Chinese Democracy HTGTH member reviews

[Buddha_Master]

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.

[mrlee]

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

screw you, scraped rocks!!!

Riad is pretty beasty also

[overmatik]

Review also posted at 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!

[The Prez]

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

screw you, scraped rocks!!!

Riad is pretty beasty also

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. 
Some of the songs ARE really really good...potential classicals!!

Axl did a good job 

Thanks for that!! 

Waiting for the first video now.

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

[GnR-NOW]

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

[Hudson]

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.

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

[Naltav]

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

[fr8train]

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.

[Mechanical-Worm]

(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.

[fr8train]

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.

[D]

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.

[loretian]

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!   

[axljungle]

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

[Thorned Rose]

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

[jazjme]

       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!

[AxlReznor]

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.

[AxlReznor]

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

[lennonisgod]

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-.

[DarkKnight]

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.

[DarkKnight]

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.