It’s still too early to really judge, but I’m fascinated thus far by the album. Morgan picked it up for me the day of its release, and I’ve been listening pretty much non-stop ever since. Currently, there are 2 big picture things I’ve been dwelling on: 1) There seems to be an overarching theme of relationships coming to a bad end. Times, it seems that the music is about a former, intense relationship with an ex- lover. At other times (and sometimes simultaneously) it seems that Axl is singing at or about his former bandmates . And then there is Axl’s complex, love/hate relationship with success, fame, the media, and his admirers, that is also a big part of what seems to me to be the tri-fold theme of the album. Individually, any one of these concepts makes for a compelling listen, but it is the way they mingle and sort themselves out (along with Axl’s thoughts and feelings) in the music that really allows them to take on a form that can’t be expressed without music. 2) The knee-jerk reaction (it was mine too) is “it’s not Appetite.” Well, no. Appetite was, and still is, unlike anything I’ve ever heard before or since. An imitation of Appetite would be injustice to both albums. But Chinese Democracy is also unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. What Axl, Slash, and Co. did with Appetite back in 1987 was to take elements that had grown somewhat stale in popular music (glam, punk, metal, blues) and deliver them up with passion and volatility on a classic hard rock background. This time around it’s techno, industrial, grunge, R&B, prog-metal, and eastern sounds that are delivered up on the rock background we’ve come to expect from GNR. Chinese Democracy is a different dish than Appetite was 21 years ago, but it’s burning on the same fire. Individual Song Hi-lites – These are the songs and spots that are particularly compelling right now. I’m still hearing new things every time I listen to the album. IRS – I wonder if Axl ever sounded better. “I bet you think I’m doin’ this all for my health/ I shoulda looked again babe at somebody else/ Feelin’ like I’m done way more than wrong/ Feelin’ like I’m living inside of this song…” Ripping guitar work. Killer solos. Better – Great lyrics and delivery. The song has the feeling that it was constructed perfectly, and recalls Dream Theater at their best. The final minute and a half or so alone makes the past 14 years worth the wait. I appreciate an artist who takes the time to do something right. Shackler’s Revenge – A friend thinks this song sounds dated. I think it’s one of the best tracks on the album in the way it takes a number of musical elements that may be a little dated on their own and puts them back together into something new. The chorus is classic GNR. There Was a Time – The lyrics take us back to the beginning: “Broken glass and cigarettes, writing on the wall, it was a bargain for the summer, and I thought I had it all…” The song is somewhat nostalgic, but its sound is fresh. Catcher In the Rye – Reminds me of some of the more heartfelt tracks on the Illusion albums, and it also has a classic 70’s rock feel to it. I’m a big fan of the lyrics as well.”On an ordinary day, not in an ordinary way, all at once the song I heard, no longer would it play…” Street of Dreams –The demo track was called “The Blues,” I wonder why he changed the name. Cool little tune, nice piano. The solo could probably be a little better – it’s not bad, but Slash’s absence is most felt here, IMO. Madagascar – Seems to be at once a sequel to Civil War and Estranged. Which is saying quite a bit, as those songs are rather diverse, but brought together in an interesting way here. One of my favorites. Chinese Democracy – OK song, the “anthem” of the album. That riff was written for a live audience. I can hear it now. This I Love – Power ballad, Axl really impresses here. This was initially my favorite on the album, but others have grown on me. Prostitute – Seems to be a kinder, gentler version of “Rocket Queen.” It has the range of that song, but isn’t quite as aggressive. The ending, with the haunting piano on top of a faint Buckethead solo always gets me choked up for some reason, and makes me want to listen to the entire album again.