Guns N' Roses: "Chinese Democracy"

I’ll admit it: I didn’t approach “Chinese Democracy” completely free of bias. It’s impossible for anyone with even a passing interest in rock n’ roll to be unaware of the trials, tribulations, and major Axl Rose tantrums that precede this. This isn’t the same GNR that played on Appetite for Destruction (1987) or Use Your Illusion (1991); instead we’re basically left with Rose and a hodgepodge of whomever can stand him at the moment (said hodgepodge inexplicably contains ex-Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson). Given its tumultuous genesis, I wasn’t expecting “Chinese Democracy” to be much more than a Frankenstein of whatever kind of watered-down post-grunge metal-lite is popular these days. But the thing is…it’s actually pretty catchy. It isn’t an earth-shattering bullet to make me think I’ve been wrong to ever doubt Rose’s intentions, but it’s enough to wipe the smug smile off my face and make me think that maybe GNR needn’t be finished.

The lyrics are a predictably vague indictment of Chinese totalitarianism, mentioning Falun Gong on the verses before a chorus that shouts, “’Cause it would take a lot more hate than you / I’ve got more masturbation / Even with your iron fist / Our baby got to rule the nation.” Not exactly passionate social poetry, but since when was that GNR’s job anyway? “Chinese Democracy” succeeds because it’s a likeable slice of butt rock, grounded in a familiar chord progression and peppered with buzzing saw guitars. There’s a shrieky solo that’s a far cry from Slash, but serviceable. Rose doesn’t yell in the high register like he used to, debuting instead a throatier growl. The one-minute intro of guitar noise and Chinese voices could be scrapped, but who am I to tell Axl fucking Rose what to do, right.

If this single is any indication, Chinese Democracy will be a good but not great album. Of course, it never had a prayer to live up to 14 years worth of baited expectations. But if this came on the radio while I was driving, I’d bang along.