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After a complete lineup change and over a decade in the making, Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy has finally dropped. They have been plagued by delays, lawsuits and now, disappointing sales. At this point, it might be in Axl's best interest to rekindle the original spark that made them multi-platinum selling artists.
To get it out of the way: This is NOT the GNR we all knew and loved in the 80's. And oh, how they are missed. Well, not completely missed. Axl Rose manages to demonstrate his vocal prowess throughout the album but Slash's unique guitar tone and style are noticeably absent.
One of the main changes on this album is the overall style. There isn't much of an 80's influence anymore as there is newer industrial metal.
As with any modern album, there are catchy riffs and searing solos, but again, the listener is left with an empty feeling, which can only be filled by the legendary Slash. The best song on the album is the title track, which is followed by "Shackler's Revenge," arguably the second best song. From there on out, the album is lackluster and slow.
It is not easy to find yourself immersed in these songs as you once were with the original GNR lineup.
What is most shocking is that this album has been in the works for almost 15 years. Why isn't every song on it a number-one hit? It can only make one wonder what these songs were like when they were first written in the post-grunge 90's.
If this was the debut album of an up-and-coming band, it would be skyrocketing to the top of the charts, but because it is the first GNR in far too many years, it won't see it's potential success.
It's good, but it's not Guns N' Roses good.
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