Guns N’ Roses Chinese Democracy
by Kenneth J. Mac Vicar
Staff Writer
Is it possible to actually give this album a fair and unbiased review? It’s so easy to make the argument that Chinese Democracy was destined to be a disappointment, an album that could never satisfy the pre-release expectations and hopes of its audience. In fact, no work of popular culture, perhaps with the exception of a Zeppelin or Seinfeld reunion would ever be subject to the scrutiny and expectations heaped on this release. With every spin of “Welcome to Jungle” on classic rock radio, came the question, when, if ever, would Chinese Democracy see the light of day. The oft-rumored but never fulfilled release dates that came and went as well as the continuous Internet leaks make the success of this album almost impossible. Even the Dr. Pepper giveaway campaign that became associated with the release by happenstance somehow managed not to live up to its promise.
With that said, Chinese Democracy is a great record if you have an open mind and, as Axl once reminded us, just a little patience. This album is not Appetite for Destruction. Take a deep breath and say it slowly, “This album is not Appetite for Destruction, nor can it be.” Appetite represents a moment in time that was created by five unique and disparate individuals. It was and remains a spontaneous, combustible representation of the band that made it. Chinese Democracy is a labor of love, meticulously and sometimes overly crafted during a 10-year period. It is the bastard child of the Use Your Illusion albums, being devoid of fathers Slash and Duff. Of perhaps greater loss is the absence of Izzyy Stradlin and his blues influenced rhythm guitar and swagger, the sometimes overlooked element that made Appetite and Guns great. If the Use Your Illusion albums reflected where Axl was taking the band, then Chinese Democracy is the Mecca of his journey with a few twists and turns along the way.
So what is Chinese Democracy? At its core, it’s a hard rock record that encompasses everything from industrial to thrash to new-age pop. It’s a gem that’s been polished to the point that all of the rough edges, along with some its character, have been removed. It’s a loud, raucous and often bittersweet journey through the sometimes beautiful, sometimes tortured, sometimes dangerous soul that is W. Axl Rose. It is the heart-wrenching vocals in the pre-chorus of “Better,” and it’s also the snarling opening riff and vicious scream that kick off the title track. It is a work of a genius. But like the work of so many geniuses, when left to their own devices, it can be both brilliant and frustrating at the same time.
The title track is a classic hard rock song that opens with one of the best recorded riffs in recent memory. The opening scream and piercing vocals equate to more than four minutes of pure G ‘n’ R fury. Tracks like “Shackler’s Revenge” and “Riad N’ the Bedouins” are straight ahead rockers with strong hooks. Though both good songs, the real intensity of these tracks is somewhat lost under the layers of overdubs and instrumentation. “Catcher in the Rye” evokes memories of “Yesterdays” with a great mid-tempo riff that builds into a relaxed solo. The wistful vocals and chorus belie some of the dark lyrics that lie underneath. “If the World” may be the best track on the album and is unlike anything that appears on any prior Guns album.The track opens and closes with a beautiful Flamenco-inspired guitar that flows into a rhythm section that evokes some of the best of ‘70s funk. Axl’s vocals range from a strong falsetto to a subdued scream that soars over the riff-laden chorus.
Despite channeling a little too much Grand Funk Railroad, Axl manages to make Madagascar his own through the sincerity of his vocals. He’s at his best when you can hear and feel the raw emotion in his voice, and this is a fine example of that style. It’s also the closest you’ll get to a classic Slash riff on the album, underlying and punctuating the entire song much like the guitar work in “November Rain.” Unfortunately the middle section of samples adds little to an otherwise great song. At first listen, “Scraped” sounds like a possible sequel to “Mr. Brownstone” although the vocal style and subject matter take the song in a different direction. In particular, the falsetto harmonies actually take away from the grittiness of the song, though it’s still a very solid track. After several listens, it can be stated that “Better” is arguably one of the finest songs ever recorded by any version of Guns, containing all the elements of rage and vulnerability that made songs like “Sweet Child” and “Civil War” so great. The techno intro leads into a falsetto vocal, followed by a simple but effective riff that plows into a beautiful chorus that suddenly erupts in anger. The two songs that suffer the most from Axl’s overindulgence are “Street of Dreams” and “Prostitute.” At times, they both veer dangerously close to generic power ballad territory. Though both are somewhat redeemed by killer mid-sections, particularly “Street of Dreams”.
Bottom Line: Due to its complexity and layering, it’s not a record that grabs you the first time out. However, it’s well worth your time and effort. Don’t be scared off by downloads that are available on the Internet; the final mixed vocals on the finished product are far superior to any previously leaked tracks. After a few rotations in your iPod or MP3 player, you’ll appreciate how good the album actually is This album already is being ignored by radio, so turn off the usual suspects such as “Civil War,” “Sweet Child,” or “Rocket Queen,” and give Chinese Democracy a chance. Well, maybe not “Rocket Queen,” but you get the idea. Enjoy.
Label: Geffen Records
Track Listing;
1. Chinese Democracy
2. Shackler’s Revenge
3. Better
4. Street of Dreams
5. If the World
6. There was a time
7. Catcher in the Rye
8. Scraped
9. Riad N’ the Bedouins
10. Sorry
11. I.R.S.
12. Madagascar
13. This I Love
14. Prostitute
HRH Rating: 8/10