Chinese Democracy Review Thread

[Mobenrad]

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/music/69316/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-review

 

Ah, hell yeah!

[FunkyMonkey]

?Chinese Democracy? finally surfaces, delivers

Ron J. Rambo Jr.
The Advocate

Something that many people thought would never happen has actually happened: Guns N? Roses is finally back on the Billboard charts.

After nearly two decades, and six years after the ?Chinese Democracy? world tour, GN?R has resurfaced as a force in the music industry. Set to debut at number two on the charts, ?Chinese Democracy? has already angered many of China?s ruling Communist Party officials, when an article in The Global Times said that the album ?venomously attacks China? and ?turns its spear point on China.?

The album starts out with the title track, and harkens back to ?Appetite for Destruction? with a ?Welcome to the Jungle? style opening. The buildup is a perfect start to an album that has taken nearly an entire high school senior?s life to complete. The guitars are heavy, the pace is great, and the mix of the song is outstanding. Axl Rose has always been a grandiose musician and performer, and while it is evident throughout the entire album, it is especially clear with this track that he wants fans to know that GN?R is back. Thankfully, Rose kept former guitarist Buckethead?s material on the album (who departed after the 2002 tour); his guitar work is absolutely marvelous.

Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending upon taste) the first two tracks are by far the heaviest on the album, and most of the remaining songs are moderately paced, with some signature Rose-softies available as well.

The album continues with ?Better,? a favorite from GN?R?s most recent ?06 U.S. tour, as well as ?Street of Dreams? (formerly known as ?The Blues?), which is a beautiful piano-laced rock piece that brings back some ?Use Your Illusion? magic. ?If The World,? which was featured during the end credits of the recent theatrical release ?Body of Lies,? is attractive to the ear in so many ways, from Rose?s vocals to the Middle Eastern sound, and an amazing solo. The first big peak of the album is at the sixth track, ?There Was a Time,? which is destined to be on tour setlists for years to come.

The remainder of the album is good, particularly ?Riad N? The Bedouins,? which is probably the song that resembles their UYI-era rock songs the most. ?Madagascar,? also featured on every tour since 2001, is really the last hurrah on the disc, but overshadows another good song in ?This I Love.?

The real strengths of ?Chinese Democracy? lie in the overall song structure and creativity that Rose has always brought to the table, and his understanding of music that is melodically and harmonically pleasing to the ear. A lot of the compositions are formed in such a majestic way that it almost takes away from the epic feel of each song, which is both good and bad. Buckethead?s guitar work really cannot be understated; he does an amazing job on both the heavier and softer songs, and really impresses with the overall phrasing and technique of his solos. While the diversity of the album is a definite plus, it is also probably its greatest weakness ? the album really doesn?t have any kind of specific identity.

So does the album deliver? For most fans aching to hear new stuff, it will match expectations at the very least. To fans who aren?t open to change, and instead are expecting to hear a ?classic? Guns N? Roses album, it will disappoint. But to those that are fans of good music as a whole, the album should be on hand at all times. This is one of the most musically diverse albums that has been released in a very long time, and will really have something for everyone. Half of the songs will be on your iPod playlist at any given time because they really are that good. It?s just up to the listener to decide which ones are most attractive to their ear.

[wells]

?Chinese Democracy? finally surfaces, delivers

Ron J. Rambo Jr.
The Advocate

Something that many people thought would never happen has actually happened: Guns N? Roses is finally back on the Billboard charts.

After nearly two decades, and six years after the ?Chinese Democracy? world tour, GN?R has resurfaced as a force in the music industry. Set to debut at number two on the charts, ?Chinese Democracy? has already angered many of China?s ruling Communist Party officials, when an article in The Global Times said that the album ?venomously attacks China? and ?turns its spear point on China.?

The album starts out with the title track, and harkens back to ?Appetite for Destruction? with a ?Welcome to the Jungle? style opening. The buildup is a perfect start to an album that has taken nearly an entire high school senior?s life to complete. The guitars are heavy, the pace is great, and the mix of the song is outstanding. Axl Rose has always been a grandiose musician and performer, and while it is evident throughout the entire album, it is especially clear with this track that he wants fans to know that GN?R is back. Thankfully, Rose kept former guitarist Buckethead?s material on the album (who departed after the 2002 tour); his guitar work is absolutely marvelous.

Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending upon taste) the first two tracks are by far the heaviest on the album, and most of the remaining songs are moderately paced, with some signature Rose-softies available as well.

The album continues with ?Better,? a favorite from GN?R?s most recent ?06 U.S. tour, as well as ?Street of Dreams? (formerly known as ?The Blues?), which is a beautiful piano-laced rock piece that brings back some ?Use Your Illusion? magic. ?If The World,? which was featured during the end credits of the recent theatrical release ?Body of Lies,? is attractive to the ear in so many ways, from Rose?s vocals to the Middle Eastern sound, and an amazing solo. The first big peak of the album is at the sixth track, ?There Was a Time,? which is destined to be on tour setlists for years to come.

The remainder of the album is good, particularly ?Riad N? The Bedouins,? which is probably the song that resembles their UYI-era rock songs the most. ?Madagascar,? also featured on every tour since 2001, is really the last hurrah on the disc, but overshadows another good song in ?This I Love.?

The real strengths of ?Chinese Democracy? lie in the overall song structure and creativity that Rose has always brought to the table, and his understanding of music that is melodically and harmonically pleasing to the ear. A lot of the compositions are formed in such a majestic way that it almost takes away from the epic feel of each song, which is both good and bad. Buckethead?s guitar work really cannot be understated; he does an amazing job on both the heavier and softer songs, and really impresses with the overall phrasing and technique of his solos. While the diversity of the album is a definite plus, it is also probably its greatest weakness ? the album really doesn?t have any kind of specific identity.

So does the album deliver? For most fans aching to hear new stuff, it will match expectations at the very least. To fans who aren?t open to change, and instead are expecting to hear a ?classic? Guns N? Roses album, it will disappoint. But to those that are fans of good music as a whole, the album should be on hand at all times. This is one of the most musically diverse albums that has been released in a very long time, and will really have something for everyone. Half of the songs will be on your iPod playlist at any given time because they really are that good. It?s just up to the listener to decide which ones are most attractive to their ear.

nice review

[Donner]

http://www.metal-rules.com/review/viewreview.php?month=December&year=2008&pos=18

Guns n` Roses - Chinese Democracy
   
  December 2008
Released: 2008, Geffen/Universal
Rating: 4.5/5
Reviewer: Lord of the Wasteland

One would think that after waiting eighteen years for a new Guns n? Roses album, it wouldn?t be all that difficult to come up with plenty to say about CHINESE DEMOCRACY. The length of this review is proof to that. But obviously the expectations are sky-high, so keeping this overblown, over-hyped beast in perspective without resorting to hyperbole and gross exaggeration is tricky. This is, after all, one of the most eagerly-anticipated hard rock releases not just of 2008 but of the last decade. However, after leaving the album on continuous rotation for four days straight and letting the initial thrill pass, I think it?s safe to say the sprawling, dynamic package has finally rooted itself properly.



The release of CHINESE DEMOCRACY is an ?event??a pop-culture phenomenon?that has been mired in controversy, false starts and bizarre rumors since at least 1996. In that time, Axl Rose has seen the departure of every one of the members of the ?classic? Guns n? Roses lineup, as well as several more that have come and gone during the recording process. As it is, this fourteen-track, 71-minute epic is little more than an extravagant Axl Rose solo album. Calling it a Guns n? Roses album is ludicrous at this point, but why beleaguer the point. It is what it is and CHINESE DEMOCRACY could never live up to the reputation that the name carries with it. It has been too long, too expensive (rumors have notched the cost at a staggering $13 million) and too hyped to ever live up to what anyone could possibly expect from an album. That being said, anyone going in blind should not expect USE YOUR ILLUSION III?and, please, let go of any hopes for a return to the sound and style of APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION?because this is an entirely different lineup and a different time. To put things in perspective, when USE YOUR ILLUSION I and II dropped in September 1991, grunge was not even a twinkle in Seattle?s flannel-sporting eye, George W. Bush?s father was still in the White House and no one had even heard of the Internet or debit cards. In a nutshell, what we have in CHINESE DEMOCRACY is an album of almost inconceivable diversity highlighted by Rose?s immediately recognizable stratospheric shrieks and soulful crooning. Of course, that capsulated summation cannot do justice to what Rose has delivered here?



Many fans will go in wanting a straight-forward, ?classic? sounding Guns n? Roses ripper and the title track satisfies wholly. Opening with a monstrous, arena-ready guitar lead and a face-peeling scream from Rose, the song rocks and grooves with a sizzling solo from Robin Finck and Buckethead. ?Catcher In The Rye,? ?Riad n? The Bedouins? and ?I.R.S.? follow a similar pattern with a familiar underlying vibe that is immediately forged with Guns n? Roses stamp. As he did on ?November Rain? and ?Estranged? from the USE YOUR ILLUSION records, Rose?s epic compositions are brought to light on several occasions here with mixed results. The piano-based ?Street of Dreams? and ?There Was A Time? are awash in strings but avoid becoming schmaltzy, while ?This I Love? goes in the opposite direction. Rose?s overwrought vocals and the sweeping orchestration take the song down a path of no return, simultaneously hitting the lows of a Broadway musical and drawn-out ego of a deluded rock star. ?Sorry,? on the other hand, sits right in the middle. Part songwriting tour de force and part overblown experiment, the slow, moody tempo, bluesy guitar and biting lyrics make this track a ?grower,? one that leaves the listener a bit unsure at first but will surely come to be cherished down the road. ?If The World? will prove a real test of fans? open-mindedness as the flamenco/funk hybrid and slinky riff would make it a perfect soundtrack song for a gritty 1970s cop movie or even a lead-in for the venerable Agent 007, James Bond. The album?s high point sits in ?Better,? with an especially intriguing vocal performance from Rose and a catchiness that is immediate. The strutting groove within the verses just ooze with an obvious hit factor and the subtle modern touches lying underneath everything really add to the overall appeal. Likewise, ?Madagascar? (a song that has been around for years and even played live) is the sound of the new millennium version of Guns ?n Roses with sampled drums and French horns sharing space with sound bytes taken from Dr. Martin Luther King?s speeches, as well as several films (nice nod to the clip from COOL HAND LUKE that opened ?Civil War?).



While ?Scraped? and ?Prostitute? still do little for me in an otherwise positive landscape, the song that carries the most contention is ?Shackler?s Revenge.? The distorted, industrial guitars that open and close the track are painfully dated, sounding like they were recorded in 1999 and never looked at again (looking through the sprawling album credits with its laundry list of studios, producers and engineers, they probably were). Fans who remember ?Oh My God,? the soundtrack cut that Guns n? Roses released back in 1999 for the Arnold Schwarzenegger bomb END OF DAYS, will find many similarities between that song and ?Shackler?s Revenge??and the almost unanimous contempt launched then certainly doesn?t do the new material any favors nearly a decade later.



The guitarwork on CHINESE DEMOCRACY is nothing short of remarkable. Employing five players (and Rose himself even gets credited on two tracks), the songs crackle with fluid expressions of each musicians? individual style while fitting into the cohesive sound of the respective songs. One would think so many players would create a muddled mess of riffing and soloing but considering the diversity that each track on CHINESE DEMOCRACY possesses, things never feel disjointed or awkward. No one tries to ?do? Slash?s sound either, which is refreshing to hear. And, good God, does Axl Rose sound absolutely phenomenal everywhere on this record. His voice, while certainly given more than its share of studio finessing, is centre-stage at every second, unleashing impossibly high screams, gorgeous, cleanly-sung serenades and a newfound lower register that has undoubtedly arisen with age. Gone, too, are Rose?s raging epithets that peppered past songs like ?Get In The Ring,? ?Back Off Bitch? and ?It?s So Easy.?



CHINESE DEMOCRACY is an unusual album because of the legacy that it carries. Attaching the name Guns n? Roses to the project leaves it open to an unfairly subjective outlook which has the potential to sink the record right out of the gates. Maybe Rose is deluded enough to think that his assembled stable of hired hands actually possesses a shred of the street-wise attitude and rock-and-roll sensibility that the original lineup had, even after they become bigger the world by the time the bloated USE YOUR ILLUSION albums were released. Had he released the album under his own name, a lot of slack would have cut but as it is, under the Guns n? Roses moniker, expectations can never possibly be met. It is difficult to step outside that mindset, too, both as a fan and as the supposedly objective voice of a writer. That being said, CHINESE DEMOCRACY is flawlessly produced and delivered in such a lovingly, believable way?Rose pored over each and every nuance of this record from start to finish for over a decade?that one cannot ignore the perfection that lies within every note of the album. It is simply stunning what Rose has created here and despite a few very brief missteps, CHINESE DEMOCRACY is the album that Guns n? Roses fans have been waiting for. Many will pick apart the record with a fine-toothed comb and highlight what they feel are glaringly obscene extravagances by a megalomaniacal control freak but the truth is that Axl Rose has finally green-lighted the record that an entire generation of music fans have been waiting for and he has done it on his own terms and no one else?s. That is the signature of a real artist. While the delays have been frustrating for everyone?for Rose himself likely more than anyone?CHINESE DEMOCRACY is not the bomb that many cynics were hoping for but, as best as it could, delivers in its long-awaited promise of being a landmark release that Rose can be proud of.



KILLER KUTS: ?Chinese Democracy,? ?Better,? ?Street of Dreams,? ?If The World,? ?Riad n? The Bedouins,? ?Sorry,? ?I.R.S.,? ?Madagascar?   
   

[its_so_easy]

Good review

http://www.contactmusic.com/new/home.nsf/albumreview/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracyx01x12x08

Album review for Guns N' Roses release Chinese Democracy.

The hype, rumours and statistics which surround the release of this record have verged on the ridiculous, though understandable to a degree as it has taken nearly a decade-and-a-half to hit the shelves. Those stories can be found plastered all over the internet, but ultimately what anyone should actually care about is whether or not it is any good.

In short, the answer is yes it is, to varying degrees. The opening quartet of tracks sit nicely amongst GN'R's finest, with the opening title-track acting as a statement of 'I'm back' from Axl Rose which contains all the trademark sounds of the band's rockier sound. Electronic samples litter the ferocious 'Shackler's Revenge', while 'Better' is quite simply an excellent tune which swaggers on crunching riffs to back a tale of a forlorn heart. Piano-led ballad 'Street Of Dreams' is a cousin to 'November Rain', Rose pouring out his heart again while giving an education in how to produce an epic monster full of swirling strings, soaring solos and of course his wonderfully dramatic vocals. With less immediate impact 'There Was A Time' (with its unintentionally humorous acronym) develops into a pleasing listen while 'Madagascar' is brilliantly haunting, utilising samples of Martin Luther King Jr. and various films including 'Se7en'.

The remainder of the record varies from the pleasant 'Cather In The Rye' to the unpredictable mess of 'Scraped' and overblown 'This I Love'. A couple of other decent heavier songs arrive in the shape of 'Riad N' The Bedouins' and 'I.R.S.', but in a year when truly great rock numbers have been at a premium, they still seem to stand out somewhat. Ultimately at over seventy minutes the record is a slightly too long, but what is proved by 'Chinese Democracy' is that Axl Rose is perfectly capable of continuing Guns N'Roses without his former gang of Slash, Duff McKagan et al.

Alex Lai

[Continental Drift]

Good review

http://www.contactmusic.com/new/home.nsf/albumreview/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracyx01x12x08

Album review for Guns N' Roses release Chinese Democracy.

The hype, rumours and statistics which surround the release of this record have verged on the ridiculous, though understandable to a degree as it has taken nearly a decade-and-a-half to hit the shelves. Those stories can be found plastered all over the internet, but ultimately what anyone should actually care about is whether or not it is any good.

In short, the answer is yes it is, to varying degrees. The opening quartet of tracks sit nicely amongst GN'R's finest, with the opening title-track acting as a statement of 'I'm back' from Axl Rose which contains all the trademark sounds of the band's rockier sound. Electronic samples litter the ferocious 'Shackler's Revenge', while 'Better' is quite simply an excellent tune which swaggers on crunching riffs to back a tale of a forlorn heart. Piano-led ballad 'Street Of Dreams' is a cousin to 'November Rain', Rose pouring out his heart again while giving an education in how to produce an epic monster full of swirling strings, soaring solos and of course his wonderfully dramatic vocals. With less immediate impact 'There Was A Time' (with its unintentionally humorous acronym) develops into a pleasing listen while 'Madagascar' is brilliantly haunting, utilising samples of Martin Luther King Jr. and various films including 'Se7en'.

The remainder of the record varies from the pleasant 'Cather In The Rye' to the unpredictable mess of 'Scraped' and overblown 'This I Love'. A couple of other decent heavier songs arrive in the shape of 'Riad N' The Bedouins' and 'I.R.S.', but in a year when truly great rock numbers have been at a premium, they still seem to stand out somewhat. Ultimately at over seventy minutes the record is a slightly too long, but what is proved by 'Chinese Democracy' is that Axl Rose is perfectly capable of continuing Guns N'Roses without his former gang of Slash, Duff McKagan et al.

Alex Lai

Good review.... although I'm not sure how in a million years "This I Love" could qualify as "overblown"- especially on THIS album. It's about as stripped down as Guns N' Roses gets IMHO. Certainly since the AFD/Lies era. That's part of its beauty- particularly on an album chock-a-block full of epic, super-produced rockers and ballads.

[gilee7]

Yeah, and I don't see how anyone can say that the CD is too long, either. Personally, I think bands should be required to fit as much material on an album as possible. Even though some songs will be considered "filler," others will like those songs. I always feel ripped off when I buy an album that only has ten songs on it and is barely 40 minutes long.

I've seen reviews for the UYI albums that say they're too long . . . If you don't like certain songs, skip them. But at least GNR has always given you your money's worth.

[Mobenrad]

Yeah, and I don't see how anyone can say that the CD is too long, either. Personally, I think bands should be required to fit as much material on an album as possible. Even though some songs will be considered "filler," others will like those songs. I always feel ripped off when I buy an album that only has ten songs on it and is barely 40 minutes long.

I've seen reviews for the UYI albums that say they're too long . . . If you don't like certain songs, skip them. But at least GNR has always given you your money's worth.

Yeah seriously, you'd think critics would WANT the album to be longer than it actually is given the time put into it and the delays, ya know?

[dynomite1371]

It really bothers me that half of these so called "critics" were not even around when APD was released. So therefore, them comparing Chinese Democracy to App. is a flawed technique. What they don't know and what has been reported is that APD. took a year to take off. It does bother me a bit that this record did'nt top the charts (billboard) as of yet, however does any one truely believe that Kanye West, NickelFuck or Tayl-Whore Swift will really be around in the long run. If any one of them waited over a decade to release an album would anyone buy it? I doubt it.  Some of the greatist records that have ever been released were panned at first but only became popular long after their release. I often find that music that is instantly liked by all runs its course fairly quick. Where as music that takes time to appreciate, due to its many layers, will be around  much longer and remain relevant. I think Democracy is just that kind of record. Being a fan of many types of music I compare this record alot to Pauls Boutique by the Beastie Boys. The long awited follow up to Licensed to Ill. After its release the heads of the record company lost their jobs and album sales were bismal at best. Yet it became one of the most sold rap albums of all time. And the critics all changed their stance much much later dubbing the album as "superb" and "ahead of its time". Most people in the industry want instant gratification. They are lazy and feel that something is a failure if all aspects don't agree with their ear. I will bet that this record will be here and in our minds for a long time. A long time afer Kanye West is shot in a "drive- by" and Taylor Swift is doing reality shows. Todays "chart topping" records don't get leaked on the internet because in the end no one really cares. It is a much different market now than 17 years ago and I think we all know it and I also think that Axl will have the last laugh..........             

[tim_m]

What do you mean? Most of the reviews i've seen of CD have been very very positive.

[Red1]

This months Classic Rock magazine comes with a supplement called 'The Making Of Chinese Democracy 1994-2008' - which is a good read.  Nothing new to hardcore fans, but cool none the less.

It also has their full album reiew.  8/10 and a great, balanced review.

[doooodickiebr]

What do you mean? Most of the reviews i've seen of CD have been very very positive.

yeah, mostly positive

[variant]

Couldn't see an actual review in this months Observer Music Monthly but it was number 50 in their top 50 albums of the year list. Bon Iver was number one.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/dec/07/bon-iver-coldplay-best-albums

[BlowUpYourVideo]

It also has their full album reiew.  8/10 and a great, balanced review.

Aye, I saw that today. Glad to see a positive review in a magazine I read Haven't properly read the actual review yet, just saw the rating and a few positive comments

They also put CD at #3 in their top 50 albums of 2008.

[FunkyMonkey]

GNR: Near perfection

If it takes 13 years to release a CD, and it?s as anticipated as much as Guns N? Roses? ?Chinese Democracy? has been, it better be good. Truth be told, ?Chinese Democracy? was worth the wait. There are very few misses within its 14 songs.

The title track gives a semi-dated start to the CD. ?Shackler?s Revenge? follows and features a mass of different guitar tones, from gritty to industrial.

The first of several standouts, ?Better? really reintroduces us to Rose?s familiar and incomparable nasally voice. The song is GNR in its finest form ? angry guitars and pounding drums mixed with snarling lyrics like ?I never wanted you to be so full of anger/ I never wanted you to be somebody else.? The stunning ?Street of Dreams? includes gorgeous lyrics like ?What I thought was beautiful don?t live inside of you anymore? and sweeping piano. This song is on par with the band?s classic epics like ?November Rain.?

?If The World? has a bluesy Spanish tinge and porn-like bass offset by gritty guitar and tinkling piano. ?There Was A Time? is harmonic yet hard, and ?Catcher In The Rye? is another masterpiece with great lyrics, guitars and prominent piano.

?Sorry? lopes its mid-tempo way to a heavy chorus and nicely follows the pillaging ?Riad N? The Bedouins.? ?I.R.S.? grinds prior to the mechanical-sounding ?Madagascar,? which begins with horns and features a gravelly Rose and snippets from Martin Luther King Jr. and films, including the ?Cool Hand Luke? sound clip used in ?Civil War.?

Piano takes prominence again on the lost-love torch song ?This I Love.? It?s the slowest track and features a heartfelt guitar/piano duet. ?Prostitute? closes the CD with a mash-up of GNR rock and radio-friendly pop that tapers off in a soft symphony.

While ?Chinese Democracy? may have taken too long ? and features a vast army of musicians that might hinder a tour ? fan or not, the CD is worth listening to for a simple reason: it?s good.

Rose sings on the pounding ?Scraped? ?Sometimes I feel like/ There?s nothing that?s stopping me.? The only thing that can stop you now is you, Axl. If you let it ? and that would be a damn shame.

http://www.theweekender.com/music/GNR__Near_perfection_12-16-2008.html

[wells]

Metal-Rules.com review...

just 12 posts above yours  ...

http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/board/index.php?topic=54286.msg1141357#msg1141357

-velimir

[freedom78]

Metal-Rules.com review...

just 12 posts above yours  ...

http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/board/index.php?topic=54286.msg1141357#msg1141357

-velimir

AAAARRRGGGH.  Damned search. 

[FunkyMonkey]

Our picks for The best music of 2008

Posted By Dave Carter Posted 3 hours ago
   
CHINESE DEMOCRACY

Guns N' Roses

Geffen Records

There may be some mixed opinions about whether Chinese Democracy is truly a Guns N' Roses album or an Axl Rose release, but what can't be argued is the quality of the disc. I have read that this album, which took years and millions of dollars to make, is a masterpiece, and while my mindset is not quite there it is no doubt going to become a classic. Listeners seem engaged with the title track Chinese Democracy and Better, but for me the depth and intellect lie with tracks like If The World and Catcher In The Rye.

Chinese Democracy is musical magic with the metal/pop polished and classed up with a symphonic energy of which most arena rock is void and that artists don't understand.

Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy is a wonderful album, but let's just hope we don't have to wait this long again for another one.

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1372301

[lennonisgod]

That's a nice little review (above). I always like to hear the opinions of people that are intelligent enough to actually "get it". Some people are just musically incompetent.

[jarmo]

My album of the year for 2008? Chinese Democracy.

http://paulgargano.blogspot.com/2009/01/album-of-year.html




/jarmo