dontcry1991's Full Review: Use Your Illusion II [PA] by Guns N' Roses
This album made number one and it's competitor made number two. They were the only band in history to have two albums in the top 5. And the only ones to have meaningful and depressing lyrics. They had different instruments used. And its sad that some people made this not continue further.
Here is a basic summing up of the tracks.
"Civil War". It was written by Axl,,Slash and Duff . This song starts out with a phrase from "Cool Hand Luke". I'm too young to know what that movie is about but I've been told its about war and such. But the song to me sounds like the members would rather choose love over fighting.
"Look at young men fighting."
The lyrics are self-expletory. My fave phrase in the whole song is this:
"D'you wear a black armband
When they shot the man
Who said "Peace could last forever"
And in my first memories
They shot Kennedy
I went numb when I learned to see
So I never fell for Vietnam
We got the wall of D.C. to remind us all
That you can't trust freedom
When it's not in your hands
When everybody's fightin'
For their promised land"
I like the line because in many ways it makes sense. And in a lot of ways its true and it makes you think
Why should we fight, when people with families have loved ones that shouldn't have to suffer for our countries mistakes". And in a way this song is kind of an anarchy song. One of the only ones I like that have to do with anarchy. This song did do ok on the charts , I'm pretty sure, (don't shoot me if I'm wrong) but I think it got in the top 100 somewhere in there.The best parts of the song is the combo of the piano, guitar, vocal range, and thunder that is in this. This song really isn't played at shows anymore but I think it should be in this time in America. The vibe to me on this song fighting back and having your voice in many things.
"14 Years". This song was written and sung by Izzy and Axl, And Axl who is background vocals. The way I hear it's about is Axl and Izzy's friendship. Why I'd think this? In the making of "Don't Cry", Axl made a statement about Izzy leaving in 1991 and how they were friends for 15 years.
"You just don't step inside to
14 years
So hard to keep my own head...
That's what I say
You know...I've been the beggar...
I've played the thief
I was the dog...they all tried to beat"
To me it sounds like Axl and Izzy's girlfriends has problems and Izzy's girlfriends probably tried to make him choose. I really do not know because I'm not up on Izzy but these lyrics I think sounds like like it to me. Nothing on charts. I like the combo of Axl and Izzy singing. I really do not listen to this one but when I'm angry at a friend and I have nothing else to listen to , I'll listen to it. It's not one of the bands best. This song was played when Izzy was in the band, as of when he left I do not think they played it much or at all. The vibe is more of a "F--- You, I'll do what I want" type.
"Yesterdays". Written by Axl, West Arkeen,and some two guys that I never heard of. This song in it's lyrics and video are pretty much there and can tell easily what it is about. I do not know how well either of these did on the singles or music video charts, ( I was only about 3 so, I don't know.) But it tells how time goes by and fades away and how you never can get memories back.
"Cause yesterday's got nothin' for me
Old pictures that I'll always see
Some things could be better
In my book of memories
Prayers in my pocket
And no hand in destiny
I'll keep on movin' along
With no time to plant my feet"
This one has hardly ever been played at a GN'R show that I have on tape or at any old concert review.But it is one of my mom and mine favorites.I really like the piano and how fades in the end, like with Axl's vocals just making the song and final and to the point. This vibe to me, makes me think, even though in my short time here on earth, makes me think what I've done and what I can't turn back to what I want to change.
"Knocking on Heavens Door". It was originally written by Bob Dylan and re-made by them. I don't know what the song is about, but I think it is about leaving everything behind and preparing for your time on earth to pass. This song was performed before in 1988 and it could have been preformed before they became famous. But it was preformed before it was on the disc. I like the guitar and the way the chorus is sung with Axl going to a low key all the way to his highest point that his voice can reach. I like this song because it is just that "heavenly" but it manufactures into a good sing-a-long song.
"Get in the Ring". Written by Axl ,Duff, Slash. Probably the most "F---- YOU!!" song to date. And the most rude and vulgar. ( But I love it!)It didn't make a splash on the charts but it did make a lot of people mad and was like a smack in the face. This song is pretty much out there in the poen of what it's about. The song is about people that Axl and Slash hate. They have one part where Axl swears at people from popular magazines in that time such as Kerrang!, Hit Paraderer, Circus, and Spin. It also has a bell ringing signaling the sign of a fight. In that many magazines have made nasty comments about Axl since. This song was based on a GN'R tour that lasted until the "Use Your Illusion Tour". My fave part of the song is Axl's rant. You'd only like this song if you've been mad at a magazine or if you hate songs with swearing in them. Other than that this is probably your song.
"Shotgun Blues". Written by Axl. It did nothing on charts and not many fans have talked about a liking it but I do, personally it's one of my favorites.This one is yet another "F--- You, and I hate you" song on this c.d. The song seems to be about media or an ex girlfriend that Axl had. The lyrics sound like someone who is angry, very angry at someone or something, and at the same time insulting that something. I like Axl's insults in this and how he uses them. I like the guitar but not as much as lyrics or Axl's "punk" vocal work.The vibe of this song is angry, enough said for that. You'd like this song only if you know what Axl has gone through and how you interrupt it.
"Breakdown".Written by Axl. I like the first verse.
"We all come in from the cold
We come down from the wire
An everybody warms themselves
to a different fire
When sometimes we get burned
You'd think sometime we'd learn
The one you love is the one
That should take you higher
You ain't got no one
You better go back out and find her."
To me it sounds like it's about life in general. And it just goes on to tell how we go up and down in life , but in this one mainly the downs occur more than the ups do. I like the lyrics and guitar work. The guitar is pretty good because its 80's but very classically done with how long is done without flaws. The vibe sounds similar to "Knocking On Heavens Door". Like it's the end and no where to go but to write it down and sing about it.
"Pretty Tied Up". Written by Izzy but sung by Axl. This song is pretty self told , it's about S & M. Which I like the song but not the meaning. And the second verse after the refrain doesn't connect with the song. (Just shows Izzy's talent in connecting lyrics.) This one was played alot at shows, and seems like a fave with fans. I like how Axl (yet again) shows his talent for singing.The guitar is good but the bass at the start of the song was favorite and how it sounded different that lots of songs out at that time and now.
"Locomotive". Written by Axl and Slash.The song did yet again nothing on the charts but had some impact on fans. This one is personally one of my fave ones due to lyrics and the long guitar solos. I also like how some of the technology made Axl's voice sound cool in a weird way that I cannot describe. The song seems to be about , yet again, another relationship. Like it seems that they have problems, love each other, then want to have murder fantasies about them.
"Kindness is a treasure-
And it's one towards me you've seldom shown
So I'll say it for good measure
To all the ones like you I've known
Ya know I'd like to shave your head
And all my friends could
paint it red
'Cause love to me's a two way street
An all I really want is peace"
I'd listen to this one if you were just in a random mood and need something to listen to.
"So Fine". This track was written by Duff. This song did nothing on charts and was played at many live shows during the Illusion era. I haven't listened to it very much, but Axl is the background vocals and that is the only good thing about the song. The lyrics I looked at are okay. But I've heard WAY better.I recommend this song only for Duff fans. It has a blues type of feel.
"Estranged".It was written by Axl. Probably , the most depressing yet wonderfully pieced song on the disc. This song did do something on the chart but I do not know how well it did. It's video did pretty well on MTV and I'm pretty sure it lasted a while. This song was played a lot during the Ilusion era as well and did very good with fans. Many of GnR fans consider this Axl's masterpeice. This song is about Axl's former wife Erin Everly (daughter of Don Everly , Everly Brothers). It is about being in love with someone and that someone not loving you anymore. Look at these lyrics , they are so beautiful , One of Axl's best in my vote.
"When I find out all the reasons
Maybe I'll find another way
Find another day
With all the changing seasons of my life
Maybe I'll get it right next time
An now that you've been broken down
Got your head out of the clouds
You're back down on the ground
And you don't talk so loud
An you don't walk so proud
Any more, and what for"
"Well I jumped into the river
Too many times to make it home
I'm out here on my own, an drifting all alone
If it doesn't show give it time
To read between the lines
'Cause I see the storm getting closer
And the waves they get so high
Seems everything We've ever known's here
Why must it drift away and die"
These lyrics show Axl's writing ability and his sense of knowledge of whats around him. To prove he isn't a loon and knows reality. My fave part of this song are the long guitar solos and the lyrics. You would like this tune if you have gone through this situation and are a GnR fan.
"You Could Be Mine". Written by Axl and Izzy.I love this song!!! In my top 10! This song made number 29 and was in the Terminator 2 soundtrack. This song had a video , it is unknown to me how well the video had done. Okay this song seems to be about a boyfriend and girlfriend not getting along. Again. Here you judge:
"I'm a cold heartbreaker
Fit ta burn and I'll rip
your heart in two
An I'll leave you lyin' on the bed
I'll be out the door before ya wake
It's nuthin' new ta you
'Cause I think we've seen that movie too"
My favorite part of the song is the guitar solo and Axl's solo where he starts shouting and rambling on about someone. You'd like this song if you are angry about someone or thing.
"Don't Cry" (Alt. Lyrics). This song was written by Axl and Izzy. It was written during the time this album was made. Axl explains it in the making of Don't Cry. He said something that the lyrics just came to him and at the time it upset everyone because people were singing along and it wasn't the words that people know. I'm still kind of confused at what he was talking about. But he also said he preferred this version because it is "where we are now". Or at the time where they were. This song did nothing on charts but I'm pretty sure fans like it. Personally, Don't Cry is my favorite song by GnR and so any versio will do. This song sounds like the other one but the lyrics explain a little more in dept relationship. So, it sounds like.
"If we could see tomorrow
What of your plans
No one can live in sorrow
Ask all your friends
Times that you took in stride
They're back in demand
I was the one who's washing
Blood off your hands"
The lyrics sound a bit more depressing but just as beautiful. I think any one would like this song. GnR fan or not.
"My World". Written by Axl. This is the end of the album and the worst song of the albums. It is a rap wannabe song and it is a very bad one. I do not recommend this song. I love Axl but this song should have been scraped. I'm sorry and I do not want to go on any more about how crappy it is. It basically sounds like people are baning cars together and Axl is trying to sound like a death rapper.
This album people have said it was over rated. But I think it deserved it's success and did in some way or form change the face of rock music forever.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
![Use Your Illusion II [PA] by Guns N' Roses](http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/1e/b5/3c/2002006891-177x150-0-0.jpg)
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.