Chinese Democracy HTGTH member reviews

[hooliganscomics]

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
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.

[leatherebel]

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

[Josh]

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. 

[Josh]

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

[jarmo]

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

[mrlee]

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.

[Rhino]

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
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 - not what I would have chosen as a closer for this album but it's a good song that I think will grow on me the more I hear it. Maybe it's me but I'm feeling this song is towards ex-bandmates. 3/5

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.

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.

[hooliganscomics]

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
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 - not what I would have chosen as a closer for this album but it's a good song that I think will grow on me the more I hear it. Maybe it's me but I'm feeling this song is towards ex-bandmates. 3/5

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.

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. 

[Methanol]

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

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... 

[jarmo]

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

[Jim Bob]

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.

[pilferk]

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'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. 

[mrlee]

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'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!

[pilferk]

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.

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.

[pilferk]

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!

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.

[gilee7]

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!!!!!!

[MR W,AXL ROSE]

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 )

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"  

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)

[SINSHINE]

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  

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  


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'

[crayallica]

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. 

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

[mrlee]

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