Reviews (page 4 of 15)
**Appetite for Destruction** by **Guns N' Roses** is one of the most iconic and influential hard rock albums of all time. Released in 1987, it not only cemented the band's place in rock history but also became a cultural landmark, blending the grit of punk with the raw power of metal. Below is an in-depth review of the album, analyzing its **lyrics, music, production, themes, and lasting influence**, along with a critical assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. ### **1. Lyrics** The lyrics of *Appetite for Destruction* embody a raw, unfiltered look at life in the underbelly of Los Angeles during the mid-1980s. They are unapologetically grim, focusing on themes of addiction, hedonism, street life, alienation, and violence. - **“Welcome to the Jungle”**: The album opens with this anthem of urban chaos and survival. Axl Rose’s portrayal of L.A. as a predatory environment ("You're in the jungle, baby!") perfectly encapsulates the dangers and excitement of the city’s nightlife. The lyrics present a hostile yet seductive landscape, where survival hinges on one's ability to adapt to the brutal realities of life on the street. - **“Paradise City”**: In stark contrast to the darkness of “Jungle,” “Paradise City” offers a nostalgic vision of escape. The refrain, “Take me down to the Paradise City / Where the grass is green and the girls are pretty,” serves as a desperate plea for innocence lost. Yet, even here, a subtle cynicism lurks, as the song reveals the illusion of paradise and the inevitability of decay. - **“Mr. Brownstone”**: One of the more autobiographical tracks, it dives into the band’s struggles with heroin addiction. The lyrics are blunt and direct, avoiding glorification while acknowledging the spiraling, inescapable nature of drug dependency. This song speaks to the band's personal demons and how these vices fuel and impair their creativity. - **“Sweet Child O' Mine”**: Perhaps the only love song on the album, this track stands out for its romanticism. Rose’s lyrics convey deep affection and admiration, which contrasts with the more destructive themes elsewhere. The simplicity and sincerity of the lyrics make it one of the most relatable tracks on the album. ### **2. Music** Musically, *Appetite for Destruction* is an aggressive, high-octane blend of hard rock, punk, and blues influences, perfectly reflecting the energy and chaos of L.A. life in the ‘80s. Each member of the band brings a distinctive sound that, when combined, creates a powerful, cohesive musical experience. - **Guitar Work**: Slash's guitar playing is one of the defining aspects of the album. His ability to blend bluesy undertones with raw, distorted hard rock riffs is on full display, especially in tracks like “Sweet Child O' Mine” and “Rocket Queen.” The interplay between rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin and Slash adds a layered texture to the sound. Their contrasting styles (Izzy’s more laid-back, groove-heavy playing and Slash’s fiery solos) complement each other beautifully. - **Bass and Drums**: Duff McKagan’s bass work is punk-inspired but maintains a solid foundation that keeps the songs grounded. His lines are intricate yet never overshadow the guitars. Steven Adler’s drumming is ferocious, providing the songs with a relentless, driving beat. His playing on “Welcome to the Jungle” and “It’s So Easy” brings a sense of urgency to the music. - **Vocals**: Axl Rose’s voice is perhaps the most polarizing element. His range spans from guttural screams to high-pitched wails, providing a dynamic emotional palette to the album. On tracks like “Nightrain” and “Rocket Queen,” Rose’s delivery is venomous, matching the lyrical content perfectly. Yet, on softer tracks like “Sweet Child O' Mine,” his voice can convey vulnerability, showing his versatility as a vocalist. ### **3. Production** *Appetite for Destruction* was produced by Mike Clink, whose work on the album is often praised for its clarity and balance. The production avoids the overly glossy, polished sound of many '80s rock albums. Instead, it captures a live, gritty energy that is essential to the band’s aesthetic. - **Rawness and Clarity**: One of the standout aspects of the production is its rawness. The instruments are allowed to breathe, and there is little in the way of unnecessary overdubbing. Clink’s approach gave the album a street-level authenticity that many other rock bands of the time lacked. The sharpness of Slash’s guitar and the snappy punch of Adler’s drums are given room to shine without being drowned out by excessive studio effects. - **Balancing Complexity**: The production also manages to maintain clarity even during the album’s more complex musical arrangements. Tracks like “Rocket Queen” switch between heavy riffs and lighter sections, yet each part is distinct, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the band’s musicality. - **Limitations**: If there’s a downside to the production, it’s that the raw sound may alienate listeners who prefer a more polished approach. While it works well for the high-energy tracks, the occasional lack of refinement can feel jarring. However, this “rough around the edges” sound is largely what makes *Appetite* stand out from its contemporaries. ### **4. Themes** *Appetite for Destruction* explores several core themes that resonate throughout the album. These themes give the album a thematic consistency that elevates it beyond a mere collection of songs. - **Urban Chaos and Survival**: The album is rooted in the band's experiences navigating the dark side of Los Angeles. “Welcome to the Jungle” encapsulates this theme best, serving as a cautionary tale for those seduced by the city’s allure. There’s a feeling of constant threat and the necessity to be tough to survive. This theme recurs in tracks like “It’s So Easy” and “Nightrain,” which further explore the band’s reckless indulgences and survival amidst vice. - **Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll**: Nearly every song on the album touches on one of these three pillars of rock debauchery. Songs like “Mr. Brownstone” and “Rocket Queen” explore the highs and lows of drug addiction and sexual exploits, while others, such as “Paradise City,” offer moments of reflection on the inevitable fallout of such a lifestyle. - **Alienation and Inner Conflict**: Tracks like “Out Ta Get Me” and “Think About You” delve into feelings of paranoia, alienation, and the strain of relationships. Axl Rose’s lyrical themes often reflect personal battles, internal demons, and a general sense of rebellion against authority and societal norms. ### **5. Influence** The influence of *Appetite for Destruction* is difficult to overstate. It reshaped the rock and metal landscape at a time when hair metal dominated the airwaves. Guns N' Roses brought a dangerous, rebellious energy back into rock, rejecting the glamor and excess of their contemporaries for a rawer, more primal sound. - **Reviving Hard Rock**: In a decade saturated with overly produced, image-driven bands, *Appetite* felt like a return to the raw spirit of early rock 'n' roll. It bridged the gap between the heaviness of metal and the rebelliousness of punk, inspiring countless bands to adopt a more stripped-back, authentic sound. - **Cultural Impact**: Guns N' Roses became the embodiment of rock’s darker side. They were dangerous, unpredictable, and lived the lifestyle they sang about. This authenticity resonated with a generation of listeners who were growing tired of the sanitized, polished pop-rock that dominated the charts. - **Longevity**: Even over three decades later, *Appetite for Destruction* continues to be regarded as a high-water mark for hard rock. Its influence can be seen in the resurgence of rock bands in the early 2000s, as well as its continued presence in popular culture. ### **6. Pros and Cons** #### **Pros** - **Timeless Music**: The combination of Slash’s iconic guitar work, Axl Rose’s dynamic vocals, and the tight rhythm section creates a timeless sound that has aged remarkably well. - **Gritty, Authentic Lyrics**: The lyrics provide a raw, unfiltered look into the band's lives, addressing themes that were often avoided or romanticized in rock music at the time. - **Consistent Energy**: From start to finish, the album maintains a high level of intensity. Each track feels connected, part of a larger thematic whole. - **Influence**: Its impact on rock and metal is undeniable, and it continues to inspire musicians across genres. #### **Cons** - **Polarizing Vocals**: Axl Rose’s unique voice is an acquired taste. Some listeners may find his high-pitched wails abrasive, especially on tracks like “You’re Crazy” and “It’s So Easy.” - **Thematic Repetition**: While the album’s focus on hedonism, urban chaos, and survival gives it thematic consistency, some may find that the subject matter lacks variety. - **Production Roughness**: The raw production is part of its charm, but for listeners accustomed to the cleaner, more polished sounds of later rock albums, *Appetite* can come across as a bit too rough around the edges. ### **Conclusion** *Appetite for Destruction* is a landmark album that encapsulates the danger, thrill, and chaos of the hard rock lifestyle. Its lyrics are brutally honest, its music intense, and its influence far-reaching. While not without its flaws—such as its polarizing vocals and thematic repetition—it remains one of the most important albums in rock history. It’s a definitive statement from a band at the peak of their rebellious powers, offering a glimpse into a world where survival and self-destruction walk hand-in-hand.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from this record. I obviously knew of the 3 mega-hits from this album, but (aside from liking "November Rain") nothing after this their debut album was worth it to me. However, while the triforce of hits do still deliver, there is a lot to this album that stuck out to me. Axl Rose's early career screaming rock vocals are iconic, the hooks throughout this album are catchy as hell, and Slash's solos are masterful. This record to me explains why GNR remain the gold standard for 80s hair metal. While the rest of their discography pales in comparison, "Appetite For Destruction" is a veritable greatest hits, which is quite a feat in a debut record. Notable Tracks: - Welcome To The Jungle - Nighttrain - Paradise City - Sweet Child O' Mine - You're Crazy - Anything Goes 9/10
Given the hits on this album, it has to be a five.
This album defines the last two years of my high school life.
Excellent album even with Axl's voice resembling closely rusty door hinges.
Gritty and "in your face", rock and roll record. Most of the songs on the album are catchy and fun to listen to. I prefer the "Use Your Illusion" pair to the debut but there are many memorable songs, other than the three that garnered massive radio play. My favorites are, "Mr. Brownstone" and "Rocket Queen".
One of the best debut albums ever. And the best by GnR.
Quite simply one of the greatest rock albums ever made. PROBABLY the best debut album ever. Raw energy, brutal riffs, beautiful bass work, powerful drumming. It's got it all! Sweet child of mine can get in the bin, but everything else is AWESOME
Hell yes
A really good album with a lot of great songs, including the classics of Welcome To The Jungle, Paradise City and Sweet Child O' Mine.
Wow, nice start to this new challenge: three five-star, stone cold classic albums, nice! Because this one hit when I was 20, it’s probably the most resonate in my memories. Two things stand out on that front: this smashed ALL presumptions I had about Metal as it literally would define what the next 20+ years of the genre would morph into. Secondly, I remember visiting the Sunset strip for the first time with a bunch of college buddies and being in front of Guitar Center and thinking we walked into the fever dream (nightmare?) right out of the “Welcome to the Jungle” MTV video. And that’s the beauty of G&R right out the gate: strong songwriting that provides vivid images, and it’s of the dirt, grunge, drugs and crime of LA during the mid-late 80s. The sheen was off of any 70s rock star glamour that was aspirational, replaced with the grime of real life in the mud and muck. Couple that with amazing singing, blazing dual guitars, and you got a classic.
These songs are so over saturated and I don't even care. Ever since I first played Guitar Hero 3 and heard Welcome to the Jungle, this album has been iconic to me. I love Slash's solos in most of these songs and it's a really great hybrid of pop and metal that meets at the exact right spot. And Axl Rose has a great rocker voice. Dirty and drug fueled, but not ashamed of it. For the playlist, I'll probably pick It's So Easy or My Michelle so I don't have to hear one of the oversaturated singles (though they're all still good).
Eh fa molto teenager contro il sistema, ma spacca i culi.
This is near perfect 80s hard rock. Debut album full of energy, and very tight. There are basically no dud songs. A lot of overplayed songs but can’t deny it 5 stars
A pretty damn good album with a lot of raw, visceral energy. The biggest drawback for me, that could influence my rating, is that there has been such an over-saturation of these songs (as well as Axl Rose-fatigue) on the radio for the last 35+ years. While that may attest to the songs' staying power, I just am tired of hearing them and all the drama that Axl brings to everything all the time. With fresh ears, however, this album is raw, crude, and has aged pretty well for the genre.
i grew up to this :D
All time great hard rock album and definitely GnR's best. It helped bring the end to lame 80s big hair rock bands. It still holds up.
Oh fuck yeah! I know every single lyric to every song on this record because I bought it in high school and listened to it on loop. And I was a high schooler in the early 2000s hahaha. But I was deeply obsessed with all things 80s and this record’s screechy raw power meshed perfectly with my teenage disenfranchisement and need to rebel. I have to laugh looking back at teenage me, just vibing so hard with Mr. Brownstone, absolutely clueless that it’s about heroin addiction but feeling like I relate to it on a deeply personal level. Oh man, kids are dumb. My personal memories and feelings aside, we all have to acknowledge that Appetite for Destruction is one of the most powerful and impressive debut albums of all time. It came screaming out of the gates, cocky as all hell, telling the world exactly who these badass motherfuckers are and not to mess with them. And there’s real talent here. As much of an arrogant asshat as Axel is, you have to give him credit for his songwriting and artistry (at least at this moment in time, let’s leave Chinese Democracy out of it for now). There are 6 singles here! And some of them the most enduring songs in rock to this day! GnR came out swinging, they took no prisoners, pissed all over the global stage, and solidified their status as Demi-gods of rock. And this album still slaps today. Well done, lads!
One of the first “adult” albums I listened to; it still holds up. Production is incredible, every member of the band is vital and playing at the top of their abilities. Rose, who loses it later on, sounds fantastic here. One of the all-time great voices. I hadn’t listened to this in full for a really long time and it was a delight. Each song is catchy and has its own “thing” going on. In fact, and I remember thinking this as a little theater kid back in the day, there’s a certain theatricality to this album. Sometimes the songs sound like showtunes! This is a compliment! They’re just very dramatic and the lyrics do such a good job of setting a scene of grime and sin and bad behavior. Somebody should turn this into a jukebox musical, it’d rule. Don’t think you’re too good for GnR!!!
Rules
Bangers
This is a great. 5/5
Holy moly this is an amazing album. 100% required listening. The vocals, the guitar, the drums. All of it was exceptional and no song on here isn’t one I wouldn’t re listen to.
One of the greatest albums
This album helped define my freshman year of college. This band stormed radio and wiped out all the hair bands. This album is iconic and not a weak song on it. They were unapologetic, bombastic, raw, and made great music. The follow up albums were good…..but never topped their debut.
It still sounds better than anything their peers were doing in 1987.
I genuinely think that every song on this album could have been released as a single and shot Guns N’ Roses into stardom. It’s hard to find anything that doesn’t sound fantastic here. It has elements of glam rock left over from bands like Mötley Crüe, but focuses more on the rock and roll rather than the silly. He may be a big of a controversial figure, but Axl’s voice is nothing short of perfect on this album. Slash and Izzy’s guitar playing perfectly compliment each other (but let’s be real, Slash’s solos demonstrate the versatility of the blues scales in rock music and shines a little brighter). Duff’s bass playing together with Steven’s drums provide the backbone for it all to come together into something wonderful. If you can’t tell, this is up there as one of my all time favourite albums.
Energetic, raw, chaotic
I absolutely loved this album as a kid. GnR were huge for me and got me into rock, playing guitar etc. Dated now but still some absolute bangers. 5 stars for impact and longevity.
This is a slam dunk 5. I distinctly remember the first time a friend of mine played this “cassette” for me of this “new band” in ‘87. G & R did not break mainstream until sometime the next year. The hits are the hits and speak for themselves, but I always liked the deeper tracks “Night train” , “My Michelle”, and “Rocket Queen” as well. Solid staple of rock and roll and landmark Album. Side note: Check out Fergie covering “sweet child o mine” and Carrie Underwood covering “Welcome to the Jungle”. They absolutely kill it and look damn good doing it too.
I was fortunate enough to catch these guys live in the summer of ‘88 as part of a 5-band lineup that included the Smithereens, Ziggy Marley, Iggy Pop and INXS. They were one year removed from this album’s release and were at their drama-filled dysfunctional peak. All of which was on full display during this show that ended with Axl kicking over the sound system floor monitors and walking off stage 45 minutes into their “support” set before headliners INXS took the stage. And even though this wasn’t my go-to listening choice at the time, I still recognized how good this album was, especially for a debut. I was always more of a fan of the deep cuts on this one too, particularly Mr. Brownstone and Rocket Queen.
Classic 4.5/5
LP
I don't listen to much stadium rock as it's often dull. This however has a sleazy, slightly menacing edge to it that many of Guns N Roses cotemporaries lack. The songs are for the most part punchy and even the longer ones don't really outstay their welcome. Axl Rose might now look like Mama Fratelli from the Goonies, but before all the drink and drugs took their toll he had some serious pipes. His powerful, slightly raspy, vocals add a lot to the music. I think this just about deserves 5*. If I only gave it 4* I'd be setting the bar very high and barely giving out any.
Fav: Paradise City Least Fav: Mr. Brownstone Lived up to the hype
One of my favorite 80'es albums. And the riffs of Ole Beich lives on in some of the tracks.
Near perfect album, enjoyable from start to finish. The weakest songs still have enough appeal to maintain interest and forward momentum.
Hell yeah?
🎸
A straightforward no-skip album (yes, even "Sweet Child o' Mine")
nice
A classic!
One of my gateways into hard rock and metal. This is one of the best hard rock albums of all time, if not the best. Guns N Roses peaked on their first album, which is wild (they've got some bangers after, but nothing is as complete and good as Appetite). Welcome To The Jungle is the perfect opening - other favs of mine include Night Train, Think About You, and Out Ta Get Me. Of course the singles are all very good too.
First cassette tape I ever bought. Still sounds great over 35 years later. Every song is strong and well produced. This album helped save hard rock in the 80s.
Med bl.a. GnR, klarede jeg mig igennem teenageårene 🤘. Mega fedt album
The album starts with 'Welcome to the Jungle' which both became a huge hit, and kinda serves as a warning for what's to come. This album is quite frankly wild. I can never go back to the first time I heard these songs but if I could I am sure I'd love them again. Unfortunately, because of the success of this album and the songs on here the hits are very overplayed at this point. I don't think it's fair to fault the album for this though as it's basically suffering from success and staying-power. This amount of hits on a debut is just wild and I think for that alone the album deserves a pretty high rating, and for Slash's guitar and the sheer staying-power of still getting played ad nauseam almost 40 years later has to take it a bit higher. Even if *I* personally think these songs are a bit worn out I have to give credit. The last Guns N' Roses fan hasn't been born yet, and might not for many many years From a more musical perspective Guns N' Roses with this album changed what was the mainstream in rock to more hard rock away from the glam of yesteryear and ushered in the age of hard rock and arena rock while still keeping some of that hair metal influence, but almost in a mocking way Standouts Welcome to the Jungle Rocket Queen Anything Goes 5/5
Rating: 10/10 One of the best debut albums of all time. Everything about this album is amazing: the riffs, the energy, the solos, the charisma, the production, and the mix. Most importantly, it has so much character that it is truly one-of-a-kind. I have heard this countless times and it is still pure bliss to listen to from start finish. A timeless classic. Favorite songs: pretty much all of them. Least favorite song: Think About You.
Absolute banger of an album. One of those ones that you see your browser open and display the graphic of the album cover and you call out an immediate reactionary "yes". That's how good this album is- my brain stem, my most innate and monkey-like part of my being knows that when I see this album cover I know I'm in for a good time, a full few milliseconds before the rest of my brain processes what I'm actually seeing. It blows my mind that this was a debut album. Are you kidding me? You have to have some real confidence to come out with "Welcome To The Jungle", with the soaring harpy vocals, the crazy inventive-yet-grounded-in-cool guitar parts, the attitude, the energy, the sex moans(!) MAN what a debut! If I had to describe this album in one word, it would be "confidence". I think one of my favorite music moments of all time is the "Welcome To The Jungle" part around 2:05, where Axl sings "jungle, welcome to the jungle watch it bring you to your knees" up until the 3 minute ish mark. There's so many interesting elements here: 2:06 to 2:10 - super cool harmony vocal part quarter notes 2:10 to 2:16 - cowbell underneath the "shanananananana" vocals 2:16 onward - super deep soft part that leads you through a screeching dualing guitar + vocal solo? Crazy stuff. I really love that ending too. So tough. I love that final guitar chord too (E7#9 rocks!)! This album really takes you places, and it doesn't feel like there's a single weak track. Some of my fondest memories of this album come from my early teenage years, from around the age of 9 up until I was 15 or 16. I remember being age 9/10 and playing Everquest (my third time mentioning that game!) with my brother and jamming this record, and then I remember being 14, getting my first guitar and trying to learn some Slash riffs and failing really hard. I think this was around the time where I started to listen to other kinds of rock bands for that reason - because I couldn't keep up with Slash. Now that I think of it, I really need to learn some of these songs! "Sweet Child O'Mine" has one of the best guitar riffs ever- maybe a top 5 or top 10 riff. "Welcome To The Jungle" "Paradise City" "Sweet Child O'Mine" If you took any of these three songs and put them on some random band's album, and packed the rest of said album with really bad songs, I bet that record would probably still make this 1001 list- because each of these 3 songs are so strong that they could elevate a bad album that much. Per Spotify, each of these 3 songs have over 1 billion song plays ("Sweet Child O'Mine" at 1.9 billion). I don't know if we've had an album yet that has several >1billion song plays on it. Doing a quick glance of some of the other albums on this list that are incredibly famous, not many even come close. From a quick and not thorough glance, the only album that I see that have 3+ is Fleetwood Mac - Rumours (note: The Beatles haven't been on streaming services as long as other artists, and I only checked a few dozen). It's funny to me how this band is kind of "boomer dad" now (which I am not), because the songs always felt timeless to me. Yea Axl is cringey and they are all old, but all of that aside, these songs are still great. This is an immediate 5/5, and added on my growing list of favorite albums of all time (it's landing around #20-25 as of today).
Classic choons.
For me, GNR has always been the light shining in the darkness of 80's music. Most of my distaste is for 80's pop specifically, and if I think about it more I'm sure I could find more artists who released stuff in the 80's that I liked, but my maxim is "I don't really like 80's music...except for Guns N' Roses." This album is fairly incredible for a debut with a handful of classics, and the filler songs ain't bad. Great album. 4.8
This is a dirty rock and roll, all timer.
Heard before Saved 12/12 Top track: Welcome to the Jungle
Yay I got to listen to Appetite for my homework. Such a great album - delivered on every angry promise it made. To me Appetite was the end point of all the hair metal bands in the 80's, we had been building to this. And maybe the success of GNR opened the door for Grunge and what was next in the 90's.
Amazing that this is their Debut record. Must've been a surreal feeling to have been so successful right from the start. Fantastic album with many hits that are now overplayed on rock radio to this day.
Flawless debut. Remember buying with original cover. Still stands up.
A milestone debut album and a legendary Live-Band. I'll never forget Mannheim, Maimarkt, 24.08.1991 - the best gig, I've ever been.
Hair rock of the late 80's... I hated it, the clothes, the attitude, almost everything about it. Except this album. It's great. 'Mr Brownstone' is probably the best non-single track, due to his singing style on it, it's not forced into that weird high pitched squeak. I actually bought all 3 singles on 7", but only had a taped version of the album from a hair mate. That must tell how much I liked this album at the time, which was a complete departure from my usual Goth. 'Sweet Child O' Mine' is still one of the finest singles ever released.
Banger after banger! Good stuff 5 ⭐️
THIS SHIT BANGS!!!!!
Hard rock to the nth degree, from stadium rock to guitar filled ballads.
Before I listened to it I was sure it would be a 5. I was 22 when this album came out and not a fan of hair bands. G-n-R took it past the campy hair band level added an edge that made it “more real”. Listening to it yesterday several songs on the album were still pretty damn hair band and I wavered a bit. But in the end, any album with Jungle, Brownstone, Paradise City and Sweet Child of Mine has to be a 5
nobody compares to the rock of Axl and Slash at their peak.
Canon.
Incredible album. Right out the gates, absolute timeliness bangers and songs that will live forever in rock n roll. Also, one of my favorite stories about rock n roll is Axel Rose bringing his girlfriend at the time into the studio, recorded them having sex, and then threw that backing track on during the solo to rocket queen. Absolute insanity.
Balls to the walls dirty hard rock. One of those moments when every thing just came together perfectly. It holds up sonically and it's attitude remains the same.
I listened to a ton of hair metal in the 80s and this came out and beat everything else all to hell. This made the rest of my tape collection embarrassing. There is no fat on this album and it earns every drop of operatic melodrama that it puts out there. It helps that the opening track presents the whole thing like a concept album about the nightmare that is LA. Jesus this is a good album. By far, their best.
Zero chance that I'm able to offer any kind of objective view on an album that is a milestone of sorts from my teen years. It was one of my first hard rock purchases, and acted as the gateway drug to a universe of rock and metal that thrills me to this very day. The best song on here is 'Rocket Queen', by the way, but the feds don't want you to know that. 'It's So Easy' is also better than 'Welcome To The Jungle' - shall I go on with my Appetite hot takes...?
Day150 -. you might be tired of these songs but it’s hard to deny how massive this album was/is. sweet child o’mine was a mtv staple and paradise is so good in the “can’t hardly wait” movie
Legendary.
Gema.
Classic Hit
Love GnR
14 year old me wants 51 year old me to rate this a five-star and after listening to this album all the way through for the first time in about 15 years, I'd have to agree. 1987 was such a year for music and GNR's Appetite was and is still one of the best albums of all time. Yes, some of the songs are way to overplayed but every time I hear this I am taken back the time period where we played the new cassette over and over and over. I must've replaced this album 4 or 5 times. 5/5
Think about you is the only weak spot so far. Rocket Queen too, but everything is is banger. It’s been a while, but this album has held up beyond expectations
Great rock album with some massive hits, including their top 3 on Spotify with all over a billion plays. Clear that they are still influential today. Been a fan of these big hits but was cool to hear some others for the first time. 4.5/5
Oldie but a goodie. My brother Adam used to listen to this album before high school
Even though its been overplayed I still love it.
Apparently I've been sleeping on GnR, this was my first full listen to Appetite and I loved every minute of it.
Classic, classic album! The band had no right to write an album like this as a debut. Full of classic hits and bangers! This album is a must have in everyone's collection!
I haven't listened to this record in a while and I forgot how amazing it is!!! This record is packed with bangers. Also, while Slash is an amazing guitar player, it's worth noting Izzy's contribution. These two compliment each other so well with their guitar parts! Even though I am not a fan of the vocals, it works very well with the songs, and whether you like it or not, Axl's voice is unlike any other. Overall, this is a 5 star record for sure!
Is it perfect? No. Would it be better if it was? No. It's the best of the G 'n' R albums, and probably changed the world. For better or worse.
Beautiful classic
- Definitiv eins der besten Rockalben aller Zeiten - Riffs für dir Ewigkeit - Geiler Drive - Absoluter Wiedererkennungswert - Ab und zu geht mir Axl Roses Gesang ehrlicher Weise aber auch mal auf die Eier - Liebe das Album und habe es unzählige Male in meinem Leben gehört Rating: 4,5/5
- WAS ein Album, Jonge - GnR mit ihrem Debutalbum auf ihrem absoluten PEAK. Die beiden nachfolgenden Illusions sind mMn auch stark und habe gute Songs, danach gings aber steil bergab. - Die Band hat es geschafft, sich in ein, zu der Zeit, sehr populären Trend reinzumusizieren dabei aber absoluten Wiederkennungswert beizubehalten. - Neben den offensichtlichen Megahits, hauen mich aber auch die anderen Songs wie Mr. Brownstone, My Michelle und Rocket Queen vom Hocker. - Es gibt nur ein bis zwei Songs, die das sonst so perfekt anmutende Album wieder in die Realität holen. - Duff, Adler, Slash und Rose sind in ihren Elementen absolut groundbraking. Ikonische Riffs, Fills und Bassläufe; dazu die unverkennbare (und nicht sehr nachhaltige) gesangstechnik von Axl Rose. - Wie bei den allermeisten großen bands gibts natürlich auch hier den berühmten "grain of salt" den man beim Konsum dieser Band genießen muss. - Appetite hat leider (auch wenn der wohl kontroverseste Song One in A Million vollkommen zurecht später rausgeworfen wurde) auch in einigen anderen Songs einen sagen wir mal polarisierenden und teils "konservativen" Subtext. Ganz einfach weil Axl Rose damals eine mehr als fragwürdige Haltung zu Herkunft und Sexualität hatte. Hat sich heute gebessert! :D 4,75/5
I know this one well
The best GnR album. Classic
Guns N’ Roses var det første band jeg var fan af. I omkring et par år var de de største, de bedste og de eneste i min musikalske verden. Plakaterne prydede mit pree-teen værelse og deres albums var i uendelig rotation på anlægget. I dag er jeg voldsom splittet omkring dem. På den ene side er det catchy, hård rock med gode melodier og bedre riffs. Axls vokal har en spændvidde meget få andre sangere, hvis nogen, har haft gennem tiden. Hvis man tager det, for det som det er, så er der nok ikke nogen før eller siden der har laver så godt et lige-ud-af-landevejen hard rock album. Og slet ikke med så kæmpe hits som Welcome to the Jungle, Paradise City og ikke mindst Sweet Child O’ Mine. Problemet er bare at teksterne er platte, dumme og emmer af giftig maskulinitet. Særligt Axl er en klaphat uden lige. Det er sgu decideret pinligt at have forgudet ham. Men man bliver heldigvis klogere senere i livet, end man er som 11-12årig. Musikken mangler også noget. Den er forudsigelig, gør ikke noget nyt, prøver ikke at flytte noget, eller skabe noget. Jeg mangler en kunstnerisk nerve i GnR. Ja Axl kan synge bedre end de fleste. Slash spiller en røvfed guitar. Men de gør bare det der allerede er gjort bedre end dem der gjorde det først. Hele albummet lugter af en flok bonderøve der kom ind til LA og viste alle puddelrockerne hvordan man virkelig spiller rock. Med alt det i betragtning må Appetite For Destruction være min største guilty pleasure. For jeg elsker stadig alle sangene. Skråler med på hver en strofe. Også selv om det er med tanke i baghovedet: “bare der nu ikke er nogen der hører mig høre det her”.
I can't be objective about this album.
Unquestionably a watershed record for metal and hard rock. Star-making for the entire band, particularly Axl and Slash, and contains no fewer than three of rock's very best-known 80s anthems.
A massive, defiant, sex, drugs and alcohol fueled masterpiece. There is not a weak song on the album. When I turned it on I remembered when I first heard it as a teenager. I was hooked from the opening rifts of Welcome to the Jungle.
78/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
This takes me back to twelve year old me riding the Gravitron at the local carnival. Hard rock & metal was always blasting on the rides, and I was all about it. This album is grab you by the balls rock with Axl's wailing & Slash's hot guitar playing. I don't care what anyone says, GNR is one of the best rock groups of all-time & this is one of the greatest rock albums of all-time.
Proper full on rock/metal with catchy tunes and sing alongs. Yes we all know the songs too well but there's a reason for that.
Probably my biggest guilty pleasure. I grew up on Paradise City thanks to the GOAT game Burnout Paradise, and despite my disdain for other hair metal acts, I've always loved GnR's offerings.
Call me basic but this album still holds up. It’s all overplayed but it’s an absolute classic of that era. Half the album is made of hits. At least a 9/10 album.
"Appetite for Destruction" by Guns N' Roses is a quintessential rock album that has left an indelible mark on music history since its release in 1987. From the moment you hit play, you're transported into a whirlwind of raw energy, rebellion, and pure rock 'n' roll attitude. Each track on this album is a powerhouse in its own right. From the iconic opening riff of "Welcome to the Jungle" to the anthemic "Sweet Child o' Mine" and the gritty "Paradise City," every song is a testament to the band's musical prowess and larger-than-life persona. What sets "Appetite for Destruction" apart is its authenticity. Guns N' Roses wasn't just a band; they were a force to be reckoned with, and this album captures that spirit perfectly. The lyrics are apologetically honest, reflecting the grit and chaos of life on the edge, while the instrumentation is tight and explosive. Decades after its release, "Appetite for Destruction" still resonates with audiences of all ages. It's not just an album; it's a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
Guns N' F'n Roses - Appetite for Destruction This is my 100th album from this challenge and I'm going to take a break for a bit as it really does take time to listen to all of these albums. But on that note, what an album to get for my 100th! This album came out in 1987 and was a turning point for a lot of us growing up in the 80s. It comes on the heels of glam rock and hair bands and bridges the gap into Grunge. Welcome to the Jungle was our introduction to this band and it rocked so much! And the hits kept coming from this album, Paradise City, and the greatest song from this time period, Sweet Child O' Mine. Even the songs that didn't get radio play (yes we had to listen on the radio or catch the video on MTV) were so good. It took music at that time and shook it up. Axl fucked this band up after their next two studio albums, and we never got the same magic that we had with this album. But at least we can revisit this one whenever we want and remember the good times! 5/5
Hard not to give this a 5 star as I absolutely loved it so much when it came out. Welcome to the Jungle - Never fails to grab you from the opening bars Night train - my sorta song. Love the riffs. Mr Brownstone - great vocals Paradise City - A top 10 track of all time My Michelle - Always loved that track Sweet Child of Mine - Another for the top 10 Well, can't really be any other rating than a 5
All killer, no filler.
Forever in my heart as a classic from that generation growing up!
I have listened to this album before and a lot of Guns N’ Roses music. This is the definition of a banger album. I cannot even pick a favorite song because it’s just hit after hit. It’s already added to multiple playlists so I will continue listening!
Absolute banger.
Axl Rose is an anagram of Seal Rox!
Thoughts before listening: This has been an iconic, right of passage album for my entire life. Growing up as a kid in the 80s and teenager in the 90s, Guns n Roses were MASSIVE. They were the absolute best of the LA hard rock and metal scene with a sound that was more punk inspired than the glam indebted overly poppy music so many of the contemporaries were playing. This is GnR's first and best album, and one that I thoroughly enjoy. Review: Yeah this is a nearly perfect album that is an absolutely essential addition to any collection. This is the best 80s hard rock album, and I'm not even really a big fan of that genre. The GnR sound is a Stones swagger mixed with AC/DC style hard rock and a punk rock attitude, and they have some great songs as well. "Welcome to the Jungle", "Paradise City", and "Sweet Child O' Mine" are classic rock staples that hold up as the years go on, but even this album's deep cuts are great. Listening for the first time in a long time, I was reminded of how much I enjoy songs like "Its So Easy", "Mr. Brownstone", "My Michelle", and "Think About You". 5-star album.
Klasse Album mit starken Liedern. Dieses Album zu hören macht wirklich Spaß.
Banger
The lyrics aren't great, the singing isnt either but hell the songs are era defining
I came to hair metal later in life (Iron Maiden was the gateway band there) and this album is very very solid. Some absolute bogan anthems here.
el peak de la carrera de los guns n roses, no le sobra ni le falta ni un segundo
Best rock debut ever? Metal glam punk sleeze rock at its best.
GnR was a train wreck waiting to happen but it sure was fun while it lasted. The importance of this album is often minimized because so many of the songs were/are played into the ground. Slash is one of the best guitarists of all time. His riffs from this album have become part of American culture. Axl is a problematic diva, but we lost Shannon Hoon so Axl is the Hoosier we are stuck with. All time favorite GnR song - Rocket Queen.
Still a banger. Raw and hard. Killed hair metal.
Pretty much a perfect album. One of the best rock records ever made
Great ban.
Excelente!
Fight me.
Classic
A true classic. Whatever your opinion of GNR may be this is a solid Album and well deserving of its status as the best selling debut album to date
No bad songs on this album
Legendary!
Oooh yeah, throwback to me as a teenager. This gets a high rating on nostalgia alone
Als gen-z’er, ondenkbaar voor mij hoe een band met zo’n debuut kan komen. Wat maakt het uit dat de hits overplayed zijn? Paradise city is echt een geweldig nummer, en zo staan er nog een paar op. Welcome to the jungle als jochie doodgespeeld op guitar hero man wat mis ik zulke spellen. Het is geen innovatief invloedrijk album, wel heerlijk om naar te luisteren.
Amazing. One of my all time favourite albums.
Welcome to the Jungle Paradise City Sweet Child O’Mine Rocket Queen What more needs to be said?
Have listened to this album many times before. Might be my favourite so far.
This is 5 stars all day long . Perfection from start to finish!!!
Loveeee this album
So many great songs on this album. I hadn’t listened to the whole thing in a long time and enjoyed each track.
This is a perfect rock n roll album. Axl's voice is at it's prime, Slash is a virtuoso but the riffs are so catchy, Duff adds so much on the bass, and Adler is the perfect drummer for this album. They show a ton of musical range on this album. Amazing that this is their debut album.
One of the great hard rock albums. Shame they couldn't keep going with this lineup and creativity.
Hell Fuckin Yeah
One of the greatest rock & roll albums of all time. Appetite holds up to this day and could give any rock album released in the last few years a run for its money. Guns N' Roses captured lightning in a bottle with this album and we are all better for having it in our lives.
I think an argument could be made that this is the greatest pure Rock album of all time. Half of this debut album is on their greatest hits, and the songs that aren't hold up just as well. They're just not as overplayed. That's probably the only complaint with this album. Welcome to the Jungle, Paradise City, and Sweet child of mine are just so overplayed. You are pretty much guaranteed to hear at least two of these songs at any event where music is being played over a loudspeaker. I don't think you can really take away from the album because of that though. If anything, it shows how much of an impact this album has on our society.
Hell yes
Great debut, knew it well
Rating this 💿? It’s so easy.
Amazing album, one of the most iconic albums of rock
Absolute classic, another favourite
The bridge between hair metal and grunge. I'm honestly surprised this album's global rating isn't much higher. No album shot out of the gate like this one did - when it finally hit, at least, and by God did it explode when people finally discovered it. Even the so called "filler" tracks have become classics. Can you think of another "filler song" so epic in scope that it incorporates an actual female orgasm with dueling guitars? For my money, "Welcome to The Jungle" is possibly the best side one (or side "G" as the band labeled it) track one songs ever. And I put W. Axl Rose up with Robert Plant as hard rock's greatest vocalist. This is the album that almost single handedly catapulted GN'R straight into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, and deserves to be as highly rated as Nirvana's Nevermind and Led Zeppelin IV among this lists greatest albums.
i was gonna give this a 4 but i really can’t think of any reason it shouldn’t be a 5. Guns N’ Roses at their peak absolutely firing on all cylinders. Sweet Child O Mine all time banger
Awesome, oooh the teenage memories!
Yep
Fuck all the haters who think that just because this is almost 40 years old that it is shitty. It holds up, it's a perfect example of the genre, screw all of the rest of you.
Maybe the best opening song on any album, and the run from Mr. Brownstone through Sweet Child is epic.
Based on the time of life this came out and the great memories associated with it, extra 1/2 star, so 5.
Unbelievable album. Potentially the best debut of all time. Multiple iconic songs starting off perfectly. Ear melting riffs and solos. Unique powerful vocals and lyrics. 10
Great album, songs were well thought out and did their own thing each time. Maintained a high level all the way through. Strong 8
Wow...yet another candidate for "Greatest Debut Album." This thing was unstoppable when I was seventeen. Listened to it every day after school and twice on Sundays. Arguably the pinnacle of 80's hard rock. Grunge was right around the corner and the "Hair Metal" music that had dominated the decade didn't have a chance to get any better than this. The "Sex, Drugs, and Rock n Roll" ethos was laid bare and committed to vinyl for one last time on "Appetite." No subtlety here. G'n'R brings the REAL grit. They aren't singing about being on top of the game or kickin' it with your friends on a warm summer night. This is about survival, baby. Poverty, Heroin, Porn, Death...this album's got it all. "Appetite" also hits all the corners musically. More punk than the Berkely-trained shredders that dominated the scene, G'n'R also appealed to the classic rockers. Slash's minor pentatonic solos were more rooted in the Blues than the Classical masters that most Metal guitarists of the time revered. "Appetite for Destruction" is the music that worried more than just the pearl-clutchers. A whole generation was about ready to give up on society and join Guns N' Roses' leather and denim army. This is the sound of exhausted children screaming one last time for attention. After that, Gen-X was more than happy to crawl under the carpe,t or...the... uhhh something..mmm Y'know what?...Never mind . ....whatever.
This album has been in my rotation for over 20 years and it never gets old
I was 9 when this came out. You'd think I'd be more into metal than I am with the number of hours I've spent listening to GnFnR.
Brilliant, energetic, crass and essence of youthful LA rock and roll. This is what the fuss was all about. They had the punk energy of Pistols, Clash et al, the rock'n'roll to match AC/DC, the sex drive of Prince, as well as first rate instrumental skill. Annoying as hell with overblown giant egos, but still an amazing 5 star classic album.
Appetite For 5 Star Review
Some absolute classic rock tunes. Raw and dirty!
Slash is good at guitar
welcome to the jungle is obviously awesome, and starts out the album right. i always imagine mel singing it whenever i hear it, and it’s just such a badass song. mr. brownstone was exceptional i love love loved the guitar riffs. the riffs in all the songs were great, it’s just a bunch of rock anthems and i’m here for it. and the vocals are just insane. i’m blown away.
Slash owns
It's good, sweet child is a stand out, but a lot of huge songs on here and they still stand up really well
Love this album. This is what made me fall in love with music all those years ago...
We've been dancing with Mr. Brownstone....great album.
A classic. The punch of guns' prime
Simply marvellous. Got me enjoying like a kid in a candy shop. Expected Marc rating: 4
Great, it's a shame thought that the majority of the stuff they put out after this is absolute slop except for a few hits.
Probably the most formative album for me personally, so it is next to impossible to give a neutral review. However, upon hearing it for the first time in years it’ still holds up. The songs are well written and the arrangements strike me as suprisingly interesting. What always exited me about this is the song forms. It’s not as expansive as prog, but they push a bit further beyond the verse-chorus form and it truly makes the songs Musical journeys, However cheezy that may sound
This album is a good example of how personal taste will affect ratings drastically. Undoubtedly a five star album, but I can see how it could be too aggressive, crude, and crass for many people.
This is a great album. Should front to back. 5.0
Sweet child of mine makes it automatic 5
Iconic album
Fun sweet child o mine is my favorite
Yes, these songs became absolute hits and are extremely overplayed by now. But what a debut! One of the best hard rock albums ever, love it. [0116/1001]
Greatest debut album of all time? It's up there.
Awesome album. My favorite all time. Not a bad song on there. GNR at its best.
the best song one side one of a debut rock album ever, only second to Running With The Devil off Van Halen
Classic
One of the best debut albums ever. Not one bad song on it.
Once this broke, this was inescapable in the late 80s both on radio and MTV. The sub-genre in particular never moved me much, though there were a few standout tracks. I don't think I've listened through the album before. (I'm tickled by the fact that this was recorded at the studio owned by Captain and Tennille.) I'd not heard of the producer, Mike Clink, before. What I wasn't expecting to hear were such strong connections to their influences (60s, 70s 80s rock) and to what followed them (90s grunge). Worth the play through just to realize that! "Welcome to the Jungle" - A helluva start to a track, and to an album! Band firing on all cylinders, strong song structure, classic (now) riffs and solos. Axel peaking early in his career? "It's So Easy" Gated snares are everywhere in 1987. A dark tone to the vocal and accompaniment, maybe showing there's a smoother transition to 90s grunge. Some hints of Iggy Pop, Alice In Chains.... Axl at the low end of his range for most of it. "Nightrain" Generic radio-friendly hard rock, with a standout Slash solo. How many things can rhyme with Night Train (wine)? "Out ta Get Me" Screaming guitars! Big 80s drums! Shrieking Axl! If this is your jam, this is a great jam for you. For an album track, this is far from filler. They put it all out there. "Mr. Brownstone" Maybe the least languid song about heroin ever recorded. Jamming Thin Lizzy-like groove. Axl speak-singing the first verse until he slips into Steven Tyler-style rapid delivery. By this point in the album the move into crunchy rhythm under a Slash solo is expected and well executed, but not boring. 6. "Paradise City" I'm just gonna go full Stefan: this track has everything: big gated drums, dual guitar, Axl wailing, high-speed coda, and a little person with a clipboard at the door. It's such a smash of a song, even if it runs overlong. "My Michelle" An intro that reminds me of future grunge, before changing gears into a stutter-step rocker. Axl in fine form. "Think About You" Basically a Van Halen song with cowbell. "Sweet Child o' Mine" Pinch harmonics, get your pinch harmonics here! It's great intro that settles into a very strong song. In lesser hands these lyrics would be in a cheesy ballad, but they did a great job keeping it edgy rock. Iconic Slash solo, yet again (how many is that on this LP?). "You're Crazy" Now we're starting to blur the songs together. This has a rocking groove and wailing Axl, but it's not standing out by this point in the second side of the LP. Hot performance, but I'd probably use this time to hit the mens room at the club. "Anything Goes" Playing with rhythm changes makes this interesting at first, even if it ultimately starts sounding all the same again. "Rocket Queen"
Fav
My first Album of G'n'R and Rock Album
Absolute classic 5/5
Not a fan of this Genre but this is a all time classic
Appetite for Destruction is the best album i have looked at so far (how many times am i going to keep saying this?). I have had quite a bit of experience with this album from Welcome To The Jungle playing in nearly every trailer, Paradise City being in Burnout Paradise and just Sweet Child O' Mine just being a frequent song on classic radio stations. All three of them are great songs but even most of the regular album tracks are great too. This is most definitely an amazing album. Best Song: It's So Easy Worst Song: Rocket Queen
Exzellent!!
Meeblèren met de hits. Terwijl het muzikaal dik in orde is. Ik wil het 4,5 sterren geven. Maar dat vertroebelt wel het '80's cijfer. Nou vooruit.
Back to back to back to back rock solid hits
Fucking awesome album. Makes you move and is solid all the way through. 10/10
Classic album for a reason. Still as good as the first time I heard this
Perfection
Possibly the best debut ever made by any artist. Not one of these songs misses, most of them are stone cold bops, and at least four certified classics. Every member was on point, the energy was there. It feels unique and original. I have not a one complaint. iiii]; )' Love it always. 5/5
This just a straight banger all the way through. Forgot how good this album was!
Any better debut Side 1, Track 1 intros.............................. no, I'll wait........................
"Appetite for Destruction" by Guns N' Roses, released in 1987, is a definitive hard rock masterpiece that not only slaps but also roars with unbridled energy. This iconic debut captures the raw essence of rock 'n' roll rebellion. From the explosive riff of "Welcome to the Jungle" to the anthemic power of "Sweet Child o' Mine," every track is a hard-hitting classic. Axl Rose's distinctive vocals, Slash's legendary guitar work, and the band's collective swagger combine to create an album that's not just music but a sonic attitude. "Appetite for Destruction" is a 5/5, a timeless powerhouse that continues to resonate with new generations.
FINALLY AN ALBUM I CAN RATE 5 STARS
Classic, for me this has some serious nostalgia, I can’t even say it’s aged or not since I keep it in rotation. Good drinking music, the cowbell just rips on some tracks. I wouldn’t be surprised if other folk thought giving this 5 is too much, but to me it’s just so good.
Perfection. Doesn't have a bad song.
Another ridiculously strong debut, killer throughout. Taking cues from Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and so many others but making all sound new and fresh. Great from start to finish.
Не очень моё, но сделано круто и правда очень интересно слушать
One of the easiest 5/5 i'll ever give. Every song is top drawer. All time classic.
5/5 - One of the best metal albums ever made, iconic.
4.5/5
Een van de allerbeste rocknalbums ooit, als je welcome to the jungle als eerste nummer hebt ben je ene hele grote
Gwn een ja
Perfecto (ps)
Ett av de bättre hårdrocksalbumen som gjorts och GnR:s bästa.
a begrudging 5 stars
It's not my preferred genre, but it is an exemplary example of it.
Rock n Roll at it’s finest. Their first album and they come out like this?!?!
5/5 nothin else to say
The most iconic mainstream heavy rock album of the 80's. When you consider Steven Adler is an amazing time keeper and is the "least" talented musician of the group let's you know just how good this crew was.
I'm not going to listen to this again. It's fantastic. Top of their game. So unbelievably sick of GnR. Four out of Five -- these guys were doing their thing in the metal genre about as well as anyone ever has. But I refuse to pollute my music streaming algorithm with this album.
If you want to bang your head then its a great album. Fast paced, great guitar riffs and solos etc
Probably the greatest debut album ever made One of my all time greats Best I’ve heard from this list yet as well
There's not a better hard rock album. GnR distilled everything good from 70s/80s rock and channelled it through a world-historical dose of cocaine and ego to put out a record that nobody can top - all written and recorded in like a month or something. So many all-time great riffs, licks, solos, and hooks - incredible songwriting. Slash comes in like a squal - blasting constant leads and squealing pinch harmonics all over the place (even while the verse is going on). His playing is blistering but also that much more melodic and memorable than the 80s shredders and the sound is so huge. The rhythm section is rock solid - Duff Mckagan's punk background means the energy never drops. Axl's range is all over the place, starting with a gruff growl and ending up with a glass-shattering scream. He has a really playful articulation, stretching out words or rampaging through them with almost a rapper's cadence - pure rock charisma. This, not grunge, killed hair metal - why bother with anything else once you've heard this?
Excellent debut!
Classic album that still holds up
Man. I wanted to hate on this one but I just can't. The songs are so well composed. They're long without being tedious and showy but within good taste (for the genre). This album is the culmination of all the heavy metal and arena rock that lead up it. Every track is solid and the only bad thing to say about the singles is that they're overplayed. I hate how much this became the peak commercialization of rock music but hot damn if it didn't deserve it. Take my 5. It deserves it even if I don't want to give it.
🤘🤘🤘🤘
Still good after all these years
LFGOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I haven't heard this full album start to finish in quite some time and it's a great reminder of why Guns N Roses were GOAT for so long. Welcome to the Jungle remains able to get you out of your seat like nothing else, and Sweet Child O' Mine remains a true classic, alongside Paradise City. I'd forgotten about Night Train, another great rock song. While a lot of the other tracks feel almost like 'filler', a filler for Guns N Roses still maintains an epicness that other bands lack. That said, repeated listening also reveals a simpleness to the lyrics (which may be a contributing factor to its success).
Honestly entirely composed of bangers
Absolute class
So good. Gets better with age.
Brilliant
I already know this one. Just legendary. The OGs. Incredible Solos. Amazing production. My teenage years were blessed by this album. Paradise city solo is probably what caused a bit part of my passion for guitar. Mr Brownstone is just so catchy Sweet child o' mine of course is just a classic
girlboss
Személyes kötődés is van, de remek, alap rock-lemez. 4,7
I'm a self-confessed Gunners fan. I just can't help myself.
ALREADY LISTENED TO IT. ALL TIME FAVORIT
Guitar hero / rock band iconic
I think this album is particularly standout and occupied a huge and enduring space in the rock scene
It's So Easy, Mr Brownstone and Paradise City remind me of a delightfully misspent youth. Incredible debut album, 5 / 5 stars.
Probably the first true rock album I listened to! Awesome 🤘🤘
Yeah, so many good jams on this one.
Lots of hits
Its one of the best
Probably the perfect record.
heard a million times. great album
Took a bit to get back into. Songs are sometimes a little too straightforward but mainly great, and this is a pretty flawless, timeless rock album.
Yeah, now we're talking! Obviously this was going to be here. It's hair metal at its finest - It's heavy, it's energetic, it's oh so much fun. Being British I'm lucky to not have been utterly bombarded by these songs at every hour on every radio station, so nothing here sounds too overplayed for me. I'll really show my age here and make people feel old. One of the first exposures I had to this album was in the form of Paradise City being the theme song to Burnout Paradise on the PlayStation 3. I got it for my 10th birthday alongside a DualShock 3. Good times. I think that probably set me on the path to really being into this album. I'll give Criterion credit for that, it's amazing driving music - Luckily I'm a better driver IRL than in the game where crashing into things and causing damage was a core game mechanic. But I digress. This is just an amazing album. Some of the lesser-played songs from this may not be so memorable to me, but they never miss. It's a total hair metal rush for the full 54 minutes. Favourite: You're Crazy
The definitive 1980s hard rock album. Still brimming with swagger, full of great songwriting, memorable riffs and awesome solos. It all fits together amazingly well.
I have never been the world's biggest Guns N' Roses fan, but I grew up listening to this album. This is just real, hard rock and roll by a band that favored debauchery. There isn't a bad song on this album, though one minor complaint would be there isn't a huge change in tempo or a slowed down song. Now, of itself, that's not a huge issue because every album doesn't have to have balladry on it to be essential. Knowing how the band could write and play an incredible slower song, it is just a bit of a shame.
lovely lovely lovely
Banger. So many good tracks. As music should be made, by young, angsty artists.
Absolute massive rock album, GNR are still dineing out on this debut, it’s that good they still can.
I spent a large portion of my teens loving GnR. Can't deny that it's been played out to a large extent, but i'm not removing stars over that.
A great album.Almost the entire album is bangers.It slopes off towards the end but that doesn’t matter. It has welcome to the jungle,sweet child o mine,paradise city,nightrain and its so easy.which are all amazing songs.The guitar work is amazing and Axl roses vocals are great.Super catchy songs with great energy.Some of the best rock music ever made.
One of, if not THE, greatest debut albums ever.
Insulting that there’s options besides 5 stars. No skips.
5.0
10/10
Yeah, this is a full 5. Great rock from start to finish with great groves, rifts, bass lines, and singing. Plus, it was a album that change the music scene at the time. Favs: Rocket Queen, Welcome to the Jungle, Paradise city, Sweet Child O' mine, It's so Easy, Mr Brownstone.
1. 5 2. 2.5 3. 3 4. 4 5. 3.5 6. 5 7. 2.5 8. 3 9. 5 10. 2.5 11. 3 12. 4 =3.6 Objektivno je ovaj album čista 5ica, sve pjesme su generalno jebene. Neke ocjene su slabije čisto iz razloga što nisu baš moj đir, ali jako sam uživao u albumu. 4.5/5
Yllättynyt ei mainstream biisien laadusta... hyvää työtä tytöt...
#62 all time artist on my last.fm This is a debut album. A DEBUT. And arguably their best.
I love this album. I hate this album. Appetite for Destruction came into my life at a crucial point. I was probably 11 years old and just starting to discover my own masculinity. Being an overtly masculine group Guns n' Roses had an immediate appeal to me along with Motley Crue and Def Leppard. This was a drastic shift from my early pop obsessions like Boy George, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Paula Abdul, and Michael Jackson reflecting my newfound identity. For a whole summer loud, macho bands were all I wanted to hear. It was only another year or so before the hair metal era ended and my tastes changed again. Nirvana, The B-52s, Pearl Jam, and The Violent Femmes challenged notions of portrayals of masculinity in popular music. This was a deeper thing and I moved on from GnR's overt butchness. I cringed at how cool I thought Def Leppard looked and strutted. But isn't that what adolescence is? Cringing at the person you were only six months ago? Revisiting this album now I am able to reconcile all of this art that I liked. Appetite For Destruction is over the top with masculinity but it also has everything that makes a great record: well-crafted songs, brilliant performances, listenable production. I hate this album. I love this album.
Culturally, one of the most important albums of a generation.
classic
Takes me back to the summer of 1987, a year before this album was played everywhere. Me and my friends got it on import with the original album art (that got banned I think?) and for one year we got to play it to death before it was a hit in the UK. It's a great debut album, even though some tracks are covered too much by other bands and get too much radio play. That doesn't seem like a valid reason to knock off a star though, so it's the full 5-stars from me, even though it's not a genre (hair-metal) I normally appreciate, it's just such a great album!
I could quite possibly sing most of the lyrics on this or at the very least list the next track on most of this
All-timer!
Another all timer. This is 10 stars. What a smash.
Just wonderful
Incredible album that defined hard rock/metal for a generation. Its hard to look at anything past and see that it still shines despite knowing what we do now about the artists and the environment, but this album does indeed continue to shine. 5/5
I cannot stress enough what a breath of fresh air this album was in '87-88. Music, especially hard rock and metal, was awash in spandex, party tunes and power ballads, bereft of real feeling. At the edges, you had the cracklings of change that would happen a few years off, but from the vantage point of what you heard on the radio, there was little there that wasn't more of the same old. This was an album that came out of left field, spreading like wildfire by word of mouth and passed hand to hand on cassette. Thanks by the way to Amy Meyer for passing this album to me. Windows down, full volume, we had a blast. So, this little masterpiece. What made it special? GNR actually made blues rock and metal sound vital again. They share as much DNA with Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones as they do with AC/DC and Van Halen, with a dash of glam and even punk. It's raw-edged and mean, assertive, scuzzy, riffy wonderfulness. There's also a strong sense of melody and songcraft just under the grime that makes these songs catchy and memorable as hell. All you need to hear is a few opening notes to "Sweet Child O' Mine," and that song will live in your brain for days. And you want it there, it's so damn good. Before the band imploded under their own weight, GNR had the world in their hands for a time, and it was good. Very much of its time, but the album has aged well, as all classics do. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Child o' Mine, Paradise City, Mr. Brownstone, Rocket Queen, You're Crazy, Nightrain, It's So Easy, Out ta Get Me, Think About You, Anything Goes, My Michelle
Yess!! Great album! This has to be the best debut album of all time, with their greatest hits on them too. Love it!
rock royalty
This is a 5/5 just for "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Sweet Child of Mine". But this is truly all killer no filler. The album is chock full of testosterone fueled jams that rock my face off. "You're Crazy" is one of my favorite deep cuts.
Brilliant
This is crazy. I hate to love it, but I do. This is all the best bits of the 80s metal scene in one album. But I know the lyrics are wrong. I know Axl has been a giant jackass. But it is a great bit of music. F*&^
At the time I was in two minds. Yes it’s great. Sweet child. Paradise city. Welcome to the jungle. Mr brownstone. It rocks. It rocks hard. But was this the direction rock was going? Back to the future? Didn’t the stones already do this? Yet taken out of the context of its release time, it rocks. sure, Axl is … well, axl, and is slash a one trick pony, or one of the best guitarists of his generation? I’m still not sure. Izzy Stradlin is the glue and a better guitarist than Slash. Which is either not hard or an Incredible achievement. Duff rumbles effectively. Rumour has it it’s all machines except the voice and guitar. Maybe. Certainly Steven Adler was sacked for poor timekeeping, but we can point to many many drummers who record ok In all a great album. It’s not as great as Queen II or Aqualung, but it’s up there. Fight me.
I had this tape as a 7th grader, it was great then. Since then Axel's vocals just didn't do it for me but you cant deny this albums greatness.
Not much more to be said than it’s a shame they didn’t write more music
5! Never started a review with the score. It’s so easy! This is easily one of my top 3 albums all time. Hands down, no debate, the greatest rock album of all time. Will never be beat. One of the first albums I rated every song, every song is an absolute banger. This album is so special to me to how it has been in my life through movies, video games, and general listening. I love this album with such a passion. It’s a true ultimate masterpiece. There are a handful of albums so far where it’s an automatic 5. This is one of the easiest ones. TBz 1. It’s So Easy 2. Welcome To The Jungle 3. Paradise City 4. My Michelle 5. Sweet Child O’ Mine 6. Night rain 7. Rocket Queen 8. Think About You 9. Mr. Brownstone 10. Out Ta Get Me 11. You’re Crazy 12. Anything Goes
Pound for pound, this is my favorite album of all time. There's nothing else to say. This will always be a 5/5 to me. I must have listened to this album 1,000 times, to the point that I've committed every note, every riff, and every beat to memory.
Great representation of rock in the late 80's. Raw and disciplined at the same time.
Uno de los discos mas iconicos de la hsitoria del rock. Una actitud desgarradors que te invita a tener un real apetito por la destruccion. Los solos, las lineas de bajo justas, las inyecciones de energia en la bateria, los riffs, las letras, LA VOZ, la actitud/mood del proyecto nos dan una de las mierdas mas desgarradoramente buenas de la epoca. Ademas saben coquetear con las baladas y se usa muy bien el sonido latoso de la guitarra, uno de mis discos favoritos 9/10
Überragendes Album, schon ewig nicht mehr gehört. Bis auf die von der 107,7 verkrüppelte Songs. Die Hurensöhne, das Solo ist Pflicht. Allein schon weil fast nur Klassiker drauf sind muss man gut bewerten, aber es gefällt mir alles nach wie vor.
A modern rock classic. 5 stars.
It holds up! Though I was born 14 years after the album was released this is one of the albums that is quintessential to my musical journey. In middle school I attached myself to this album and yes admittedly more the three all time classics than anything else on it. It is the album that first got my into slightly heavier and louder music, which is a far cry from my typical daily listen these days. But it was also the album and more specifically the song "Sweet Child O' Mine" that made me want to learn to play guitar. Though I never have learned that damn solo I still play and am constantly thankful that this album got me started in playing music. Of course "Welcome To The Jungle", "Paradise City", and "Sweet Child O' Mine" are by far the best songs on the album, but "Nightrain" and "Mr. Brownstone" are also amazing songs. Realistically I do think this album falls more in the range of a 4 for me, but it's importance to my musical journey makes it hard for me to not bump it up to a 5.
Appetite for destruction was one of the albums at the start of exploring my own taste in music and defininely is at the basis of my preference in music nowadays. GNR created my love for guitar fronted rock and Slash created my love for the high sustained and full bodied sound of the Les Paul. Very nostalgic and this must be the first album that drove my parents crazy. Just awesome!
Love this album, it has a ton of attitude (it's more than their cover of the song attitude imho) and the guitars and vocals are all on point. I think some of my favourite slash guitar work is on use your illusion but the playing is simply stellar, hard to find a debut album I like as much as I like this
One of the greatest albums of all time. There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. 10/10
axl, slash, izzy, duff, and steven, known collectively as “guns n’ roses” would take the world by storm in the late 1980’s with their debut album: appetite for destruction. here is my review: “welcome to the jungle”- what can be said about this song that hasn’t already been said? this was the world’s introduction to gnr, and they weren’t ready for it. solid lead song for the album. “it’s so easy”- another great song with a driving beat. great bass line and signature axl attitude. “nightrain”- catchy song about getting loaded and not worrying about the consequences. “out ta get me”- a song about being mad at the world and wanting to fight. signature axl braggadocio. “mr. brownstone”- has there ever been a catchier hard rock song about heroin addiction? i think not. “paradise city”- catchy and fun. “my michelle”- sad song about a woman with a tragic past addicted to drugs with seemingly no future. however, the chorus is catchy as hell. “think about you”- i hate this song. most of the other songs on this album is about how much of a badass axl is and then they throw in this sweet sappy song about “loving that will last forever”. it sucks. and speaking of songs that don’t really fit in on this album… “sweet child o’ mine”- i’m sorry, but it needs to be said. this song is terrible. every time it comes on the radio, i can’t switch it off fast enough. another sappy song, but this one was a radio hit (for some reason) with a cheesy riff. “you’re crazy”- back to axl with attitude, complete with a few uses of “fuckin’ “ as an adjective. “anything goes”- catchy song about axl being horny and having wild sex with his girl. good times. “rocket queen”- legend has it that the woman heard moaning about halfway through the song is actually steven adler’s girlfriend who axl got on tape while he was having sex with her. wild stuff. it’s no wonder this is one of the greatest selling debut albums of all time. at the time of its release, there was nothing like it in mainstream culture. it definitely wasn’t hair metal (at the height of the hair metal movement), it was more bluesy hard rock with a punk attitude played by guys that you probably didn’t want to meet in a dark alley.
I didn't get a chance to listen to this yesterday, but I've listened to it many times. Even My Michelle which is my least favorite on the record is honestly a great song. Mr. Brownstone was my fav on the album for a long time. All time great album. Can't recommend enough.
It’s been a bit since I listened to this from start to finish. One of my favorite albums ever and one of the first I really got into. My first 5⭐️.
Had this on vinyl, read the lyrics over and over. Great record.
Own on Vinyl
A massively rockin' album. The big hits are huge but the lesser knowns still rock big time. The lyrics can be pretty juvenile sometimes, but what do you want for 80's rock? It was all sex, drugs and rock & roll, and these guys nailed it on this album. It's kind of crazy to think how big they were thanks to this album, and they only did two more albums (only the double one is good) in the next 4 years before breaking up. So they were relevant for about 5 years, but super relevant. This album made them legends. They can thank Slash and his guitar playing for a lot of that (he crushes it on every track), but Axl Rose deserves a lot of credit for his showmanship, as much of a degenerate as he was/is. A true classic album.
Hell yeah
all of my childhood in one album this album made my taste in music and who i am. a true masterpiece and exactly what an 8 year old me needed
One of greatest rock albums in the 80s... and history. All killer, no filler from the beginning to the end
It’s an absolute rock classic and there’s a reason for that. From top to bottom every song has an adrenaline that is hard to emulate. A passion for music and writing that you can’t copy. Many have tried. A stellar debut from a legendary band.
I've never actually listened to this album in full before. I always forget this is a debut album and it so chock full of monster hits it's a best of. Slash's guitar work is what I want out of my hard rock.
Classic, still holds up to this day.
Classic glam metal, saw them live a few years ago and they still rock hard, this album took me right back to that concert
'Welcome To The Jungle', 'Paradise City' and 'Sweet Child O' Mine' are absolute classics, but the other tracks on the album are also good. Awesome guitar play by Slash and Izzy Stradlin. 5/5
Basically a perfect album (esp. musically), with only a little bit of Axl's burgeoning paranoia, instead of the mess that was Use Your Illusion.
I love this album. It is so clean and Axl Rose's vocals are so unique. It's pretty incredible that this was their debut album. Paradise City is so fun but I love all the songs.
This album has basically defined my music taste. Before that I didn't listen much to music. I then fell in love with Michael Jackson and bought his CD's. For some reason I didn't listen to one of his albums in full. Somewhen, I started listening to GNR and then bought their greatest hits CD and then this album, which made me fall in love with this album. It made me fall in love with Rock music in general. This was the first album I listened to from start to finish. The Riffs are nasty, the solos blazing, the production superb. Axl Rose is one of the greatest singers to ever exist. I put him on par with Freddie Mercury and Layne Staley. Slash made me play the guitar, the moment where he steps out the church in the November Rain music video is the most badass moment in music video history. So if it ain't already clear Obviously 5/5, every track is a banger.
One of my old favourites. I grew up listening to these songs.
Un classique ecoute 100fois. 5*
I love gnr, I don't recommended playing rocket queen around your parents though.