work, but the vocals are somewhat lacking. I love the echo effect around the 2 minute mark of the song but for some reason it seems like Axl is just forcing the lower range too much when singing the first verse. The song also has that great UYI era Guns feel.


This I love: 10/10
A beautiful song on the level of November Rain, you can feel Axl?s pain in the singing. Possibly the best song on the album, I think given the success of November Rain it?s almost guaranteed this ends up a single. The guitar solo is nice and flows with the piano well. One of the songs I am glad I never heard any demo of because it was such a great surprise when it came on. Another song that will go down as one of the great all time Guns N? Roses songs.

Prostitute: 9/10
Great follow up song and good overall balance for the final song. It brings you full circle with a fairly heavy chorus and ending a la Rocket Queen. Just an overall tight song with good vocals, guitar, and drums and it is lyrically well written. I am nuts about the ending of the song and it leaves you feeling very satisfied with the album. As the final notes are played you realize that this album was truly unique in a sea of mediocre crap that floats on the air waves today. The only question after this song ends is how many times will you end up re-listening to the album in the next 24 hours.

 

MY review.
   There are some works of art that do more than provide entertainment. Some music and films transform us into something that makes us more than what we are. Chinese Democracy is one of those works of art. I cannot find the words to describe how brilliant and epic this music is. It's like seeing the Grand Canyon for the very first time. It takes my breath away.
                                                                                  XOXO Annie.

That's what happens when you give your album 100 face-lifts.  Most of these songs were written well before RIR3.  That would have been the best time to release this album.  God, I love the album, but why the wait and overproduction?  Seems pretty pointless.

Could you be any more negative at such an unbelievably positive time?

I'm making an honest observation.  I love the new album.  Most of the songs are killer.  I understand much of the delays were due to re-finishing the product.  After hearing the product, I'm not convinced 8 years of further production was truly necessary...

Well, it's certainly a good thing you weren't put in charge.

Well I don't really think that all the work has been solely on this record, but to make sure the follow-ups down the line are in place, where there wont be 17 wait. And oh yeah btw, album rocks!

Ahh but you don't get to decide what was necessary or not. Maybe Axl didn't like the way it sounded 8 years ago? Maybe the album as it stands right now is exactly the way he wanted it? Who are we to decide what the finished product should sound like?

I'll have to say, when I started listening to the final version, via Myspace late this week, it took a few listens to get into the songs I had never heard. Sorry is really growing on me, as is This I Love. Neither I feel would make stand out radio singles however. The other 2 I had never heard, If The World and Prostitute, jumped out alittle more. If The World goes against what I dislike about some of the tracks on the album...I love the beats and all that is going on in the songs.

let me break it down

The Bad:
Shacklers Revenge. It sounds forced. I think underneath the unnecesary production there is a decent straight ahead rock song. It just sounds like it was made by a guy with nuthing but "precious time" on his hands. Go ahead an blast me, but this song would maybe be Ok covered by a 2 guitar, 1 bass and drum band via GNR 87-91. I just dont feel the anger and emotion that I should coming through my speakers

The Not So Good:
Catcher In The Rye I never understood the love affair with this song going back to the demo days. Too me its drawn out and kinda boring. I dont get any kind of emotional attachment. That too me is the theme of what makes a great song, especially GNR. The attitude, sorrow, bitterness..whatever the song has. The ability to take you to another place. I dont get it from this song. The reason I dont consider it bad, because it does have decent parts and ideas, but too me, I consider it a filler song.

Riad N' The Beduins Another one, that just coulda been better with a less is more production approach, ala Chinese Democracy. The jumping around just doesnt work in a short song that is ment to be a rocker. Plus I have no clue what the fuck Axl is getting at lyrically here

Verdict is Not In Yet
This I Love I did not get it at first. the more I listen the more I Like. I have a feeling I'll end up consideing this a homerun. I like the emothion, the lyrics, the piano, the solo. At first, it more caught me off guard, just being so different and raw, almost like a recital or something. I sounds like Axl recorded this in a 19th century mansion that was empty, pretty cool

The Good
Street Of Dreams Probably the 3rd or 4th most radio ready of the batch. I like the lyrics and piano. The Elton John bombastics of the hooks is a mild turnoff, but overall, good song, most Illusionish song of the bunch

I.R.S This song seems to always get mixed reviews from fans, and I see its the least played on there myspace player. I liked it from day 1, and it sounds good here on record. it will never be on my GNR GH list, but I like this song

Prostitute I love the "why would I choose to prostitute Myself" this song is one, I'll have to listen to with the lyrics to get even more into it.

The Great
Scraped I really dig this song. A great rocker. I think it seems to be underated from what I have been reading. I have a feeling in a few days, I'll consider it in the upper class of this album

Madagascar I first heard this song on the AOL stream live of RIR. I still remember being thrilled by the intro horns and the speeches in the middle. Over time some of the luster and magic has worn off for me. I think it is a tad overproduced on record here, some of the raw emotions that was displayed in the early days live(with the extra guitar feedback and what not was awesome, as was Buckets solo at Rio) is not captured. But still, it's a great song

If The World Where most of the time on this record, I thought it was overproduced and tinkered with TOO much, here I love it. Love the beats and the lyrics, Axls singing. It all works well together. Very cool idea that gets pulled off




The Home Runs
Chinese Democracy Love the guitars, the feel, the production, the emotion, the vocals...great song

Better The catchiest tune on the album, I have always liked it. I was shocked it was Robins only songwriting credit, maybe Axl shoulda listened to him more often. This should be the biggest radio performer and staple live

There Was A Time My favorite song. I love the middle, with Axl belting out the "There was a time, I would do anything for you" line. It is very powerful. The closest thing to Estranged for me. I like the mixed in beats and keys in the intro, just a perfect tune

Sorry I went from being dissapointed by this song to loving it. I dont think "Doom Metal" would be a good description. Axl sounds great and real here. This song has to be about Slash.

You know overall, its not really Guns N' Roses, but it is good and it's growing on me. There is a great line in Kill Bill 2, where Bud tells Elie that when you compare an Hatori Hanso(spell?) sword, you compare it to every sword that was not made by Hatori Hanso. I think that is what you have to do here. This is an Axl Rose record that you have to compare to other stuff not made by Axl Rose to determine if its good, great, shitty, whatever. Axl is the one that chose to hang the GNR hat on this record, and he just will always have to deal with the comparisons and critisim. I like the record. I dont think it has blown me away by any means. I can see it growing more on me(I wanna listen after a lefty, that always brings out the sounds of a complex record). On all this, on a 5 star scale, I'll say:

3.5/5

I miss more reviews of the album as a whole, we've been reading song for song reviews for weeks now. I want final verdicts!

Some thing for every one !

Nothing better than the journey of listening to an album when you can't stand a long and love it the next.

Great album. Axl is true to the history of the band by pushing it from one extreme to another. All the way from Catcher In The Rye (loving the finished version) to Better to Sorry (which is one of those songs that really grew on me all of a sudden and I appreciate). Scraped takes me back to Axl's vocals in the Crash Diet demo sometimes, and This I Love is just beautiful.

I'm not a huge fan of If The World.

Really great stuff. I will reserve this space for a more fleshed out review, but it is absolutely surreal to be hearing new studio GnR without guilt, without remorse, without fear that it will all blow up and go away.

Thanks to Axl and the band.

Catcher in the Rye is breathtaking. Rhiad is so much better than I ever thought. Even Scraped is a clinger.

Fantastic.

Here's what I posted in my personal blogs... forgive me a lack of copyediting, I did it off the cuff:

I've come to the realization that I like Axl Rose's work for much the same reason that I like Terry Gilliam's work... okay, yes, sometimes they are really aiming for things that they can't really pull off or that... no one can really pull off in one piece of media-art but... goddamn it, they're trying.

They've got the biggest most awesome most ridiculously over-the-top and practically-undoable ideas and they probably fail but, seriously, I'd rather see someone trying to pull this grand perfect vision out of their head and... fucking up to extents where you just can't do it than see someone put out a perfectly polished, tightly constructed piece of schlock.

You know, have the boy get the girl in the end and blah-blah-blah.

You know, rhyme "moon" "June" and "swoon" and get in all the right hooks.

"Brazil"... of course... was gutted by studio editors looking for happy endings and a bit confusing in different parts just because there was kind of no way to get all those ideas out there on the screen... or the images were just kind of too weird or he was just trying to get too many ideas packed into the datastream but... dammit, he was failing in those little moments because he was trying so hard to do everything perfect.

"The Brothers Grimm" crashed and burnt into a lovely interesting muddle of a car crash because there were so many forces in play and, maybe also, because its harder to make big ideas on a big budget these days... but for Christ's sake, I'd watch that picture a thousand times again before you'd get me to see "Titanic" again. Me, just sitting there growing angrier and angrier, thinking how many "Big Chill"s could be made on that budget with only Kate's titties and Leo's eventual horrific death to cheer me up for split seconds, you know.

And the "Fisher King"... the dude just hit it out of the park because of where he was and what the script was and... a situation where the concept of using a real and gritty NYC as the backdrop to the madness, it grounded him ever so slightly, forced him to treat the Big Crazy Ideas as the imaginings of someone insane with grief, framed him into a place where he had to be even more creative because of the constraints.

And maybe Axl's "Fisher King" was "Appetite for Destruction" because... the constraints were on his madness that he was not a big star yet, he couldn't put out a hard rock album that went Freddy Mercury-crazy with strings and synth, they were going to be marketed as a dirty greasy Sunset Strip debauched hard rock band with just a little bit of hair metal and punk mixed in to work the crossover appeal and... if he wanted to get paid, dude couldn't embrace his inner Howard Hughes quite yet. He had to sit down with his band and just do the best bar-band rock they could and throw in a few ballads to get women to buy the record too.

Had to do even better because of the constraints.

Well... Chinese Democracy? Constraints are kind of the completely-fucking-opposite of Chinese Democracy. And you know what?  That constrained him more than anything possibly could... because suddenly laid out before him was all the time and all the money in the world to do whatever the fuck he wanted and... that meant all the time and money in the world to take his perfect vision of what he thought a rock and roll record was out of his head and onto digital files... until he said he was done.

And so, of course, it took seventeen years.

Really, if someone said to you in your chosen field, "here is all the time and money in the world, make something perfect"... and now keep in mind, you're also borderline insane like Axl Rose... of course you take seventeen fucking years.

No one's cutting off the money, your back catalog's still selling and your live and greatest hits albums continue to go platinum... anytime you wanna drop an experimental single, someone'll put it on a big budget soundtrack... and whenever you decide to crawl out of your Malibu mansion, you can say that your guitarist will wear a chicken bucket on his head and there's only a coinflip chance you'll show up and you'll still sell out every show you book in about three hours?

Fuck yeah, you keep trying to keep doing something perfect and sublime.

As long as they won't stop giving you money, they can never really actually say "no".

And now, here we are. The first compact disc I ever bought was Use Your Illusion 2, in the long box and everything, and I was fucking twelve at the time... and now I'm twenty-fucking-nine. "Here we are now", to steal a line from someone who rose and fell in the time between that album and this one, "entertain us".

Cobain died and Biggie died and Tupac died and somehow U2 DIDN'T die and rap-metal rose and fell and pop-punk rose and fell to the point where Green Day's doing prom theme ballads and the girl from No Doubt is the new Madonna somefuckinghow... and Axl was in his bomb shelter the whole time, hanging out with the dudes from Nine Inch Nails and Primus and that guy with the chickenbucket on his head... and Shaq and Moby and Dave Navarro and somebody named "Bumblefoot"... just waiting. Waiting.

My favourite joke, lately, has been saying "we'll elect a black guy president before Chinese Democracy comes out".

And here we are now. Entertain us.

part 2 (per posting length limitations)

And... the good news is? It's a lot more "Brazil" than it is "Brothers Grimm".

It's pretty damn good. Yes, you will have to shut off your inner-cynic because... yes yes, the dude's melodramatic as hell here and there and has a bit of a persecution complex though in his defense these seem to have existed in him long before he was rich and famous to sit around in a mansion with Kleenex boxes on his feet and dwarves in bellhop costumes offering his guests little wooden bowls of cocaine to bend over and snout directly out of...

But he's also got a lot of tricks up his sleeve and the best hired guns (excuse the pun) that seventeen years of unlimited money can buy and, here's a hint, that means he's got some goddamned amazing hired guns on the damn thing. Bumblefuck and Chickenfeet might have suspect self-appelation skills but they can play that fucking git-box, you dig?

You have the feeling, you know, that if this album wasn't by "Guns N Roses" wasn't by "Axl Rose, recluse, borderline-genius, borderline-menace-to-the-public-good" and it just landed somewhere, you'd say... holy God, where did THIS come from? It feels like it comes from the parallel future that Bill and Ted founded... in all the ways good and all the ways bad at once.

It is melodramatic at times, intensely (and intensely entertainingly) paranoid at times... and, yeah, in places, over-stuffed and over-produced. Industrial speed metal AND Moroccan beats AND drum machines AND twinkling pianos AND full orchestral swooshes AND choruses all in the same two minutes of one song.

But, also, at points, it is the pinnacle of a certain kind of song. Where classic hard rock meets opera or, at least, the gorgeous maddening excess of the best progressive rock. Robert Fripp and Slayer sitting down, shaking hands, and agreeing to try and cover the "You Never Give Me Your Money/Golden Slumbers" suite on Abbey Road. Donald Fagen and Trent Reznor banging out a live cover of "Gimme Shelter" with Phil Collins on drums but definitely not singing.

I don't know. I'm trying to come up with a ridiculous enough example of what Axl was trying to do and... I can't. Dude was shooting that high. Dude was shooting for the moon with a laser gun and he was gonna carve Cobra Commander's fucking face into the thing, if he had his way.

Dude was trying to make the best goddamn album in the history of rock and roll music. He... didn't but in little snippets, in certain songs, in certain sections of songs, he's puts himself the arguement. There is some amazing stuff. There is some weird stuff that is fine but doesn't completely make sense. There are places where those waxen wings melt in the sun but you gotta give the dude credit for trying to fly that high.

The title track "Chinese Democracy" along with the next two tracks "Shackler's Revenge" and "Better" are just straight forward thrashing rockers, overflowing with screeching angry majestic paranoia and just raw energy that... just make you feel like a teenager again. That just evoke all that passion and distrust and confusion triumphantly.

It isn't the highest art in the world, of course, to make that kind of song... that just make you want to close your eyes, nod your head and scream along (it isn't singing along, its screaming along, of course, this is GNR after all)... but if it is an art, the dude is still the master of that art.

Suburban dickheads in red frat-boy hats and ironic bandanas and fucking clown masks (for some God-unknown reason) have come and gone, trying to pull this off and... no, sorry, Axl Rose is still the master of this kind of song. You make hate or like or love that sort of song but... he is still the living master of that kind of song.

Because he does it BIGGER than those assholes. He's got a drummer named Brain, guitarists named Bumpershoot and Chickentender and five hundred computers with ProTools on them and he is unafraid to use them. Go ahead, dare him to use Protools on five hundred computers at once. Make his day.

And then the dude swoops in with "Street of Dreams" and... here come the tinkling pianos and the synth strings and the real strings and... well, he's the dude who did "November Rain", remember. Seventeen years later, he is the dude who did "November Rain" and he is not afraid to whip out the November Rain dick, either.

Which leads me to one of the most important points about this album... it's an interesting experiment, not only in leaving someone who is probably a genius about a certain kind of thing and also probably not so much a consciousness as a collection of interlocking neuroses interacting in such complex manner as to imitate a consciousness all the money in the world to make a record but...

It's also an interesting way to see what actually made the old GNR tick.

Stripped away is Slash's desire to be a bluesier heavier shredding-er(?) sleazier Aerosmith.

Gone are Izzy Straddlin's pleasantly mellow Rolling-Stones-at-maximum-ramble melodies.

Excised are Duff's roots in a Seattle punk scene that in the middle Eighties was just starting to put away their New York Dolls LPs and start turning into what would have perfectly-coiffed fake-messy hair slapped on its hair and called "grunge".

And what we're left is... good ol' Axl, the Axl who was forever trying to figure out how to sythesize the best parts of Led  Zepplin and Queen into one thing... except now, twenty years later, he's also trying to figure out how to get Nine Inch Nails into that mix as well.

I mean, in a weird sort of way, he's not just like Terry Gilliam, he's also the equal-and-opposite force to David Bowie... Bowie forever taking what's in the zeitgeist that day and seeing what he finds interesting inside it, Rose forever taking whatever's in the zeitgeist that day, grabbing onto it and trying to bend it in his direct.

David Bowie riding the river wherever it goes. Axl Rose swimming against it so hard that he almost wills it to reverse.

Both ridiculously awesome in their own ways. Anyway.

part 3:

The last four tracks "IRS" "Madagascar" "This I Love" and "Prostitute" follow the same sort of pattern...

"IRS" is loud angry epic paranoid, resplendent in the rage of treatening to not only call the cops on his enemies (real and imagined and somewhere in-btween) but to call EVERY COP IN THE WORLD on them. I mean, sure, you can call the cops on your upstair neighbor for moving furniture at three in the morning but... yeah... it would be rad to call EVERY COP IN THE WORLD. That'd shut 'em up.

"Madagascar" is the song where you really have to turn off your irony-chip, Data, but if you can, you'll have a hell of a time with sober horns and swirling horns and grinding guitars and... clips from "Cool Hand Luke" and "Braveheart" and Martin Luther King... never quite reaching full coherency but evoking all kinds of neat shit and, hey, maybe that's the best we can really ask of commerical art. A barely-restrained messiah complex ("forgive them that tear down my soul and bless them that they might grow old"... awesome? AWESOME!) may not make for the best life partner or drinking buddy but it makes for some great music, at times.

"This I Love"... Axl going for the "if Freddy Mercury was actually singing to a lady" and it mostly works.

"Prostitute" is in some ways the best and most... positive? up-beat?... song on the album and its kind of hard to describe.  "Outside"-era Bowie and "Infinite Sadness"-era Smashing Pumpkins jamming out a single with Brian Eno as the producer? The kind of song where as the crunching solo ends and fades into pianos and strings and digital sprinkles you think...

Well, I'm a sap, here. You think "yes, we can". Because the outro is that fucking hopeful and rad.

But, again, these moments come and go, especially in the middle-half of the album. Strange choices, songs that could kind of be good but don't make any sense on the album with the other songs. You can joygasm at the beauty of the outro to "Prostitute" and then...

In "Sorry" an interesting but inexplicably Pink Floyd-esque number with a nice tune but confusing and overly literal lyrics and singing the words "but I don't want to do it" in a manner that could only be described as Count Chocula singing the first few lines of Tom Petty's "Breakdown". I'm... I'm entirely serious. Track ten about thirty-six seconds in. Imagine Count Chocula singing "I don' care if you love me, I don' care if you don'" and... that's how he sings "but I don't want to do it". The... entire rest of the song is sung in regular softer-mostly-not-falsetto Axl voice and... fucking one-phrase as Count Pettula.

Or "If The World"... a kind of interesting love song with some really nice backing piano and a tight guitar solo that... opens with flamenco guitars and turns into a stripped-down technofunk song for some reason? You nod your head and enjoy it but... why does it go into "from a distant radio" sound for like two lines out of nowhere?

"There Was A Time" and "Catcher In The Rye" come in as solid mid-tempo "Use Your Illusion plus more industrial guitars and string sections" rock numbers, fun as hell, kind of nostalgia pieces, maybe more classic-rocky than the rest...

"Scraped" is musically a crunchy little energetic song, musicially, but the song's lyrics which end up sung as an argument/duet between low-growl Axl and falsetto-Axl and... it kind of loses me. I keep trying to enjoy the song and the Bill And Ted guitar squeals and... I keep getting caught up in the idea that this is a duet between a man's two distinct personae and, like, it's just strange. It's like finding a porno of Tony Clifton fucking Latka Gravas and, like, you're just confused because they're both Andy Kaufman, right? Anyway. This might just be me.
 And then "Riad N' the Bedoins" comes along and I have no idea what in the hell Bedoins is all about.

Bedoins is kind of the one song where all the layers and all the processing and everything all kind of fade into lost cacophony for me. I like the rhyming of "frustration" and "salvation" as much as any melancholy self-loathing overeducated liberal dude but... yeah. Dude's basically singing the verses too fast, not quite a rap and it just rushes past me. Feels more like the background track for a shoot-'em-up video game than a song. Just kind of all over the place, the one song where Axl really loses me, other than some nice nuggets of crazy guitar solo in there.

And that is sort of what "Chinese Democracy" ends up being.

Ten tracks of Axl Rose really sort of... not making the perfect rock record but certainly distilling all of what was both great and completely uncomfortably insane about Guns N Roses, weird little production overthinks and all, and four tracks of interesting misfires. Or, yeah, two-point-nine tracks of interesting misfires along with a verse of Count Pettula in
"Sorry" and all of "Riad N' The Bedoins".

A really great CD to have in your car when you've got a long stretch of the Ventura Highway between you and home, to bang your head a little around Burbank and listen to the beautiful twinkles at the end as you're pulling in for home, feeling just a little more hopeful than when you started... 

That's what rock and roll's supposed to be, isn't it? I don't know, maybe, maybe not. That's what I think it is, though.

Where it failed, it failed for shooting too high, for something that either you can't do with rock and roll or something that you can't do if you're a half-crazy obsessive anyway and... that's something. That makes the flaws interesting. I mean, I own the 4-disc Criterion set of "Brazil", you know.

One of my favourite physical possessions, that Criterion set.

If you're the type of heathen who needs a letter grade, I give it as high a B-plus as you can possibly give without becoming an A-minus. Why not an A?

In the words of that dude from "RENT" and "Dazed and Confused" in the Encyclopedia Britannica commerical:

"Too long. I found so much great information I put it all in. Overkill."

But then again, if he hadn't have tried so hard that he overshot, maybe he wouldn't have gotten that close.

Maybe I'll have to give it another listen.

After the big controversy earlier in the year and whatnot.

Nobody had heard Sorry, Scraped, and TIL, and I remember an interview where it was said that those were the best tracks on the album. Sounds about right, although I'm not a huge Scraped fan myself, it seems to be very popular.  : ok:

I believe it was Bumblefoot.  I loved "Scraped" from the first listen.  "Sorry" is growing on me quickly, and "This I Love" is not far behind.  That's got to be the most emotional song Axl has ever written.

I have not one complaint about this record.  It has exceeded all of my expectations.  Now that I have the cd and have heard it on my home system, I no longer can place Street of Dreams or Madagascar at the bottom of my list.  I'd have to say that Sorry, Scraped, Better & This I love, not necessarily in that order, are my favorites.

I rate this album a perfect 10.  Every song is a 10. 

This cd is the best I have ever heard replacing my previous #1, GNR's debut Appetite For Destruction.  Their debut cd has stood atop my list for over 21 years.  Now it finds its new place at #2 behind Chinese Democracy.

I received my copy of Chinese Democracy in the mail yesterday, one day prior to its official release.  My wife and I had pulled up the carpets in the living room, then cleaned up & refinished the floors.  When I got home last night I had to set up the entertainment center hooking the speaker wires back in and reconnecting my receiver and my DVD palyer.  I had planned to do all of this when I woke up today but, FUCK, this disc arrived and I didn't care if I was up until 3am, I was gonna hear this disc.  Then I put in Chinese Democracy and I turned the volume way way up.  The music had no obstacles in the living room as it was empty with the exception of one chair in the middle of the room. 

Nothing but hardwood floors, 4 walls and one chair.  The sound was beyond amazing.  What's a word that stretches out beyond amazing, beyond fantastic, beyond phenomenal??  How about, "Out of this world"??, how about, "Universally fantastical"??

It was so loud that I went outside into my driveway to see if the neighbors would be disturbed at, get this, half past midnight.  Yep,  worked the night shift, then spent over an hour reconnecting everything.  I went back inside after I determined that the neighbors would be only slightly disturbed.  Not enough to call the cops, I hoped.  Hey we all have parties now and then and it just so happened I was having a party by myself (My wife was out at an opera with friends).

Axl Rose has the combination to unlock the center of my soul.  It became very clear, while listening to Chinese Democracy, what he has been doing the last 15 years. 


The following is a description of Chinese Democracy which I placed on a message board full of writers.  If I wrote a song by song description for this board, it would surely be different.  But this is a review/description for people who would probably walk right by that big beautiful Chinese Democracy stand in the front section of every Best Buy across America.

So, for the "lesser-to-non GN'R fans", I wrote:

Chinese Democracy starts off with the title track, a hard rocker for sure.  It builds slowly with Chinese voices.  It sounds as if the voices were recorded in crowded square outdoors.  Then the opening guitar riff kicks in and their's no turning back.  China has no choice but to democratise. 

Shackler's Revenge comes on in the 2nd spot of the cd and it rocks.  It's hard and fast.  Old GNR fans will love this one.  The mild eared people, maybe not.  But it jams.  It got its debut on the video game Rock Band 2 this past September.

Then, oh my my my, then is......

Better.  Wow, what a catchy rock tune that could be played in dance clubs.  I got up and danced to this one.  I could not help myself.  I wanted to sit there and meditate through this whole cd but I could not do it.  This one's got some funk to it.  WOW!!!

Next is Street of Dreams.  For years, it was known as The Blues.  It starts with piano then slowly builds.  Axl sings his ass off on this one.  This one is for the tamer fans.  A sure sentimental favorite.

If The World is a groovy song which gives you a glimpse of what sent the old members out the door.  "The original members wanted to make Aerosmith records, I wanted to take this band into the 21st Century", Axl once said about the break-up.  This song is unbelievable.  Axl expansion of Guns N' Roses into this century has now officially begun.

There Was a Time has 5 guitars in it, orchestras, choirs, you name it.  This song is a ride through an entire movie soundtrack.  It's big and it's beautiful.

Catcher in the Rye is song whose title matches that of the book Mark David Chapman was carrying when he was arrested for murdering John Lennon.  This is a very harmonious gentle rock song which has a Beatles feel to it.  Absolutely beautiful.

Scraped is a rock n' roll jam that has amazing flavor to it.  Its rather fast paced but it will never leave you behind.  This is the closest they get to classic GNR rock.

Riad N' the Bedouins is a futuristic rock song that, like Scraped, pulls you with it, never leaving you behind but smacking you around about, just slightly, as it drags you across the finish line.  But, you liked the ride.

Perhaps the best song on the disc is Sorry.  It's slow, but it's powerful, so, so powerful. 

I.R.S. is another old-school GNR song with Axl singing' in his late 80's voice from start to finish.  The guitars and the bass are heavy throughout.  An all out guitar assault.  It does slow down at the 2:00 mark for you to catch your breath.  Albeit briefly, so don't unfasten your lap belt thinking the ride is over.  Oh no don't do it.

Madagascar is one your girlfriends are gonna like you macho rocker dudes out there.  This song has speaking clips midway through from several movies: Cool Hand Luke, Braveheart, Seven, Casualties of War, Mississippi Burning, and parts of two Martin Luther King speeches: "I Have A Dream" & "Why Jesus Called Man a Fool".  It's powerful and it shows how deep Axl Rose is.

But, no deeper than the second to last song This I love.  This song almost makes me cry.  Axl sings painfully yet beautifully about a love lost.  A love he proclaims he would travel across the universe to find again.  If you are not a rock n' roll fan, I guarantee, no, I INSIST, you will love this song.  Axl sings deeply, incredibly from the center of his existence over only a piano and an orchestra for the first 2:30.  A gorgeous soft guitar enters the song joining the piano and the orchestra while Axl steps in the background silencing his voice for over two minutes until he rejoins this classic, that they'll be listening to in the 22nd century.  This I Love is, in my opinion, the greatest love song of ALL TIME.

A wonderful ending to this classic cd is Prostitute.  Another song that finds Axl on the opposite side of the valley from the Guns N' Roses everybody is familiar with.

Once one you get a feel of the music, you can get into the lyrics which are painful yet powerful.  Axl Rose gives you the opportunity to crawl deep into his soul.  You may not like what you see,  you may find yourself feeling sorry for him, but not if he has anything to do with it.  He doesn't care what you think.  He may seem mad at the world.  If that's all you see then you will miss that which exists inside him that sees the world like not many others can.  If you look deeper than the hurts and bad relationships he has endured, or caused, you can get a glimpse of his heart.  His heart is open to the entire world.  He feels not only the pain, but the progress.  Not just the wrongs and the rights, but the middle ground of it all.  Axl is telling us that he has the world on his shoulders and as much as it may hurt him, he's not going to drop us.

*****************************************************

Well, that's it, I fucking love this disc.  It is, in my own humble personal opinion, THE GREATEST MUSIC DISC EVER CREATED.

THANK YOU AXL, and thank you Bucket, Robin, Chris, Ron, Dizzy, Brain, Richard, Frank, Paul, & John!

^

Awesome review, I got excited all over again just reading that.

Your reviews are such bullshit.   :hihi:

There should be a 3-year waiting period before you're allowed to have an opinion on anything.   :P

no, the man who killed john Lennon was carrying the book when he was arrested and was generally obsessed with that book.

the novel itself has nothing to do with John Lennon or his murderer

Being an admitted skeptic and cynic for the better part of the last 10+ years or-I officially eat my words :yes:
this album is soo much better than I thought and I must say i love this album!!!

This isn't really a review just an observation, but did anyone else notice how little swearing there is on this record?

Littlefallsmets, awesome review. The bit about using ProTools on five hundred computers at once and the "calling EVERY COP IN THE WORLD on them" bit were absolutely golden. Had me rearing back in laughter.

Yeah, it's basically a (classic) study of teenage angst/alienation.
It was heavily criticised in the 60s for depictions of teen sexuality etc.
Mark David Chapman was basically a fuck-up who really related to the book and said in his statement to Police that he was mostly Holden Caulfield (main character) and partly the Devil.

Thanks for the heads up.  I'm going to change it here, then go change it over at the writer's board.

 :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: I definitely agree, Scraped is also now probably a 9.

Scraped was the only song on the album I had somewhat of a hard time grasping at first, but now it grows on me with every listen! Awesome rocker, and that completes Chinese Democracy for me! Perfect album! :smoking:

Great fucking review, the most on-point I've read yet! I agree with every single part of it, except perhaps that Sorry is the best song on the record. Although it's an awesome song, I have other favourites. But we agree in general, brother! A perfect record indeed! :peace:

I couldn't possibly muster up the energy to do a full review at the moment, I'll just say that this album seems perfect for where I am right now in my life and it's one of those rare albums where time seems to stop while listening.  I am so pleased by the fact that this is a true ALBUM, as opposed to being merely a collection of songs.  The flow is amazing and has the feel of a live set(I hope those words are prophetic and we hear the entire thing live).  I am floored on all fronts.

Scraped is the only song, I can't really get into.

This album is amazing. Its definitely an progression of the UYI sound, its definitely a GUNS N' ROSES album. Axl had a vision and stayed true to it and unfortunately it led to the deterioration of his relationship with the old gunners. But the end result is Chinese Democracy. It will take me personally many many more listens to fully appreciate all the songs. And maybe the general public years. Right now, alot of critics don't f-ing get it but those same critics would pan it if it were a boring blues based rock AFD wannabe.

I cant help but think about the Brian Wilson saga with the Beach Boys. Everybody gushes about what a brilliant songwriter he is nowadays with Pet Sounds but at the time I think Pet Sounds didn't sell very well. Like Chinese Democracy, it was filled to the brim with complex arrangements, various instruments, vocals, etc. (in other words, "overproduced"). Wilson had an even more ambitious vision with Smile but when the other Beach Boys members like Mike Love heard the music and song ideas, they didn't "get it" and pretty much had the project shelved. This totally destroyed Brian Wilson's psyche and led to his infamous seclusion and mental illness.

I can't help but feel happy that Axl was finally able to get this thing out after 17 years instead of the 30 years it took Wilson to release Smile.

Here's an abridged version of my review posted to a baseball board where we were discussing the album...

"Seems like forever and a day," laments Axl Rose at the beginning of the final track on Chinese Democracy, a six-minute orgy of mechanical rapture known as "Prostitute."

And it does. The making of a new Guns N' Roses album dates back to 1993. The band had completed their long tour in support of the Use Your Illusion albums, and was preparing new music for a new untitled album.

(Removed: my writings on the history of CD)

So here we are, with history's most anticipated rock album in our hands. What do we do? Forget about the past, forget about the history that I mentioned, forget about what's riding on it for Axl et. al. Let's give it a listen...

TRACK ONE: CHINESE DEMOCRACY
CD, as we call it in the GNR fan community, has been in the works since at least 2000, perhaps earlier. The intro in it was added in 2007. The song starts out with an intro consisting of people speaking in Chinese, an oboe-like sound (perhaps an erhu), and a thumping heartbeat sound with plucked strings. Then the guitars kick in along with one of Axl's trademark screams and some hardcore power chords from Paul Tobias and Richard Fortus. The song features a lower-register Axl and a traditional quasi-screamed Axl, singing about the abuses of the Chinese government and its hopeful eventual downfall: "Blame if on the Falun Gong/They've seen the end/And you can't hold on now." The song is densely layered with pounding guitars, a couple of screaming guitar solos from Finck and Bucket, and an ending that leaves you hanging, almost begging for more. I give it an 8/10.

TRACK TWO: SHACKLER'S REVENGE
Shackler's Revenge was not even known about until August of 2008 when the announcement of Rock Band 2 became public. The song has some definite influences from Buckethead, and may be related in some way to his song "Shackler." The intro is awkward but thumps into a driving beat with Axl's deep and ominous sounding voice talking about "[A] funny feeling/There's something wrong today." Once again, the rhythm guitars are heavy and thick with a driving drum line from Brain. The song will appeal to fans looking for the hard-rocking tracks GNR was famous for, but at the same time it comes with an almost industrial thrust that seems a tad overdone. For that, I give it a 6/10 and wonder how the hell anyone could possibly play the crazy solo from Bumblefoot on Rock Band 2.

TRACK THREE: BETTER
This one was listed by Axl as one of his favorite songs just a week before it leaked in 2006. Coincidence? Perhaps. This is one of the album's more radio-friendly songs, and was chosen as the album's second single. Starting with a falsetto-singing Axl and a drum-machine beat, it quickly shifts into a driving rocker with Axl screaming about someone who done him wrong: "I never wanted you to be so full of anger/I never wanted you to be somebody else" he sings in the bridge, continuing to say, "I never wanted you to be someone afraid to know themselves/I only wanted you to see things for yourself." Who knows who it's directed at? Axl has had so many feuds over the past 20, 15, even 10 years that it could be any number of people. My own views: I'm not a huge fan of it, possibly because I've heard it so damn much since it leaked in 2006 and have burned myself out on it (though for the record, it hasn't happened with the other two leaks from that year). But I still have to give it a score of 9/10.

TRACK FOUR: STREET OF DREAMS
This song has undergone so many changes since its debut in 2000, even changing its name from The Blues to Street Of Dreams. The piano intro is still there but now it has a quieter start to it after the starting six bars. Whereas it originally kicked into a rocker right then, it now has a more muted distorted guitar and orchestra, then goes back to quiet and introspective again before kicking out into an Elton John-style semi-ballad, featuring a Finck-followed-by-Bucketh ead solo that should appeal to anyone anywhere who calls themselves a rock fan, recalling strains of an almost David Gilmour or Brian May style with a technical prowess that only the man under the chicken bucket can nail perfectly. I love the added strings to it that never were there in the live versions. This is as close as I can find to a perfect song, and because of that, it has to get a 10/10.

TRACK FIVE: IF THE WORLD
To me, a song like this is why Slash left. While they wanted to keep rolling with their original blues-based rock sounds, Axl wanted to expand. He was listening to a lot of different styles of music, and was becoming influenced by the industrial sounds of Nine Inch Nails and Ministry, and was quoted in 1999 as saying he "really liked the new Fiona Apple" album. Not what you'd expect to hear from someone heavily influenced by Queen, Elton John, Hanoi Rocks, the New York Dolls, and Nazareth. Axl wanted to stretch his horizons and does it here. No industrial sounds, but certainly not the GNR norm. If The World sounds like the theme to a future James Bond film (maybe it should replace that Jack White/Alicia Keys effort that radio hosts Bob and Tom saying "what a turd would sound like if it made a sound" that is the theme of the newest Bond film), with a wah-guitar-heavy base, flamenco-style guitar from Buckethead showing strains similar to what one would find on his album "Electric Tears," followed by a soulful solo similar to what one would see from the "Colma" album. The song gets in a good slow funk groove all the way through and is one of my favorites. I give it a 9/10.

(continued)

TRACK SIX: THERE WAS A TIME
I have seen the future of rock music, and it is this song. The song starts out with a chorus of "aaah's" and some heavy booming sounds, as Axl sets the scene: "Broken glass and cigarrettes/Writing on the wall/It was a bargain for the summer/And I thought I had it all," before things turn to for the worse for him. Whoever made him feel like he had everything turned on him and here he was screaming like a banshee about her. The song is loaded: six guitarists including Rose himself, piano by Tobias, horns, two full orchestras conducted by Paul Buckmaster and Marco Beltrami, a mellotron, two bass players, three keyboard players, two drummers, and three guitar solos, two from Robin Finck and one from Buckethead. It sounds like it would be messy, but the sound is remarkably tight and well-assembled. It is big, but not overblown. Perhaps I'm biased because I love this song and learned to play all the guitar parts (minus the killswitch portion of Buckethead's solo), but to me, this is where rock should be headed. I have to give this song a 10/10. To quote a former bandmate of mine, James Capone of CC40, "Love it or f**k off."

TRACK SEVEN: CATCHER IN THE RYE
The leaked track was legen-WAIT FOR IT... ... ... ... dary! Piano that sounded like Elton John or Freddie Mercury was sitting down to play, with a guitar solo from Brian May. Had someone told me Queen did it, I would have believed it, except for the part where Axl Rose was singing it. The final version is similar. The piano sounds different, there's an early guitar part added in the intro, and May's parts were dropped (shame, really), but otherwise the song is still very good. To me, it's a little too layered now though. Plans originally called for this song to be on the final of three albums (the three-album plan is still in the works, I hear), but the reception to the leak may have caused its movement to Chinese Democracy. Honestly, I like the leaked version better. There's a little too much in this one and it overshadows the excellent lyrics by Axl. I give it a 6/10.

TRACK EIGHT: SCRAPED
The first truly new song for me. I have nothing to which I can compare it, as it never leaked. Its existence was not known until about a month and a half ago. The opening features some trademark Axl screams, then kicks in with a tom-heavy drum beat and grooving distorted guitar that slides around a bit. Axl kicks into the verses in a medium-register, alternating with his screamed voice. "All things are possible/I am unstoppable," sings Rose in a tale of how no one will hold him down anymore. "No one can make you/Do what they want you to/You know that you're stronger/Than the lies/That they tell you." A rare moment of Axl taking a break from his angsty tales of getting screwed over, to give a moment of encouragement to someone. On this my second listen, I like this song more, and it should greatly appeal to an AFD-era fan. I give it a solid 8/10.

TRACK NINE: RIAD N' THE BEDOUINS
Another one that has undergone a few minor changes, notably the intro. A "riad" is a Moroccan palace with an interior garden, while "bedouins" are nomads in the Sahara. What exactly is the song about? I'm still not sure. I liked the live versions of this song a lot more than the final studio version, and don't have much to say on it. I give it a 4/10.

TRACK TEN: SORRY
Another new one, Axl rates this as another of his favorites. The song is slow, with a heavy and slow drum beat. I could almost hear Staind doing this more than Axl and the Gunners. Sebastian Bach is featured on some backing vocals. His description of the song as being almost a "doom metal" are far off though. I really like it though, Axl's vocals and lyrics are great, and everything fits well together. Buckethead's guitar solo is very Slash-like, and overall, the song could have easily fit on the Use Your Illusion albums. I give it a 9/10.

TRACK ELEVEN: IRS
The original leaked track, IRS has been known about since at least 2003 when it appeared on Eddie Trunk's show. Trunk said it was a UYI-style song with some modern flairs, a description that pretty much hits things right on the head. Axl says it's a song about tax evasion, but I think it goes much further than that. There's an anger and a paranoia there, as Axl sings about sending the president, a private eye, the IRS, and the FBI after someone who wronged him (anyone noticing a pattern here or is it just me?). Buckethead's speed-laden solo sends the song into a seemingly-uncontrolled barreling off a cliff before coming to a quiet and safe landing with Axl realizing "There's not anymore that I can do." I could see an awesome music video being made for this song. Another one that I have to give a 10/10. This beats anything on the radio today.

TRACK TWELVE: MADAGASCAR
Holy complexities Batman! How many songs can you find that sample Martin Luther King Jr., Braveheart, The Casualties of War, Se7en, Mississippi Burning, and Cool Hand Luke, along with French horns, five guitar players (including some awesome lead work by the B Boys, Bumblefoot and Buckethead), two bassists, Beltrami and Buckmaster's orchestras, and something called sub-bass? Well, you have it here. And once again, it all fits together without being too messy and without anything drowning out anything else. Madagascar hasn't gone through many changes since 2000 (dare I say even no changes?), and is as impressive as it was when I first heard it. It's great, but not the strongest on the album, as I have to give it an 8/10.

TRACK THIRTEEN: THIS I LOVE
Axl has been sitting on this song since 1993, at least, and some call it a sequel to UYI2's magnum opus, Estranged. Axl's feelings of hurt and deep despair from the song are still here, and the song is for the most part stripped down: just Axl and his piano with some harp from Patti Hood at first. The lyrics are a tad weak, but the song as a whole is possibly Axl's best work as the melodies more than make up for what the lyrics lack. By far, this is the heaviest song emotionally on the album. On my first listening, it sounded like something Andrew Lloyd Webber dropped from Phantom of the Opera, but after giving it a few more chances (this song leaked a few days ago, so I heard it then), you realize there's more to the song than what is being sung. The emotions are expressed through everything: the piano, the tone and melody of Axl's voice, the orchestra, and most of all, Robin Finck's solo. A week ago, I would have scored the song a 4. After giving it another chance or two, I give it a solid 9/10.

TRACK FOURTEEN: PROSTITUTE
So that's it folks: the end of our journey. But not before we hit what I feel is the best and strongest track on the album. Or at least my favorite. Axl and his piano start things off again, with a hip-hop style beat behind it all (by the way, Axl played the piano part here as part of his pre-November Rain piano solo on the 2002 tour). It comes in quietly, almost apologetically. And then Axl's bitterness toward his former bandmates slowly builds with the orchestra playing the hell out of their violins behind a wall of rhythm guitar and intense leads: "Ask yourself/Why I would choose/To prostitute myself/To live with fortune and shame." And as the crescendo builds over the final section, it ends, almost walking away leaving you to pick up the pieces from an intense Buckethead shred, some extra piano notes, and slowly, those opening chords as everything fades away slowly, giving you a moment to recover from the 70-minute emotional roller coaster that just pulled into the station. It's a 10/10.

And as the final chords and orchestral lines of the song fade, you decide you simply must listen to it all again. Fifteen years of thought, of work, of waiting, of changes, and of music as a whole have come and passed. Has it been worth the wait? I certainly think so. Does it live up to the hype? Close, but it comes a little short, but how can anyone really meet the expectations of a project like this one? You set the bar high, people think you need to go higher, and you almost set yourself up for failure. Axl didn't exactly fail, but he didn't succeed either. But let's not forget, this is just the beginning. Who knows what could happen from here-- with two more albums in various stages of completion, an ever-quickly-changing world around us, both in the world music alone and in the entire world as a whole, perhaps this album could spark a new direction of rock, either in those attempting to copy, or those attempting to go in a completely different direction.

At the very least, Axl should prove all doubters wrong: he can complete an album, he can write significant and superior music with out Slash, Duff, and Izzy, and he's simply been misunderstood over all these crazy years.

My score: Chinese Democracy as a whole gets a 9/10.

I will not start a song by song review, other people's comments pretty much say it all

My input at this point is that all songs on the album have killer guitar solos/melodies
It's been a while since i heard a rock album with such good guitars

i love the album. it's exceeded my expectations. there's some materpieces on there, some great rockers, some new and interesting things. it's different. he's manage to combine many influences together to create something that sounds really fresh and unique.

there's no tracks that i hate. at times there's probably a little too much going on in a few songs, which i think takes away from some of the melodies. but at no point does it ruin a song. it's just alot to take in at times, which actually  works real well in some songs.

overall, i give the album a solid 9 (out of 10). 

Before the album came out, I hadn't heard only 3 songs on the album. I was listening to I.R.S., Madagascar, Chinese Democracy, Better, There Was a Time, and The Blues my freshmen year in highschool.  Now I'm a senior and the damn album finally came out.

Chinese Democracy is a good song, a good strong rocker. However, I don't like how the intro is in peices and builds up, I wish it was the same as the RIR3 version. I also don't like how they changed the drum beat and took out the double-snare hit in the verses.

All in all I like all the songs except Scraped. I really can't stand that fucking song to be quite honest.

In my opinion, the greatest accomplishment of this album is that Axl had respect to both Buckethead and Paul Tobias enough to keep their parts. I love that Buckethead's solos are right next to Ron's.

A lot of haters have said, "It's not even Guns N' Roses; they should just call it Axl Rose's Band." Well, this album completely disproves that, because you can tell where each member contributed. There is no way anyone besides Buckethead wrote the music for Shacker's Revenge and Sorry. Those are dead-on Buckethead songs with Axl singing over them. Axl's not the only one working his ass off on these sings. Each member adds their bit, and it really shows. So screw the haters. This is a band, not a solo project.

Chinese Democracy - 7/10
Shackler's Revenge - 7.5/10
Better - 9/10
The Blues - 9/10
If the World - 10/10
There Was a Time - 10/10
Catcher in the Rye - 10/10
Scraped - 4/10
Riad N' The Bedouins - 6/10
Sorry - 9/10
I.R.S. - 9/10
Madgascar - 9/10
This I Love - 10/10
Prostitute - 10/10

OVERALL: 8/10

The whole thing is fucking awesome.  It's Guns N' Roses of the future.  With the exception of "This I Love", a song leaves me astounded that no one pulled Axl aside and went "you really gotta do something about these lyrics... they could have been ripped out of a 15 year-old girl's diary or a Backstreet Boys songbook."

Madagascar, Shackler's Revenge, I.R.S. all completely great.

I think that it's stupid that Pitman has a Sub Bass in like every song....


get real... they need a sub bass?

I'll offer a letter grade for each individual song, then an overall grade for the album as a whole.

Chinese Democracy: B
Shackler's Revenge: B
Better: B+
Street Of Dreams: A-
If The World: A-
There Was A Time: A-
Catcher In The Rye: C+
Scraped: A-
Riad N' The Bedouins: B+
Sorry: B
I.R.S.: B
Madagascar: B+
This I Love: A
Prostitute: A

Overall Grade: A-

I think Pitman had MAJOR input on this album, and while I still have no idea what a 'sub-bass' is (is it something only dogs can hear?) - I have to assume he is responsible for what I feel is the weakest part of the album - the 'every song gets an artsy intro' thing.

Yes, yes they do.

Not an ITW thread....

But - I heard the leak of this one and it just didn't grab me.  In fact I anticipated that it would be the first song from CD to get the skip treatment.   But listening to the CD for the first time (just got back from vacay out of the country) it's ironically the first song to get a second listen. 

Shackler's felt a little different than it did on my Xbox too.   And there are different touches in Better and SOD.   

I'm sure that this is not the first or last thread like this of its kind, but fucking good job Axl and company.   I fucking love this disc.   

Chinese Democracy isn't just everything I expected but, it's better. It is better then I ever imagined.

I used to say that there was a song somewhere in GN'R's catalog to fit whatever mood you were in. But, now I know a new truth. That there is a song somewhere on Chinese Democracy to fit whatever mood I am in.

[Cool side note, I just downloaded Burnout Paradise for the PS3, and Paradise City is the theme and is playing right now on the menu screen as I type this(I forgot about that heh).]

Chinese Democracy is soooo good. It is better then it had any right to be. Axl is right. He didn't owe us a goddamn thing. BUt he gave us Chinese Democracy anyway. This really is a gift.

Agreed, it exceeded my expectations and I didn't think that was possible.  I admittedly caved and downloaded the leaks like most back in June, so I was a little worried that I had already heard the best songs on the album.  But I have to say, those songs still sound fantastic, most better than ever.  And the 3 songs I hadn't heard are quickly becoming favorites, especially Scraped and Sorry.  I honestly don't know how this album could've been any better.

Amen Buddha.........AMEN!!!

Now that the album is out, what are everyones thoughts about the album honestly. I think its a good album, but I honestly have to say I expected more rock songs, I do like some of the new songs(ballads) but I really am getting into the song Chinese Democracy more and wish there were more songs like that. What does everyone else think? And once again I am not bashing the album at all, I preordered it and was there sunday morning like all the other fans, I just want some honest opinions.

I will now give my school grading of Chinese Democracy  :hihi:


Chinese Democracy: C+

Shacklers Revenge: B-

Better: A-

Street Of Dreams: B+

If The World: A-

There Was A Time: B+

Catcher In The Rye: A

Riad N' The Bedouins: B+

Scraped: C-

Sorry: A-

IRS: B-

Madagascar: B-

This I Love: B

Prostitute: B+




Overall Grade: B+


Top 3 Favorites

1. Better
2. Riad N' The Bedouins
3. If The World


Only song I don't necessary like but i'll listen to is Scraped.

The sound on the album has surpassed my expectations

I think the sound is amazing , I think the songs are amazing and I'm enjoying it more each day

I don't love the order of the songs, but what can you do?

Well I've had the album for 3 days now and here's my 2 cents:

After the first listen, I was excited, yet someone taken aback.  I tried to put in my mind that any expectations I had or could hope for should be cast aside.  I mean I was 17 when TSI was relased and haved waited for this moment for over 15 years.  I did shed a few tears during the first listen.  After further (and further and further) listens, trying to categorize this album is hard as hell.  I didn't expect Appetite, Lies or TSI.  I think I can say it is USI I and II, tenfold.  You can hear every influence/inspiration Axl has ever had in music.  From himself, to Elton John, to Freddie Mercury/Queen, Pink Floyd,etc.  Newer influences like Rob Zombie.  This is one hell of an album to be frank.  The technology is so in your face.  The last time he recorded an album must seem like the stone age to Axl.  There is no "downtime" in any of the songs.  Is it a hard rock record?  At times.  It is a rock record, at times.  To me it is 14 songs that pack a punch in all forms of music today and yesterday.  The set backs for me are who is in the band at this point.  Everyone who worked on it has credit.  But again a singer, 2 guitars, bass, and drums wouldn't have cut it in this version of Gn'R.  This is a band making great music.  Do I miss Slash, yes, but this is the Gn'R Axl probably envisioned a long time ago.  The liners notes are great, the art work great, the lyrics, well I don't blame the band for that.  I won't give a run down of all the songs, but wach one is unique in its own way.  Are there classics, yes I believe there are.  The flow of the album is not bad, but could be better.  I think this will be an album that we the hardcore fans will love, and like Appetite will catch on in due time.  I am not comparing it to Appetite, but I think it will take time to catch on.  I think this will be a successful album and Axl and company should be proud.  Was it worth the wait? As Axl once said live your life.  I did and waited to hear Axl again. And it was worth it.  There will be haters and we need to expect that.  I give this a 4 out of 5 star rating and hope that Axl and company will capture the music world by storm again.

2 side notes:
--Jarmo good to see you thank ed, you deserve it as you run a great site.

--I have heard people bitch already as to this is Appetite, well no shit, you can't write about the streets, drugs, or anything on that album anymore if you had become a huge rockstar and live in a beautiful house and have some money.  Not knocking Axl, people have to understand he has gown in the last 15 years, and is truly a great frontman, songwriter and musician.  Peace..

this will not be a review, just my first impressions about the album.

I will be doing a heavy and big review later, but I need to give the disc a few more listens:

---

* All songs are incredibly produced, they all sound heavy and harmonious at the same time.

* The new intro of Street Of Dreams, which I used to consider flawless, perfect, is now even better. Loved it. Same for the new vocal lines Axl added at the end.

* If The World turned to me, from being an average song, to be a masterpiece. One of the highlights of the album, heavy as hell, with a lot of unreal SFX and a fantastic ending.

* Catcher In The Rye, a song that never really impressed me, its ANOTHER of the skyrocketing high points of the album. Absolutely differente from the leak, and even when I love Brian May a lot (I saw him live last friday and he rocked), I must say Bumblefoot's guitar solo is ELEVEN THOUSAND MILLION TIMES better than Brian's. Loved the track, amazing, fantastic. I dont know what more can I say.

* Riad (you might say i'm insane, you may say ''what the hell are you writing asshole'', you can say whatever you want about the lines I'm going to type) is (at least, with only one listen) the VERY BEST FUCKING ROCKER SONG of this band, and the second best song of the album. Absolutely mindblowing, terrific, outstanding, superb song, full of rage and strength, with that incredible new intro that I KNOW i will listen when I put my seatbelts on, preparing myself to drive at 150 km/h like a maniac while the rest of the track goes on... and that Bumblefoot solo its a freaking-fucking atomic bomb. Perfect song, better than any other rocker GNR has done before, guess what? even better than jungle, ISE, and any hard track I've heard before. I'll give it a 14 out of 10. INSANE track.

* I.R.S now sounds like it should always have sound: with the beautiness of a studio recording, and the incredible ferocity of the live version at the end. Killer tune.

* Prostitute is fire and ice, softness and heavyness. Amazing drumming, and spectacular rhythmical base.

I wont be commenting on Scraped, This I Love and Sorry right now. I need to listen to them more times.

In this first listening, my top 5 is:

1) T.W.A.T (best song GNR has ever done, I said it the day it was leaked for the first time, and now I feel the same way)
2) Riad N' The Bedouins
3) Catcher In The Rye
4) If The World
5) Street Of Dreams

 :beer:

4 out of 5 in my book. Good album. Some of the audio tricks they throw in sound so good.  :beer: Good job Axl and crew. Make the next album harder and more industrial and you'll be on a roll!

lmao, I was just about to go to bed, but you just inspired me to put Riad on my stereo and turn the volume up and give it another listen! Is is really that fucking good? ;D


(P.S., I'm about to post my own review of the album as well, the reason why I am taking so long is because I want to let all the songs really sink in first :peace:)

So, I have had the album since Friday now, and have had a good amount of time to let it really sink in. Actually, that is one of the things you discover when you first listen to the LP, it is massive! There are so much going on in the songs, I think I have heard new licks, riffs, short solos, "Pitman effects", background vocals etc. every time I am listening.

CHINESE DEMOCRACY
The obvious opener for the record given the intro and in-your-face opening riff. In some ways it reminds me of Welcome To The Jungle for these reasons. The song itself is really good, with awesome work from Bumblefoot espescially during the verses with the grinding, grooving rythm guitar. Axl sounds great (as he does on all tracks really). As many reviews have mentioned, Chinese Democracy lacks a great hook, but I do not feel like I am missing anything really. The riff is catchy, and one feels like singing along. Having said this, it is really a straight forward rocker, and does not try to be anything else.

SHACKLER'S REVENGE
This song has Buckethead written all over it (although Ron is performing the solo). Industrial comes to mind when listening, it is not quite though it is leaning in that direction (not a bad thing really). The most prominent, and sing-along-friendly chours, but I am sure most of us are having trouble hitting those high notes. A catchy song, not my favourite on the album but it blows most other songs on the radio straight to sea.

BETTER
As far as rock songs goes, this must be one of the best songs for the last ten years at least I am sure. The best rocker on the album, and this one deserves a video. Robin Finck was always one of my favourite members of Guns N' Roses, and I am glad this song came out and now represents what he is capable of. That solo is just genious.

STREET OF DREAMS
I am happy to hear a more guitar-driven "Street Of Dreams". This is how the song sounds best in my opinion (given the various versions we have heard live). As we all are well familiar with the song, it ain't too much to say really. I guess this one is bound to be a single in the future. Again, loving the guitar work, espescially the outro solo.

IF THE WORLD
First time I heard this, I was not quite sure... The word different came to mind. Different from anything we have heard from Guns N' Roses earlier (as a few other songs on the record I guess). It did not take long for me to realize, it is different in a really good way. When listening to this song really loud, the remarkable production really shines. This is magically well done, and I cannot think of anything out there sounding as good as this (there probably is, but this is right up there among the greats). Buckethead and Pitman (Axl is a given on all songs..) stands out on this track.

THERE WAS A TIME
This is the "guitar solo track" on Chinese Democracy, oh man! I have listened to most of Buckethead's previous work, and was always hoping he would give one of his blistering, heartfelt and soulful solos to this project. Goddamn did he deliver! For this song alone he can crown himself as a guitar God. Finck gets an honourable mention as well, good job. Lyrically I am loving this almost as much as the next track.

CATCHER IN THE RYE
So, this is the song dedicated to the memory of John Lennon I believe. One can hear some sort of Beatles-feel to the whole thing. As mentioned above, the lyrics to this song is, for me, just mindblowingly perfect. Especially when the last verse starts, I get a Coma flashback. Outro solo going over the verse is a classic. Great track.

SCRAPED
Brand new song, never heard before, really excited. As with "If The World", my mind was boggling a bit when the song first started, but no worries here either. It came around, big time. I won't do any ranking of the songs, because for me, at least right now, it is impossible. The verses are intense, with good lyrics, and amazing vocal performance by Axl.

RIAD N' THE BEDOUINS
Now this is the song that went from "what the fuck is this?" (Las Vegas 2001) to "what the fuck is better than this?". The live version I am talking about did not do justice to this song at all. I am not blaming Axl & co for that, come on, they had been rehearsing together for the first time just weeks ahead of the concert premiere of the song. A lot of changes have been done to the song over the years as well I guess. The chours just haunts you. Bumblefoot does a great job on the new solo as well.

SORRY
Another "new" one. Some of Axl's best work in my book, I love his voice right here. Nothing bad to say about this song. Cool lyrics, cool groove, cool solo, cool chours.... It is just cool.

I.R.S.
After hearing the demo of the song, it was my least favourite. I thought it sounded sort of flat. Album version does not at all! The dynamics of this song is just unbelivable, now it sounds like the live version, which plain out rocks. Single material for sure, people will love this one.

MADAGASCAR
This is a song with soul, you can hear it in Axl's voice. I have loved this tune ever since 2001, and hearing it on the record now, seven years later, loving it even more. I was surprised to hear that Chris Pitman have been involved to such a degree, he is obviously really talented.

THIS I LOVE
The first really big surprise of the album. We had all heard about this song for ages, and expectations have been through the roof. I was surprised, this was not at all what I thought it would be. It was amazingly much better. I cannot express how geniously beautiful this song really is. Robin Finck is a guitar hero, Axl has written a masterpiece. This one will stand the test of time, it is timeless.

PROSTITUTE
Could not have ended the album in a better way. "Fire and Ice" was a good description of the song. I will take the opportunity to give my thanks to Brain and Frank for some fantastic drumming throughout the whole record (this song is amazing). Guitar work/solos on this song are (as on everything else) superb. Thank you!


As I went through all the songs while listening to them, I came to realize while writing, I have not one bad thing to say about the songs on the record. I love 'em all. It might be the excitement speaking right now, as the whole thing is as fresh as a young lemon, but I truly believe I'll say pretty much the same things in a year. Hell, in ten years!

Perfect review man, you basically expressed most of my own thoughts about the album and these songs! :peace: Very well written!

I can't believe so many people give a shit about that line in "Sorry." Get over it.  :rofl: @ calling him a vampire.

Now I have heard this album through and through, and after listening to it a dozen times I finally get the hang of it and starting to know the songs. First of all, this album is everywhere! It sparkles, it shines, it explodes, it is a journey in itself. The songs are so mighty that my head feels overloaded with sonic landscapes just after 3-4 random chosen songs, and that is a good thing.

The first five songs are good. "Chinese Democracy", "Better" and "Street of Dreams" are really good. But then, at least for me and my ears, things start to slow down. "There was a time" and "Catcher in the rye" have excellent verses and some other good parts, but they just fall apart when it comes to the choruses. Then I tend to skip right to "Madagascar", pretend that that musical song was never made, and head straight to "Prostitute".

The lyrics are generally okay. Verses are getting repeated as if there were nothing more to say. I would rather have the songs shorter than listen to the same verse all over again during the same song. I absolutely think he could have done a better job with the lyrics. Is this all he have to say? There's gotta be more...

I will take CD, Better, Street of Dreams and Madagascar with me. I'm sure that these songs will be a huge part of my life for the next couple of years, and they will be given a meaning, and I will look back at 2009 and 2010 and remember these songs. The rest just don't work for me.

6/10

The one thing I have always appreciated about this band is its ability to have nearly any song grow on you. It's guaranteed to happen! It's currently in the process of doing so right now.

 :beer: Viva la GN'F'N'R

I won't give a song by song review just yet- BUT I honest to God am coming to believe that Chinese Democracy is the greatest Guns N' Roses album ever.... and I'm a die-hard fan since 1988. The only caveat to this opinion is that I am one of the minority of fans who preferred the Illusions to Appetite For Destruction- so I certainly understand that there's a sizable portion of the GN'R fan base and general rock community who would regard my opinion as sacrilege (because I've already been hearing that for the last 17 years  :P ). At any rate, to me Chinese Democracy is 50% Use Your Illusion III and 50% something modern and as of yet undefinable. It's a truly exciting rock record that simultaneously pays homage to the band's classic storied past while at the same time moves the band onto exciting, new experimental territory. There Was A Time (  :hihi: ) when all great rock bands would try to do this every so often. What a credit that Axl/GN'R is the FIRST to even attempt it- much less successfully- in years. 10/10. : ok:

Your opinion is valid. I started out liking Appetite a ton. But it's more on dimentional when I heard Illusions I liked it because there was more too it. I still go back and listen to Appetite too though because those songs are bad ass. Really all GNR albums rock. I'd consider CD to be just as good as the illusions. Not comparable to AFD just because they are different styles. More complex, more in the songs ect.

Well, include me in that minority then.

count me in that minority too.

AFD is ranked 4th in my GNR best album ranking, under:

1) CD
2) Illusion II
3) Illusion I

Positions 2 and 3 may vary, but the 1? place is safe and it will always be.

Has Jarmo reviewed this yet?  I keep popping in to hear his thoughts, only to be turned away.

is the greatest album ever for now :D

Great job Spirit!  One of the best reviews yet, to include any written by "official" critics.

STOP THE PRESSES: I'm listening to C.D. (bought it last night) Right now as I'm writing this I'm listening to Better into Street of Dreams. It's so freaking good to hear Axl!!!! This cd is a modern bitch-slap rockin album. Some of the reviews of critics who put this cd down are a bunch of wankers and nerds. (Get a fuckin' life). This is a killer cd and I'm only up to the 4th song.
The music is wonderful. Even though the old crew are not here on the cd the guitar players, bass and drummers did their job as far as painting the best they could for each song.
Love the synth-noises. Love the Spanish-intro of If the World.
As I predicted the long wait was worth it. This cd has more substance and artistic rock creditably than any of the current groups that are on the Billboard charts. Modern rockers take notes. You can learn allot from this album!!!!! A++++++++++++ and than some!!!!!!               
(And yet there is a backlog of songs.....expect some more G&R in the future!!!!!!
 

Maybe it is the place I am in life now compared to the late 80s/early 90s but, I find a few tracks off the Illusions to be immature to the point of them being unlistenable. Songs like GITR, SB, last half of Breakdown. The point is I am hitting the skip button more on the Illusions then I would when I am in an Appetite mood. Take it for what it is. Obviously I dig the fuck out of a lot of the songs but if I was wanting to make a best of Illusion 1 and 2 I could, and have, fit them all on 1 CD.

That being said, I think time will be ridiculously good to Chinese Democracy. I think it will age a whole lot better then the Illusions (and Appetite for that matter as it is such a product of its time). Shit I used to like GITR. Used to say shit like "Yea fuck Mick Wall and Kerrang" when that shit played. I think there is a genuine timelessness to the songs on Chinese. Its 14 solid to masterful tracks. It leaves me speechless and speaks to me in ways I didn't think new music would ever do. Science bless Axl Rose. Unbelievable. I thought deep down it would be really weird not have Slash and it would be a little weird. Now, I just don't care. GN'R were always about having the best musicianship. They could never be denied because of it. The musicianship here is first rate. It is not second to any previous work. Fuck me....

... I guess what I am trying to say

(maybe what I have been fighting to say but, couldn't)

Chinese Democracy is Guns N' Roses best album. From the epic cover I now display proudly on the wall (I love the vinyl), to every last second beginning to end. It really is a Guns N' Roses masterpiece. Which kind of makes it one of the finest albums in rock n roll. I think time will show this will in people minds sit pretty next to their favorite Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, and Rolling Stone album. Believe it.

If the World ----should of been the James Bond theme song for Quantum Solace!!!!!! :smoking:

My brief review, to be followed by more fleshed out thoughts on the songs in a couple of days...

In short it's a very good album. Not a truly great album (see AFD, Let It Bleed, Dark Side of the Moon etc), but a very good album.
There's a number of songs I love and most of the rest I like, although there are two or three that either drag or don't flow as well as they might (for me).

The performances and production are excellent, although there are places where too much has been added to songs that I think would be stronger without so many 'extras'.

Favourite tunes so far: Sorry, Chinese Democracy,  If The World, TWAT
Least Favourite: Catcher in the Rye, Prostitute, Street of Dreams

Overall 7/10

I was disappointed with QOS. I loved Casino Royale, and would argue it is the best Bond film. If The World is too good for QOS.

I didn't get a chance to see the new bond movie. I really did like Casino Royale. I suggested The World because it has that James Bond element in it as far as the music. Was the bond movie that bad???

Oh I totally agree. It definitely has a Bond feel. Its too bad that shit White/Alicia Keys song was used. That "Whoawhoawhoaa wowowhoa part" makes me throw up in my mouth a little. The visuals for this sequence was shit too. Royale's was nice and trippy. Anyway yea. I still think Craig is the best bond and his motivations were cool. It had some cool moments but I can't stand quick cut editing shaky cam like that last Bourne movie. Casino was just better in every way. Should have been the same director. The story was whogivesashit (other then maybe setting up something cool for the next one), pretty whogivesashit villain, and shit directing. 

GNR should make a music video for "If the World" where Axl is dressed like Bond and running around shooting bad guys and stuff.

Rather than rate or rank or compare or try and quantify how good the album is...

...i'm just going to listen to it instead

Does it really matter if its better or worse than AFD, i judge it on its own merits rather than how it stands up next to another album

Do i love it? Yes

I think (I may be wrong but I noticed this) that all Bond movies are made that way. They focus on one and do a superb job than the follow-up is less interesting. This goes back all the way to the beginning of Bond making. Dr. No (the first one) is excellent. Than came With Russia with love which was o.k. Than Goldfinger came out and it was great. I agree with you the first song "You know my name" was excellent!!!
Anyhow........the new G&R cd is great!!! I checked the Billboard charts it's not there yet but it just been released. I hope this cd knocks out all of those non-rock cds out of the ocean. The album is the only great thing that happen this year aside from the other releases of AC-DC; Metallica; Motley Crue.....everything else is .......well............I'm sure you can read my mind on that.....: )

2006/07 tour no album
2008 Album no tour (so far)
whats goin on I know people who bought the album and are like lets go see them when are they coming to Halifax or Toronto ect....

no one knows.

anyway the album couldnt possibly be any better...now lets hear it live.

2008 - Album
2009 - Tour

 ;D

First off they are short a guitar player.  SO they need to get that figured out.  Then they need to start booking venues ect.  That will not happen until next year.  Also who knows what is in the works it takes lots of time to plan tours it is not just a lets do it now sort of thing.  ACDC had being rehearsing for months before the tour was announced. 

I'm guessing Spring next year.

Particularly in GN'R world  :hihi:

After listening to CD non stop since last thur i'm ready to post my review. It took a while to digest the album and destcribe my feelings, but heres how i feel in short.

I love IRS, my fav. rocker, classic gnr!!  Sorry,Prosititute, Streat of Dreams(the Blues), This i love, Madagascar, and There was a Time are axl masterpieces!...(There was time being the lesser of my favs, but guitars and production are amazing in it)  Better rocks, Catther in the Rye has a single feel to it....Riad and Scraped are good rockers,same with Chineese Dem....Shaklers is a heavy tune especially near the end, i could see this in a movie with some kind of horror situation!!....kicks ass.......If the World has a different vibe for the ablum, another big improvment from the leak, a really cool tune once it grows on you....overall, great album and will go down as a classic....9/10 stars.

I truly enjoy this album!  It feels to me that there are a lot of people out there that just can't get over the fact that the original band isn't all together, or the fact that this album doesn't sound anything like Appetite.  I would encourage people to get past that and listen to this album with an open mind.  Does it have 14 great songs on it?  No, but what album even has half that many great songs on it?  I personally think two songs are phenominal in Better and This I Love.  I think these songs have a chance to be a really big success in mainstream. And then there is another six songs that I enjoy listening to, about three that are mediocre for me, and only three that come across as bad.  When you come across an album that has 11 songs on it that are worthy of listening to, I believe that is a great record.  I think in time, after more promotion, and given fair listens, this album will become a years best and ultimately one of the great records of this decade.  In just about every review that you read, the writer lists different favorites from the review before.  To me, that means good things.

I finally had time to buy it and only listen to it since last night, i also put in in MP3 player.

I am over the moon with this album, it is music with a big M.

With some of the old line up's songs, it was like " i did this in my garage in 5 seconds" and musically speaking, it was cacophony.

Now, THIS Chin Dem is work, it is absolutely beautiful, varied, worked.

I'm not going to go into each song in this thread, but This I Love has taken me to the deepest of my self, emotions, it is such a beautiful song that i cry on my own when i hear it and have a hard time not to when people are around in public transports.

On this  song alone, and i am not saying this because it's axl, it is THE most beautiful song i heard in a very long time, if not ever.

The price i paid for this album is not high compared to the quality of the music i got in return.

Guys, you are IT.

Probably like many fans of the old lineup who haven't been following the progress over the creation of CD over the years, I was a bit apprehensive about it at first.  I actually didn't care for it at all after the first 2 listens.  HOWEVER, this album really clicked for me around listen 3 or so, and I haven't stopped loving it since.  Sure, it's different than the preceeding Gn'R albums, yet at the same time feels familiar.  Not sure if that makes any sense, especially since all of these songs are brand new to me.

Anyway, here's how I'd rate the tunes-

Chinese Democracy - 8/10
Shackler's Revenge - 6/10
Better - 9.5/10
Street of Dreams - 10/10
If the World - 8/10
There Was a Time - 9/10
Catcher in the Rye - 8.5/10
Scraped - 8/10
Riad N' The Bedouins - 10/10
Sorry - 10/10
I.R.S. - 9/10
Madgascar - 8/10
This I Love - 10/10
Prostitute - 10/10

3/5. Better, There Was A Time, Catcher In The Rye, Street Of Dreams and Sorry are solid songs but the rest is sub-par. Hence only 3/5... too much filler. Shackler's Revenge, Scraped and Riad 'n' The Bedouins are just downright bad.

To me it sounds like Use Your Illusion meets Modern Rock.
Which if the album had been put out in the 90's or hell even
2002 one would have a whole different outlook on it. That
said the album is an Axl Rose solo-album for sure done under
the GNR name. He would have been better off calling it the
Axl Rose Project or something, but whatever, the bigger problem
here is that after 13 years how could these be the best songs he
could come up with? There is not one great song in the bunch!!
That said I don't hate the album or anything. I do really like the
3 (4,5,6) guitar attack throughout, especially when Buckethead
is leading the charge. Plus, Brain is the best drummer that GNR
has ever had (I really liked the 2002 GNR line-up).
More to come ....

My thoughts:

Overall, some great songs that are often buried by, yup, too much production.  It's as if Axl had to cram every available track and space with instrumentation, particularly guitar licks.  The problem with that is that you need contrast and open spaces in songs at times.  Many of these songs are so densely packed that it is almost exhausting to listen to the entire album all the way through.  I honestly think stripping back on the overdubs would have revealed even greater songs.  Still, I admire the ambition, the uniqueness of what he was trying to do.  I just think he lost a bit of the value of song structure by cramming so much into the songs -- it made them leaden, at times.  Sometimes less is more. 

1. Chinese Democracy.    Love the intro, the build-up, and the sound of the guitars.  Bumblefoot's little added riff in the verses has grown on me, but I liked the more stripped-down leaked version where it was just drums, bass, and Pitman's little tinkling keyboard effect.  Again, that relative silence created a great contrast for the guitars screaming in during the chorus.  Love Finck's initial solo tone.


2.  Shackler's.   I really like the chorus and the drumming is epic on it.  The heavy industrial effects are unnecessary. 

3.  Better.   Probably one of the best songs on CD, not only because it is catchy and well-written, but the production is a little less heavy-handed.  There are not a zillion riffing guitars underneath every verse.  The falsetto part is really great and different.

4.  Street of Dream.  I still think the way he sang it live in Vegas in 2001 was better.  But the strings are really good, the guitar solo is good, and the song is solid.  The Blues remains the better title.

5.  If the World.    Very cool sounding song -- beautifully produced.   Again, there are contrasts and gaps in the wall of sound, which opens up the song.  Have to say that this is the only song where I don't particularly like Axl's vocals -- to my ear at least, they sound almost too grating and too forceful for what could be a gentler song.  Just personal preference.

6.  There Was A Time.   I think this is a highlight song.  Great lyrics on this one and an epic, other-worldly great guitar solo by Buckethead (who is neck-and-neck with Axl as the star of CD).  Fantastic orchestration.  I should mention the lyrics again because CD is surprisingly weak in lyrics compared to what Axl has done in the past.  Think of the lyrics to Coma, Locomotive, Estranged, Sweet Child - -he has written some amazing lines, but I didn't find as many in CD.

7.  Catcher in the Rye.  Now THIS is the one song where the final production really hurt the song, in my view.  I don't care so much about May being gone (although his tone and tasteful solo was better).  But the vocal effects and Beatle-esque sound effects in the verses are lost with layers of guitar.  However, the real crime is the mixing on the last set of verses, which have not only beautiful lyrics but were sung so greatly by Axl.  Now, bumblefoot's riffs almost drown out Axl's singing and I think they really detract from what should be the focus at the end: that great final melody, with those words, as sung by Axl.  I would take the demo version ten times over this one.  My final beef is that I preferred the synth break in the demo over the final version.  The one improvement is that the "la la la"s portions have a neat vocal effect on them and they sound better.

8.  Scraped.  Sorry, this does nothing for me and felt like filler.

9.  Riad and the Bedouins.  I liked it.  He sings his ass of on this one.  Not a "classic" but solid.

10.  Sorry.  This is a great song.  Again, note how the production is a lot less heavy-handed on this and so there is that great contrast between the openness of the Pink Floyd-y verses and the intensity of the guitars on the chorus.   Another highlight.

11.  IRS.  Not as big of fan of this one and Frank's drumming (I think) as the demo, which I thought had something a little more unusual going on in the song with the acoustic guitar and Pitman's weird effects.  It's become more of a mainstream "rocker" which is fine, but I like Axl's early attempts to do something a little more odd with this song.

12. Madagascar.  I just can't get into these raw vocals.  I completely understand why they fit the song and what he is going for, but they are just too raw for me to enjoy the song the way I did when I first heard the live versions.  I also think the sampling idea with the beats is great, but choosing so much MLK is an odd choice, and doesn't work for me.  His voice and those speeches represent something iconic and different from what Axl is seeking to do here.  When I first heard this song live, I thought it would be an epic, classic song, but it just quite didn't reach that level of perfection in the studio.

13.  This I Love.  Ugh.  I frankly think this one is embarrassing and fairly awful.  I understand what he was trying to do, but there is no room for error when doing a song like this.  The lyrics could be from a Celine Dion song.  It just didn't work for me.  Axl baring his soul worked on Estranged, but not here.

14.  Prostitute.  Surprisingly, probably my favorite song.  I LOVE Brain's drumming on this one, and (yes here it comes again), the contrasts in the song between the verses and the chorus.  I wish the piano was a little more upfront in the verses, but the orchestration is great and it sounds and feels "big."  The whitewash, synth outro is fantastic and a great way to conclude the album.  This and TWAT are probably the songs that gave me the clearest sense of where Axl was heading with CD -- the modern hard rock sound he was looking for.  This one sounds unique: heavy AND light. 

Overall, I think Better, TWAT, Sorry and Prostitute are really excellent songs.  I think IRS, Shacklers, Street of Dreams, If the World, and Chinese Democracy are very good songs.  I think Riad, Catcher (the way it's mixed here), and Madagascar are good songs.   And I think Scraped and This I love are "not good" songs.

veritas55: That was a killer review, for me the best one.

With so many different opinions on this album in here, I cannot say how surprisingly well your opinions match my own on this album. Not 100 per cent, but still. I haven't heard the demo of CITR, but I want to now ... because I think it's one of the best written songs on the album. That part when the chorus starts to set in really gives me shivers down the spine, and as much as I listen to music every day, that rarely happens anymore. Interesting that you and others seem to prefer the mixing of the demo, so I hope I get the chance to listen to it one day.

Thanks Kingcanute, I appreciate it.  Obviously, everyone has their own view, and I respect that.

Do check out the leak of Catcher (I think it's somewhat "okay" now that the final product is out, and we all bought it!).  I suspect you will like it substantially more if you agreed with my concerns on the final mix.  Specifically, I think that last stanza of verses ("on an ordinary day") are really beautifully written and sung on the demo, and they stood out as being one of the highlights of the song.  To my ears, listening to the final mix, I feel like I am fighting with Ron's guitar licks, which are mixed so loud, to hear Axl's singing and words, and it just kills it for me.  I suppose if I had not heard the early version this wouldn't be so grating, but it really is once you have heard the earlier version.  To me, that one sequence in this song is emblematic of the overall issue that have with CD:  it's overkill (at times) with the guitar licks literally covering every open moment between lyrics (and sometimes over lyrics), and in this instance it squashes some of the beauty of the song.  Moreover, on the demo you also had this very cool sounding organ over the verses when they kick in, more keyboards throughout, and a different, almost spacey synth for the middle break (rather than the more orchestral sounding synth break currently).  You also had a lot less guitars mixed in (surprise, surprise).  And the "guess I'd have more fun . . . la la la la la" part had a great Beatles effect that is much less pronounced now.  The end result was a song that clearly was an homage to a Beatles/ John Lennon tune (appropriately enough) and was really beautiful, and unusual in its instrumentation.  I still think it's a good song, but, my god, it is just bloated with tracks that I feel like I have to swim through them to get to the underlying vocal melody -- which is very strong and should be the highlight of song, no?

To be honest, I would have loved to hear this album before the last-minute additions of Ron and Frank.  Although Ron did add some cool things, he also seems to have added a million licks between verses in songs, which just clutter the songs up a lot.   And although I like Ron a lot, he simply is not Buckethead -- to my ears, there is a marked difference in the quality of soloing and what Buckethead adds to CD versus Ron.  Buckethead adds an almost ethereal, other-world-like sound that brings a whole new dimension to the songs -- makes them seem epic and "new" sounding.  Ron sounds mostly like just conventional (but very good) shredding.  And Brain cannot be improved on, frankly. 

Chinese Democracy - 9/10
Shackler's Revenge - 8/10
Better - 9/10
Street of Dreams - 9/10
If the World - 8/10
There Was a Time - 9/10
Catcher in the Rye - 8/10
Scraped - 8/10
Riad N' The Bedouins - 8/10
Sorry -8/10
I.R.S. -8/10
Madgascar - 9/10
This I Love - 8/10
Prostitute - 9/10


overall 8/10

Great album

love it more everytime i listen to it

Hope this better

Axl sounds great and can't wait for the 2009 north american tour

Well, thank you!  :)

I must say, this must be the easiest review I've ever written. Going almost two weeks since I've got the album, it has only grown bigger, meaner and more beautiful at the same time. What I really love about this, is the fact that I (still) have no definite favourite song, it keeps changing by the day.

At this minute (and I mean minute :hihi:): RIAD N' THE BEDOUINS

Chinese Democracy: 8/10
Shackler's Revenge: 8/10
Better - 8/10
Street Of Dreams - 7/10
If The World: 7/10
There Was A Time: 7/10
Catcher In The Rye: 4/10
Scraped: 7/10
Riad N' The Bedouins: 3/10
Sorry: 8/10
I.R.S.: 6/10
Madagascar: 6/10
This I Love: 7/10
Prostitute: 7/10

Overall grade: 93/140.

Notes:
- The album is growing on me more and more as I listen to it.
- Better: My favorite song on the album.
- Chinese Democracy, Shackler's Revenge, and Sorry are good really songs.
- There Was A Time, This I Love, and Scraped have grown on me quickly.
- Madagascar was a little disappointing but still good nonetheless.
- Prostitute: Good song and I love the last minute and a half of this song. The orchestra is amazingly beautiful to me.

My chinese democracy review:

Chinese Democracy 10/10
Great opening for an album.
Shacklers Revenge 8/10
I love the sound effects on the demonic, revengeful voice.
Better 10/10
Loved it first time I heard it. A lot of good stuff going on here, in my mind, it's perfect...
Street of Dreams (The Blues) 8/10
This song took awhile to grow on me, But I think this could be a radio hit.
If The World 8/10
This one has a lot of good instrumentation on it.
There Was A Time 5/10
Don't understand what the hype is on this song. I don't really like it that much at all.
It seems over-produced and hyped.
Catcher In The Rye 8/10
This song gives me a really good feeling even though it's about a bad subject. I like this one.
Scraped 8/10
The lyrics are what I like about this song.
Riad N' Bedouins 8/10
This one took me forever to get into but once he starts singing about salvation/frusturation, I became instantly seduced by it.
Sorry 10/10
This song sounds a lot like...PINK FLOYD! That's the reason this might be my favorite on the album.
IRS 5/10
I use to enjoy this song, but I got tired of it. Not sure why people like this song so much.
Madagascar 6/10
This song is another I got sick of after awhile, but I do think song has some good parts to it.
This I Love 10/10
Very little instrumentation and good vocals on this song, this would be a huge hit.
Prostitute 8/10
This song took me awhile to get into, but I love the last 1 1/2 minutes and the lyrics are very strong as well.

TOTAL: 120/140

Obviously, from my point of view, I love this album. This is gonna be an album I'll be playing forever.

Ok here is my review of the album:

Chinese Democracy 8/10:  Good opening riff. The lyric are good. I like the way the guitar interacts with the song. The drums are thunderous. Good, solid rocker.

Shackler's Revenge 7/10: The lyrics are catchy. The song sounds like something Nine Inch Nails  would do. The guitars are ok.

Better 9/10: Awesome song. Axl and Robin's songwriting abilities shines through with this song. I love how Axl starts the song with the falsetto voice.
There are so many twists with the guitar playing on this song. You can feel the emotion in the middle of the song when Axl is screaming "I never wanted to be somebody else."

Street of Blues 8/10: The first of many ballads on this album. Again, you can feel the emotion when Axl screams "there is a hell that i cannot describe". It's a good power ballad. The piano is very soothing. The guitar solo is good.  It defintely reminds you of November Rain in some areas. Solid.

If The World: 10/10: One of three great songs on this album. The Spanish acoustics with the  funky beats spices up the song and give it a different feel. Axl's vocal are top notch.  The lyrics are great.  It' a great experimental song. This should have been released for the new 007 movie instead of Body of Lies.

There Was A Time 10/10: The second of three great songs. The choir is a good for the opening. The little piano and hip hop beats gives it a foundation that Axl can build on. Axl lyriics are second to lime. A good line is "I don't want know it now cuz knowing you it won't change a dam thing". Buckethead's solo really runs through your veins. Axl's scream of "I would do anything for you" sends chills down your spine. This alone prove he still has one of  the best voices in music today.

Catcher in the Rye 7/10: I think this is a good song, but it sounds like a more complex version of Yesterdays. There is a lot going on in this song. The solo is ok. I think Brian May's solo was much better. Axl's vocal are descent. The na lana is catchy.

Scraped 6/10: The lyrics are the the best part of the song. Axl's vocals are ok. The intro sounds a bit forced with just Axl's voice and no music. The guitar solo sounds average.

Rhiad N' The Bedouins 6/10: Too much electronics in this song. It would be a good White Zomble song, but  I think Axl can do better. The solo is good.. The drumming is descent. Lyrics are ok. Vocals are average.

Sorry 10/10: The third great song from Axl. It is very Pink Floydish. The vampire voice show versatile in Axl's voice. Axl's lyric " You don't know why I won't give in. Hell with the pressure, I won't cave in" shows that he will not give up and let others win over his expense. This song is basically a fuck you to a lot  people. The whistling  along with the lyric goes well in perfect harmony. The drums are methodical.

I.R.S. 8/10: A good, solid rocker. If the orginial band was together, I would see them doing this song.  As chessy as the chorus sounds, it is very catchy. I like the way the guitars speed up in tempo and then slow it down with a blusey undertone. Axl needs to do more of these type of songs since this is where his forte is  with rockers.

Madagascar 8/10: You can hear the Led Zepplin influences on this song. Axl's voice fits perfectly as he sounds like he is tired  and wore down from it all. The drums are really good especially before the Martin Luther King sample. The solo during the sample defintely fills in. The multi-layers of Axl's voice gives hope to the song at its zenith.

This I Love: 4/10: At this point of the album, you just want to shake Axl up  a bit and say stop with the ballads. The lyrics are beautiful especially when he sings "So if she is somewhere near me, I hope to God she hears me. There is no one else that can make me feel so alive". You can hear Axl going through so much pain and emotion. However, the way he sings is too dramatical and Broadwayish.  We all have been heartbroken by women, but Axl just sounds like a high school teenager with this song.  I think the best part of the song is the guitar solo.  I was most disappointed with this song since it has been part of the orginial Gunners.

Prostitute 5/10: This is an average song. I think Axl sums up his feelings with this lyric: " If my intentions are misundertood, please be kind. I've done all I should". i think the lyrics show Axl's integrity that he will not sell himself.

Chinese Democracy is a good album. I think the songs are solid and shows Axl's versatile with musical styles. His voice sounds  crisp. As heard on "There was A Time", Axl's screams are spine tingling with so much emotion in it. The major problem with this album is that there are too many ballads. Also, I think what is missing most is that dynamic intro to a song that was recognizable in GNR songs.  Overall, I would say it's a solid album.  





 

OK After reading almost all of the reviews, Mine is the most accurate.

Chinese Democracy...10/10
Shackler's Revenge...10/10
Better...10/10
Street of Dreams...10/10
If the World...10/10
TWAT...10/10
Catcher in the Rye...10/10
Scraped...10/10
Rhiad...10/10
Sorry...11/10
IRS...10/10
Madagascar...10/10
This I Love...11/10
Prostitute11/10

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!!!!

This review goes up to ELEVEN!

you know, it would be more interesting with a few comments.. just sayin!

Chief, you review CD yet? Did I miss it?

Haha, couldn't agree more! ;D

Here is my review...it is quite long and was made a week or so ago.  Please forgive the spelling mistakes, and my odd take on things.

Well after a very long time, Chinese Democracy has finally come out. I have heard most of the songs in raw form at concerts, bootlegs, various leaks over the years, so there wasn't much that was new...sort of. A few songs I had never heard, and of course the final studio version held lots of surprises. I will review each song, and give my raiting out of 10. Plus an overall rating for the album. This is based on the impression of the songs after listening to the final album a few times. This way my review is the most informed, instead of the retards that can only manage 'well this doesn't like Paradise City'.



Chinese Democracy: 8/10. This song begins in an epic array of a fantastic guitar rift, deep resounding drums, mumblings of many Chinese peoples, and Axl's signature scream. After 14 years, this is how the world is greeted back into Guns N' Roses. And an amazing start it is too!!! The song is more of a social commentary to the Chinese government that it is only time before they are toppled. Their tyrany and capitalistic dictatorship will end, and free will and expression will remain. In fact the album cover depicts that point perfectly. The GNR grafitti beside the bicycle. In a country where that expression can be met with execution or imprisonment, it shows that someone was willing to give up their live to express their love for something. The whole song enforces that point:

Blame it on the Falun Gong
They've seen the end and you can't hold on now

The peaceful group has predicted the end of the tyranny. Sees a day when there will be a democracy in China. This song also plays to the overall theme of the album. Breaking away from the tyranny of a bad love. Being free, and seeing and end to the pain. Great start!


Shackler's Revenge: 7.5/10. Shackler's starts out a little rough, but it does grow on me. And it is a rockin tune!! This song is broken into to conversations...the demon (the Shackler) and the ex-lover trying to break free. THe demon has biting lines such as:

I've got a wicked demon inside that never fades
I've got an empty feeling I won't be home today

It is also trying to regain control and exerts its powers over the lover...who can only scream:

I don't believe there's a reason

Yet there is a reason....control and pain. This song has a great unique guitar sound and feel to it, which is very new territory. But it is a rewarding song, it causes tension where it needs, and the fretless guitar raises you above that tension and gives hints at freedom.


Better: 9/10. Beautiful upbeat sweeping ballad with a techno feel. Lyrically so mature and enlightening. He forces himself back and looks at that one love...the one he can't escape. The one that swept him away, took over his live, and left him damaged.

So bittersweet, this tragedy wont ask for absolution,
This melody inside of me, still searches for solution,
A twist of fate, the change of heart kills my infatuation,
A broken heart provides the spark for my determination.

It is the pain in his heart after realizes all that has happened that enables him to be strong and fight for himself. In the end, he leaves us with this advice to the listener:

If I were you, I'd manage to abhor the invitation
Of promised love that can't keep up with your adoration
Just use your head, and in the end you'll find your inspiration
To choose your steps and won't regret this kind of aggravation

And I never heard a truer word spoken...


Street of Dreams: 9/10. Another brilliant ballad showing the regret and missing of the person whom the love was with. Gorgeous pianos, and violins this tune over a love that is gone, but yet at the same time, still very much present. He feels bad for the person who broke his heart. Mostly because of what they became. He realizes that his love was really an illusion:

And though as long as this road seems
I know its called the street of dreams
But that's not stardust on my feet
It leaves a taste that's bittersweet
That's called the blues

And as if the lyrics couldn't get better, Street of Dreams ends with this amazing realization of what the love truly was:

What I thought was true before were lies I couldn't see
What I thought was beautiful Is only memories

This was one of the first new GNR songs I had heard about 8 years ago, and it is still one of my all time favourite songs. I always get something new from it when I listen to it. The piano, the violins, the pure raw emotion, and the amazing guitars....makes this an almost perfect song.


If the World: 8/10. No one can fault Axl for not trying something different. This song gives us a flamenco guitar and a 70's porn track...and I have to tell you that I love it. Here the song seems to be about finding love and contemplating the future of that love. Is it real? Will it last? The song opens with:

If the world would end today,
All the dreams we had would all just drift away,
You know there?s nothing more to say,
If the world would end would our love slip away

The entire song is along these lines. It is a solid song, but not what I would call epic. When I heard it in a leak i just didn't like it. But it has grown on me immensly. I especially loves the 'la la la la' part that goes mono and gradually moves from the right side to the left, before popping back to full stereo. The guitar solo is superb and the porn track just works so perfectly for this song.

Just throwing out a theory here, but I wonder if the actual intent of the porn track was to show that he does not fully realize that this love he is contemplating in itself is not real. Porn has often been critisized as displaying false love, and while the lyrics show he is madly inlove with her, it could be a false love as the track would have us believe.


There Was A Time: 9.5/10. This massive epic song starts with a boys choir, then moves to brilliant piano. The entire song revolves around the theme of how he would have done anything for this ex-love...there was a time when he would have done anything. But now realizes that this is no longer the case.

If I could go back in time to the place in my soul,
there all alone,lonely tear drops, ooh, are calling you.
but I don't wanna know it now, 'cause knowing you it won't it change a damn thing.
but there was a time.

He now sees that he can't change anything that happened. The love was doomed.

This leads into perhaps the best Guns N' Roses solo ever. It is just so emotional, and driven. I have to recant what I said about Buckethead being unable to make anything with emotions. He did a masterpiece.

My only fault with this song is the addition for the studio release a demon voice 'wrong time' that you can hear in the background during the chorus. It was a very unnecessary addition, and frankly detracts for me everything that makes this song a masterpiece.

There Was A Time ends where it began. With piano, and the boys choir. Full circle.

Part 2


Catcher in the Rye: 9/10. A lyrically amazing track. Catcher in the Rye is a novel about a disjointed youth. Mark David Chapman was holding this novel on him when he murdered John Lennon. The song is more about Chapman and his disfunction leading to the death of Lennon.

The pianos and guitars in this song are complex and subtle. Not as bombastic as say Shackler's Revenge.

But every time I'd see them
Makes me wish I had a gun
If I thought that I was crazy
Well I guess I'd have more fun
It's what used to be's not there for me
And ought to find someone that belongs insane like I do

Seen from Chapman's point of view, he is at the point of almost needing to kill someone, and would love to do so, but doesn't feel he is insane enough to do the deed.

Later we get the amazing outro:

On an ordinary day
Back in an ordinary way
All at once the song I heard
No longer wouldn't play for anybody

This shows that on that day that Lennon was murdered, on that ordinary day, now the most beautiful music could no longer be played. It wasn't the same. The music that Lennon made would forever be tainted by his murder.

And also directed at Chapman:

So now you set the wheels in motion
It Haunts our memories
You were the instrument
You were the one
How a body took a body
And Gave that boy a gun
You Took our innocence

How could Chapman do such a thing. Not only taking a life, but took a gun and forever changed all of us who loved Lennon's music. Lennon was a part of us, and Champan stole that. It is so tragic, and yet the lyrics so perfectly explains it. This song leaves us feeling down about what Chapman did to us, but also shows that we will never forget the briliance of the music. He was the Catcher In The Rye.


Scraped: 6/10. Well the first 18 seconds are painful. This leads into a good rocker, but sadly it is forgettable. Don't you try to stop us now! What is clever about the song is the way that Axl sings it. The negative parts are his lower clean voice, and the positive parts are done in his classic screachy voice. Despite the negativity from old friends, and the press, he rises above it...through this song. He is scraped, but has healed. While the weakest song on the album (in my opinion), still better than anything Britney or Nickleback has ever came out with.

Riad and the Bedhouins: 6.5. Damn good guitars, rockin' and enjoyable. However, it is not memorable in the slightest. And to be honest, I don't fully understand the historical significance of the song. I hated the song when i first heard it. But it has grown on me. It is the most improved of the leaked songs.


Sorry: 10/10. Trippy. Brilliant angry lyrics. Amazing guitars, and synthetic sounds. Would be perfect as a song by Pink Floyd. Dark and calculated, sleazy and bluesy. So many great things can be said about this song. It would seem that Sorry is directed right at Slash. It is hard to say, but it is definitely directed at someone specific.

You tell them stories
They?d rather believe
Use and confuse them
They?re numb and na?ve
The truth is the truth hurts don?t you agree
It?s harder to live with the truth about you
Than to live with the lies about me

Brilliant. There are no hidden meanings in the wonderful piece.

Nobody owes you
Not one god damn thing
You know where to put your
"Just shut up and sing"

Axl lays it down. He does this in his own manner, in his own time. Nobody can tell him otherwise. And in the end feels sorry for them for being so adept at making up lies and fictions about Axl instead of concentrating on the truth about themselves.


IRS: 7/10. I have a love/hate opinion of this song. Some of the lyrics are brilliant. Some are almost childish. The guitars are amazing, and Axl's vocals are top notch. But I just don't feel involved in this song. It is catchy, and I find myself humming to it, but I don't feel attached to the song at all. For me, that emotional connection I get to the music is what gets me off...and IRS gives me nothing. That being said, there are great lyrics to be had.

As when you first told me you were gone,
So long ago but I still held on
Through all the EMOTIONS that I've had to take
And thats the truth, and here's the worst yet

Wouldn't even matter the things that I say
You've made your mind up and gone anyway
And there's no use now in dragging it on
Should've seen it coming all along

IRS is about receiving the news about the imminent breakup. Here he is taken by surprise, and yet at the same time, realizes he SHOULD have seen it coming. He was blind. Hence, he should have called the President, the FBI, the IRS...because they would have seen the truth. And he wouldn't have been taken for a fool. So lyrically I mostly enjoy the song, and the vocals are top notch. I just can't get attached to it.

Part 3 (and mercifully the last)


Madagascar: 10/10. I have known of this song for 8 years now. In the beginning it was very stripped down, even had cow bells in it. There were the soundbites during the solo, but nothing else. No strings, orchestra...just the band. It was simple, it was elegant, and it was powerful. Fast forward 8 years, and we have a beast. Full orchestra, sub bass, the same powerful lyrics, but fuller. This song is a masterpiece.

At its heart Madagascar relates to the island of the same name. It was once part of Africa, but over time it sundered away, and is now its own island. Connected, but not connected. And as the island was sundered from Africa, Axl's relationship have been sundered from him. Whether it be Slash, Stephanie, Erin, or any other number of people, the relationships failed, and was taken from him.

Forgive that they teared down my soul
Bless them that they might grow old
A dream that's forgotten may know
That it's never too late

This is a much more mature Axl. Here he shows that he is willing to put things aside, and wants the best for those who were in his past...and to let them know it isn't late. Perhaps they can work things out. THis is not the same man that was yelling against Warren Beaty back in 91.

Hatred isn't something you are born with. It is taught.

How true that is. WHen I hear this song I just want to give Axl a big hug. He acknowledges that he isn't perfect and has made mistakes. He knows that there has been failure to communicate, but also realizes that those with differences can come together as Dr King dreamed. And end to the hatred.


This I Love: 11/10. Yes you saw that right. This song is perfect. Allow me to share some insights into the mind of Brian. I wear a mask. We all wear masks. We all have defenses that we put up to protect ourselves from others around us. It is human. It is nature. And for us to lower our defenses takes someone so close, someone who lets us be us. someone who we trust implicitly. That level of intimacy is truly rare. I have only lowered all my defenses for one person, and probably most people would say the same thing. Axl lowered his defenses completely with this song. And shared that with the world. He put himself out there, where we see the real Axl. The man who loves, and was heartbroken. The man who deep down is so very alone. And through this pain and solitude he created the best piece of music I have ever heard. Yes, you really did see that right.

Those who know me know that there is only 3 songs ever that have made me cry. Coma, and Estranged by Guns N' Roses, and Beethoven's 9th Symphony (4th Movement). Songs that hit so close to home and take me away with the flood of emotions that encompass them. And now I have a fourth song. This I Love.

The hard part of showing some sample lyrics with this song is that I would have to post the entire song. It is just so amazing.

This I Love is not letting go. Not wanting to let go. To be made whole, to be given existance, all through that love.

So if she's somewhere near me
I hope to God she hears me
There's no one else
Could ever make me feel
I'm so alive
I hoped she'd never leave me
Please God you must believe me
I've searched the universe
And found myself
Within' her eyes

They say when you hate something it is so easy to write a review, but when you love something it is so hard. I find it very hard to write something about this song. It has everything that I love. The pianos, the symphony, the strings, the harp, Richard's amazing solo, and most of all the raw emotion. Axl with his defenses down. Never have I felt so close to him. And I know how crazy that sounds, but I usually connect with so much of his music, and this song even more so.

This I Love is perfect. And Axl, if you ever read this. I just want to thank you. This is the most amazing piece of music I have ever heard. And I hope that one day the world sees this as I see it. A masterpiece.

And now it seems that I
Gave up my ghost of pride
I'll never say goodbye


Prostitute: 10/10. And here we come to the end. The final song of Chinese Democracy is exactly what a last song on an epic album should be. Prostitute is powerful. This is the answer to everything the media has been saying about Axl. As one reviewer says. This is the media saying 'do it now' and Axl replying 'no'

Ask Yourself, What I Would Do
To Prostitute Myself,
To Live With Fortune And Shame

Axl has stood his ground on everything. He didn't bent to people's expectations, the media demands, old bandmates, etc. He did what he needed to do when he wanted to do it. And in the end we have pure Axl... The final 'Fuck You' to those who sold away their love for the spotlight, and eventually waste away. Axl remained true to himself, and really to the fans, that is all we ever wanted.

At the end of the song we have the amazing outro. Piano and violins. The drums and guitar fade away. We are left to contemplate what we have heard. The journey of Chinese Democracy. The album starts out hard and pounding and ends with piano and violins. All the while we are shown Axl's remarkable journey of freeing himself emotionally from a love gone bad. He is free. Through the metaphors and symbols, we have gone through this journey with him. And truly felt his pain. And perhaps we can understand ourselves a little better. I know I do.

After listening to the album, I still get a sense of wonderment. I still get shivers, and I still get very excited. It has been a long wait, but it has been worth it. I haven't calculated what the average score for the album would be, and frankly I don't care. It is amazing. Nothing more, nothing less. I couldn't be happier with the final product. Axl has proven that he was the driving force of GnR all along. And the music will stand and show that, regardless of what people may think about him. Regardless, he is a musical genius. And the world is better for it.

Give What You Have, For What You Might Lose...

Axl Rose this is your fault too!!
  It?s because of you that now I find myself in this situation again? you did this before too.
I keep listening to Chinese Democracy.. And it not only rocked the  first time I listened to it, but it keeps growing on me more each listen I have, like an avalanche its hitting all my senses, some of the melodies I can?t get out of my head, and I find myself quoting at work from the lyrics.. but that?s nothing compared to what you have done to my music expectations. Before a couple years ago I had given up hope in finding new songs that would make such a difference in my life as the UYI, A FD,LIES albums did back in the last century.
I had honestly gotten accustomed to mediocre albums that I would find one or 2 songs worth to hold on to. But I didn?t expect anymore epic songs that related in such a way to my personal life that I would consider to call them my ?soundtrack to my life? songs And you dare fill an album with them.. Setting again the bar way to high for other contenders to fill? (Good maybe now artist will make more of an effort to make this kind of music).
And then to top it all, you release an album, for me.. I mean I don?t see you whoring yourself trying to promote the music. You are letting the music speak for itself, for those that do listen, for those that truly care about the art.. you didn?t buy into the media whoring, see it 100 times a day to brainwash people into trying it out. You put it out there.. no explanation, But the art itself.
 If that is not Artistic integrity I don?t know what is.
I see this albums has hit number 1 in a few countries, I?m glad for those who get to enjoy this album, and for those yet to listen to it I?m  exited for them they are in for a hell of a deal. As hard as I try I cannot remember the last time I gave an album as a present. This is an album im proud to give as a present
I see some ?Fans? are always trying to tell you how you should have done things, who you should had played with, and when you should had release this record. They used to make me mad.. now they make me laugh yet I wonder if they know so much and we have so many experts.. then why don?t they do it themselves? The answer I guess is simple.. they are forgetting the key element which is the creative part, the art.. And for that I thank you.
Please Mr. Rose if there is more melodies inside of you trying to find a way out to us; Let them, they are important in our lives they feed and enrich our life experience. They mean a lot to some of us, don?t let the outspoken minority ruin it for the rest of us.
So I blame you for this new hunger in music I feel, it leaves me wanting for more.. and I blame you for the bar being up high again, I won?t settle for cookie cutter music anymore. And above all thanks for breathing new life into Rock N? Roll
Farid Bak.

Glad you're liking it!  You're like one of the few people that has given props to the orchestral arrangements.

Farid......you hit the nail right on the head. Artistic integrity was the formula that was the foundation of excellent music in the 50's 60's and 70's. (As far as rock & roll goes.) Axl is a very smart artist. Like him I don't go for the gravy-train make a quick buck attitude towards music. He takes his art very seriously and it is fortunate for Axl that he was influenced by artists that came before him who took pride in their music. I sometimes compare Axl to Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. (You might say these two men are on the opposite ends of the pole.) But Mr. Waters in his time was very keen on making masterpieces!!! Circa 1973 was Rogers intent with his mates to make a masterpiece of an album. It was Darkside of the moon. Oddly enough that album was handled in the same way as Chinese Democracy. It didn't need to be pushed into everyones face by over-kill marketing and promoting. They did a little like Axl and company. That album took off because it sold itself. Why?? Because Roger and company worked on the integrity of the album. Axl did the same thing. He got into a unique fortunate situation. He made some money that allowed him the time to create this piece of work. It's no wonder he became a recluse because he was creating his love for art. He probably didn't even piss all his money away. He made sure to pay the necessary bills and employee the right people to work with him on the album. All these steps and right choices played a big part to making this cd. I got to say I've been waiting for someone or some artist to make an lp like this that was going to knock me out. Didn't expect it was going to be Axl. I knew he was going to put something out and I figured it would just be another cd. I guess patiences is a very positive quality to have if you're an artist!!!

thanks so much for your comments, and I agree completly on the Pink Floyd resemblance, and wow what a record is Dark side of The Moon. Its magical in a sense.  I think Axl had a strong influence by them, and specialy with Syd Barrett. The song Bike from Pink Floyd.. "I got a Bike you can ride if you like its got a Bell and a Basket" (look at the art from cd). And not a lot of people get that. Or even get the diferent messages it carries.
Im really exited to think that there is more music out there, and that one day we will see more Albums from GNR and Axl, Also it makes me wonder those who hear this music will  we see futrue bands that take also their music to the next level.. I sure hope so.

My Review Part I

I've spent at least a third of my life waiting for this record. Not too long ago, I was convinced it would never come out. 2008 has to be the craziest year yet, first we elect a black president and now I actually own a copy of Chinese Democracy. If the Cubs had won the world series, I would be 100% convinced the apocalypse was right around the corner (as is it stands, I am 66.6% convinced). There have been many theories as to why the record has been delayed for so long..... Axl is a manic depressive perfectionist incapable of reproducing the sounds in his head in the material world, everytime a band member of the band quit or was fired their parts were wiped and re-recorded by the newest member, various legal issues, Oliver Stone was rumored to be making a movie about how the US Cuba and Chinese governments were involved in an international conspiracy to make sure it was never released beacuse it might actually bring Democracy to China. Some even believed the record was a myth and that Axl hadn't written a song since Izzy Stradlin quit the original band. I think Axl was delaying the record until the time when our collective consciuosness could handle it, and with the election of Obama - that time had come. Before my song by song review, let me lay some ground rules. 1) I will not penalize the record for taking so long time to come out. Good or bad music is good or bad regardless of the amount of human invented "time" it took to create. 2) I will not penalize the record because it is called a Guns N' Roses record even though it is in effect an Axl Rose solo project. A Rose by any other name....... 3) I will try to be objective, but keep in mind that if Axl released a record of him farting into a megaphone with a band of trained monkeys dancing around him playing finger cymbals, I would think it was better than 80% of the current rock music. Now without further ado.......

Track 1 - Chinese Democracy
There are many songs on this record that could better with each listen, this isn't one of them. When I first heard the live bootleg of this song - 8 years ago - I thought it was an average hard rock song. After hearing the final studio version, I think it is a slightly above average hard rock song. Easily the least inetersting track on the record. However, Fall Out Boy couldn't write a song this interesting with detailed instructions. The main riff is decent and there is some nice solo work by Robin Finck and Buckethead, but the song lacks a memorable hook. It must have been the lack of hook that made Axl decide to make it the first single. Sidenote, the Chinese chatter in the intro roughly translates to "I can't believe that crazy bastard put a picture of my grandma's bike on the cover.
Final Grade: 84

Track 2 - Shackler's Revenge
This is one of the songs that grew on me after repeated listens. The verses sound like the theme song of the Sorprano's. The pre-chorus has a slamming guitar riff underneath the 37 tracks of vocals and keyboards. The chorus is catchy and instantly memorable. The bridge has lyrics that are the first sign of New Age Axl - "No one is stopping you from doin what you want to do". The solo is by Bumblefoot, and it sounds like the rest of Bumblefoot's solos on the record - R2/D2 on a bad acid trip. What's more inetersting is what's going on under the solo - the rythym hits with the force of a freight train. After my first listen, industrial nosie with a catchy hook. After repeated listens, the best heavy metal, industrial disco song ever written.
Final Grade: 92

Track 3 - Better
When I first heard the demo of this song - 3 years ago - I thought it was one of the greatest songs I have ever heard. I stand by that initail assessment. Consider the arrangement: nursey rhyme sing/song intro into pop metal verse into alice in chains-like chorus into rage against the machine-like bridge into schizo electronic breakdown into bluesy guitar solo into poppy outro verse with melodic guitar line and backing vocals ending with the nursey ryhme.
Final Grade: 98

Track 4 - Street of Dreams
When I first heard the live verison of this - again 8 years ago (it was then called "The Blues") - I loved this song. However, the studio version has a slower tempo, more orchestration and the first appearance of Axl's new "Count Chocula" voice. These changes have made it the worst ballad on the record. Still, the piano breakdown and outro are powerful, the guitar solo is uniquely excellent (courtesy of Finck) and no one is better at telling off a former lover than Axl - "what I thought was beautiful don't live inside of you anymore" and "what I thought was true were lies I couldn't see".
Final Grade: 86

Track 5 - If the World
This another song that has grown on me. At first, I thought it was easily the worst song on the record. Now, I quite enjoy it. Imagine electro funk porn with spanish acoustic guitar with Axl singing like, as a friend put it, a white dude trying to sing like a black soul singer. Incredibly it sounds exactly like you would imagine it sounds like. This would have been the perfect theme song for the last Bond movie.
Final Grade: 88

Track 6 - There Was A Time (T.W.A.T)
Admittedly the acronym for the song is a bit juvenile, but I think it succinctly sums up the theme of the song - 'there was a time I would do anything for you... but now you're just a twat' (to paraphrase). The song inexplicably opens and ends with a choir, but the song is really sent over the edge with a mind-bending, face-melting solo by Buckethead that ranks up there with anything Slash has ever recorded.
Final Grade: 95

Track 7 - Catcher in the Rye
How can go you wrong with a song written by the greatest band ever with the title of the greatest book ever written. This song is one of the few instances were the mix goes haywire. Axl could have better served the song by taking out 10-15 of the guitar tracks. However, the lyrics are strong (about John Lennon's murder), and it is one of the most melodic songs on the record.
Final Grade: 90

My Review Part II

Track 8 - Scraped
This a great straight ahead rock song, once you get past the a cappella intro. This is Axl in full manic/depressive mode. Alternating self pity ("sometime I fell the world is on top of me / breaking me down with a endless monotony) with more New Age Axl ("You are worth more than they tell you" and "believe in yourself"). There is another paranoid android solo by Bumblefuck and again the rythym work unerneath is much more ineteresting.
Final Grade: 92

Track 9 - Riad N' the Bedouins
What this song is about only God and Axl know, but it rocks like a motherfucker. After an intro that sounds like mood music from the Matrix, the song erupts into an unholy combination of Zepplin's "Immigrant Song" and Outkast's "B.O.B". Buckethead's guitar is constantly on the brink on veering off the tracks, but manages to be incredibly musical. Amazingly, this is the only song on the record that includes the word "fuck" - maybe Axl is growing up.
Final Grade: 92

Track 10 - Sorry
Just when you think Axl is going to get apologetic for the myriad of fucked up things has no doubt done, the chorus kicks in - "I am sorry for you, not sorry for me". The music sounds like Pink Floyd interpreted by Black Sabbath. The lyrics are the chilling sound of somebody who knows the truth no matter how much you can fool everyone else with your bullshit. Sebastian Bach provides background vocals thus proving Axl still thinks (like myself) that it is 1988. The only negative aspect of this song is the return of the "Count Chocula" voice in the opening verses.
Final Grade: 98

Track 11 - I.R.S.
This song sounds like it could have been a Use Your Illusions outtake. Probably the second least ineteresting track on the record. Probably the next single. Another great Buckethead solo though.
Final Grade: 85

Track 12 - Madagascar
This songs starts with a sampled french horn riff and gets weirder from there. A chorus with no lyrics and middle section consisting of movie clips with a Michael J. Fox dialouge prominently featured. Incredibly it all works somehow (except maybe for the gruff old man vocals in the beginning). As if comparing his isolation to the lonley African island of Madagascar isn't hyperbole enough, Axl then compares his percieved oppression to the equal rights movement by sampling MLK's "I have a dream" speech. They don't make crazy mother fucking geniuses like this anymore.
Final Grade: 91

Track 13 - This I Love
This is up there with "Estranged" as the greatest ballad Axl has ever written. Amazingly the arrangement is relatively stripped down (although there is definitely a harp in the mix) with a gorgeous solo by Robin Finck. It starts with Axl on the piano doing a Freddie Mercury impersonation and the lyrics and melody are melodramatic ("i've searched the universe and found myself within in her eyes"). But, this is an unrequited love song and this is what finding love and losing it and refusing to let go sound like. Classic song.
Final Grade: 100

Track 14 - Prostitute
This is the best example of a song that keeps getting better with each listen. At first it was pleasant enough, but more and more it is the song that gets stuck in my head. Lyrically it sounds like a bittersweet kiss off to the fans who dare to question his methods ("ask yourself what I would do to prostitute myself to live with fortune and shame"). Musically it keeps building until a powerful unexpected chord change sends it over the top and then fades out to the sound of soothing keyboard tones. To me it sounds like the sigh of relief after successfully completing a monumental journey.
Final Grade: 98

FINAL OVERALL GRADE: 92

For comparisons sake I would give Appetite for Destruction a 95 and Use Your Illusions a 90. I don't know if a culture that calls Nickelback and Daughtry rock and roll and that comes out in droves when AC/DC releases the same record for the 20th time or when Metallica half-assedly tries to recapture their 'Master of Puppets' glory days, will embrace a record as challenging, creative, original and audacious as Chinese Democracy. But what is truly great about Axl is that he wouldn't let anyone stop him from making the record he wanted to make and I don't think he gives a fuck if anyone buys it. That's called artistic integrity, which most "artists" these days wouldn't understand with a dictionary, thesauarus and google's most high powered search engine. As for me, I still believe and I'll wait another 12 years for Chinese Democracy II.

This album is beyond beautiful.

Anyone who really doesn't like it, is someone I really don't want to know. You're fucking crazy.

GNR = Beautiful?  $1 to the most dangerous band in the world.

Yes.  The same GN'R that produced other beautiful songs like "Sweet Child O' Mine", "Patience", "November Rain" and "Estranged".

Ali

I know what he meant, and I was kidding.  I don't know if SCOM is beautiful, but it sure does Rock.

I think the sheer beauty of its melodies is what made it so appealing to so many people.

Ali

The solo is one of the most perfect guitar solos I have ever heard.  Opps, getting off topic.  CD has some beautiful songs, but as a whole I wouldn't say its a "beautiful" album. 

Would you say that a good pair of boobs are beautiful? Because I would. So I obviously know what the fuck I am talking about.

Chinese Democracy is beautiful. It is fucking tits!

Mmmmm fucking tits and GNR together.  Throw in some whipped cream and feathers and I call that a Thursday night!

Not that I would know anything about that.

But I popped it in todayom my way home from a friends and listened to a few of the songs, namely Prostitute, If The World, TWAT and Sorry. Those songs take almost a whole new dimension to them. Pretty cool, a vibe that I picked up with Estranged, Locomtotive and Coma off the Illusions.

A more detailed review:

I got reintroduced (I lost intrest after TSI) with OMG and found the new band quite intresting. :peace:

Chinese Democracy

Great song, I miss the vocal change at the end of the song Axl did live but apart from that it's a decent rocker.

Shackers Revenge

Very heavy and fast.

Now this is my kind of music, I love it. :headbanger:

It has a similar sound, beat and instrumentation like OMG but a lot more melodic.
The chorus is great, the solo is ok.

Better

Amazing verse and vocals. A very good rocker.

Listening to it (and the entire album actually) there is no denying Chris Pitman isn't a exaxtly a new Liam Howlet (The Prodigy) but in the mix you can hear some pretty intresting melodies and soundeffects.

Street of Dreams

Axl sounds really good here.

Chris should be more present in this song imo but isn't.
It's very guitardriven with the piano playing in the start and as it progress you get to hear more and more classic harmony lines and bluesy guitars with Axl's high vocals on top of it.

A half-heavy power-ballad.

If the world


The verse is pretty good, as is the music. It has a pretty good beat to it.
When the song progress the guitars gets louder.

A lot of keyboards, diferent types of guitars, Axl's is really ripping, exellent solo and rythm.


The song itself isn't so good in my ears tho. I think the chorus could have been made more heavy.

There was a time

I'm not a big fan of soft music but this is very good.

It would be cool if the chorus at the start was used as in the second verse but the harmonies used instead works great.

Super solo and chordchanges.

Cather in the rye

A beautifull song.

If the electronic parts in the music was heavier I'd be more happy tho. Axl sings really good on this.

Scraped

Probably the best solo on the entire album. A great rocker. Give us more Chris and Dizzy! :hihi:

Rhiad and however it's spelled

Awesome rocker, exellent vocals.

I love the intro. Chris and Dizzy at work here. They aren't as present as the songs kicks off sadly.

The beat, Buckethead's playing, the speed of the song and Axl singing really aggresive makes up for it tho.
The closest you get to a "headbanger" maybe.

One of my favorites. PS, at around 3.30...turn it up! : ok:

A LALD type of scream added would make the song absolutely perfect.

Sorry

This is not doommetal baz :P

Pink Floyd type of solo and sound in it, the pre-chorus really gets you.

IRS

The rythm, verse and vocals is good but it's too much soft music shifts in it imo.

The heavy parts is exellent.

Madagascar

One of the best they done.

If I had it my way they would keep the solo-arrangement used in rio3, others likes the change.

This I love

Another soft song. A pretty one at that.

Prostitute

As this i love but a lot more grand with a richer variety of sound-elements and music-styles.

A great outro for the album. :beer:

PS/

When is the next album coming out! :hihi:

After having listened to this album in various places such as cars, planes, on laptop speakers and at home, I can just repeat what my first impression was..... WOW!


I can't just start picking out and grading songs, because I just see it as a whole.

Picking a favorite track is kinda impossible because I tend to discover new things in the songs all the time.


The songs are amazing on their own, but I'm very happy that the production is also amazing.

It's kinda rare these days to have an album that sounds great. For example, it's not too loud....

For all the shit that's been said about this album over the years, for me it's apparent that the album is a result of people making sure they got the album they wanted to make.

It's all about having integrity regarding your art.


This is an album that will piss off a lot of people just because basically it's a big "fuck you" to those who say it can't be done.



/jarmo

it took them a couple of weeks to prepare the special dinner and you think you can digest it in 15 mins.

not me.

Or throw in Sebastian and you got the 2006 tour ;D

Jarmo I think hit it on the nose.  Bottomline Axl and co did this album exactly how they wanted, making sure it sounded right to them.  I think a real objective listener notices more and more things about each song that make them like the songs even more.  On my first listen, I would say I flat out liked like 9 or 10 songs.  Now I think all 14 are great songs and can completely see any of them being someone's favorite.  This album is no small hill of beans, Guns and Roses have done something very significant in a music industry that really lacks creativity and rarely puts their balls on the line!  Axl has done both and I believe he & co have pulled off one of the best albums of all time!!

Congratulation Gunz!


P.S.  The funny thing is, I think this is the tip of the iceberg with lays ahead with future albums.

ROCKERS
Chinese Democracy
Very good opening track. My favorite song.
Shackler's Revenge
Good tune. Really like the chorus.
Scraped
Sucks!
Riad N' The Bedouins
Solid rocker.

MIDTEMPO-ROCKERS
Better
Catchiest song on the album.
If The World
Don't like this song.
Sorry
Killer riffs throughout. Second favorite track.
I.R.S.
Pretty good, but it does drag a little bit.
Prostitute
Good closing track.

EPIC BALLADS
Street Of Dreams
Quite good, but I liked the song title The Blues better.
There Was A Time
Pretty good song.
Catcher N' The Rye
I like it, but the earlier version with Brian May was better.
Madagascar
It's good, but it would have been a great song if it not
had Martin Luther King and movie soundbites in the
middle of it. Still Buckethead's guitar soars throughout!
This I Love
An embarrisingly sappy song. Doesn't fit the album at all.

ALBUM RATING: B-

Yeah, I think this album is going to be very inspirational.


Oh yeah, gimmi moar! :-*

Everyone asks me why I haven't done a review yet.

Because I can't.

These songs are like my kids, I can't pick a favorite.  I love them equally for their own different reasons.

The man has given us a tremendous gift.  As it has been with all the other releases. 

And I love how, like Zeppelin and Floyd, each album has its own tone and feel.  If I'm feeling one way or another, there's a Guns N' Roses album for me!

(Not that I have let Chinese Democracy escape my sight for one second!)

It's an album you just have to listen all the way through....





/jarmo

overall, i am very pleased with the album...good from start to finish, my weakest track on there is Scraped, just can't seem to get into that one...not sure why...

a very good effort all round, like the fact that BH stayed on the record and I love BBF's contributions even more, what a champ guitar player....and it shows on the album...

i did however expect something completely different, which put a damper on my excitement initially, but after listening to it over and over, I really like it...a good closure record for the last 14 years...

i hope it does well commercially...which in this day and age is easier said than done...

well done to the band and all involved...

I totally agree with Jarmo that the album needs to be experienced as a whole.

It's truly an awesome, rich and beautiful record: one of my favorites of all time.

The mixed reception by critics somewhat puzzles me to be honest, but I guess Chinese Democracy is quite similar to The Empire Strikes Back (the second Star Wars movie from 1980).

The Empire Strikes Back also received mixed reviews (even until 1983's Return Of The Jedi, of which Time Magazine said: "[ROTJ] is better than [TESB] which suffered from a hectic, muddled pace".

It's funny that nowadays no self-respecting critic would ever hold ROTJ over TESB, and the latter is often regarded as 'one of the greatest films ever made' topping countless 'best movies ever made'-lists over the years.

But certainly NOT in 1980! Then critics thought it was better to downgrade the film for various reasons.

I feel CD is suffering the same fate as TESB, but I hope it will one day be as well regarded.  : ok:

I've been saying that for nearly 3 weeks now that I will post my review soon :hihi:
I'm afraid it won't happen. The album is a masterpiece, I feel like I would be doing the songs and the record as a whole a disservice by grading and reviewing them. But I'll say this: It's totally worth the wait and it's the most complex and awesome GN'R album ever! :peace:

Yeah I was watching "That Metal Show" on VH1 Classic the other day.  On each episode they have their "Pick of the day".  (Note these episodes were taped LONG ago, even though they're just being aired now.)  Eddie Trunk chose Judas Priest's Nostradamus, saying it was a concept record and that concept records usually took more than one listen to fully appreciate them.  Now, Chinese Democracy isn't a concept record but I think to see it's true beauty you need to listen to the whole thing.  While the individual songs are great, the fact that ALL 14 songs on the album can be listened to without skipping over any is a rare feat.  I know that might not be the case for everyone, maybe people skip over a song here and there, but for me I've done nothing but listen to it all the way through since I got it.

U know, I can honestly say, that after all this time, I still think Madagascar is my favorite.

That song came around 2001 at the absolute lowest moment of my life and it just has such special meaning to me, that is still remains my favorite.

Good album overall, but I can't give a review yet either.  I find something new everytime I listen to it.

I will say one thing though.  If there is one downside to this album for me, it is when Axl goes in that really high voice.  I understand not many people can even go that high, but I don't care for it.  (It's like the time he came out on the VMA's and he introduced the Killers.  He said "you know where the fuck you are?' ...and it was like listening to finger nails across a chalk board!)  I would personally like a lower voice every time he does this..(If The World, beginning of Scraped, I.R.S, Rhiad.)  My favorite Axl voice will always be the raspy one as he does in Better!  This has been the same complaint by a few of my friends as well.   

The only song I cant really learn to love is Scraped,
when there is overdubbing of Axls voice in the chorus towards the end,
where he sings really high its hard to hear what he's singing, and in hes second voice he sings normally,
it clashes too much, and its something that I just cant really appreciate it.

I would of preferred the 2002 Axls high vocals on madagascar aswell,
but other then that, everything else Im loving more and more with each listen.

I love "Scraped"!  Loved it from my first listen.  I even love the intro which everyone seems to hate.  It's weird how there's so many differing opinions when it comes to GNR songs.  And it's the same for all their albums, maybe less with AFD.  But certainly with the UYI's and now CD.  "Scraped" and "I.R.S." are in my top 3 and they happen to be in a lot of people's bottom 3.  And "Better" for me falls somewhere in the middle, while most people rank it near the top.  Not sure if it's like that for all/most bands and their fans.

ok it's like an ongoing love affair. I can't say how it is yet.

but i can say that the flow is brilliant.

chinese => shacklers=> better,
street of dreams=> if the world=>there was a time=>catcher,
then
scraped=> riad=>sorry=> irs,
Madagascar=> this i love=>prostitute





especially

It is a work in progress for me too. I have yet to find more time to listen to the tracks but I try to get at least three a day in the car. I love Chinese Democracy, shackler's, and Better. The others are starting to grow on me but overall I think there are too many ballads. I was hoping to rock my tits off and although the musical arrangements are brilliant, except I really don't like Bedouins, I think most of the tracks are rock ballads. It could be a reflection of where Axl's head is at this point or maybe a long time ago and there will be more to come. Like I said, the complexity is brilliant but since I've grown into an adult more, I really kind of hate listening to ballads. I think marriage does that to me too. But this is just my opinion. My girls fell asleep in the car on our way home from Thanksgiving visiting relatives after Better was over.

All in all it's not going to stop me from continuing to listen and buying anything else Guns puts out.

Shacklers Revenge, Street of Dreams, and Catcher in the Rye around getting alot of spins in my household.

I guess sports fans eat that song up.

I like the intro too!  Axl is kinda showing off his voice and range, like he's saying, "I can still hit those notes motherfuckers!"

Scraped is the perfect driving song.

                 My Own personal review is that there is ....11 tracks I love on the album and 3 I don't. I'm a Guns n Roses fan but even with more listens I can't like the tracks I will list .Here goes....

Shacklers Revenge:

                     I really have no clue what Axl was thinking here. The song starts out all like he was possessed by a demon and then he starts it. I like the guitar work but the song even with repeated listens never measures up to me.

If the World

                       Never can dig this. Just too....whats the word....too un-Guns n Roses. I like the attempt here. But I just don't feel anything for this track at all.

Sorry

                     I've played this for friends and they'll say "WTF ?" . Its not a good one either. Its a whole head shaking in disbelief. I know Axl loves this track. That its his favorite...but I just can't dig it.

                       
                                 Beyond those 3 I love the album.....the rest are awesome fun.

Hehe, that's funny.   Sounds like this album actually will be considered a classic.   When someone else's least favorites are your favorites then you know it's a great album. 

Sorry and Shacklers are two of my favs, along with Blues and title. 

Shacklers is just awesome to me.  The guitars are great, esp that little breakdown before the end, like an old Megadeth breakdown or something- very cool, very metal.   Axls vocals drive the song along, and I find myself playing it over and over.

Sorry is addictive as hell.  The Dracula line is a little silly, but I'm sure Axl has his reasons.   He saves it with the "Nobody asked you...." powerful vocals, and let's face it... the chorus is very catchy.  Love it. 

If the World is one of my least favs, I'm with ya on that one.   But I've seen others list it as one of their favs, which just proves my point...

yeah. how can a rock fan dislike shacklers sorry, or irs.  ???

and how can a music fan dislike if the world.


but some people can even love bon jo.... :P oh well, teastes differ.

                              I never posted I didn't like I.R.S . Shacklers just doesn't do it for me. I tried over and over....and I won't even get into "Sorry". I like Axl like the next fan but no clue what was going on in that track....I wanted it to end.

                              But the rest of the album is good. Just those clunkers for me.

I dont see the need to throw that up

I love Bon Jo............ and I love Shackler's Sorry and IRS

so I guess that kills that argument.

I can see how some may not like the numetal/Rob Zombie flavor of Shackler's. ITs personally one of my favorites.

IRS is probably  my least favorite if I had to choose a least favorite. And when we are talking least favorite, that means Its just an 8.5 instead of a 9.

I don't see Shacklers as a NUmetal song, more like a industrial track ala NIN.  Sorry is really a good song, same with If The World im surprised that alot of people don't like it. Especially If The World.

I decided to take a little while to listen and absorb the album before attempting to write a review --

This album and all it represents is remarkable!  After all of the delays, rumors, time off and misconceptions, Axl and GNR finally delivered!  We may never know the whole story of what all happened behind the scenes, but Chinese Democracy provides a lot of clues.   I think it is a deeper album than many people give it credit for and I've been trying to understand what is behind some of the songs because on first listen they are not entirely clear.  It's a good sign for me because an album that takes more time to appreciate tends to stay longer in the Cd player and the consciousness.  I find that every time I listen, it sounds better and new things pop out of the music.  It sounds wonderful on a good pair of headphones too.

Chinese Democracy starts off with a bang and some strong guitar from Ron really accenting the song well.  It is really mixed great and sounds very good.  This song rocks and really changed my mind because before I thought it wasn't very memorable.  I think the lyrics reflect political and some personal struggles as well.

Shackler's Revenge is different and took a while for me to warm up to it.  I really like the dichotomy of the disco-ish part starting "Don't ever..." and the verses.  The darkness of the low vocals are a real highlight as well as the crunching guitar parts.  Very wild guitar solo by Ron too, and somehow it fits the song!  I like how they fit in a bluesy guitar part right near the end too.

Better is a song that has it all I think, and I've loved it from the start.  Very catchy, great introspective lyrics and a good beat with some killer guitars.  The part that starts "I never wanted you to be..." is always piercing.  Somehow they fit all of the different parts together into a complete song.  I'm looking forward to seeing what else Robin came up with because his solo on this song is one of his best.

Street of Dreams, or the Blues as I prefer to call it, is another highlight with a very sweet solo from Robin and a great Buckethead ending solo following the vocal melody.  I love this song because it has some great piano by Dizzy, and an unusual structure - especially the part that starts "What this means to me..."  I think this song could really be a hit and it feels somewhat like a Use your Illusion song.  I could do without the lyrical changes however but overall I still love this song.

If the World was kind of shocking to me at first but I am growing to really dig it because it is different from what they have done in the past.  It is a little reminiscent of a song that is from a movie soundtrack so it wasn't surprising that they added it to Body of Lies.  I'm not sure what that quiet panned interlude is there for though, but Buckethead shines once again as he plays a very tasty, bluesy solo.

There was a Time is simply epic and is probably my favorite song of the album at the moment.  It has some devastating Buckethead versatile soloing and great lyrics and very nice orchestral arrangement.  This song is the whole package!  When they get this down, it's going to be a monster in the live show!

Catcher in the Rye is another one that really grew on me - I love the outro part the best.  It's a great song about the loss of innocence and John Lennon's death but at the same time it has some deeper meaning hidden in there.  Love the harmony vocals on "Guess I'd have more fun", very well done!!  The only thing that I didn't like was the mix of the guitar solo at the end, I think it could have been more back in the mix and less busy.

Scraped - Great rocker, which really benefits from the mastering of the album.  I like the attitude of this song and it has a very nice soloing/riffing near the end with a killer scream!
I noticed that some of the descending chords are a little similar to Locomotive.  Many of these songs have certain flavors of the past while still sounding new.

Riad and the Bedouins is a song I wasn't really into before when they first played it but they transformed it into a kick ass rocker which I really dig.  I'm still trying to figure out what it means though.  Buckethead's solo is pretty crazy but it somehow fits in the song and the orchestral breakdown in the middle of the solo is a really cool touch.

Sorry is another which took a little while to warm up but it is very scathing and I love the lyrics.  Great background vocals by Baz and once again Buckethead plays a killer solo.

I.R.S. wasn't one of my favorite but I dig it now, the final version really rocks and has one hell of a scream and Buckethead solo.  Some of the lyrics seem to be about Axl's struggles to keep the band going.

Madagascar is a very emotional song, and I really like it but sometimes I feel like listening to it and sometimes I don't.  I'd love to hear a version of this song with an epic solo!

This I Love - This tune is very personal and you can hear it in the vocals and lyrics.  I really feel for Axl hearing this one and it is a testament to his tenacity that he was able to put it out.  When the guitars and drums kick in, it just feels classic.

Prostitute -  This tune is excellent, very light and dark as some people have mentioned in the past.  It seems like it is about selling out and how people look at Axl.  The orchestral ending seems very calming and peaceful after the jarring guitars.

My favorite songs on the album right now are: There was a Time, Better, Street of Dreams, Catcher in the Rye, Sorry, This I Love, Prostitute, and Chinese Democracy. 
It feels great to listen to this album and they accomplished so much after so long, it's amazing to think about sometimes.  Chinese Democracy is even better than I expected and is growing with each listen.  The production is great overall and the mastering was amazing because they didn't use a ton of compression.  It's so great to have the quiet parts be quiet and then kick in to be louder as the guitars come in.

Some of these songs will become classic GNR tunes in my opinion. I can't wait to see what is in store next!!

Awesome review man. Some thoughts from reading it.

If The World. Alright look. When My headaches arise and I have to take my medicinal herb, sometimes I need to just kick back to some music. So listening to Chinese Democracy was bound too happen at some point when taking my medicine, and some songs, when I am medicated (legally mind you), really jump out at me. In fact I sometimes have to go right to them, unlike how I usually listen to CD (listening from the beginning of track 1 all the way through 14). Anyway, If the world. Fucking trippy. I love it. Can't get enough of it. Middle part is fucking saweet(!)

... You know I respect you Chief but I respectfully feel the need to stick up for this part. The quick go to quiet then tripped out Axl, the fading trick stereo panning, then the fucking drums kicking in, oh yes. I dig that shit. Other main go to's when medicated are TWAT, Catcher in the Rye, and Sorry (usually followed closely by Prostitute and sometimes TIL).

Goddamn I love Chinese Democracy. Question.

Is it alright for an agnostic to believe that this Chinese Democracy album is a gift from the music gods?

       Well all i really can say is that Im SO HAPPY with this CD....I just think its awesome..i love how all the songs are different and love all the changes in the songs....Its a very produced CD and i love it..U hear diff things all the time...........
Id give it a 9 or 9.5 out of 10

My Fav songs at the moment are Sorry and This i love.....I really like the new versions of CD and IRS too

Verry HAPPY. : ok:

I know thus i said 'or'

I understand sorry might be a bit unusual for you.


do you?  ??? I mean do you know what's bon jo is? I don't. it was like jon doo or whatever when i wrote it.

Bon Jovi.

... ewwww (Jarmo can I put out a request for a face that is throwing up?)

:puke:



/jarmo

 :hihi: priceless  : ok:

Right on man.. maybe i have to be in a different state of mind to appreciate it more.  I do know that certain songs have really grown on me and the more i listen the more I take in and get from the music.  That's one reason I love all music so much, honestly.

I think it is perfectly fine for an agnostic person to think that this is a gift from the music gods!

to my knowledge, the muses are goddesses. They bless GNR.

i really appreciated chinese democracy. i like it a lot.
the sound is different from the past, chinese is different from AFD and illusions, but i can honestly say i prefer chinese to the illusions, where i believe not all the songs are at the same level. At 360 ?, i really prefer chinese to the illusions.
 i like the sound of the band, and i'm sorry bucket left.
my trial is influenced by love for buckethead...  and this is certainly a good starting point of axl who chooses BH. the work of bucket is awesome, inspired. and it binds well with axl's voice.
 axl's voice is different from the past: in some ways in my opinion he's even better, technically speaking.
and, differently from what i read from some people, when i listen chinese i don't taste a solo album, an album "one man made". it is a "band album", and in the tracks i really feel the link of the guys who play. i don't feel axl involved in the band, i feel the whole band involved. and i'm really happy of that.  i like the orchestral parts too. epic. simply epic.

in particular, twat and sorry are my fav songs, these two are really great. probably in the top five list of the gnr songs ever, for me.
the only part of the album i don't like is the solo guitar on shackler's revenge. too much messy. and , differently by the leaks who i found on the web, i really was amazed by bumblefoot solo on Catcher in the rye.it's a pity there isn't the solo of brian may, but i understand why the band has chosen in this way, and i like.  i would never have thought bumblefoot could play a solo beautiful like brian may's. two different style, obviously, but really good.
hoping to listen all the songs live, as i said before, my only disappointment is buckethead left, and i don't believe another guy can play the solo in twat like i could do. really a pity.

Hi Bucket :hihi:

freud would say i'd like being bucket. of course i'd like to...  :hihi: :hihi:

well, i won't edit my post, it's pretty funny in this way  ;D

post yours then. in the nice boys section, of course.

if you referring to me, we have not understood. i don't play guitar, i wanna say "he could", but my finger pushes " i "  :hihi:
it's a freudian lapsus (right?)  :peace:

haha ok then. i'd like to as well

Well, it certainly is a very confident statement lol

Edit:

You didn't just press "i" instead of "he", you actually wrote "i do" instead of "he does", so I'm guessing that your mind was dreaming while you wrote that

i wrote "i could do" instead  of "he could do". only " i " is wrong. there's "could"   ;D

anyway, "bring back bucket!!"





 :hihi:

PS: i forgot to say a thing: i totally LOVE how axl says "but i don't want to do it". he reminds me Apu of simpsons  :hihi:

People feel free to FLOOD Kayla (on Sirius/XM) with e-mails with your reviews of Chinese Democracy.  Maybe not as in depth as some of the ones on here, but let her know you love it and how good it is.  She just played "Shackler's Revenge" and she intro'd it by saying everyone she talks to either says the CD is alright or it's a big disappointment.  She went on to say Axl changed his hair and his musical tastes and he screwed it all up.  She always says she'd love feedback, so let's go ahead and give it to her.  Let's show her how good the album really is.

e-mail is as follows

kayla@sirius-radio.com

Yeah!

I e-mailed her this: "I?ve heard ya on Sirius and just wanted to say?give Chinese Democracy a chance. The music is great ? not exactly vintage GNR but it?s not 1987 ( or 1991) anymore. It is being promoted horribly ( what promotion? ) but it is really good and no one is putting out stuff like this anymore?"


I got an auto response " We are currently experiencing high email volume.   Please note that a
response to your question may take a little longer than it normally would, but one of our Customer Care Associates will get back to you as soon as possible."

Nice, looks like she may have some reading to do.  I sent her an e-mail shortly after I made that post and didn't get that message.

I love Chinese Democracy.  Love it.

But . . .

1) What's with the messed up guitar sound at the end of "Better".  The last 20 seconds sound distorted, is it actually supposed to sound like that ?

2) The singing of the word "Prostitute".  It would be a perfect track if he'd just sing the word right.

Other than that the CD is as good as I'd hoped it would be.  Anyone have a clue about why those two things are the way the way they are ?

Errr, that's just how Axl wanted the songs to be. it's just music man, if every word of every song was sung clearly and perfectly... wouldn't that be kind of boring?

Dude I don't know what the fuck your problem is with Better. That shit is brilliant. I never once had the thought that the guitars were fucked on any of the countless times I have heard this track.

But I will give you the "Prostitute" beef. I really really love this song. It kind of bugs me a little that you really can't clearly tell Axl is saying the word "Prostitute" unless you are like one of us geeks and/or read the booklet. It is such a great line too. But its brilliance will go unnoticed for many unfortunately.

I guess it's just me but the last 20 seconds of Better are so messed up it's barely listenable for me :(

What's done is done move on.  It's Axl's vision not yours  - you either like it or you don't.

Life is really that simple when it comes to music. :yes:

It's not a flaw if it is intentional. It comes down to opinion and perception.

Barely listenable? Barely listenable? Are you fucking pulling our chain dude?  :o  Its just the pendulum swinging back around playing off the sound of the intro. Its full circle. But its also closure hence why it isn't exactly the same. See its shit like this that makes me fucking dig the fuck out of Axl. He is a visionary, and this type of display is all over the album. Maybe someone would like to create a topic because this is some fertile ground for us to cover. Dude do not speak of this again. I respect you so I am giving you this free advice here. Yikes.

this makes my brain hurt... ???

:)

I just don't like the way the last 20 seconds makes it sound like my speaker is blown out - but it's not my speaker.  I love the track, I love the ending - I just hate the way the ending sounds with that blown out speaker sound.

1-5 rating scale - 5 being best

1. Chinese Democracy - 2/5 = over produced, too slow, a stripped down, faster version would have been ideal for me.
2. Shackler's Revenge - 1/5 = I can barely listen to this song.  Just really bad.  Way over produced, too synthesized.
3. Better - 3/5 Really liked this song when I first heard it, but its become very "meh" to me.
4. Street of Dreams 2/5 - LOVED this song from RiR, but it's gotten stale over time. Nice guitars and axl's vocals are solid once again.  Would have been a good track on the Illusions albums, but it just sounds a bit dated to me know in 2008.  This song definitely sounds better live (then it gets a 3).
5. If the world - 2/5 ZZZzzzz  boring.
6. There was a time - 5/5 best song on the album, amazing vocals and guitar work.
7. Catcher in the Rye - 3.5/5 good tune, seems a bit out of place on the album, but it's a good song.
8. Scraped - 3.5/5 - good rocker, but nothing amazing.
9. Riad n' the Bedouins - 2/5 the CD version of this song is pretty good - avg rock tune though.
10. Sorry - 2/5 not sure why everyone jizzes in their pants over this song. Its slow, monotone and kinda boring.  Cool lyrics, but the song just doesn't seem to go anywhere. 
11. I.R.S. - 3/5 - as with all of the rockers on CD, its good but not great. 
12. Madagascar - 4/5 nice epic song that has stood the test of time.
13. This I Love 4/5
14. Prostitute 4/5 - Axl really turns it up on this one - good lyrics and vocals.  I like the chances they took with this song.

overall, its a good album, but not great.  Definitely not what I was hoping Axl would re-launch Guns with and not the album that is going to save rock n' roll (like I was hoping).  The rocker songs are average at best and I don't see any of them really ever being big hits.  The longer, more epic songs are fantastic as I would expect.  Axl owns these type of songs.  TWAT is simply amazing.  Some songs have great guitars on them, but overall I feel like most lack a sense of emotion.  I don't know, just me. They soar in TWAT and really complement the lyrics/vocals of that song.  I dig the guitar on Catcher too. Can't say I feel the same way about most of the songs on the rest of the album. They are good, but they're missing that "it"/"x" factor... hard to articulate.

Axl sounds amazing though.  Lyrically he goes all the way on this one.  CD has come and gone in my book, I'm looking forward to the next Guns album and I now with CD under my belt my expectations are a bit different. 

Overall rating - 3/5.

really, really, really interesting subject for the new topic  :confused: ... if You don't like it don't listen to it ... if You feel like everyone should now than at least post in some thread where there are reviews ...

oh yeah and welcome :)

-velimir

im not saying i like or dislike it.....but the distorted sound on the end of Better has definatly had me checking to see if i'd blown my speakers from listening to it so loud the first few times after buying the album

Better sounds fine to me... Prostitute is not much bother... but the bleep in second verse of Scraped where it's been glued together frustrates me fer sure... that's my only complaint, the album RULES!

thats intentional.

but regardless of that, i love glitch anyway  :yes:

Its fucking trippy. There is a lot of trippy sounds throughout this beautiful album. I dig the last 20 seconds of Better. I love the first 20 seconds of Better. I love everything between too. Don't know what to tell you, smoke some weed or something. You are looking at things and hearing them way to 3 dimensionally. 

yea. for me trippy isn't the word. throughout this album there're moments i feel as if i am at zero G. like when you ride a roller coaster, maybe.

I don't really have words for that statement, except that that is ridiculous.

there are a couple of tunes I find myself wanting to hear all the time, but as an entire album I don't think I'd play it from start to finish anytime soon.  Maybe it'll grow on me as I keep listening to it, but it didn't grab me by the balls the first time I played the entire thing like other albums I got this year.

Wow, talk about how things can be different for different people. Since i bought CD i've been having trouble listening to anything else. The other day i was Christmas shopping and i was going to buy myself an album from an artist i love that i didn't realize was out, but i decided it didn't make sense to buy it yet because i'll be too busy listening to Chinese.

you shouldn't be buying yourself xmas presents at xmas time anyways! hehe ;) just kidding. 

There a few CD songs I listen to a lot (TWAT, prostitute mostly) but I've been finding myself listening to a lot of Pantera and Down lately instead of CD.

Thought I'd wait a while before submitting a review, to try and absorb the songs a little better. I've listened to this album at least once every day, and sometimes more, ever since it came out. And I still continue to do it, so in the end I am very positive about Chinese Democracy, despite the slight "letdown" since the album could never possibly live up to the hype. Plus, having heard all the demos took some of the fun out of it, knowing several of these songs as well as I do. I definitely find myself generally starting off with the newbies, 'Sorry', 'Scraped' and 'This I Love', but then move on to the rest. There has been some criticism about the lack of "anthems", and I must admit I am surprised there isn't at least one Appetite-like song with a killer pop chorus in the mix. I thought for sure Axl would've had a surefire hit single up his sleeve, less produced but pure ear candy. 'Better' comes closest, and we have to keep in mind that it is fresh and new to the general radio listener, so I am hopeful it will be a hit song in the new year. I feel that this album became a huge burden on Axl's shoulders, and I'm glad he finally got it out. I very, very much look forward to the next one. Can't wait in fact, with lowered expectations Axl can pretty much be sure of a positive reception if he's got some cool stuff lined up.

Chinese Democracy - I've always liked this song, it's not a single but it's a great album opener, love the lyrics and Axl's delivery, along with the solo, which starts (I assume) with some cool Finck guitar work and morphs into a killer Bucket solo. It's a cool tune, and I love singing along. Works for me, as the title track.

Shackler's Revenge - An interesting song. It's got Buckethead's fingerprints all over it, and while it's slightly underwhelming as the opening shot across the bow (ie. its inclusion on Rock Band), it's mixed very well and I love the way the various "I don't believe it" lines come together at the end of the chorus. Reminds me of parts of 'Oh My God' in a way, sounding great through headphones but maybe not working quite as well at low volume. Despite protestations to the contrary, it does have an industrial feel to it (for lack of a better term), and I think Axl may have more songs like this one in the vault. Great solo, too. In fact, I'll say here that Bucket rocks throughout this whole album.

Better - I've always loved this one, really like Axl's delivery, especially in the verses, and it should be a hit, if radio can handle the second half of the song, which I am happy to see has remained intact. Sounds pretty much like the demo, but they did a great job on the final mix. The synth is perfect (starting around 2:35 in). The guitarwork is awesome, and the lyrics are extremely well-constructed, as well. This song, perhaps along with 'Street of Dreams', has the best potential to be a radio hit.

Street of Dreams - Really prefer the title 'The Blues', but it's a great song regardless, a ballad of high quality that is single material IMO. I actually prefer the original slowed-down version we heard in Rio, but this version is still great. Miss that "OK - nevermind" part, though! "But that's not stardust on my feet / It leaves a taste that's bittersweet that's called the blues". Awesome. Love the added "What'd I tell ya" as well.

If the World - Like it, don't quite love it. I understand why some hate it, but I appreciate the willingness to experiment, and I like Axl's vocals here. The song doesn't quite fit, and I'm not always in the mood for it, but I love the way it kicks in after the quieter part where Axl's voice moves from right to left through the speakers. In the end, I'm glad it made the album, and it sounds very cool at high volume.

There Was a Time - I think this is the best song on the album. That guitar solo during the last couple of minutes is magic, and really is kind of orgasmic, lol. One of the best guitar solos ever, I'd say, and I hope Bucket gets some recognition for it. Love everything about the song, chorus, lyrics, etc. Fantastic track.

Catcher in the Rye - Love this song, and always will. It's my favourite book, and Axl's vocals and the harmonies are simply awesome throughout. I do think, however, that this is one song I feel is "overproduced". The demo we heard was of poor audio quality and definitely needed some work, but the mix on the final version is just too cluttered. Guitars pop up where they aren't needed, and the vocals are too low in the mix. I get the feeling there are all kinds of mixes for these songs, and I'd love to hear a couple for Catcher. I'll bet there was one earlier on in the game that I would like more, but it's still a great song. But every time I hear it, I just feel it isn't mixed right.

Scraped - Ahh, the controversial 'Scraped'. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but now I love this track. I will admit I'm not crazy about that opening bit, but at the same time I don't mind it, and love all the rest. Axl's vocals are cool, and the song has really grown on me a lot since I first heard it.

Riad and the Bedouins - I dig the track, but for an album a decade in the making, this really should be a B-side. It should have come out as the flip side of the first single, and I'm surprised it made the final album. The music is good and contrary to many, I like the lyrics a lot although I still have no idea what they mean, lol. I really like the delivery of "somewhere in time", but other than that I feel Axl's effort here is subpar, and overall the song is just nothing special.

Sorry - I'm very happy the demo for this one never got out, so I could hear it fresh and new. I love this song, and often start my listening to Chinese Democracy by playing this one first. I do feel it's about Slash, and the lyrics are great. I actually look forward to the "But I don't want to do it" line, and love the Pink Floyd / Black Sabbath / GNR mix of styles here. I often play it 2 or 3 times in a day, and haven't gotten bored of it yet. That's a good sign.

I.R.S. - This is one case where I feel it was detrimental to hear the demos, or maybe I just prefer the demo to the final mix, I'm not sure. I really enjoyed this song when I first heard it, but these days I find it rather blase. Still think this was the track originally known as 'Oklahoma'. It's not a bad song by any means, but it should probably have ended up as a B-side. I'd like to think Axl's got quite a few better songs on tape.

Madagascar - Simply great. Very similar to the demo, so in one regard I don't listen to it as much these days having heard it so much in the past, but I always enjoy it when I do play it, and the lyrics are really strong here. And once again, Bucket rocks the house.

This I Love - Cool tune. It's a more intricate piece than it sounds like at first glance, and definitely seems to have been written about Stephanie Seymour back in the day. It feels like a song very personal to Axl, and I've been listening to it a lot lately. High-quality work, for sure.

Prostitute - It's a very good song, and I like it a lot. Just don't feel it's right as the album's closing track, would've been great to have another 'Rocket Queen' lined up to bring the festivities to a halt after this one. Something about the hip-hop beat doesn't quite work for me, but the music builds up nicely into the climax. The line where the song's title is mentioned is great.

In the end, while Chinese Democracy couldn't possibly live up to the hype, and doesn't much resemble Appetite, it's still one hell of a great album, and I do think a lot of reviewers went in ready to tear Axl apart, but then had to admit it is in the end a strong piece of work. Kudos to Axl and GNR for finally getting the monkey off their back!!!! I can't think of an album released in 2008 that I like more, or that has stuck with me this long. I think this album will eventually be looked at fondly, despite all the horror stories and length of time it took to make.

I really can't wait to hear the next one.

After listening CD for a month, I can say that it is an excellent album. In general I think that it is solid album with amazing songs. For me all the songs are valuable. Chinese Democracy is a very good song. There Was a Time is one of my favorite because the music and the lyrics. I really appreciate Sorry and This Is I Love. At the beginning I don?t like Scraped, but, the most I listening it the most I like it. I think this album is a masterpiece. Obviously the elaborated art it is not for all the people. I will continue enjoy CD for a long time.

Check it out...

http://www.bigmusicgeek.com/GunsNRoses1.html

 8)

Here's my review I wrote on my myspace page (I ranked my Top 10 albums of the year and Chinese Democracy was naturally No. 1). Just thought I'd share....

It's been 17 long years since Guns N Roses put out the twin magnum opuses 'Use Your Illusion I and II' and much has changed in the Guns camp...namely the entire band save for Axl Rose and keyboardist Dizzy Reed. While there are many in the media that will never accept this as a Guns N Roses album, just an Axl Rose solo project, I'm not in that camp.
First off, this has the feel of a modern-age Guns N Roses record. Some of the solos delivered by a revolving cast of guitarists (Buckethead, Ron Thal, Richard Fortus, Robin Finck, Paul Tobias) are every bit as good or better than Slash, and Rose is in fine voice throughout.
Some of the material (especially tracks like 'Shackler's Revenge' that have a heavy industrial influence) seems a bit dated, but that's not a knock against the album, the variety of styles work well as you never get stuck in any particular type of music.
The album begins in fine fashion with 'Chinese Democracy', an aggressive track where a pissed-off Axl rails against the oppressive Chinese government. Safe to say, Guns N Roses won't be playing a show in China anytime soon.
Everything you want from Rose and the gang is here in a tidy package, whether its the brilliant wistful balladry of 'Street of Dreams' where Rose laments a lost love to the nasty 'There Was a Time' (formerly known by its acronym) which rips a lost love to shreds, the album delivers on so many levels.
There's plenty of Axl venom spewed on one of the album's more far-out tracks, 'Sorry'. Is he directing his anger toward Slash? Internet rumors? Fairweather fans? Former lovers? Who knows, but a menacing Axl growl sings over a keyboard-backdrop that could be described as demonic Pink Floyd. Brilliant.
Lyrically, he even addresses the interminable wait for this album to be released with a few of the lines in 'I.R.S' "Maybe it's the way that I've carried on, like a broken record for so long....Feeling like I've done way more than wrong, feelin like I'm livin' inside of this song." You can tell he wanted these songs to sound perfect, and in most cases, he succeeds.
The best track on the album is probably the most sentimental for me lyrically - the glorious 'Catcher in the Rye' Obviously, that's the title of the famous J.D. Salinger book, but it's also the book carried by John Lennon's murderer Mark David Chapman on the fateful night of December 8, 1980. Chapman gunned down Lennon and then waited for the police to arrive while reading the book.
Most of the song seems to lend a sympathetic ear to the criminally insane people who commit horrific deeds like this, until the song's touching final verse, where Rose's admiration for Lennon is on full display:

On an ordinary day
Not in an ordinary way
All at once the song I heard
No longer would it play
For anybody or anyone
That needed comfort from somebody
Needed comfort from someone
Who cared To be
Not like you Unlike me
And then the voices went away from me
Somehow you set the wheels in motion
That haunt our memories
You were the instrument
You were the one
How a body took a body
You gave that boy a gun
You took our innocence
Behind our stares
Sometimes the only thing we counted on
When no one else was there

Everytime I hear it (as beautiful guitar interplay in the background), I get chills down my spine, and I've been listening to the album on a regular basis since its Nov. 23 release date.
Bottom line, go get this album at your local Best Buy (it's an exclusive there). Don't think it's not Guns N Roses, because when you sink your teeth into it, you'll find out it's often vintage Guns.

it's growing on me, i was expecting something different when i first bought the cd. it's a good cd. :beer:

what were you expecting?