This is a guest contribution from Jeffrey Edwards, talking about one of the greatest albums ever made – Appetite for Destruction by Guns N’ Roses.
With the legendary rock band in the middle of their worldwide reunion tour Not in This Lifetime, it seems rather fitting to review their best-selling album, Appetite for Destruction. Having sold 30 million copies around the globe, this debut studio album is also one of the best-selling records of all time. It was released back in July 21, 1987, and remains one of the most influential rock ‘n’ roll albums, resonating with that spirit of rebellion that Guns N’ Roses were notoriously famous for.
While the majority of people are more familiar with the more popular tracks of the album, as games like Burnout on the PlayStation and Guns N’ Roses video slots from online gaming portal Pocketfruity feature “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Paradise City” in their musical scores, every song on the album played its part in making the album a commercial success. Kicking off the record with “Welcome to the Jungle”, which was reportedly written in just three hours, the aptly named track set the tone for their artistry and image. They were a rambunctious bunch of rockers whose rebellion and impulsivity was the driving force in their musical genius.
There are loads of interesting facts about the compilation of this album. According to NME, “Mr. Brownstone” was penned on a grocery bag. Another fun fact of the album is that “Out ta Get Me” is based on Axl Rose’s life as teenager back in Indiana, where he often found himself at odds with the law. And despite being a fan favorite, the band slated “Sweet Child o’ Mine” as a filler or circus music. But even with their less-than-favorable opinions of their biggest hit, fans love the song no less.
For those that don’t know GNR for anything other than their popular ballads, Appetite for Destruction is not meant for those who are afraid to venture beyond the conventional. The album explores all kinds of taboos through crazy guitar riffs, rebelling against the cultural atmosphere fostered back in the ‘80s. However, the record’s raw punk quality is what garnered its retrospective acclaim, becoming one of the greatest albums in music history.
Here is the complete tracklist for Appetite for Destruction:
1. Welcome to the Jungle
2. It’s So Easy
3. Night Train
4. Out ta Get Me
5. Paradise City
6. My Michelle
7. Think About You
9. Sweet Child o’ Mine
10. You’re Crazy
11. Anything Goes
12. Rocket Queen
What’s your favorite track?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=T2M2Hnnwm9M