Johnquest- #18, 1987 - APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION by Guns N' Roses

APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION | GUNS N ROSES

Everyone knows GNR. And everyone knows this album. It's important. It's been frequently sighted on t-shirts for as long as I can remember and probably longer still. Despite all this, I don't think I've ever listened through it attentively.

I'm sure I've heard it before. I almost definitely have- I hail from a long line of GNR enthusiasts. I've DEFINITELY definitely heard some songs off it. Welcome to the jungle, paradise city, sweet child of mine… and those are only the ones I recognize the names of. It is loaded with hits. I assume I'm going to have a GREAT time. Or at least a rockin’ one.

OVERALL VERDICT:

It's a classic for a reason! it's great. It's peak 1980s hard rock. It's really good when it's really good which is almost all the time but when it's not… well, it's preferable to silence. It's largely an enjoyable experience, and again, when it's good, it's REALLY GOOD! Such a shame it's not just an album length version of sweet child of mine. It's mostly really good and sometimes it's just okay. But what else can you expect?

TRACK BY TRACK:

1. Welcome to the jungle is a song you already know and if you don't you should. It's a good song! It's great. I know most of the words to it except for the ones which nobody knows. Like have you heard it? The guitar? The vocals? This song being good is as fact as the clouds being water vapour or the sun being hot.

2. It's so Easy is a song about every girl being into you and you taking advantage of it. I have a soft spot for songs about being a terrible partner, I'll admit it. Under my thumb by the stones and Object by the Cure are both in that niche and I love them both. It's probably just my habit of thinking I'm a terrible person that makes them resonate.

3. Nightrain could mean rain at night or a train that is nigh. Judging by the lyrics, it’s probably actually “night train” which is none of those things it's a powerful song and I'm somewhat surprised it isn't more known.

4. Out ta Get Me feels a little unnecessarily edgy? Not edgy per se… it's not about anything GnR wouldn't sing about, and it's not a bad song, it just… it stands out. Due to mediocrity and unusual and seemingly misplaced profanity. I'm sure I wouldn't mind it as much on its own but on this album… eeh.

5. Mr. Brownstone starts strong and stays that way. It's a driven song and a song befitting driving. I really really like it. I… think I get why it's not a big hit? But I like it. A ton. That pleasant warble and slightly dour understanding of this being how things are is very nice. And the instruments! These guys are good at those. Hey, did you know that Guns n’ Roses is a good band? Crazy shit, I know. But it's true.

6. Paradise city awakens a bestial excitement in all those who hear it regardless of if they like pretty girls or green grass. I only like one of those things. But it makes me want to sing along and move my whole body in some new and interesting way. What can I say about this one that hasn’t been said before? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Everyone likes this song and that is because it is good.

7 .My Michelle is a song about a crazy party lady and being in love with said crazy party lady. It sounds good! It has an almost cinematic quality, especially in that chorus. Feels like it's from a film, or about a film, or something. I'm sure it's been in a film, actually. That seems quite likely.

8. Think About you is a very 80s song. It feels almost prog-y? At times. Not always. I like it a ton! I think it's neat! Very wistful. The guitars’ screams add an extra level of agony to it. It's about love but it feels painful. I think that's a fun take on love. There are a million love songs. Might as well write one that sounds like you've been wounded deeply. That's probably what love feels like sometimes.

9. Sweet Child of Mine is breathtaking. I love it! Probably my favourite on the album. Remember that “what can I say that hasn't already been said” thing from earlier? This is that taken to the umpteenth degree. It's another song about something I don't have much experience with but it's so fucking beautiful that It still does something. Something incredible. Christ, it's so good. You should go listen to it right now and then come back to read the rest of this review. It's good for you.

10. You’re Crazyis a song about wanting to break up with a girl because she's too horny or something. It's pretty okay? It's GnR. It's not going to be bad. But afaik this one never charted and I can imagine why. It sounds great but it just feels like… insubstantial? I don't hate it. It's better than a lot of music. But I'd rather relisten to sweet child of mine. Most albums have some skips! This one is one of mine.

11. Anything Goes is about wanting to screw a lady who wants to screw the same amount as you do. It's rockin’! It's fun. It's one I enjoy. It harkens back to the late 70s, I would say. It's fun. It's a song about wanting to screw. I think what separates it from you're crazy (other than it just, like, being catchier and funner) is the fact that it's not trying to be anything it isn't. It wants to be a song about getting your fuck on and by god it is. It's perfect.

12. Rocket Queenis another cinematic one. There's some sweet fucking bass throughout and ourgh that is LIQUID. you know what I mean. It sounds liquid. And the vocals are majestic. It's a good song! It's raunchy and not heartless. It works well as a closer! But it also just works well in general. I like it!

If you like this EP, you might also like: OTHER THINGS THAT EVERYONE LIKES, like CUTE ANIMALS or NATURE or BREATHING AIR

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