Chinese Democracy Songs Ranked

Chinese Democracy is the sixth studio album by American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, released on November 23, 2008, by Black Frog and Geffen Records. It was the first Guns N’ Roses studio album since the 1993 covers album “The Spaghetti Incident?”, and their first album of original studio material since Use Your Illusion I and II (1991). It was the first Guns N’ Roses album without their longtime producer Mike Clink; instead, it was produced by singer Axl Rose and Caram Costanzo. It underwent a protracted recording process, delayed by personnel and legal problems and Rose’s perfectionism. Preceded by the title track as a lead single, Chinese Democracy debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, and was certified platinum. However, it did not meet sales expectations in the United States. It received generally favorable reviews, achieved international chart success, and has sold over one million copies in Europe. Here are all of Chinese Democracy songs ranked.

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10. I.R.S.

“I.R.S.” is another aggressive mid-tempo rocker that recalls some of the Illusion-era tracks. Axl wails like all hell on this number and the band is on fire here.”

9. Madagascar

“Madagascar” is an endlessly fascinating track. It’s undoubtedly the most ambitious track Guns N Roses have ever recorded, with cryptic lyrics, several different musical passages of shifting moods and tempos, various samples (including sound bites from Martin Luther King, Jr.) and one of their most complex arrangements ever. The album’s centerpiece and a real triumph.”

8. Sorry

“Another sizeable standout is “Sorry,” which begins as a Metallica-like ballad with a melodic string arrangement, dreary vocals, and a positively doom metal-tinged ambiance. Heaviness eventually kicks in some time later, dropping a bunch of absolutely monstrous and viscerally-rumbling riffage on the listener’s eardrums.”

See more: Guns N’ Roses Albums Ranked

7. There Was a Time

“There Was A Time” is another docile and nicely-textured ballad with light strings and gentle piano keys accompanied by impressive, soaring clean vocals, and a prominent, rumbling bass line that bubbles up from beneath the surface. Plenty of delicious melodic soloing flares up, here, too, as do some unforgettable, sing-song-y choruses that proceed to blend into fitting guitar harmonies.”

6. Prostitute

“The album then proceeds to wrap up with one final power ballad: “Prostitute” may feature some undeniable double bass drumming, but it is still a terrifically-well-textured and lovely-sounding piece with strategically-placed keys, a programmed drum beat, and the odd bit of jazzy/bluesy soloing.”

5. Street of Dreams

“Street Of Dreams” plays like a very somber, minor-key, strings and piano-based ballad driven by heavenly, gently-strummed string arrangements. It is also complete with some ominously grumbling bass lines and really pensive, emotional, and at times soulful clean singing, as well as some well-placed backing choral vocals.”

See more: Guns N’ Roses Songs Ranked

4. Shackler’s Revenge

“Shackler’s Revenge” shows more clearly how Chinese Democracy takes a fundamentally different direction. Here you will notice much more clearly the use of electronics and synthesizers underneath the traditional rock instruments.”

3. Better

“Already a fan-favorite, “Better” has been making the rounds at GN’R shows for the past few years. A great groove, hook and plenty of twists and turns make this a refreshing, completely original song.”

2. Chinese Democracy

“Chinese Democracy is a journey in sonic diversity. The opening and title track has somewhat of an industrial sound in the opening before settling into shuffling groove that rises and falls between the choruses and verses. The guitar work is good (but you can’t expect Slash).”

1. This I Love

“This I Love” is a more conventional song, a soaring ballad cut from the same cloth as “November Rain.” Axl gives one of his most sincere and passionate vocals on this track, and the melody and arrangement are absolutely beautiful.”