Chinese Democracy
by Guns N' Roses
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 427 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 348 out of 427
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 427
  3. Negative: 52 out of 427

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. NaNa
    Nov 29, 2008
    8
    As to put it in the words of "all music", "It's a good album, no more no less". Sure some people want to love it more than it deserve as well as there entire batons hipster waiting to laugh about it. The truth is though that although some track hint at this or at that, if taken altogether one must realize that there is quite nothing like it today in rock music. And that's for me As to put it in the words of "all music", "It's a good album, no more no less". Sure some people want to love it more than it deserve as well as there entire batons hipster waiting to laugh about it. The truth is though that although some track hint at this or at that, if taken altogether one must realize that there is quite nothing like it today in rock music. And that's for me it's it's well more than enough to make the experience worth (albeit 2/3 songs too long). If the glass is half full or half empty, "I guess you'll see it for yourself".… Expand
  2. TBone
    Nov 29, 2008
    8
    So the secret of Metacritic is any album scored over 80 is critics masturbation material, meaning any reasonable person thinks it sucks. Any score under 60 means the album probably actually sucks. Any score from 60-80 means the album could be good. That said, so far I really like 'Better' and 'Catcher in the Rye'. Other songs are mostly good and may grow on me. So the secret of Metacritic is any album scored over 80 is critics masturbation material, meaning any reasonable person thinks it sucks. Any score under 60 means the album probably actually sucks. Any score from 60-80 means the album could be good. That said, so far I really like 'Better' and 'Catcher in the Rye'. Other songs are mostly good and may grow on me. 'In a World' is totally unlistenable. For the most part, not horrible. There's no 'sweet child of mine' on here, but thats goddamn near impossible to replicate.… Expand
  3. JoeH
    Nov 29, 2008
    8
    On first listen the over-production dominates, but gradually the quality of the songwriting shines through. Although, perhaps, it never feels like an album created by a 'band', it is one packed with quality. Both aggressive and melodic, Chinese Democracy is difficult to pinpoint - for some this is a weakness; others a strength - but it's never dull.
  4. GarethW
    Dec 10, 2008
    8
    You can immediately see what this album lacks - the efforltess blues underpinnings of slash, the dry as dust stylings of Izzy, the variety, and the majesty of scale. What you then go back and realise is what a good musician Axl really is - the first two tracks grate as they are depserately trying to be NIN/Marilyn Manson before becoming good GnR tracks. By anyone elses standards (even Def You can immediately see what this album lacks - the efforltess blues underpinnings of slash, the dry as dust stylings of Izzy, the variety, and the majesty of scale. What you then go back and realise is what a good musician Axl really is - the first two tracks grate as they are depserately trying to be NIN/Marilyn Manson before becoming good GnR tracks. By anyone elses standards (even Def Leppard!) there would have been another 4+ albums between Illusion and this and it would have been a strong addition to the catalogue, brining that music up to date. As it stands, there is far too much water under the bridge for it ever to be a true GnR product or that ever to happen again, but I didn't want to buy it and was prepared to consign it to the bin after one listen - but I have not because it is a good record and a tribute to Axl's persistence. Congratulations sir, and I sincerely hope it's not another 14 years before we have it's follow up.… Expand
  5. JDC
    Jan 27, 2009
    8
    Not up to expectations but still very good. Grows on you the more you listen.
  6. GosB
    Jan 27, 2009
    8
    As a hardcore fan of Guns 'n' Roses, ever since I heard the very first riffs of "Welcome to the Jungle", I have to say I am both pleased and disappointed by this album. If I weren't such a hardcore fan, I would have given "Chinese Democracy" a 6. Here's a warning to those G 'n' R fans who think every G 'n' R record should sound like "Appetite for As a hardcore fan of Guns 'n' Roses, ever since I heard the very first riffs of "Welcome to the Jungle", I have to say I am both pleased and disappointed by this album. If I weren't such a hardcore fan, I would have given "Chinese Democracy" a 6. Here's a warning to those G 'n' R fans who think every G 'n' R record should sound like "Appetite for Destruction": DO NOT buy this album -- it will only disappoint you. However, for those of us who appreciate the fact that G 'n' R has evolved since the '80s (and how), this album has a lot of pleasant surprises. Axl's vocals have never sounded better, and he deftly explores new vocal territory without ever losing his trademark vocal style. The production quality is the best ever for a G 'n' R album -- a far cry from earsplitting recordings like "Appetite" and "Live @#$! Like a Suicide." The songs are diverse and laden with nuance, and fans of the "Use Your Illusion" albums will appreciate the fact that Axl has retained the musical integrity that made "Illusion" I and II such great albums. However, while "Use Your Illusion" I and II were great albums, this one is merely good, and while I like "Chinese Democracy", I have to say I don't love it. For one thing, to say that "Chinese Democracy" is a little overproduced would be like saying that Ike Turner is a little bit bad-tempered. I realize that Axl is a perfectionist, but he really should learn that too much perfectionism robs a recording of its sponteneity. One of the things that made "Appetite" such a great record is that it stood out against the backdrop of overproduced, overcommercialized hair band albums of the day -- mostly because the band had blown their advance on drugs and were forced to complete the album on a shoestring, resulting in an edgy, underproduced recording that resonated with an audience fatigued by overproduced pop-metal bands like Poison, Ratt, and Motley Crue. Several months before this album dropped, I managed to get my grubby paws on some bootlegs of songs from the recording sessions, several of which didn't make the final cut. When I bought the CD, I was disappointed that some of the edgier, harder-rocking tunes like "Silkworms" and "Oh My God" had been axed, in favor of the inclusion of lackluster songs like "If the World", "Sorry", and "Prostitute" which will probably end up wearing out the skip button on my CD player so that I can enjoy the good tunes on this album like "Better", "There Was a Time" and "I.R.S." (Better yet, maybe I'll take those bootlegs and make my own version of this album.) Bottom line: If you enjoyed "Use Your Illusion" as much as I did, then you won't regret the purchase of this album. However, if you're secretly hoping that Axl will record another "Appetite for Destruction", then you'd do well to keep your money in your pocket and simply think of this record as "The Linguini Incident".… Expand
  7. RomeoR.
    Nov 24, 2008
    8
    It's like the classic cliche... does the artists music overshadow the artists personal life?... for most, no... it will not. A large amount of people will have opinions about the record before hearing any of the songs, another amount decided if they would love or hate this record long before it hit shelves on Nov 23rd 2008, and many will compare it to the age old "Appetite for It's like the classic cliche... does the artists music overshadow the artists personal life?... for most, no... it will not. A large amount of people will have opinions about the record before hearing any of the songs, another amount decided if they would love or hate this record long before it hit shelves on Nov 23rd 2008, and many will compare it to the age old "Appetite for Destruction" or dare they say "Lies" However where this album may have it's shortcomings... and perhaps "long-comings" It should eventually be accepted as a good disc.. and much better than the last cover "Incident" G N R had way back when as well. Over-production is probably the fairest argument you will hear or read.. however.. that being said.. for what it takes away in some spots.. it does eventually give back in others.. say what you say about the new Guns N Roses.. but it stands 17 mountain tops higher in song writing quality and re-play value than 96% of the music you hear on your number #1 Rock Radio.… Expand
  8. JesseB
    Nov 25, 2008
    8
    New and interesting reinvention of G'nR with some of the classic sound retained. Most songs gradually reach a plateau without really going anywhere brilliant, but there are a few standouts that rise above what's in typical rotation on today's radio. It's an album that has the ability to grow on the listener. Second listen for me is more enjoyable than the first. Only New and interesting reinvention of G'nR with some of the classic sound retained. Most songs gradually reach a plateau without really going anywhere brilliant, but there are a few standouts that rise above what's in typical rotation on today's radio. It's an album that has the ability to grow on the listener. Second listen for me is more enjoyable than the first. Only time will tell how good this album really is in comparison to the classic G'nR, but it's still an interesting solid direction, if not feeling a little half-cooked and repetitive in places. For being in development for so long you might be expecting to be blown away. Maybe you will be. For me though in listening it so far hasn't reached that "epic" level I was anticipating after all this time.… Expand
  9. JonathanE
    Nov 25, 2008
    8
    When people listen to this album, they need to put aside comparisons to the "old" Guns N' Roses. It's a new band, with new members, new songwriters, and not to mention it's two decades later. Of course the music isn't going to sound like vintage GnR. I'm happy it doesn't. There are about six Great songs, seven Good songs, and two duds. "Better" is When people listen to this album, they need to put aside comparisons to the "old" Guns N' Roses. It's a new band, with new members, new songwriters, and not to mention it's two decades later. Of course the music isn't going to sound like vintage GnR. I'm happy it doesn't. There are about six Great songs, seven Good songs, and two duds. "Better" is outstanding, "There Was A Time" has an incredible chain of guitar solos, "I.R.S." is the most "rock n' roll" the album gets. The two duds, in my opinion, are the last two songs. "This I Love" is basically Axl's opera, and it really doesn't work. And by "Prostitute," the complex string arrangements just get old to the ear. Other than those two, the album is filled with interesting (If the World), head-banging (Chinese Democracy), System of a Down-esque (Riad N' The Bedouins), and sweet (Catcher in the Rye) melodies. The major problem with the album as a whole is the intense overproduction. Sometimes, especially for a hard-rock band, I just want to hear Axl, two guitars, a bass, and a drumset. But very constantly, Mr. Producer Axl Rose gets almost too many ideas for each song, resulting in, occasionally, arangements that are simply too much. But a solid 8/10 is fair for this album.… Expand
  10. ChrisA.
    Nov 27, 2008
    8
    I am an all-time GnR Fan and first didn't like Chinese Democracy at all, as especially the first songs rather sound like NiN than the classic 90s GnR. BUT the more often I hear it, the better I like it. Finally new melodys to hum from the Gunners (okay from Axl) aside the ones I have in mind sind 1989. Therefore: 8 out of 10! GIVE IT A CHANCE!
  11. NaNa
    Nov 29, 2008
    8
    As to put it in the words of "all music", "It's a good album, no more no less". Sure some people want to love it more than it deserve as well as there entire batons hipster waiting to laugh about it. The truth is though that although some track hint at this or at that, if taken altogether one must realize that there is quite nothing like it today in rock music. And that's for me As to put it in the words of "all music", "It's a good album, no more no less". Sure some people want to love it more than it deserve as well as there entire batons hipster waiting to laugh about it. The truth is though that although some track hint at this or at that, if taken altogether one must realize that there is quite nothing like it today in rock music. And that's for me it's it's well more than enough to make the experience worth (albeit 2/3 songs too long). If the glass is half full or half empty, "I guess you'll see it for yourself".… Expand
  12. BillB.
    Nov 29, 2008
    8
    Better, street of dreams, i.r.s., rhiad n bedouins, catcher in the rye are great songs! the rest of the tracks all have something unique in them - great solo here, cool chorus there, but fall short of the excellence. if this album was made by a new band critics would hail it as a new classic, but since it's guns first new album in 17 years it's going to get ripped on by all the Better, street of dreams, i.r.s., rhiad n bedouins, catcher in the rye are great songs! the rest of the tracks all have something unique in them - great solo here, cool chorus there, but fall short of the excellence. if this album was made by a new band critics would hail it as a new classic, but since it's guns first new album in 17 years it's going to get ripped on by all the hipsters, but seriously - it's really good. Not great. Unfortunately. So close to being an AWESOME ALBUM it's hard not to be disappointed. It's worth a listen or two if you're a rock music fan.… Expand
  13. pitt-man-i-am
    Feb 11, 2013
    8
    I'm an avid fan of Appetite for Destruction and the raw essence of GNR's original 80's lineup (lets face it...who isn't? So right away I openly concede Chinese Democracy (CD) is not of that revolutionary ilk... But well... Duh! Given Appetite is one of the world's all time top 5 albums ever, a once in a generation freak of a record and given the original line-up that so forcefully gave itI'm an avid fan of Appetite for Destruction and the raw essence of GNR's original 80's lineup (lets face it...who isn't? So right away I openly concede Chinese Democracy (CD) is not of that revolutionary ilk... But well... Duh! Given Appetite is one of the world's all time top 5 albums ever, a once in a generation freak of a record and given the original line-up that so forcefully gave it life are now, but for Axl, long gone... well... how could it ever be? Yet it is from that unrealistic expectation that most music industry elites (critics) have passed what seems, objectively at least, to be generally unfair collective judgment. Revealingly though, their view is not that of the great unwashed... nor is it mine!

    Chinese Democracy (CD) is a beautifully composed, fantastically diverse and powerfully mature rock album that successfully manages to rock your socks-off on one hand and gently caress the depths of your emotions on the other! In this sense, its Use Your Illusions lineage is clearly evident, as is Axl's significant contribution to that lineage. The quality of this album cannot objectively be denied or dismissed and the fact it often has been, says far more about the prejudices of industry elites than anything they've ever said about this Album. Chinese Democracy (CD) is a real gem with great rock tracks cut straight from the traditional GNR-mold (Chinese Democracy, Shackler's Revenge, Better, Scraped, Raid N' The Bedouins). But its true brilliance lies in its embrace of a far more deeply embedded purpose than mere appeasement of addicts hooked on that old-school GNR sugar hit! From soaring rock anthems (Street of Dreams, There Was a Time, Madagascar) to expressive rock ballads (Catcher in The Rye, This I Love, Prostitute) to deeply introspective musical reflections (If the World, Sorry, I.R.S.) Axl has finally revealed the true source of his genius vulnerability and insecurity in all its guises. This sophisticated concoction Axl's designer drug for a new century is far more complex, discerning, introspective, longer lasting on the palette and immensely satisfying on a much deeper level than anything he's done before. But only after it is played over and again, will the intricately cut angles and facets of this huge rock of an album reveal the fill depth of its brilliance and sparkle... All you need is just a little patience! So whilst GN’R was never just W. Axl Rose alone, what Chinese Democracy proves above all else, is that without the flamboyent presence, creative genius, and powerful life-force of this enigmatic front man, GNR is nothing. In short: Chinese Democracy is a must buy for all those Guns N' f?@#ing Roses fans who've stuck with em through all the f?@#ing s$!t... and for all those opposed... well...I give it 8/10... suck on that... Yeaaaaaah!    … Expand
  14. SpacemanSpiff
    Nov 24, 2008
    7
    Somme good solid hyper songs, some soft, empty balads. Good riifs and good melodies. But overall, overproduced.
  15. RyanC
    Dec 17, 2008
    7
    Although i did like some songs on the album i was dissapointed in the deliverance. The former glory GNR once had was lost on this album, as well as going mainstream they've lost the balladry and flair they used to have. Sadly Axl has taken the band into a direction where they will be considered washed up.... Oh Slash where art thou?
  16. RyanZ.
    Nov 24, 2008
    7
    Axl turns in a quality rock record that holds up after repeated listens. Who would have thought Chinese Democracy would actually be any good? But here we are.
next
Page:

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2008
12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
  1. Rolling Stone
    80
    The first Guns n' Roses album of new, original songs since the first Bush administration is a great, audacious, unhinged and uncompromising hard-rock record.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    70
    An outrageously overblown pop-metal extravaganza, Chinese Democracy feels like a perfect epitaph for all the absurdity and nonsense of the George W. Bush era--one final blowout before Principal Obama takes our idiocy away.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    40
    Soundwise, Chinese Democracy is all over the place.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »