Spring Break
'Chinese Democracy' marks Axl's triumphant return
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Focus
In 1994, Axl Rose began a journey - a journey that would last him 14 years, see 14 recording studios and in the end, produce an album that has long been considered rock 'n' roll's Holy Grail. Yes, it has taken some time for him and his ever-changing Guns N' Roses to complete "Chinese Democracy," but it is finally here, and it's been well worth the wait.
Rose, now 46, is the only remaining member of the original G N' R line-up, and critics and fans have scrutinized him at every opportunity for his strange actions and stranger bizarre makeover over the past decade and a half. But despite what may be happening on the outside, pardon my language when I say that Rose can still f------ rock. So here, 14 years in the making, is the "Chinese Democracy" track-by-track review.
"Chinese Democracy"
There's only one way an album this long in the making could have started, and that's with a bang. The track opens with countless voices speaking Chinese faintly until interrupted by an echoing riff. And then Rose lets loose. "Chinese Democracy" is hard, angry and familiar. It's good to hear Rose's voice and, surprisingly enough, it's withstood all the abuse from countless years of drugs and alcohol.
"Shackler's Revenge"
Extremely repetitive and a bit of a pain to listen to, "Shackler's Revenge" has Rose singing both deep and in his traditional tone over some rough riffs. Definitely a bit of a letdown after how good the album's opener is, but no one thought this was going to be perfect. The forceful chorus makes up for it, though.
"Better"
An instant standout among "Chinese Democracy's" 14 songs, "Better" combines shrill guitar work with vocals that border on ballad-like. The end result is one of the most addicting songs on the album - a bittersweet tale of Rose looking back on a love he wishes he knew better. Oh, and the guitar solo is awesome.
"Street of Dreams"
"Chinese Democracy" finds its first true ballad four tracks deep with "Street of Dreams." Ripped straight from the best piano-based ballads of old, "Street" is a great listen, though it's as cheesy as the best of them.
Rose, now 46, is the only remaining member of the original G N' R line-up, and critics and fans have scrutinized him at every opportunity for his strange actions and stranger bizarre makeover over the past decade and a half. But despite what may be happening on the outside, pardon my language when I say that Rose can still f------ rock. So here, 14 years in the making, is the "Chinese Democracy" track-by-track review.
"Chinese Democracy"
There's only one way an album this long in the making could have started, and that's with a bang. The track opens with countless voices speaking Chinese faintly until interrupted by an echoing riff. And then Rose lets loose. "Chinese Democracy" is hard, angry and familiar. It's good to hear Rose's voice and, surprisingly enough, it's withstood all the abuse from countless years of drugs and alcohol.
"Shackler's Revenge"
Extremely repetitive and a bit of a pain to listen to, "Shackler's Revenge" has Rose singing both deep and in his traditional tone over some rough riffs. Definitely a bit of a letdown after how good the album's opener is, but no one thought this was going to be perfect. The forceful chorus makes up for it, though.
"Better"
An instant standout among "Chinese Democracy's" 14 songs, "Better" combines shrill guitar work with vocals that border on ballad-like. The end result is one of the most addicting songs on the album - a bittersweet tale of Rose looking back on a love he wishes he knew better. Oh, and the guitar solo is awesome.
"Street of Dreams"
"Chinese Democracy" finds its first true ballad four tracks deep with "Street of Dreams." Ripped straight from the best piano-based ballads of old, "Street" is a great listen, though it's as cheesy as the best of them.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
Drug Rehab Programs
posted 2/18/09 @ 9:51 AM EST
I thought the album was great and filled with solid well written rock songs but without the other members of the original line-up, it lacks any life and doesn't feel like gun's n roses anymore. (Continued…)
Andrea Godolphin
posted 2/28/09 @ 9:41 AM EST
Thanks to author! I like articles like this about title , very interesting.
Penny Jackson
posted 3/07/09 @ 3:14 AM EST
Great article. I agree totally.
Rachel Whitney
posted 3/07/09 @ 12:30 PM EST
I thought this debate was about them, as opposed to featuring them. Whoops.
Wilma Todhunter
posted 3/11/09 @ 5:38 AM EST
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Wanda Purves
posted 3/13/09 @ 1:36 PM EST
I thank you for the opportunity to share a portion of my moments in time with future generations.
Free Rusian Girlfriends
posted 4/02/09 @ 8:36 AM EST
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Linda Guptill
posted 4/19/09 @ 3:09 AM EST
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