We’re Just Not That Into You

It’s been out since November 23rd. Apparently a lot of people were waiting for it. And these people were really, really happy. Their favorite hard rock band had put out an album of new music after 17 years.

They were sure and I mean SURE that this band would rule the world. Be on the top. Music was gonna change. Respect and love would come from the masses as they worshipped at the altar of Axl.

Yeah, Axl Rose.

Guns N’Roses (well, Axl only).

The infamous Chinese Democracy is out. First week sales are in. Kanye West led with over 450,000; Taylor Swift was second at 267,400; and Guns third with 261,200.

The excuses have begun. According to a fan site:

“The record is fucking amazing, but…”

…the timing GNR management chose to release it hurt sales… Of course, this was released during the biggest sales week of the year, the week of “Black Friday”.

…It won't connect with people who are dead-set against it. Sure, there are probably people who dislike Axl – hell, don’t care much for the man myself – but I loved Sweet Child of Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, and Paradise City.

…there’s been a lack of promotion. Hmm…let’s think about that one. Best Buy exclusive, TV commercials, title song played on the radio, radio station listening parties, myspace free stream with OVER 8 MILLION LISTENS (a record). No Axl, of course, but that’s his choice.

…nobody’s seen Axl. Well, that is apparently true, unless you count the bagel shop in LA where he bought some. So, he’s alive and eating at least.


So, let’s put this into a little bit of perspective.

Bon Jovi – Lost Highway – A different musical direction - First week sales – 291,000.

Guns N’Roses – Chinese Democracy – “THE MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUM EVER” – 261,200.

Uh huh.

In reading through the GnR fan forums, I noticed the fans saying many times that they needed to listen to the songs more than 5 or 6 times to like them.

WHAT ???

YOU’RE THE DIE-HARD FANS !!! And it took YOU over 5 listens to LIKE the song?

And you want the casual fan to do this?

Were ya born stupid?

Don’t know about you, but I hear a new song on the radio and within seconds I’m either turning it up or changing the station.

No listening five or six times.

WTF?

Music is subjective.

You like what you like.

Period.

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Perhaps a Guns N’Roses fan says it best:


I think many people are forgetting how we reacted when we first heard the leaks. WE WERE NOT IMPRESSED. I actually dug Madagascar the first time I heard it but now I am sick of it. It's a sandwich. You have 2 parts (1st and last) that sound exactly the same with a long boring solo in the middle. Boring.

Chinese Democracy: When I heard this song for the first time in 2001(Vegas) the first thing that went through my mind was "cheap Nirvana rip off".

The Blues: Another boring song that seemed to not have been good enough to be on the Illusions. A poor man's NR/Estranged.

There Was A Time: It has some good moments but it just doesn't go anywhere. When the 2nd part of the song kicks in it just goes on forever. You start to wonder when it is going to end.

Catcher in the Rye: I actually like this song and I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I would have liked for them to have left Brian May's parts in the song. It would have been good press and perhaps attracted the Queen fanbase into checking out the album.

Scraped: Mediocre song with no venom. Is this the same Axl Rose that sung in songs like "Out Ta Get Me"? The intro is unnecessary and pretty much neuters the song from the get go.

Riad: Musically a pretty good song but the vocals kill it. Gives you a headache.

Shackler's Revenge: Good chorus but too much of a change from the GNR sound. He should have saved the shock factor for his next album.

Sorry: It's a good song but unfortunately at this point people have already given up on the album and don't get to hear it.I.R.S: It is catchy but mediocre. Any 80's reject L.A band could have written this in one day.

This I love: All you have to do is go to a Broadway play and you will hear a different version of this song. Too over-dramatic.

Prostitute: A good song but the ending has too much synth and an unnecessary drum beat. The only thing we should be hearing at that point is the piano.

Better: When we first heard this song many of us thought the middle part was fan made. We were like "what the fuck is this nu-metal bullshit?". Let's also not forget about the awful intro. I thought it was a "Barbie Girl" rip off.

It's an album of overproduced average songs. I have heard the album several times now and it is still hard to digest. If I, a person that has followed this band and had time to analyze the leaks feels this way about the finished product imagine what’s an average joe listening to this album for the first time gonna think? It is no mystery why this album tanked. It is just too different and inferior to the GNR of old. And as long as Axl uses the GNR name those criticisms are valid.

(Only spelling and grammar corrected – poster purposefully not identified)


In case you’ve forgotten –

Over 8 MILLION myspace listens = 261,200 sales.

Axl, we’re just not that into you.