'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Brent, OKC OK — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:09:45 GMT

Well GnR is no more. Axl really should have went with another band name and not pulled the memory of a once awsome band through the cheesy **** gutter.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Rob, New Haven, Ct. — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:10:50 GMT

It's not a classic, but I'd say half the album is good if not great songs. Prositute, Better, Chinese, Catcher's Rye are all very good. I'm pleasantly surprised because as a diehard fan who's been waiting for this album for years, my expectations were low, and it easily exceeded them, so I'm not disappointed at all.
Definitely some good stuff on it!

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Joe — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:19:13 GMT

I haven't heard the album yet, but how can I trust the opinion of a critic so musically illiterate that she couldn't recognize the sound of GNR in 1991?

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

KraziJoe, Alexandria, VA — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:32:44 GMT

You forgot all about Izzy? Izzy was the writing maestro behind most of their work.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Lacy, GA — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:37:12 GMT

Unfortunately, this album sounds too much like Nine Inch Nails. Don't get me wrong, I love Nine Inch Nails, but I was looking for classic Guns N Roses. I regret buying this album.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Raul San Antonio Texas — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:37:23 GMT

Chinese Democracy rocks!

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

GC, Western, MI — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:38:18 GMT

I admit that this isn't the same GNR from the 'Use' or 'Appetite' era. However, it's a different creative base from which the music is written, and 17 years have gone by. I've given the new disc 2 spins, and while it's not the same, it is catchy. I found myself tapping along to most of the beats while listening to it in the car. It's definitely growing on me. Also, Axl hasn't lost anything in the vocals dept. His voice sounds awesome. If anything, he sounds better than in the past. I think, given a few more spins, I will really grow to like this disc. I've found very few discs that I like instantly (the first couple spins). In fact, I remember thinking Appetite was "just OK" when I first heard it.... that disc is now one of my all time faves.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Alexandra Geraets, Iowa City, IA — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:41:40 GMT

Give it another few listens. I did and I have to say I'm about to label it among the top 3 albums of the year. It was well worth a 17 year wait. I was never a huge GNR fan, but I bought this one as much out of curiosity as a music fan's obligation - when you and some of your friends have waited 17 years for an album from a band that was a cornerstone of your childhood, well, then you buy it. I must say that I do enjoy the new sound, and while I understand that there are many die hard fans who don't like it, I think it's an excellent piece of work. Here's hoping another 17 years don't pass before another one is released.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

DK, Brighton MA — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:43:20 GMT

Heres my stance on the album:

It's not Guns N' Roses - in the traditional sense - and yea, its way more like the Axl Rose Project than GNR, but - as a fan of music, as somebody who can appreciate music - its hard not to listen to this whole album and not appreciate it. Its very layered, its not like anything the old, classic, kick ass GNR would have done - but, it is good and well done. Axl does sound different - but the whole album is different. That - I think - is the point. I think that it is like he took bits and pieces of music that was released in the 17 years since GNRs last album and incorporated into his ideal view of what he thought GNR should be. There are some NIN sounding ideas, some total pop - hip hop - ideas, some string parts that when blended with his vocals - reminds me of The Flaming Lips - and still some grand, epic componets of classic rock.

If one can look pass the obvious, ridicalousness of the fact that it took so long to release, and he was such a nut in general, and in using the name - than they will be able to listen to it, and actually like what they hear. Nobody is denying that it does not have the grit, and swagger of the origional GNR - but, it does have many other aspects of Rock N' Roll that cant be overlooked.

Thats what I have to say - I still think in the battle between Guns vs Roses - you gotta stick with your Guns - and go with Slash, Duff, Izzy and the crew over Rose - but - dont get lost in the artist over their art - dont immediatley sell the dude short on his personality - if we did that - than, there are plenty of muscians who dont deserve our time.........for christs sake - Michael Jackson got litlte boys drunk and touched them! His music is still good.........

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Chris, Hamden, CT — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:48:18 GMT

I agree with this review exactly. I liked the first couple of songs, but the rest of the album became bland. Dissapointing.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

SunnyC — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:53:08 GMT

I have waited too and bottom line it sucks

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

mike — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:02:39 GMT

You don't need patience. The album just stinks. Hopefully, the Axl Rose band (currently calling themselves "Gnus n Roses") will disappear back into the has-been status from which they emerged to release this turd of an album.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

david,texas — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:18:02 GMT

lol you were in 6 grade when use you illusion

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Brad, Temp, AZ — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:20:54 GMT

How can we call this band "Guns N Roses"? It just Axl Rose and, and, well no one else. So it's kind fo just "Gun" or "Rose", but this really isn't the same thing. It would be like Mick Jagger releasing a solo album as "The Rolling Stones" or Paul McCarty releasing a new "Beatles" album. It just isn't true.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

E Young — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:21:08 GMT

I couldn't have said it better. You hit the nail on the head with every point you made.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Bob Keroack, Williamsburg, Va — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:21:28 GMT

While I basically agree with the review, keep in mind that now 17 years later, would you really stand in your living room, and "thrash around, and scream profanities"? Time changes everyone.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Bruce Charlotte NC — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:24:50 GMT

While I agree wholeheartedly with your review (I picked my copy up yesterday at 10:00am) I still want to make it known that no matter what Axl calls his band (and whatever legal rights he owns to the name) THIS IS NOT A GUNS AND ROSES ALBUM!!!!!! Guns was/is/and will always be more than just Axl. Issy, Slash, Matt. Duff, Dizzy, Stephen...(or any combination) of the above would be more closely akin to GNR than this album. I'm not reviewing the album (which I like the more I listen to it) I'm just saying this is NOT a Guns album....period...end of discussion!!!!

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

JSL, Maryland — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:29:31 GMT

You must be pretty young if the Use Your Illusion days are your first memories of GNR. What about Appetite? That was real GNR.
I haven't purchased (nor do I intend to) Chinese Democracy. I think Axl is a washed up control freak. I do understand though how you could be disappointed in the "smooth, light" tunes said to be on this album. No one who really loved GNR (either in the later Use Your Illusion days or before) wants smooth, over processed pop music out of grungy Axl...the raw quality of their old music was the reason people liked them.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

D Johns — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:39:42 GMT

Garbage al-BUM.

For christs sake G&R put it to rest.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Keith Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:53:22 GMT

IT SUCKS!!! And this is NOT Guns and Roses!!! It is Axl Rose's Pile of Crap! He did this on his own, So I do not know what he just did not self title it and get over the Guns and Roses name! MOVE ON, Like most GNR fans have!!!

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Jason L. Derry NH — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:58:23 GMT

First of all I would NEVER buy the album just for the simple fact that Axl is an arrogant ass. He singlhandidly ruined what could of possibly been one of the greatest bands ever. Then it takes him what 10 years to get this album out? Realese date after release date. Not going to give that jerk any of my hard earned money. Hope he goes bankrupt!

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:02:54 GMT

Perhaps the change in the band’s sound was too sudden for me between the “Illusion” albums and...“Democracy”"????

too sudden....maybe too late in release....the only thing anyone remembers about GNR is that Axl screwed it all up.

Too bad, as they WERE one of my favs. At least Metallica is back to their original sound with their new album Death Magnetic. (They were on vacation during load/reload/st.anger)

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:07:11 GMT

It is a great album. The problem is it is not a great Guns N' Roses album. If it was some random, unknown artist I would be blown away. However, 7 power ballads are enough—I lost count. Oh yeah, a little too much of the Axl falsetto choirs kind of haunts me...

Where's Izzy?

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

JD — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:33:48 GMT

Buckethead is one of the greatest guitar players on the planet. He makes slash look like Hannah Montana.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

tsmith — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:21:01 GMT

I've heard a few songs and I think it rocks. I was a fan from the beginning and am a fan now.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Corey Wallace, Ann Arbor MI — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:33:49 GMT

Brilliant album. It sounds like everyone wants it to sound like it was produced in 1987. Why? Nothing will ever sound like Appetite. Appreciate Axl for the evil genius he is.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

jk, washington dc — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:45:21 GMT

guns lost me when axl started swimming with dolphins in their videos - what the #@*% was that??? I remember their first record coming out and listened to them when no one even knew who they were... by the time illusion came out they lost the raw street feel and exchanged it for posh rockstar posing... so after all these years what do we get - mega super rockstar posing!!!! crap record...

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

ben mansfield, st peters, mo — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:51:48 GMT

i actually liked it more than i expected
i like half the songs a lot, theres a lot of filler, but i think several are classic songs
theres is too much pop stuff and the songs lay out and order is bad
but i think chinese democracy, shacklers revenge, better, if the world, scraped and this i love are great songs
and raid and the bedoiuns and street of dreams are not bad at all

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Jeff Lawrence, Milwaukee,WI — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:00:59 GMT

1st song ok not great, but I had too high of expectations. Album as a whole is terrible, he conformed to a record label pet. He should tour as the opening band for NKOTB.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

rlb, seattle, wa — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:12:37 GMT

if you need to let an album 'grow' on you, it's not worth the time. and gnr's career-long musical mediocrity is merely affirmed by the trumped up hype around this new album. i guess axl needed to pony up some more cash to pay for additional plastic surgeries.

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Andy — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:21:05 GMT

I agree with Joe, what kind of a moron would hear 'You could be mine' and wonder , "who is that band??" and then tell everyone about that, I'd keep that to myself. When I first heard that song, I was like, why dont I have this G N R track already. MSNBC needs a better music critic. What does Olberman think about ' Chinese Democracy'??

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Cody — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:40:35 GMT

Just finished listening to it and I have to say its not bad a hell of alot better than the crap coming from today's musicians still its not the guns n' roses of old well at least metallica still sounds good

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

cody gallaghher portland, or — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:56:20 GMT

I am a die hard fan and this is giving me my fix!! Too long with out Axl "whaling" for us. I think comparing this to the old GNR is a bad idea the work of the late 80's and early 90's is historical stuff. If you compare this album to what is out there today you have to consider c.d. a huge success! Not what it used to be but good stuff that gets better each time I hear it!

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

keith olberman — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:46:22 GMT

Day 21000 since Axl started and finally accomplished his mission for chinese democracy.

17 years? PLEASE

Good night and good luck axl

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Frank, Houston, TX — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:16:22 GMT

My take is such: If Axl came up with another Appetite like album it would not be progress and people would be bored with it in a second. Ya, it was awesome then, still is and it is fun to hear at the bar every now and then, but times have changed since every album since and so has the industry, along with our taste in music. Some people complain about the complexity and different instruments used in the album, or even the length and ups and downs of the music but you know who did that, Led Zepplin, and they are one of the best of all time. I think Axl is a genius and fills a void we need now more than ever as I can not name one band in the last 10 years who really rocks the way Axl can. People want old GNR...pop in the other albums because you know what, this is better and this is not the same GNR. I say buy the album, support the band and maybe you will see a tour in your town and you can hear it all while pumping your fist to Welcome to the Jungle and Democracy!

'Chinese Democracy' at long last!

Kevin, St. Louis — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:29:54 GMT

17 years in the making. I was in high school when Appetite came out and a dedicated hard rock metal head. Over the years I've gotten old, left most of my demons behind and gained an appreciation of life and other musical styles. Jazz and blues and other less bombastic varieties dominate by IPOD although a significant section is still dominated by those early head banging anthems. I suspect much the same can be said of anyone who appreciates Chinese Democracy. It's not Appetite, it doesn't pretend to be Appetite. It's the musing of an older, wiser and more financially secure Axl. It's hard to maintain the "in the gutter" edge when you drive a Bentley. While I don't drive a Bentley, moving beyond those angry where do I belong years makes it easy to appreciate the depth and sonic clutter Axl puts into each song musically. This is a many layered listen, not something you plug in and digest in a single listen. Chinese Democracy is very good at it's worst, great in most places, approaching phenomenal at times but if you've never advanced beyond the early 90s and still clutching Appetite as the measure of GNR success, go buy another copy and save yourself the trouble of being disappointed by this older, more secure, more thoughtful version of GNR.