Part two of the three part series is now going to focus on the band Guns N Roses. I hope by now you’ve figured out who the band after this one is. If not whatever. Anyway I mean do you really need me to go any further about these guys. Here we go.
Appetite for Destruction- I mean what can I say that hasn’t been said about this record? It’s a classic and one of the best rock albums ever made. It’s great because in a time of those lame hair metal bands, you had this band and this record. It’s a perfect rock record and deserves all the praise it gets. I give this one 10/10
Standouts: Night Train, Mr. Brownstone, Rocket Queen
Lies- I mean what can I say, it’s an EP consisting of live tracks and acoustic songs. I know there is controversy about the song One in a Million because Axl uses the n-word. The song Patience came out of it and that’s a hit for them. But again not a lot to say about this one. It should definitely be checked out and the live songs I hadn’t really listened to much but this is a good EP. I give it 9/10
Standouts: Reckless Life, Mama Kin, You’re Crazy
Use Your Illusion I- I must admit I hadn’t really listened to this and part 2 in awhile so I forgot about a lot of these songs. The songs are more mature than on the last two releases and the band seems more focused. There is still that hard rock sound that they’ve always had but now it’s more focused. This is the first album without original drummer Steven Adler who has now been replaced with Matt Sorum (from The Cult) and he does a fine job but one thing I’ve noticed is that Steven played more aggressively than Matt. 90’s era Guns N Roses was awesome because there were riots at their shows particularly at the one where they played with Metallica. I mean this is the era where you hear about all those controversies with them. Overall, I really like this record and I give it 10/10
Standouts: Perfect Crime, Garden of Eden, Don’t Damn Me
Use Your Illusion II- the second part to the double album seems like the songs aren’t as fast as the last album but only slightly. It is however a great album and back to back, this makes for one (very long) good album. I mean everything flows very well from part 1 to part 2. I think I first heard that song a You Could Be Mine from Terminator 2. While I prefer part one over this, this is still a great record and if you have the time then listen to both parts together. This album however would be the last album to feature original second guitarist Izzy Stradlin. I give this 9/10.
Standouts: You Could Be Mine, Yesterdays, Shotgun Blues
The Spaghetti Incident?- it’s a covers album of mostly punk songs. I do think it was an interesting choice to put the doo wop song since I Don’t Have You but it’s a pretty good cover. This is the first and only album to have Gilby Clarke on second guitar and he does a fine job but again it’s a covers album. They cover songs from bands like The Damned, The Misfits, Stooges, and U.K. Subs. I give this one 9/10.
Standouts: Since I Don’t Have You, Down on the Farm, Attitude
So this would be the last album for 15 years. This band went through so many line up changes. I mean everyone left the band and the only member was Axl and keyboardist Dizzy Reed. So many people came and went. For a period of time Buckethead was in the band and for a very short time Zakk Wylde even was in the band. It would be 15 years in between The Spaghetti Incident and Chinese Democracy.
Chinese Democracy- well I think a total of 15 studios were involved for this album and there are so many people who played on this record. I am glad they kept the Buckethead songs in this one. I must admit that when I first heard this album I didn’t like it. Going back and hearing it again a few years later, I must say that it’s pretty good. I mean it’s different and it’s not Appetite part 2 but like I said it’s different. It sounds like a Guns N Roses album. I mean there have been worse albums that took a really long time to come out such as that new Tool record. It’s not mind blowing and doesn’t break any new ground but overall a very good record. My advice is go into this with an open mind and you will appreciate it more. I give it 9/10
Standouts: Better, Madagascar, I.R.S.
This band is still one of the best rock bands ever there’s no question about it. Even with all the trouble Axl is, these guys manage to put out solid albums over the years. I am glad that Slash and Duff managed to reconcile with Axl and hopefully we get a new album from them. Also I’m gonna say it but Axl in AC/DC is a good fit I don’t care what anyone says. I have a ticket to see them later this year so hopefully it doesn’t get cancelled.
Final Grade: B+
Album Rankings:
- Appetite For Destruction
- Use Your Illusion I
- Use Your Illusion II
- Chinese Democracy
- The Spaghetti Incident
- GNR Lies
Sinister Reviews 