2008 Woodie Awards
Guns N' Roses Releases New Record 14 Years Later
Anthony Dobrini
Issue date: 12/1/08 Section: Entertainment
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Popular rock act Guns N' Roses is finally giving back to their fans who have been waiting for the follow-up to "Use Your Illusion II," which was released 17 years ago.
The story of the release of their next record haunted diehard fans for so long that "Chinese Democracy" was on its way to becoming a mere fable rather than a physical (or digital) reality.
The title track opener, "Chinese Democracy," fades in with a roaring bass. The kicking of the bass drum builds the listener's anticipation, regardless of whether you are a fan or not.
Once the guitar comes in you are ready to put your fist in the air with the international sign for "rock" (index and pinky finger up, if you aren't too familiar). The real gem is when the spotlight-savvy frontman Axl Rose comes in -- then the disc has truly begun.
Wailing guitar solos and pounding rhythm sections fill the record, especially on tracks "I.R.S." and perhaps the highlight of the album, "Better," which is also the single.
The sound Guns N' Roses has strived for in the new album is a little interesting compared to their older records. Times have changed, and many of the tracks sound like a mixture of genres and production techniques that have come to pass in the meanwhile.
"There Was a Time" features a full orchestra blended with electronic drums behind Axl's vocals. Newer influences from The Smashing Pumpkins and, at times, a softer Metallica, are apparent.
If there is one thing to notice, there seems to be a lot more piano ballad tracks, including "Catcher in the Rye" and "Street of Dreams." The latter's vocals are more awkward, especially when Axl hits some of the lower notes, then quickly switches to his signature high screams.
The rest of the melodies are more modern sing-a-longs than classic Guns N' Roses. The production is a little weak at parts as well. The displaced drumming throughout the record impart a forced, fake feeling. Props, though, for the very exciting guitar sounds that are all over the record. The mixture of the instruments still gives it a very classic sound.
One would think that a record that has taken so long to hit the shelves would be stellar, but that is not the case here. The record is enjoyable, but is still the same Guns N' Roses, with a touch of modern rock that has grown since their absence.
The majority of die hard Guns N' Roses fans will still love and appreciate the band and their record, and a new group of fans -- many that probably were not even born a decade ago -- will rise.
And everyone gets a free Dr. Pepper. Thanks Axl!
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
guitanorak
posted 12/01/08 @ 5:30 PM EST
Thanx 4 the review good stuff. Certainly was a long time putting together, 17 years. That must be a record. Yeh, 'Buckethead' is on guitar duties ... can't go wrong there. (Continued…)
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