This year has seen some pretty big events occur in the world of music with reunions and new albums taking the spotlight but the arrival of Guns ‘n’ Roses long-awaited sixth album eclipsed these into insignificance.
The heavily anticipated album, 'Chinese Democracy', has been sought by fans ever since work began on the piece in the early to mid 90’s after the release of 'The Spaghetti Incident?' in 1993. Finally, after almost two decades and millions of dollars, the record has finally landed.
Oh and what a mixed bag it is. After reading various mixed reviews on the project, including NME’s damning verdict, I was determined to stay open-minded and develop my own opinion. “Turmoil” is the only word fitting enough to describe the state of my mind as i listened to Axel Rose’ latest effort. The album begins with the self-titled 'Chinese Democracy', a song that opens quietly eerily. It then crashes into flow, with Axels “yaaaaaahhhh” scream reminiscent of that at the beginning of 'Welcome to the Jungle'. “It don’t really matter, I guess you’ll find out for yourself” suggests Rose, as heavy guitar layered with fast solo’s rush by in the background. It is at this point that enthusiasm pours through you with the thought that Guns ‘n’ Roses really are back.
The enthusiasm fades quickly. Second track 'Shackler’s Revenge' has an industrial sound that on first hearing makes you think “This doesn’t sound right?” It just doesn’t sound like a Guns ‘n’ Roses song, as it seems like it holds an element of non-identity. You could be forgiven for thinking that the first track was from the likes of original members Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan. However, this track does not replicate that sound, with only Axel’s voice remaining as the only recognisable component.
'Better' is a suitable name for the 3rd track, as after the disappointment of 'Shackler’s Revenge' you feel things are looking up. The track, catchy and modern sounding, is an improvement that see’s one of the only times Axel really opens up and channels his voice with that sound so distinctive from the late 1980’s. The solo’s present in the track are impressive, and really help to make the track an enjoyable listen. The following track 'Street of Dreams' continues the theme of improvement so much that you really begin to feel it is a great album in the making. A soft ballad complimented by beautiful guitar work, it contains intricate solo’s that add an element of beauty that really captures the attention.
From this track onwards, the direction of the wind changes. 'Chinese Democracy' turns into a turbulent sea of highs and low’s; contrasts of great songs and mediocre efforts. 'If the World' sets this tone, as it just does not contain the aggressive drive or epic sound that was ever-present in Guns ‘n’ Roses early work. The same goes for 'There was a time' and 'Catcher in the Rye'. All three songs are pleasant tracks with good lyrics, but they don’t dispel the yearning for tunes in the vein of vintage Guns ‘n’ Roses tracks such as 'It’s so easy' and 'You could be mine'. Where on earth have the fast, aggressive tracks that made you want to get up and rock gone to?
Fortunately, 'Scraped' answers that question and allows for one final high in the album before the long descent into a congealed mess of boring, uninspiring tracks. Fast, electric and lively, Rose declares: “Don’t you try and stop us now, I just won’t let you.” The heavy rhythm sees some elaborate lead guitar strutting its way to the forefront of the track in quite an impressive manner.
Then there’s the deep plunge into the Abyss. It is strange really because 'Riad n’ the Bedouins' starts off extremely promising before imploding into a disjointed mess of various rhythms and solo’s. In all fairness to the album, this is the only bad song as such. It does give the feeling that after spending so much time tuning and tweaking the album, Guns ‘n’ Roses have wasted what could be potentially an amazing track.
By the end of listening to 'Chinese Democracy', my mind was embroiled in turmoil. Although trying to stay loyal to what was once an amazing, spell-binding band, i just could not say that i fully liked this album. True, there are a couple of brilliant songs on there, and a few average ones. Yet they underlying fact of the matter is that it did not feel like a Guns ‘n’ Roses album; more an “Axel Rose and Friends” record. When i was coming towards the end of the album, my feelings were in conflict. On one hand, I wanted to just give up and turn it off, yet on the other hand i was desperate to discover one final gem of a track. I guess that after nearly 2 decades of work and various contributors, the record would of had to have been one of pure genius to have pulled it off as an all-time great. Instead, it has ended 15 years of waiting in disappointment.
Review By Alex Read
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