CHINESE DEMOCRACY WORTHY OF WAIT?
by M. R. Brown

Chinese Democracy is not worth the 15 year wait. Could any album be? That said, I can continue to review the album based on what it is rather than what it has been built-up to be.

Guns N’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy has been the long-awaited brainchild of Axel Rose and the revolving door of band members. Over that time, the album became infamous for being tagged as the album that would never be released. This is Axel’s album, as if anyone needed to doubt, and it would only be released by his word when he was damn well ready. Many, including Dr. Pepper, believed the album would never come out but all were finally satisfied come November 23rd.

The genius and density of Rose lore can be seen sporadically throughout the album. Whether it’s the biting and self-touting “I.R.S” or wall of sound “Chinese Democracy”, the album is unrelenting in its power. Songs are stocked with multi-layered guitars, giving glimpses into the ever-changing mind of Rose. Many may have wondered if Rose could still wail like a 15 year old girl in choir class, which he surely answers in “If the World.” Tracks such as “Madagascar”, which samples the likes of Martin Luther King, its undeniable that Guns N’ Roses can still tear apart speakers. With soul-infused rock as defiant as its singer, Chinese Democracy is founded on rebellion. With both glam and angst, the album kicks you in the teeth and takes you back to waiting outside clubs with torn up t-shirts and denim.

Does it stack up to Guns N’ Roses of yore? For the thirty-something man or woman who still says “Bring back The Rat!” Chinese Democracy will be a welcomed addition to the CD rack. But for the rock listeners today, the album feels oddly irreverent at times and solidifies thoughts that Axel simply may have waited too long. A great album for what it is, but if only it could have been released 10 years ago.

Chinese Democracy is available exclusively at Best Buy, so go buy into the growing corporate monopoly of music now!