Guns N’ Roses has perhaps left fans wanting more albums in recent years, especially over the last 16. One possible reason, aside from the well-known conflicts between Axl Rose and his bandmates, could be the enormous investment in producing their last studio album, “Chinese Democracy” (2008). The band spent $13 million on its production, which took 17 years and faced various legal issues.
When mentioning “band,” it mainly refers to Axl Rose, who reformed the group, with the exception of keyboardist Dizzy Reed. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, it’s the most expensive rock album ever, with each song costing $1.07 million.
The second most expensive album in the music industry
That’s right, it stands as the most expensive rock album, second overall only to Michael Jackson’s “Invincible” (2001). Notable mentions include Def Leppard’s “Hysteria” (1987), Korn‘s “Untouchables” (2002), and Deftones‘ self-titled album.
“Chinese Democracy” is better appreciated over time, perhaps due to nostalgia or the absence of new Guns N’ Roses albums. The key to enjoying this work is being open to the band’s new style, not comparing it to classics like “Appetite for Destruction” (1987).
Axl Rose revamped the band, introducing modern elements while co-producing with Caram Constanzo. Tracks like “Chinese Democracy,” “Shackler’s Revenge,” and “Riad N’ The Bedouins” showcase hard rock, while ballads like “Street of Dreams” and “This I Love” highlight Axl’s signature style.
A renewed and modern rock
In addition, “Chinese Democracy” was recorded in 14 different studios across the United States and London, Guns N’ Roses revamped their lineup, featuring standout guitarists “Bumblefoot” and “Buckethead,” who are unquestionably highly skilled and virtuosic. This was a smart decision, as replacing a guitarist like Slash is no easy task.
The band’s new offerings include songs like “Prostitute,” “Better,” and “If The World,” showcasing a modernized rock style supported by excellent production with a variety of samples and automation for a futuristic atmosphere while respecting the original sound of each instrument, akin to Bon Jovi‘s productions since the 2000s. Loudersound.com offers in-depth reviews of these aspects.
An interesting fact about “Chinese Democracy” is that Brian May of Queen recorded some tracks, which were never released for unknown reasons unrelated to the budget. Additionally, real orchestra arrangements can be heard in songs like “There Was A Time” and “If The World,” composed by Marco Beltrami and Paul Buckmaster, the latter known for arranging for artists like David Bowie and Elton John.
Chinese Democracy: Horror or Genius?
We agree with the analysis of Saturnino comments albums on YouTube, “Chinese Democracy” is an album of which one can talk at length, since it lends itself to comment on the very good effort that Axl Rose made to relaunch the band, this in the midst of 2008 where piracy was at its highest climax, and despite this the album has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide, something to highlight for the time.
Chinese Democracy remains in history as the last album of Guns N Roses, as a series of overflowing creative ideas and as an impressive record of investment in the world of Rock. We consider this work as very enjoyable and interesting, the more listens we give it, the more things we discover.
Interestingly happens that when one learns of the abyssal investment that the album possesses, more one enjoys it. And what do you think? Leave us your comments below!
