"If you have been able to wrap your head around the fact that this band has chosen to soldier on with a new frontman than you are ready for this record! The songwriting is top notch and EVERYONE comes out swinging with a solid knockout blow!
Very few bands can carry on without thier lead singer and still have something incredible and valid to offer. The whole record has a blend of Chains from the past but at the same time it covers new ground. As a guitar player I love the fact that there are riffs and melodies that I've never heard before! That in its self is a rare thing today in music.
The vocal harmonies are natural and pure, Cantrell and Duvall have voices soothe and attack the soul as needed. Each singer has dominent moments & Duvall proves he is as much a part of this band as anyone else. Sean Kinney and Michael Inez hand out some cool groves on thier end are not a back drop for what some may have thought of as a "Cantrell Solo Project". These guys ARE a band and worked hard on this record! This gives all of us a reason to actually go out and buy some cool new music!"
What's great about it: All Killer, No Filler
What's not so great: Anyone who overlooks this record!
If you have been able to wrap your head around the fact that this band has chosen to soldier on with a new frontman than you are ready for this record! The songwriting is top notch and EVERYONE comes out swinging with a solid knockout blow!
Very few bands can carry on without thier lead singer and still have something incredible and valid to offer. The whole record has a blend of Chains from the past but at the same time it covers new ground. As a guitar player I love the fact that there are riffs and melodies that I've never heard before! That in its self is a rare thing today in music.
The vocal harmonies are natural and pure, Cantrell and Duvall have voices soothe and attack the soul as needed. Each singer has dominent moments & Duvall proves he is as much a part of this band as anyone else. Sean Kinney and Michael Inez hand out some cool groves on thier end are not a back drop for what some may have thought of as a "Cantrell Solo Project". These guys ARE a band and worked hard on this record! This gives all of us a reason to actually go out and buy some cool new music!
What's great about it: New Music, No Filler Just Killer!
What's not so great: Anyone who overlooks this record!
This album from start to finish is a superior Guns N Roses Classic. Axl proves he can create a master piece and carry on the band name with integrity and the honor it deserves.
There isn't a musician on this album that can't run circles around any memebers of the original line up. Take this factor and combine it with Axl's lyrical greatness and song writing ability and you have one of the greatest rock albums of all time.
If you think you have already heard it guess again! Ron Thall offers up a sensory assualt that was definately missing in the demos leaked earlier this year. The overall sound of this record is absolutely EPIC!
I don't listen to hype and neither should you! But it is very rare to find an album today that doesn't have it's share of fillers on it. And with 14 tracks there is no fat to be found on this album.
There is nothing in the last ten years that can compare to greatness of Chinese Democracy. Thank you Axl!
What's great about it: Sorry, Chinese Democracy, I.R.S, Madagascar
What's not so great: All of the people who couldn't wait to hate this album!
Scott brings to the table a nice dish of psychedelic pop that soothes soul without his creativity being guided by any band mates or record labels. If you have already established yourself as a fan of Weiland’s art you will enjoy this record, despite him stating that this record could possibly alienate some STP fans.
And like any true artist he is working with great subjects musically that assist him with capturing his vision. There is nobody trying to strangle his songs with guitar solos or backing vocals. It is Scott truly at his best and must have for your collection.
The overall vibe from this record is everywhere. It takes you to many places with all the variety of The Beatles “White Album” with the vocal presence of David Bowie.
Your favorite song will definitely depend on your mood as this album is varying. But it will indeed make you “Happy”!
What's great about it: Scott Weiland offering up his own flavor ambient retro art
What's not so great: He should not be so afraid to draw from his inspirations that got him to this point.