Let me get started by saying that Guns N' Roses is in my opinion the greatest band that has ever lived and probably will stay that way for as long as their is music in the world. Although I have not purchased this specific album I have all of their other albums and therefore know all the songs on it. I'd also like to say that this was by no means the idea of any member of Guns N' Roses, but instead Geffen records wanted to put this out even with the objections from band members Axl Roses, Slash and Duff. That automatically brings down this album a peg. This is a very good album but Guns N' Roses greatest hits... I think not. For starters, too many cover songs were put on here instead of using some original material. (Which in some cases is much better) Songs were poorly selected for this album but at least they were bright enough to add the classics such as "Welcome To The Jungle", "Paradise City", "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "November Rain". I'll break down all the songs on the album one by one.
Welcome To The Jungle - The album gets off to a great start with one of GNR's most popular and well known songs, "Welcome To the Jungle". This gem of a song captivated music listeners everywhere and made them realize that there was a new band on the scene that should get some recognition. Full of raw energy and pure emotion this song gets your blood pumpin' and it can still be commonly heard throughtout sporting events everywhere. "D'you know where you are? You're in the jungle baby! You're gonna dieeee!"
Sweet Child O Mine - How can i describe the second song to this album. I'd have to say that it is the greatest song I've ever heard. Everything in the song clashs beautifully with Axl Rose pouring out his heart and soul, Izzy Stradlin adding an amazing rhythm and of course Slash busting out one of the most memorable riffs of all time. Even if you don't like Guns N' Roses, you've gotta' be sick in the head if you don't like this song.
Patience - This next song slows down the pace a bit and shows Axl's softer side. People either love this song or hate it. Personally I think this is one of GNR's best songs and one of the best songs ever. excellent guitar playing thoughout, a nice whistle solo at the start by Axl and at the end it just sends a shiver down your spine as Axl livins up a bit and starts blaring out great lyrics.
Paradise City - This album seems to only be getting better and better with Paradise City coming along. A very light-hearted happy song that also makes spine tingle when you here some of the solos in it and the famous line in the song "Take me down to the paradise city where the grass is green and the girls are pretty." This song is strong all the way through and i might add that this was probably Adler's best drumming that he ever did.
Knocking On Heaven's Door - The first cover song on the album and fairly well done. GNR morphed Bob Dylan's classic into their own song with some more great guitar riffs and excellent rhythm thoughout. Axl also showed how broad in range his vocals are. Possibly the best cover song Guns N' Roses have.
Civil War - Another song that is hard to describe and another one of the greatest songs of all time and possibly the greatest anti-war song of all time. The lyrics are magical in this song and just leave you breathless thinking about what's wrong with the world. To top it all off the music in the song is absolutely amazing. Every band member played their part to make this song great but Axl Rose made it all the more memorable screeching out vocals about what the worlds become. Possible Axl's best singing lies within this song.
You Could Be Mine - Probably the most overrated song that Guns N' Roses have. Made popular due to the fact that it was the theme song for the hit movie Terminator 2. It's not a terrible song by any means but does not deserve to be in the greatest hits at all.
Don't Cry - Another piece of excellence is this strong ballad "Don't Cry". Guitar is excellent in this song and the song completely draws you into it and affects how you're feeling. Very emotional and when you're down and out this is the song you want to turn too.
November Rain - Possibly the most famous song that Guns N' Roses posseses is "November Rain". An amazing ballad in which Axl Rose is not only strong vocally but makes his piano playing a big part of the song. Very classical like but at the same time still had rock aspects to it.It's great the whole way through but it's the end that really gets me. Slash's solo at the end is probably the greatest guitar solo ever.
Live and Let Die - This is another song that is definitely not deserving to be on the greatest hits CD. It ranks up there with the original "Live and Let Die" but the problem is that it's not that great of a song. It has a good beat and all but overall there are many songs that can surpass it in many ways.
Yesterdays - Is a very positive song that makes you feel good all over. You're probably gonna' want to listen to it a few times before it starts to grow on you. When it has grown on you though it's a great songthat's very uplifting. It's not the greatest song GNR ever made but it deserves to be on this album.
Ain't It Fun - Another song undeserving of being on this album. This song is off the Spaghetti Incident which was the album that failed for GNR. It's not a bad song but it's very different then traditional Guns N' Roses and many people may not appreciate the hard punk-rock attitude to it.
Since I Don't Have You - Obviously Geffen Records felt that they needed to add another song from The Spaghetti Incident and they chose this one. A lot slower than normal but still have a bit of a punk touch to it. It also seems to have a rather old 50's feel to it though aswell. It doesn't deserve to be on this album but it's another song that is decent.
Sympathy For the Devil - The last song of the album is a cover of Rolling Stones "Sympathy For the Devil" and it was made particularly for the movie "Interview With The Vampire". It is actually a really good song and competes with Knocking On Heaven's Door for best cover song by GNR. I think it is better then the original and a great way to end the album considering the fact the bottom part of the lin-up for this album wasn't so hot.
In conclusion, I'm rather dissapointed with the album. It had all the classic singles which would have been expected of a GNR greatest hits album but the problem was that there was too mcuh cover songs and the fact that many outstanding songs weren't put on this list. Some songs that definitely should've been in this album are...
-Mr. Brownstone
-Rocket Queen
-Estranged
-Coma
-So Fine
Other songs that could've made the cut are Nice Boys, Dust'N bones and It's so Easy.
Welcome to the Jungle - 10/10
Sweet Child O'Mine - 10/10
Patience - 10/10
Paradise City - 10/10
Knocking On Heaven's Door - 8/10
Civil War - 10/10
You could Be Mine - 5/10
Don't Cry - 10/10
November Rain - 10/10
Live and Let Die - 4/10
Yesterdays - 8/10
Ain't It Fun - 6.5/10
Since I Don't Have You - 6.5/10
Sympathy For The Devil - 9/10
Good album but could have had perfect 10s across the board if songs were better selected.
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