When talking about albums that really shook the ground and shocked its time, Guns N' Roses' debut is among the most important releases and when listening to it so many ears after It's So Easy to understand the impact it had, the nerve and attitude coming from this raw experience leaves a deep mark.
From the chunky double rhythm guitar jamming in
Welcome To The Jungle to the diverse and melodic
Rocket Queen, this album is filled with fantastic Heavy Rock that should cure the worst appetite.
It's So Easy is one of my favourite Guns songs, especially thanks to the soft chorus line working as a great contrast to the otherwise hard edged flow. The diverse vocal performances give it a whole different profile that it otherwise would have had, a successful decision indeed.
A massive rhythm guitar fundament keeps
Nightrain rolling with strong determination and a rock solid groove, added that extra depth from clever bass moves and some finely weighed melodic guitar solos.
Out To Get Me is one of the simpler songs and not one of my favourites either. I just don't think the main rhythm or refrain really gets my attention even though its quite powerful drive is a positive element.
It's hard to overestimate the importance of the excellent guitar job coming from Slash and Izzy on this record, they are simply smoking and they take up central positions all the time. Their supporting effort gives
Mr. Brownstone lots of texture and dynamics and the groovy bass approach is a real cool addition too.
When talking about classic hits there is no way around
Paradise City and
Sweet Child O' Mine. The first one is a perfect example of how to match a genius catchy chorus line with a structure that's both melodic, varied and forceful, I mean how can you not love this song!
The thrilling drum break followed by a speedy onslaught of pure intensity is godsend.
The power ballad
Sweet Child O' Mine upholds a very sedative atmosphere coming from soft acoustic tunes and melodic licks, not to mention the very strong vocals.
My Michelle is a fine representation of the albums unbound wildness and vivid nerve that keeps hitting you hard, a groovy and powerful rocker seeing Axl perform some very strong vocal lines, a great song.
With
Think About You we enter another of my personal top highlights from this band. The soaring leads go straight in and gets your adrenaline pumping. The half-acoustic/electric guitar passage gives it a cool relaxed mood, as long as it lasts that is. This is what I would call a perfect Heavy Rock creation.
You're Crazy is a fast monster with an unstoppable drive, the wild guitar solo spot and thrilling drum executing are some of the best working aspects in a song lacking that really memorable touch, being over a bit soon.
The pace settles at around mid-tempo as
Anything Goes kicks in, the chorus gets repeated a bit too much but the easy going feeling is really cool.
Rocket Queen can be viewed as a starting point for the more epic creations the band would engage in with the Illusion discs; this one has many changes and an unforgettable harmonious mid-section passage, a fantastic and equally intriguing track.
Even though I'm very focused on the guitars, all members must be given credit for a great and inspiring musical delivery; each instrument is highly involved in making these songs very much alive and kicking.
This is a very consistent effort with the fitting Rock N' Roll attitude written all over it, from the pulsating rhythm structures, Axl's screaming vocals, the driving guitar solo's, to the direct lyrics about booze, partying, sex, drugs, girls and careless living in general.
The word wild doesn't define this release. it defines what's wild.
Written by
Tommy Sunday, March 6, 2005
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Guns N' Roses belongs to Rock and Roll hall of fame.
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