Search - Guns N' Roses :: Chinese Democracy (Deluxe Edition)

Len S. (3)
Reviewed on 6/28/2010...

Nothing could be worth this long a wait (15 years), but Axl has, at least, put together a GnR album that ranks right up there with their early work. The highlight of the CD for me is "Street of Dreams", it has the scope and feel of "November Rain" and the sure-to-be-classic line "What I thought was beautiful don't live inside of you anymore." That could be a line from Axl to his supermodel-ex, or just as appropriately TO Axl from legions of GnR fans.

I actually enjoyed listening to the guitarist de jour attempt to fill Slash's shoes... Buckethead comes close in a weird kind of way.

The CD will rock you and may cement some peoples notion of Axl as a musical genius.

3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

The Underrated, Hidden Gem of Rock and Roll

Epic Pen Name | Athens, GA | 08/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoyed the huge, cinematic sound of "November Rain," you probably would enjoy Chinese Democracy.



I have never heard a rock album packed so full of inventive layers. There is so much EFFORT on display here, it's almost intimidating. The length of time it took to make this album is very evident and really sets it apart from all the toss-off, half-assed albums that plague modern rock. Each song contains little touches that make you pay attention, whether it's a solo from a unique instrument, or a sudden tempo change, or a crazy Axl choir harmonizing.



Speaking of Axl, his vocal work here is stunning. "There Was a Time" is probably his most impressive performance put on record; it's goosebumps territory. And just as engaging as the musical portion of the album are the lyrics. Almost every song describes the past 15 years of his life and the making of Chinese Democracy, which offers a sad and poignant counterpoint to the beating and dismissal he has received from the media and "fans."



The last minute or so of this album, where the song "Prostitute" breaks down from a powerful rock song into a bittersweet orchestra melody, really represents this work in the context of modern music appreciation. It's beautiful, unique, and a sincere work of massive creation, but will ultimately be looked over and go quietly into the night. If you are one of the many who dismissed this album, for whatever reason, you should give it a chance. It might surprise you."