Guns N Roses - Use Your Illusion 1
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Free Music Notes for Use Your Illusion 1
Free Music Review: Guns On Top Of The World - not everything here is essential but has some of their very best....
Hit: 5 Stars
Guns and Roses were on top of the world when they released USE YOUR ILLUSION I AND II on the same day (September 17th 1991) as separate CDs. While their debut, APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION, remains their undisputed masterpiece, there are plenty of great songs on these albums although there's quite a few less than stellar tracks as well. In my view, I is better than II. It's got much more of an old-school rock n' roll vibe compared to APPETITE, sometimes accompanied by piano and harmonica. Singer Axl Rose is full of hate on most of these songs and revels in an extremely cynical attitude towards life in general. Izzy Stradlin takes lead vocal on three of the tunes, two of which are quite good.
Breakdown:
"Right Next Door To Hell" - Axl spews out the words on this amped-up rocker, not the greatest song but a good album opener. ***3/4
"Dust And Bones" - Izzy Stradlin on lead vocals with Axl wailing along as well. A laid-back rocker with a little boogie-woogie piano. It's a great song with strong guitar figures and a great chorus. *****
"Live And Let Die" - Guns pulls off this great if somewhat disjointed Paul McCartney classic, giving it more heft and muscle. ****1/4
"Don't Cry" - a sweet melody and a great mix of balladry and rock with some killer guitar solos from Slash. *****
"Perfect Crime" - It's not clear exactly what the "perfect crime" is in this super-charged rocker but it's intense and Axl delivers the vocals in overdrive, loading them with obscenities in the same super fast way he does it on "Right Next Door To Hell" as well as a few others here. Cool, but far from their best song. ***1/2
"You Ain't The First" - This acoustic folk-rock waltz, a diss on a former lover, is a sing-songy countryish tune that isn't really bad although I imagine most fans, simply wanting to rock out, skip this one, including me. ***
"Bad Obsession" - This old-school Southern rock n' roll chugger features (mouth) harp and piano. A good song about a familiar topic: drug addiction. ****
"Back Off Bitch" - a good mid-tempo rocker. ****1/4
"Double Talkin' Jive" - The third track to feature Stradlin on lead vocal and it's good. ****1/4
"November Rain" - the epic ballad, beautifully orchestrated, nearly nine minutes long. The video got heavy rotation on MTV back in the day, nearly 20 years ago. *****
"The Garden" - a cool song with alternately dreamy and heavy passages. Axl shares some vocals with rock veteran Alice Cooper. Kind of mysterious sounding, this one's cool. ****1/2
"The Garden Of Eden" - a fast-paced rocker with Axl blasting through his vocals and some spirited guitar playing. Throws in some spacey sound-effects (several of the songs on the album add interesting little sonic touches including vocals distorted to sound especially low-pitched). The lyrics are cool and I especially like how he trashes religion. The main problem is that the song itself isn't that great. ***
"Don't Damn Me" - This one seems to be one of their least popular tracks but I think it's great. The lyrics are confessional and seem to come from the heart. I read somewhere they never played it live - Axl may have felt a little too vulnerable to sing it. At the end of the song he says, "that sucked" which may have been his way of discrediting it, but I think it's a great rocker with some killer guitar riffs as well. *****
"Bad Apples" - a slightly funky, boogie-woogie-ish rocker ****1/2
"Dead Horse" - this is my personal favorite song ever from "Buns & Hoses" (my joking, affectionate nick name for them). This one's a great song that really kicks ass. *****+
"Coma" - Clocking in at over 10 minutes, this epic, heavy-rocking masterpiece is the highlight of the album. Apparently it's not available for download (legally at least) so that makes purchacing this hard copy essential. Starts out with what sounds like a heartbeat . . . "Hey you caught me in a coma/ And I don't think I wanna/ Ever come back to this . . . world again." A hospital emergency room can be heard at various points with attempts to revive Axl. The song ends with him flat lining. Awesome! *****+
Free Music Review: The better of the 2...
Hit: 5 Stars
I write this review for the Gn'R fans who were converted by "Appetite...", because I know your dilema and you're probably the only ones thinking of picking these albums up now. You LOVE 'Appetite', but are weary of buying these albums because of the mixed reviews. You really don't know if it will hold up to their first album. Well, let me tell you right now, IT DOES NOT. Not by a long shot. But that doesn't make uyi I and II bad albums. It just means that appetite (I don't want to use '' anymore so get over it) was (and still is) THAT GOOD. Don't go into these thinking that.
That being said, let me be the first to tell you to GO BUY UYI I at least. This album has more of the fast paced rock songs and loud screaming you crave. Songs like The Garden of Eden, Don't Damn Me, and Perfect Crime just make you wanna thrash around violently, whereas Don't Cry and November Rain will make you wanna hold up your lighter even in your bedroom. Please forgive You Ain't the First, I know I try to. It's the only "eh" point in the album for me. I, personally, love the cover of Live and Let Die and will even go so far as to say it's better than the original (did he just say that? Oh yes I did. mmmm, sacrilage). It rocks harder, anyway. Sorry Mr. McCartney, go cry on the shoulders of all the millions of Beatles fans. Dead Horse has one of the best screams I have ever heard which then segues to one of the more powerful solos by Slash. You could tell Axl was dealing with some demons. When he sings sometimes it just sounds painful.
While we're here, lets talk about Axl for a second, seeing as no one else is (BURN!!!!). He was really trying to take his voice somewhere else on these albums and make it more dynamic. Say what you will about Axl, there were few who were greater. I am not a big fan of all the things he has done, or for that matter, what he is doing (or supposedly doing) with the band. He was one of the best front men of all time. WAS. I'm a Gn'R fan, but I'm also a realist. The original band is DEAD. And, quite frankly, I'm glad. Let Axl beat the perverbial "dead horse". He, unfortunately, could not keep the demons at bay. If the original band got back together, they would have to prove to me it was not about money. I am tired of keeping the flame alive. Time to move on, both in life and in the review. I am very sorry, but I had to vent my rage and profess my disdain for the way the things have gone with this band in a public forum. Moving on.
Double Talkin' Jive is a pretty cool song, made only cooler by an IZZY SOLO!!! YEAH, IZZY!!! Bad Obsession just has a nice groove to it, as well as a very cool slide intro by slash. It's also a nice break to have a song where Axl isn't SCREAMING IN YOUR F***IN' EAR. Then you get November Rain.
Now, not many people know this, but when they were starting to work on Appetite, they were first thinking "Double Album", but, it's not cool to have your major label debut be a double album, so songs like don't cry and you could be mine (uyi II) were held back, as well as November Rain. They (well, mostly Axl) worked on this song to make it right FOREVER. Finally, it was released on this album, and it's pretty f***in' good. It's an epic done right. Just that vision of slash on the piano at the end of the video playing that KILLER outro is a staple in rock music history. Great arranging as well.
So, if you don't have any Gn'R albums, please don't buy this one first. Go get appetite. That is the s**t. If you have Appetite and want more from this band, get uyi I THEN get II. Well, get Lies before you get either of I or II. I don't doubt that there are some, or possibly many who don't like this album, and I can see why. It is Mos Definately worth a try. Go get this album, you'll either love it or have a general malaise for it (i hope i used that word right. Trying to grow a little, ya know?). I think it's pretty damn good. five stars, no doubt.
A little note: If I got ANY of this information about the band wrong, PLEASE, I urge you Izzy, Slash, Duff, Steven, Matt, or even Axl to hunt my e-mail down, send me a message and correct me. It's only right.
Free Music Review: An Epic Masterpiece
Hit: 5 Stars
The "Use Your Illusion" albums are one of the most ambitious albums in history, and perhaps the number one most ambitious rock album. No one had ever before released two separate albums at the same time, let alone two sprawling epics at 76 minutes apiece. It was a bold, daring and dangerous move, but ultimately a resounding success.
"Use Your Illusion I" - probably unintentionally - rocks harder than its twin, and it was a good effort to match the brilliant "Appetite for Destruction." A good effort, but not good enough. Some of the songs on this record are as good or better than some on AFD: "November Rain" and "Don't Cry" are as good as "Sweet Child O' Mine," "Paradise City," etc. But AFD was a better record overall, with zero filler, and in fact every song was a giant. UYI1 doesn't manage that, but comes close.
It kicks off with "Right Next Door to Hell," a short, fast-paced rocker with an AFD flavor. Some of Izzy's best are on this album, and "Dust N' Bones," a bluesy Stones-esque track is one of the finest. "Live and Let Die" is a good Stones cover, but overrated.
"Don't Cry" is one of the best power ballads ever done, although at times the lyrics are watery. The solo is an asskicker, strong and hard, forceful even though it's not fast. The finale is great, even the neverending "Perfect Crime" is short and sweet, hard rock rolling along at a breakneck speed. Izzy's amusing "You Ain't the First" tempers the last song's fury with a little acoustic goodbye. "Bad Obsession" is one of Axl's deep-voiced tracks, another strong one. "Back Off Bitch" boasts a ripper of a solo from slash, although some of the lyrics are less than inspiring. Izzy and Duff are awesome in "Double Talkin' Jive," not to mention Slash's exhibition of guitar perfection at the end.
"November Rain" is probably the best song on the album, with an orchestral background, a good piano part and some of the most awesome riffs ever. The finale is incredible, too, and doesn't seem like an attempt to make the song longer or harder. It isn't. The lyrics are fantastic, not sappy, but a powerful message: that sometimes you have to walk away when it's raining too hard, but nothing lasts forever. If you hold one, everything will be all right.
"The Garden" is a bizarre but brilliant song, with a behind bane solo by Slash, and abrupt changes in tempo and style, from soft guitar strums to hard and heavy rock. "Garden of Eden" is one of the best songs, and really seems to carry on the AFD spirit, though it's actually far faster than any of the debut album's songs. Short and very, very fast, all brought together by some brilliant Slash riffs. "Don't Damn Me" is again, one of the album's highlights, fast, beautiful solo, and the some of Axl's cleverest, truest and downright jawdropping lyrics. A magnificent song.
"Bad Apples" is another great song, with a great solo and very good lyrics. "Dead Horse" is awesome, but the throat-shredding screams that kick in a bit later on are overdone.
"Coma" is a monster. Slash is absolutely at the pinnacle here, and so is Axl, vocally diverse and lyrically superb. The long, long final verse is one of the best endings to an album and a song that you'll ever hear, on par with "Rocket Queen." It's a giant that has all the members of GNR apparently showing off.
All in all, UYI1 is one of the best rock albums ever, and is a worthy follow-up to "Appetite for Destruction," if not quite as good. Some of the material here is Guns N' Roses' best, but some is simply very very good. That's the scale: very good to classic. It doesn't get much better than "Use Your Illusion I."
Free Music Review: The GNR Comeback Album
Hit: 5 Stars
The 1991 release, "Use Your Illusion I" is superb. This album put GNR back near the top of the rock world with the 16 song album. This one is much stronger rock wise than its predecessor, "Use Your Illusion II", as it provides fans with the raw, viciousness they got in "Appetite For Destruction". As usual, we hear some brilliant guitar solos from Slash and we also hear some outstanding ballads.
1. Right Next Door To Hell: This song can be easily described in one word. Heavy. This track is loud, quick and edgy. Everything you want from Guns n' Roses. I love it. 9.5/10
2. Dust n' Bones: This song isn't as heavy as the first, but it possesses a strong melodic feel to it with a good chorus built in. It becomes it bit dull by the end. 8.5/10
3. Live and Let Die: A cover from Paul and Linda McCartney's power ballad, GNR makes their version a little heavier, and they put a little more emphasis on the lyrics. Overall, a good cover. 9/10
4. Don't Cry(original): This heavy ballad is melodic, touching and meaningful. A wonderful chorus which may sound sappy but is genuine. One of the best in the GNR collection. 10/10
5. Perfect Crime: This is quick, nasty and awesome. GNR brings out some of their loudest stuff in this track and also Slash finds a way to slip in one hell of a guitar solo as well. 9.5/10
6. You ain't the first: You're gonna read a lot of bad reviews about this one, but honestly I don't think it's that bad. It's a decent acoustic guitar tune and the song-writing from Izzy Stradlin isn't too poor. 7.5/10
7. Bad Obession: This song I'm not expecially fond of. It lacks the edgy rock you wanna hear from GNR. The chorus is OK, but it doesn't having anything special to it in terms of the tune. 7/10
8. Back Off Bitch: This is the kind of rock you like to hear from GNR. A hard, heavy rock n' roll tune is highlighted by the number of times you get to hear Axl sing: "B-tch!' 9/10
9. Double Talkin' Jive: This is a great song written by Stradlin. It contains an upbeat, jiving quality to it with a very catchy chorus to it. 9/10
10. November Rain: This is song is a masterpiece. Rose wrote a brilliant ballad as he sings in a touching tone about a girlfriend. This is their best ballad and in the Top 5 for best GNR songs. 10/10
11. The Garden: You have to listen to this tune a few times before you really get into it. I love the assistance of Alice Cooper on lyrics. Although he doesn't sing, he offers a spooky delivery of the twisted chorus. Rose keeps the song going with his usual screeching singing, however he keeps it quite light in this track. 9/10
12. Garden of Eden: This is an exciting, fast-paced, energetic tune where Rose is near impossible to understand as he delivers the lyrics at an extraordinary speed. 8.5/10
13. Don't Damn Me: A rock tune that isn't too heavy but keeps you listening. Its highlight comes up when the song is suddenly pulled from its original pace and is slowed down as Rose sings: "I know you don't wanna hear me crying". 8.5/10
14. Bad Apples: Outside of the chorus, I don't care for this song. 7/10
15. Dead Horse: The most depressing song in GNR's catalog has a strong opening with nice guitar. The lead in to the chorus is done well. 8.5/10
16. Coma: A fantastic 10 minute song, with an incredible bass intro. We hear voices from all over the place in this one and Slash delivers one great solo. Axl keeps the song moving with his impressive delivery on lyrics. One of my all time favourites. 10/10
Free Music Review: Best Illusion, Not One Bad Song
Hit: 5 Stars
After buying this album, it took me a while to like some of the material. But once I did, I really loved this album. Because the album is all about variety. From the dramatic love ballad "Don't Cry" to the blues-driven "Bad Obsession" and then to the fast-paced rocker "Right Next Door to Hell". There is no filler on here (contrary to other reviews.) "Filler" does not mean "absence of hit single". The reason a lot of these songs didn't make it big was because of language, mature themes and length. The lyrics, instrumentals- all great. I will rate every song out of 5. So....here goes:
1. Right Next Door To Hell > One of my fav. speed rockers. Intro really stands out, fast but good song. Lyrics are great too (as usual.) 5/5
2. Dust N' Bones > An Izzy song. But a good Izzy song. Very profound "blues" feel. 4/5
3. Live And Let Die > Guns' best cover on Illusions, vocals are really, really good and deep. Also, a big hit on radio. 5/5
4. Don't Cry (Original) > If you love the "hit" singles, you will love this song. I personally don't care for it. I feel it's overproduced (as the guitar can barely be heard admist all the production.) Lyrics are nice but a tad too dramatic for my liking. 3/5
5. Perfect Crime > Another great rocker. Love it! Axl comes in with a screeching opening note. Lyrics are very good here. 4/5
6. You Ain't The First > Nice blues song (it's Izzy's.) Slow-paced but good. I enjoyed it. 4/5
7. Bad Obsession > Teddy Zig Zag on harmonica. Nice intro. Lyrics and Slash's guitar mastery make this song great. One of the longer rockers on here. 4/5
8. Back Off Bitch > Old song from the 80s GNR had written for a while before finally putting this out on album. Long song..but good. Lyrics are catchy and complex at the same time. Great solo. 5/5
9. Double Talkin' Jive > Unique song. Much more of a Slash track. Quick intro into a great outro. 4/5
10. November Rain > Another big hit song. Orchestraic masterpiece. Vocal work is tremdendous. Guitar work and Axl's piano abilities are real profound in this song. My favorite of GNR's mainstream "Illusion" hits. 5/5
11. The Garden > I really don't like this song. Never a big fan of Alice Cooper. But still decent. 3/5
12. Garden Of Eden > Like "Right Next Door to Hell", a great fast rocker. Lyrics push for a "rebellious" theme against society and the government. Nice solo too. 4/5
13. Don't Damn Me > Probably my favorite rocker on here. Lyrics, vocal work, guitar, Matt Sorum wailing away on the drums....where can you go wrong? 5/5
14. Bad Apples > Really enjoyed this one. Not really a fast one but good nonetheless. 4/5
15. Dead Horse > This is Axl's attempt at his own rocker. Great intro and the lyrics are excellent. Nice job. 5/5
16. Coma > This is the big epic on this album. Over 10 minutes long and multi-textured with the theme around (you guessed it), being in a coma. From the opening theme of feeling at peace, then progressing towards a much more intense mood and then finally leveling off with a feeling of depression and isolation. Best lyrics on any Guns n' Roses song. Incredible epic. 5/5
Overall, this album is nothing short of a masterpiece and if you like Guns n' Roses...or good rock music, buy this album.