So a DJ I can't stand pointed out that Appetite for Destruction came out on this date, making today its 39th birthday. I am also seeing Guns N' Roses next week, so it feels like a perfect time to do this post.
GNR was a band that I knew of even before I really started listening to music on my own. One of the dads on the block loved 80s metal and always had the station that played it on when he was outside. I think the only GNR songs that station ever played were "Welcome to the Jungle," "Paradise City," and "Sweet Child o' Mine" (unsurprisingly). The first 2 I've always liked, but the third not so much.
I honestly didn't listen to the whole album straight through til this year, but there were only 2 songs on it that I'd never heard: "Think About You" (good) and "Anything Goes" (eh). The DJ in question said she doesn't like Guns N' Roses, and listening to the album as I type this, I don't understand how somebody could not like at least one of these songs, unless they really hate guitar. Even if you don't like Axl's voice (which I can understand, considering I am one of the few people who don't like Ronnie James Dio's voice), the guitar riffs are so good and catchy. SO GOOD AND CATCHY.
"Welcome to the Jungle" is the first song on the album, and it's actually the most appropriate intro song they could have possibly used. It sets the tone for the album, and the band as well. It's followed by "It's So Easy" and then "Nightrain." The latter song is hilarious and it became even funnier to me when I read an interview with the Christian weirdo band Stryper from like 1989 or 1990 in which they said that the song is evidence that Guns N' Roses is obsessed with death, and wants to die (big LOL). The actual story behind the song is that they were walking and drinking Night Train, a cheap garbage wine from the makers of Ripple, and as they were doing so they started making a silly song about it - and this is clear as day if you listen to the lyrics, despite what Stryper says about it. I personally love how it came to life because I could see my friends from back in the day and I having done some similar shit.
"Paradise City" is my favorite song of theirs by far. It's got good vibes, great guitar, and it even sounds punk at one point. It has a similar fun backstory; it came about as they were driving back to LA from some shows in Seattle. It was a messy trip so they were really excited to be heading home, and they started coming up with the lyrics during the drive as a result. A bored in the car song that became one of the greatest driving songs of all time, how can you not love that?
"My Michelle" is right after "Paradise City" and it's my second favorite song on the album. The backstory is that one of their friends named Michelle had mentioned to Axl that she wished someone would write a love song about her, and when he tried, he ended up writing the very real tale of her life instead. It sounds harsh with lyrics like "...driving your friends crazy with your life's insanity" but is ultimately positive and encouraging, with "honey don't stop trying and you'll get what you deserve." I love the guitar in this song so much. The intro is lovely and then it does a complete 180 with a very heavy slam of a start. I think it's so perfect for what was meant to be a lovey song but became a raw, gritty portrayal of her life.
"Rocket Queen" is similar in that regard, and if you can get past the overlaid recording of Axl fucking a friend of theirs in the studio for her moans, it's a great song. It's such a great example of how well they could portray moods in their music, too. It's pretty heavy throughout the tale of a girl who is very much of the live fast, die young variety. The end portion is much more positive and uplifting in sound, with lyrics like "If you need a shoulder or if you need a friend, I'll be here standing until the bitter end" and ends with "All I ever wanted was for you to know that I care." I think I'm so drawn to it because it's the kind of thing I wish somebody would have said to me.
One of the interesting things about Guns N' Roses is that they were often labeled as part of the hair metal scene because early on they did the glam rock look while playing live, but their sound has never fit that label. I call them hard rock, Slash always says they're rock and roll, but overall they do incorporate a lot of sounds into their songs based on how varied all of their influences are. As an example, Duff McKagan was very into punk and had played in punk bands, and like I mentioned above, you can hear that in "Paradise City" for sure. The end of "My Michelle" reminds me a lot of Led Zeppelin/Robert Plant as well and I think they were all fans of theirs too.
I know the album isn't going to be for everyone, but like I said, I don't understand how somebody could not like at least one of these songs. Everybody (except that DJ, obv.) could easily find something they like on there, so give it a listen if you're so inclined.
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