I like it. After the decades long soap opera, I'm just pleased they're alive, happy, and making music together at all. Maybe some fans had different expectations, but it's way better in my mind than many of the alternatives.
I love it! People are always gonna whine about problems that don’t exist. It’s okay to not like a song, but why do people create “problems” that aren’t even there?! The vocals sound great. The instrument arrangements are solid. The video is current while still harkening to a very 80’s/90’s (aka all footage of having fun with concerts and rehearsals, no CGI crap lol). It’s a great song in my view!
Justin, your liquid, effervescent, and clearly delighted use of language to describe even the most mundane of moments is an absolute treat. The weaving in and out of slangy, hometown idiomatic phrasing (my favorite, instant chuckle being the Chavesque " 'Ere, what's he gone and done" or some other permutation of that phrase) and your eloquent, thoughtful, specific, observations on music - those that produce, create, and consume it, and humans in general - engender such a sense of nearly nostalgic informality. You speak to us as if we are friends, students, confidants, and contrarian alike. I'm grateful to your contributions to the discussion around music, but more so for your warm and inclusive way of instigating said discourse. I know we aren't friends by circumstance nor proximity, but I would be hard pressed to find anyone else, fame utterly discarded for something far more worthy of acclaim (kindness, joyful, enthusiasm, etc) of my respect. You're a good dude. You are doing good work, and doing it in a way that I think more emulation of would serve the whole quite well. Thanks for everything, keep going as long as you find joy in it. And yeah, Axl sounded AMAZEBALLS, wtf.
GNR are among my favorite bands, saw them in the NITLT tour and loved the show. I’ve been looking forward to new music from them. This song doesn’t do much for me, it’s a leftover Chinese Democracy song and sounds like it.
I love it. Lyrics much better (and definitely more mature) than most of what's being put out there these days. Definitely no autotune, Idk where that came from. Musicianship just extraordinary, as should be expected from anything they did in the Chinese Democracy era (no sarcasm nor irony intended, I honestly feel it was brilliant). I'd love them to release all the unrecorded CD material, though I'd have loved it even more with the early 2000s lineup, especially Buckethead, Finck and Josh or Brain in drums. Badass all the same. It would also be amazing to have a new album with the current lineup. In the most awkward of ways, GnR have managed to stay alive amidst the soap opera and the ages between original music. One of the other things only they can pull off. Awesome vid as always, Justin, you're one hell of a youtuber. Cheers!
I love Chinese Democracy - 'Better' is my favourite from that album. I personally believe that Use Your Illusion II was their best album - like you said, extraordinary musicianship. And yes, I hope they release a new masterpiece (album) soon. We definitely need more authentic hard rock. What's being made these days in the name of music is absolutely intolerable and I AM SO GLAD that this song came at the right time.
This song is and was recorded around the Chinese democracy era. It's a 20-year-old song lol. Thats how his voice is ok. The village sessions I believe.
I really like it. It fits perfectly with the Chinese Democracy album but I don’t find it sounding dated. It goes on my playlist immediately. Enjoyed your content today!
Honestly I didn't hate Chinese Democracy. I just thought it didn't sound like traditional GN'R without the backing of the original band. Axel's vocals are on point and the album is well produced. Most of the songwriting and lyrics on the album are pretty consistent.
I first saw them in 88 when they where young and raw and and then again in 91. The fact that they’ve survived, is testament of their dedication to the craft and love of making music. Great video as always🤘🏼🤘🏼
Jaded here. I saw the Blizzard of Oz tour with Randy, Rudy and Tommy. Pressed against the fence, stage right center, left to the audience on Rudy's side. Let's just say it was....cramped, hot, loud, sweaty and the constant pressure from the crowd made it hard to breathe. Lesson learned. Do not make eye contact with Ozzy that close....he liked to spit on his fans....deadly accurate that man. $9.00 to get in. No joke.
@d0dFLyEr I saw them in 1987 at a club in Providence RI called the Living Room. They were a hyped band but not big at all yet. I remember Sweet Child O' Mine was just a song in the set. I had Appetite early on because I had Live Like A Suicide and was already a fan of the band. This show was 3 days after their first show at the Ritz that is live on RUclips. That's not the Ritz show they played on MTV back then that was in 1988 after these shows I am talking about. They were real good that night though I remember a few more covers played that night then I have seen in some set-lists of that night and others close to that show but it just might be a old guys memory falling but it was a great show and am happy I decided to go up there that night. Only one other friend I had was willing to go with me, its a 45 minute drive. But he did and he is happy I brought him. That was the beginning of Guns N Roses mania and it all blew up less than a year later.
I love Perhaps. It’s a really interesting fusion of Illusions and Chinese and the piano is sublime. Really happy they released it. Got a lot of signature GN’R in there but also feels fresh.
It seems like they started with that and settled with the poor stuff they put around it, and the cat in heat going wheeeeeeeyyyy mrrrrooowwwwwww merrrrrrrreeeeeyyyyyy 😂
Is it my favorite song by them? No. Is it a great song they came together and played it like only they can? Yes. I was nervous when I sat down to listen to it but hearing it and seeing the big 3 back on stage just made my week!
Have they not been touring now for a fair few years with the "big 3"? With even Adler playing sometimes to.. They were always more than a big 3 to me but i certainly see what you mean.
I like they were huge Queen fans and it comes through in their vocals and compositions. You can almost hear Freddie guiding them to making the song distinct and different and powerful.
I love Perhaps so much! It'll be forever special to me. They also will have another reworked song, The General, out as well. From an interview Slash gave to Wall street Journal last year, he said Axl wanted to get these old recordings off his chest & Slash said they can do a few of these reworks as a way to get their feet wet before they try and attempt writing completely new songs. I personally think its great Axl is getting some of these reworks finalized because he has to follow up from his claim back in 2014 that he had enough material to make a new album from the Chinese Democracy sessions. So if things amount to fruition, i do hope they compile all these reworked chinese democracy demos & covers they performed on tour into a longer record. If they can, add 1 or 2 completely new songs as bonus tracks. Either way, I will be fucking happy.
@@dorian6239Right! Duly noted. Same with Boston. Now the fan clubs for both Mr. Roth and Mr. Scholz can both sit the fuck down and shut their mouths because Appetite outrocked both in 1987 AND still does!
Listened to it for the first time on Friday. I find it fabulous. Catchy AF in its own "dissonant" way. It's wonderful they are still releasing great material. No autotune to be found!!
Saw The Darkness with Guns at Hyde Park a few months back. Best show of my life so far, so sick to see Justin unpacking their new track after playing with them!
I think people are confusing Autotune with general studio sound engineering. Were the vocals done in one take and with only one take? Almost certainly not, but that is an industry norm. Do Axl's vocals sound more polished than in recent live performances? Almost certainly yes, but not many singers sound the exact same live as they do in the studio. It is actually suspicious to sound too close to a studio recording, it usually means you're lip-syncing.
@@acefaceuk i saw them in singapore im 2018 and his voice was great. Sure he can't hit all the highs like he used to, but then neithet can Geddy Lee or Robert Plant. They just sing in a slightly lower pitch for those parts. The only thing shitty about the Singapore show was the audience 🤣
I know this sounds light years better than Absurd and Hard Skool, though Shadow of your love is still my favorite release they have put out in the last few years. This sounds pretty good!!
That's because Izzy wrote it. Adler was on the drums and it was recorded on tape. Different band/equipment....different universe. This song??.... Utter shit.... and I am a die hard fan of GNR.
@@chadster123what is the need to put izzy on everything lol, shadow of your love was something that was supposed to go on AFD, that's why the people liked it, because has that style.
I think it's a great tune with really cool and hooky Bowie-esque verses and an interesting chorus. I prefer the original solo on the demo but still like Slash's take on it. When the vinyl version of the song comes out in late Oct there's a B side on it called The General which is a kind of legendary, mythical track that has been known of but never heard (aside from a inaudible phone recording from a listening party over a decade ago) track from the Chinese Democracy era sessions. Looking forward to finally hearing what all the fuss is about with that one!
@@bls8959 Nope, justt the Village Sessions recorded betwen 1998 -2001. Axl has 2 to 3 completed albums locked in a place somewhere in his mansion in Malibu. The mythical "The General" was part of this secret vault. It's not a rumor, several people close to the band has talk about this along the years.
@@bls8959 The only "finished" demos that leaked were Silkworms (renamed Absurd), Hardskool, Perhaps & Atlas Shrugged (the latter is awesome & I hope they've re-recorded it with the intention of releasing it). The rest were either fully instrumental or had some scratch vocals/partial/incomplete vocals that were clearly Axl exploring melodies & hooks. Then there's other songs that no one has heard but definitely exist that weren't part of the leaks a couple of years ago.
I have loved them since I was a kid and it makes me very happy to hear a new release from them. I think it's great and I love seeing Slash and Axl back together. We all age, our voices change, our bodies change... We have to accept they are not kids anymore just like us! Many of my other fav rock stars died from drug overdoses, suicide etc... so to see Axl up there, looking happy and healthy- still making music---after all the drama as someone else pointed out--- is awesome in my book.
Too me this song is fantastic. I don't need another appetite or illusions, we already have those for all eternity. Even if this came out 30 years ago I would have loved it. Not many rock bands have put out a song this far into there careers that even approach how much I like this song. Makes me excited for future releases by these LEGENDS!!!
Axl's lyrics are so emotionally raw and honest and I dig the descending guitar hook on the chorus - so for those two reasons I give the song a thumbs up
@@StrangeBrewReviewsspecially when he's the one that wrote most of the GnR great stuff like Sweet Child, November Rain, Mr. Brownstone, Coma, Rocket Queen, Locomotive, Estranged, Don't Cry (along with izzy but all came as an inspiration from axl's heartbreak), Welcome To The Jungle, Don't Damn Me, and the list just goes on...
He sounds good on this. I like it. Singing live is different and he certainly isn’t what he once was, but having been through the things these lads have been through, who possibly could be?? Welcome back Guns.
Thank you so very much for reviewing the new G N R offering, Justin. I think I may have been personally responsible for a large number of the views of their new vid on Friday! I love it that you love it.
I’m pretty impressed with the tune. I’m not hearing autotune on it. I hear a little vocal effect for effect as always but no autotune. The song as a whole sounds like some kind of tune that could have been a deeper cut on the Use Your Illusion albums. Not bad at all. It’s actually pretty solid.
I have listened it some few times before to watch your reaction, i was looking forward to see what you were going to say! GnR is my favourite band ever, and Paradise City one of my favourites songs too. It brings to me good memories from my teenage time. I think the song is very good, and i don't think there is autotune in Axl's voice. Thank u for this great reaction! Your performance of Perhaps (the other Perhaps) is awsome! I could sing it for u in Spanish... But with my terrible voice 😂 "Y así pasan los días y yo desesperada, y tú, tú contestandoooo Quizás, quizás, quizás" 😉
I think it's great. People are unrealistic expecting Axl and the band to sound like it's still 1987. People age, bands mature but this is basically to me at least what I would expect/hope to hear. I'm curious about the next song that is coming called The General. It is also a Chinese era song, and has often been described in the same vein as Estranged. So an epic....
The vocals on this song are from 20+ years ago. The only thing new about it is the Slash solo pasted on top. I suppose the Duff bass and rhythm guitars are new too. And no one is expecting 1987 from them, but how about writing a brand new song together instead of trying to polish up a 20+ year old Axl demo
I‘d give everything to have 87 back. 10y actually was in LA the day it was released, but it would take another year or 2 until I got into them, wore their shirts and my priorities like Lego n Nintendo also started to change to Mopeds n Girls.
Reverb has been around since the first time someone mad noise in a cave or a canyon. Pressed into service when they started building churches. Yeah, it’s got a little history
@kevinmorrice Reverb has been used since it's initial release to cover bad vocals. But the same can be said for many other effects including modulation (chorus, vibrato) and other time delays like echo and delay.
I think the song great! I was a bit apprehensive to listen, when I first heard Guns N’ Roses had released a new song. I have been a fan since Appetite for Destruction was released in 1987. I was 16 so due to the stupid Parental Advisory label, I had to hide the record from my parents. Such a rebel, I was. Anyway, thank you for the review, Justin! Your podcasts are smart, funny, insightful and I enjoy each and every episode
It’s certainly *very* Chinese Democracy, from the chord progressions to where Axl’s voice is now. I don’t know if people are expecting a new “Welcome to the Jungle,” but for a song from seasoned musicians in their 50’s it’s pretty badass. Axl has always been a very thoughtful writer.
It was awesome to watch your show with guns in Zurich a few years ago ,i will never forget how great it was to see u again,i really appreciated your stuff and the arena was packed 3.5 hours to get in the stadium and another 2 hours to get out it was a freak show i will never forget how great it was
Thanks for the review Justin, it was great seeing you support at Hyde Park! What a gig that was!!!!! Perhaps is a great tune, I love it. I can't understand how any big fan wouldn't be overjoyed with this release. It's a great time to be a Gunner
Thank you for this review, without it, I would not have found your channel. I am a most faithful GnR fan/follower. Definitely mo auto tune or reverb on Axl's voice, however he would have laid down so many voice tracks until it was perfect that there is a possibility of some very clever editing. As for the song being 20 years old, For the faithful among us, time doesn't matter. I missed every show they played in New Zealand until December last year because I was either too young, too poor or too far away. I bought my ticket in 2021, then was diagnosed with cancer. From January to November of 2022 I went through surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Throughout it all I looked forward to the day I would get to see my musical heroes live in concert. I got told I would hate seeing Axl as an old man and that he couldn't sing anymore. It was amazing and his voice was strong even though he couldn't hit some notes. The crowd had a great night.
You'd think that any fans would be bloody grateful that they have new music out! That they have stayed together long enough to go on tour etc. Personally I am!
I just saw GNR in Athens Greece a few weeks ago and Axl was ripping and slash has taken it to a new level. Look up his solo for double talkin jive from that show OMGGGGG was using Greek bouzouki scales !!!!!!
Thank you for sharing this I loved watching this. I got to hear this song live at the concert I went to back on August 18th. Best night of my life was a great show. 👍
Thank you. It's nice to hear a rational voice explaining the reality of music production, how it affects voices, etc. I've always loved GNR, but I do miss the original lineup. SO great to hear and see them together again.
It's so much more than music. When Axl was working on perhaps he was as isolated and lonely as the guy the song tells about. Almost twenty years later the piece has been remastered by his old buddies, while they are all together touring the shit out of themselves like in their best times. I think this is a really great happy end and this is why I love this band.
Really happy you liked it... and thanks for addressing how much GnR have put their fans through me being one I have a love hate relationship with it all. I think this song is just okay bland in comparison to say something like Hard School. I was gutted we just missed you at Hyde Park, we arrived just at the end of I Believe in a Thing Called Love, we hero'd through the Pretenders I think the feeling was mutual with a lot of the fans their thinking WTF. However this was my 1st time seeing GnR since 93 @ the Bowel with Soul Asylum, Blind Melon and The Cult That was awesome Shannon Hoon did Dont Cry with them +n Izzy was back replacing his replacement Gilby...lol but seeing them now its a bit pitiful as I truly believe Axl could do it if he worked out got stronger he could bring his voice back to life and be more powerful than he was with ACDC I think the passion is not there. Im happy for Slash and Duff being back under the banner of GnR but they are carrying the shows I prefer Slash with Myles Kennedy and I think he does too but you cant deny the status and money that comes with this and for Duff too I loved his last album I had to get it on vinyl to go along with my Believe In Me LP but this will be the last time I see them if anything it was almost like saying goodbye too an old part of my desire and closure to see them back together, paid my last respects to a band that gave me the balls in my love and taste for music. the 90's where so amazing and I feel we had the best of it then. Nirvana GnR Soundgarden FNM The Chillies and Metallica at that time - never again. Thanks for keeping Rock alive Justin you're a trooper a sick talent I hope if and when I actually see you guys live fully you'll bang out your cover of Tina Turners Simply the best hahaha thats F'n awesome!
It's great that Axl can still rock out an awesome performance in the studio, watched them live in June and that unfortunately was rather disappointing. Axl seemed in great spirit with tons of energy, he was able to pull off the big hits, but apart from that his vocals were mostly just painful to listen to. Hopefully it is salvageable with good coaching, then they'll for sure be able to knock out more hits and put on great live performances for decades
@@paoloallievi6779 Middle-aged rockstars who spend the majority of their careers at the top of their voice do not sound like fledgling rockstars, no matter what you want to believe. Brian doesn't sound like Back in Black. Which tour do you want to blame that on?
He is getting old. He is not physically capable of the same range and power. What did you expect? Good coaching is unlikely to allow him to hit those notes at this age. We can still appreciate them. The band is strong despite the shortcomings of his voice. It never seems like Slash and Axl mail it in live.
Zen warrior! Balls of steel 🤣 Love it!! There's some real Freddie Mercury moments to the vocal in there... kinda like a Van Halen/Queen/Darkness mashup... Rock n Roll. Totally distracted me from Perhaps!! Perhaps I'll go watch that now. Good on ya Juzzy. Legend.
Speaking of songs pulled off sheves, question for comments day. I was just reading about the Golden Record and the songs they sent aboard Voyager to represent who we are as a species to aliens. Some hitters - Bach, Mozart, Chuck Berry, Blind Willie Johnson. Question: It was sent in 1977 and there’s been a lot of music since then. If you could, what would you add to the capsule from music made in the past 40-ish years to best represent us as skin tubes in the universe to aliens?
People these days love to hate and hate to love... Sounds pretty good to me too. Thanks for intro-ing the song, didn't even know they came out with another one, been sometime since I've gotten into good ole GnR. Last time I saw them was in Melbourne and I kinda missed the opportunity to see them in their heyday. But yeah, still sounds pretty good. AND yes, glad they made it through the haze.
I love it. I think it's great! I am so glad to see them touring and back together and all healthy happy and doing well. I have been a Huge GnR fan since I was 10 yrs old. and Now this Friday my dream comes true and I get to see them live. Being on dialysis I can't travel far so I am so glad they came close enough for me to see them
Hey Justin, as a GNR fan since the late 90s. I can honestly say GNR are back. Awesome song , and looking forward to the new album. In hopefully soon 👍 Keep on Rockin Bud 🤘
A little background on the song. Its from 1999, the Chinese democracy sessions. The vocal track is from back then too. axl just had the current band redo the song. Brain is still on drums but its Slash and Duff replacing the Robin Finck and Tommy parts.
Appetite set the bar so effing high that it's just never the same. I do think this has a very Use Your Illusion sound. I dig it and love that we're getting something new. 🤘
It was a demo from Chinese Democracy. They kept the vocals and drums, then Slash and Duff wrote/recorded new guitar and bass tracks. Just like Hard Skool and Absurd.
@@humanactivated1017I would have to disagree. There are several songs I like from Nirvana but overall I find them the most overrated band in history and I'm just not a fan.
Can't describe myself as a G n R fan beyond whatever I heard on the radio growing up. This isn't bad at all, especially for radio rock in 2023. Thank god it wasn't another song from [insert whatever radio rock band you'd like]. Axel's vice didn't even seem trashed or auto tuned to hell! How can anyone be mad about that?
"You Could Be Mine", was originally going to be on "Appetite for Destruction" (agree about it being the best debut album), so no shelf life. Listened to that album constantly when I discovered it at 11 years old. Love the song.
I was completely oblivious to the fact that they released a new Song, so I gave it a listen before watching this video. It's quite good, nothing revolutionary or life changing, but it's a solid tune. I like it.
The thing isn't that it was written 20 years ago -- But that the drums and vocals (etc) are 20 years ago recordings and with the old bass/guitar players replaced by Duff and Slash. Not having any opinion about that. But it was not only written back then. That is 2001-Axl singing.
I enjoyed your commentary more than the song. I feel they are in a place now where they perhaps don’t have the same type of inspiration they had in the 80s and 90s. This happens to a lot of bands. Axl hasn’t written a really good some since Use Your Illusion in my opinion. I think they need to let Slash come up with the riffs and maybe get Izzy back as a songwriter, even if he doesn’t tour. Then write something in the style of Aerosmith’s Dont wanna miss a thing, that could really be accepted by the masses and be a huge hit.
there are people who "hate" this song just because it's a chinese democracy song (like absurd, hard skool, the general, atlas shrugged etc). This song was leaked in 2019 and some people already knew the song, I know some people who loved Hard Skool and after they realized it was a Chinese song, they hated it right away, so I think it's something psychological instead of just hating the song
The last time GnR released an album I cycled 10 miles on my BMX to buy it on release day. I can't wait for the next one. I might buy another BMX and relive the experience... perhaps the ride will be a bit slower though!
Fabulous song. All things considered, we should be grateful that Axl, Slash, Duff and company are still playing music, recording music. The world is just a better place with Guns N' Roses in it. Thank you for the review, Justin! - Manny
I love this song and it's been playing on repeat in me head like nothing ever done in the past years, i'm very happy that GNR released such an high quality music. It's awkward but it was love at first sight or hearing with this music. Axl is magic and one of a kind, it's not one in a million, it's one of a kind.
I like it. After the decades long soap opera, I'm just pleased they're alive, happy, and making music together at all. Maybe some fans had different expectations, but it's way better in my mind than many of the alternatives.
It's way better than Absurd, that's for sure.
@@uzi978 my fart auto tuned is better than absurd
Yeah, after everything, I'm just happy to see them creating and getting on with living fully.
@@EduFirenze Your fart without autotune is better than Absurd.
Agreed.
Justin’s videos always put me in a good mood. What a great outlook this guy has.
well-said!
Its very much a chinese democracy song, would fit accordinly to that recording feel
Less so when he speaks of frusciante out of envy.
I love it! People are always gonna whine about problems that don’t exist. It’s okay to not like a song, but why do people create “problems” that aren’t even there?! The vocals sound great. The instrument arrangements are solid. The video is current while still harkening to a very 80’s/90’s (aka all footage of having fun with concerts and rehearsals, no CGI crap lol). It’s a great song in my view!
The arrangement is weak, like most Chinese Democracy era. It tries to be too full of a sound, and this is why it fails. It has no swagger.
Justin, your liquid, effervescent, and clearly delighted use of language to describe even the most mundane of moments is an absolute treat. The weaving in and out of slangy, hometown idiomatic phrasing (my favorite, instant chuckle being the Chavesque " 'Ere, what's he gone and done" or some other permutation of that phrase) and your eloquent, thoughtful, specific, observations on music - those that produce, create, and consume it, and humans in general - engender such a sense of nearly nostalgic informality.
You speak to us as if we are friends, students, confidants, and contrarian alike. I'm grateful to your contributions to the discussion around music, but more so for your warm and inclusive way of instigating said discourse. I know we aren't friends by circumstance nor proximity, but I would be hard pressed to find anyone else, fame utterly discarded for something far more worthy of acclaim (kindness, joyful, enthusiasm, etc) of my respect.
You're a good dude. You are doing good work, and doing it in a way that I think more emulation of would serve the whole quite well.
Thanks for everything, keep going as long as you find joy in it.
And yeah, Axl sounded AMAZEBALLS, wtf.
❤
GNR are among my favorite bands, saw them in the NITLT tour and loved the show. I’ve been looking forward to new music from them. This song doesn’t do much for me, it’s a leftover Chinese Democracy song and sounds like it.
So true❤
Absolutely agree. Justin is great from all angles and perspectives.
I love it. Lyrics much better (and definitely more mature) than most of what's being put out there these days. Definitely no autotune, Idk where that came from. Musicianship just extraordinary, as should be expected from anything they did in the Chinese Democracy era (no sarcasm nor irony intended, I honestly feel it was brilliant). I'd love them to release all the unrecorded CD material, though I'd have loved it even more with the early 2000s lineup, especially Buckethead, Finck and Josh or Brain in drums. Badass all the same. It would also be amazing to have a new album with the current lineup. In the most awkward of ways, GnR have managed to stay alive amidst the soap opera and the ages between original music. One of the other things only they can pull off. Awesome vid as always, Justin, you're one hell of a youtuber. Cheers!
I love Chinese Democracy - 'Better' is my favourite from that album. I personally believe that Use Your Illusion II was their best album - like you said, extraordinary musicianship. And yes, I hope they release a new masterpiece (album) soon. We definitely need more authentic hard rock. What's being made these days in the name of music is absolutely intolerable and I AM SO GLAD that this song came at the right time.
This song is and was recorded around the Chinese democracy era. It's a 20-year-old song lol. Thats how his voice is ok. The village sessions I believe.
tbh i think they meant compression but didnt know what that was so said autotune
I really like it. It fits perfectly with the Chinese Democracy album but I don’t find it sounding dated. It goes on my playlist immediately. Enjoyed your content today!
It absolutely fits with the other songs on Democracy. That grimey blues/industrial sound Axl was going for.
It's fits perfectly yes because it was made/demo for that album...
Honestly I didn't hate Chinese Democracy. I just thought it didn't sound like traditional GN'R without the backing of the original band. Axel's vocals are on point and the album is well produced. Most of the songwriting and lyrics on the album are pretty consistent.
I first saw them in 88 when they where young and raw and and then again in 91. The fact that they’ve survived, is testament of their dedication to the craft and love of making music. Great video as always🤘🏼🤘🏼
@d0dFLyEr Sorry, it was 88 Donnington (Monsters of rock), then the old Wembley stadium 91.
Jaded here. I saw the Blizzard of Oz tour with Randy, Rudy and Tommy. Pressed against the fence, stage right center, left to the audience on Rudy's side. Let's just say it was....cramped, hot, loud, sweaty and the constant pressure from the crowd made it hard to breathe. Lesson learned. Do not make eye contact with Ozzy that close....he liked to spit on his fans....deadly accurate that man. $9.00 to get in. No joke.
@d0dFLyEr I saw them in 1987 at a club in Providence RI called the Living Room. They were a hyped band but not big at all yet. I remember Sweet Child O' Mine was just a song in the set. I had Appetite early on because I had Live Like A Suicide and was already a fan of the band. This show was 3 days after their first show at the Ritz that is live on RUclips. That's not the Ritz show they played on MTV back then that was in 1988 after these shows I am talking about. They were real good that night though I remember a few more covers played that night then I have seen in some set-lists of that night and others close to that show but it just might be a old guys memory falling but it was a great show and am happy I decided to go up there that night. Only one other friend I had was willing to go with me, its a 45 minute drive. But he did and he is happy I brought him. That was the beginning of Guns N Roses mania and it all blew up less than a year later.
I love Perhaps. It’s a really interesting fusion of Illusions and Chinese and the piano is sublime. Really happy they released it. Got a lot of signature GN’R in there but also feels fresh.
I love the “you’re all alone now” line,melodically it fits the lyrics❤❤❤
It's also very catchy, my current earworm!
It seems like they started with that and settled with the poor stuff they put around it, and the cat in heat going wheeeeeeeyyyy mrrrrooowwwwwww merrrrrrrreeeeeyyyyyy 😂
Is it my favorite song by them? No. Is it a great song they came together and played it like only they can? Yes. I was nervous when I sat down to listen to it but hearing it and seeing the big 3 back on stage just made my week!
Have they not been touring now for a fair few years with the "big 3"? With even Adler playing sometimes to.. They were always more than a big 3 to me but i certainly see what you mean.
I like they were huge Queen fans and it comes through in their vocals and compositions. You can almost hear Freddie guiding them to making the song distinct and different and powerful.
I love Perhaps so much! It'll be forever special to me. They also will have another reworked song, The General, out as well. From an interview Slash gave to Wall street Journal last year, he said Axl wanted to get these old recordings off his chest & Slash said they can do a few of these reworks as a way to get their feet wet before they try and attempt writing completely new songs. I personally think its great Axl is getting some of these reworks finalized because he has to follow up from his claim back in 2014 that he had enough material to make a new album from the Chinese Democracy sessions. So if things amount to fruition, i do hope they compile all these reworked chinese democracy demos & covers they performed on tour into a longer record. If they can, add 1 or 2 completely new songs as bonus tracks. Either way, I will be fucking happy.
Agreed! Appetite For Destruction was easily the greatest debut album and one of the greatest albums ever written. Hard to beat.
Van Halen 1 would like a word..
Appetite get a close second place in my opinion.
@@dorian6239Quit stealing my words!😅
@@dorian6239Right! Duly noted. Same with Boston. Now the fan clubs for both Mr. Roth and Mr. Scholz can both sit the fuck down and shut their mouths because Appetite outrocked both in 1987 AND still does!
Led Zeppelin 1 is better in my opinion but also probably influenced Appetite for Destruction.
@@TheEWFX29Truth!
Listened to it for the first time on Friday. I find it fabulous. Catchy AF in its own "dissonant" way. It's wonderful they are still releasing great material. No autotune to be found!!
Saw The Darkness with Guns at Hyde Park a few months back. Best show of my life so far, so sick to see Justin unpacking their new track after playing with them!
I actually love it and there's no Autotune, it's better than absurd and more like them of old.
yeah I didn't hear any autotune. Just a shitload of compression.
I think people are confusing Autotune with general studio sound engineering. Were the vocals done in one take and with only one take? Almost certainly not, but that is an industry norm. Do Axl's vocals sound more polished than in recent live performances? Almost certainly yes, but not many singers sound the exact same live as they do in the studio. It is actually suspicious to sound too close to a studio recording, it usually means you're lip-syncing.
@@acefaceuk i saw them in singapore im 2018 and his voice was great. Sure he can't hit all the highs like he used to, but then neithet can Geddy Lee or Robert Plant. They just sing in a slightly lower pitch for those parts.
The only thing shitty about the Singapore show was the audience 🤣
@internet5102 I saw them in Glasgow in June just gone and I agree, his vocals are fine.
@@acefaceukThis is most likely the original vocal track from the Chinese Democracy sessions
I know this sounds light years better than Absurd and Hard Skool, though Shadow of your love is still my favorite release they have put out in the last few years. This sounds pretty good!!
That's because Izzy wrote it. Adler was on the drums and it was recorded on tape. Different band/equipment....different universe. This song??.... Utter shit.... and I am a die hard fan of GNR.
@@chadster123shut up
@@chadster123what is the need to put izzy on everything lol, shadow of your love was something that was supposed to go on AFD, that's why the people liked it, because has that style.
I think it's a great tune with really cool and hooky Bowie-esque verses and an interesting chorus. I prefer the original solo on the demo but still like Slash's take on it. When the vinyl version of the song comes out in late Oct there's a B side on it called The General which is a kind of legendary, mythical track that has been known of but never heard (aside from a inaudible phone recording from a listening party over a decade ago) track from the Chinese Democracy era sessions. Looking forward to finally hearing what all the fuss is about with that one!
You may know too much about guns and roses
@@humanactivated1017 Maybe!
I thought all them songs leaked out a few years back
@@bls8959 Nope, justt the Village Sessions recorded betwen 1998 -2001. Axl has 2 to 3 completed albums locked in a place somewhere in his mansion in Malibu. The mythical "The General" was part of this secret vault. It's not a rumor, several people close to the band has talk about this along the years.
@@bls8959 The only "finished" demos that leaked were Silkworms (renamed Absurd), Hardskool, Perhaps & Atlas Shrugged (the latter is awesome & I hope they've re-recorded it with the intention of releasing it). The rest were either fully instrumental or had some scratch vocals/partial/incomplete vocals that were clearly Axl exploring melodies & hooks.
Then there's other songs that no one has heard but definitely exist that weren't part of the leaks a couple of years ago.
I'm stoked about this song, and I can't wait to hear what's next!!!
I have loved them since I was a kid and it makes me very happy to hear a new release from them. I think it's great and I love seeing Slash and Axl back together. We all age, our voices change, our bodies change... We have to accept they are not kids anymore just like us! Many of my other fav rock stars died from drug overdoses, suicide etc... so to see Axl up there, looking happy and healthy- still making music---after all the drama as someone else pointed out--- is awesome in my book.
I ran into Duff McKagan coming out of a gym and into a bodega in NYC. First time I ever chatted with a rockstar - super humble!
Too me this song is fantastic. I don't need another appetite or illusions, we already have those for all eternity. Even if this came out 30 years ago I would have loved it. Not many rock bands have put out a song this far into there careers that even approach how much I like this song. Makes me excited for future releases by these LEGENDS!!!
Legends 🤘🏻
They are going to make bank for as long as they can 🤷♀️
Axl's lyrics are so emotionally raw and honest and I dig the descending guitar hook on the chorus - so for those two reasons I give the song a thumbs up
Axel's lyric writing ability has been criminally under rated for decades.
@@StrangeBrewReviewsspecially when he's the one that wrote most of the GnR great stuff like Sweet Child, November Rain, Mr. Brownstone, Coma, Rocket Queen, Locomotive, Estranged, Don't Cry (along with izzy but all came as an inspiration from axl's heartbreak), Welcome To The Jungle, Don't Damn Me, and the list just goes on...
He sounds good on this. I like it. Singing live is different and he certainly isn’t what he once was, but having been through the things these lads have been through, who possibly could be?? Welcome back Guns.
The song came together exceptionally well. Honestly gave me chills.
Thank you so very much for reviewing the new G N R offering, Justin. I think I may have been personally responsible for a large number of the views of their new vid on Friday! I love it that you love it.
I love it. I love GnR and Duff as always is the glue to every GnR ripping tune-his bass licks and backing vocals are the best.
He sounded awesome with Jerry Cantrell on the Brighten album and tour.
I’m pretty impressed with the tune. I’m not hearing autotune on it. I hear a little vocal effect for effect as always but no autotune.
The song as a whole sounds like some kind of tune that could have been a deeper cut on the Use Your Illusion albums. Not bad at all. It’s actually pretty solid.
Thats exactly what i heard kinda deeper 1&2 cuts.. Could hear bits of Estranged or something like it there in parts.
Phenomenal song, it's brilliant and I'm looking forward to seeing them live next month.
This is real music! Been a fan since Appetite dropped and this track is killer! Let’s hope there is more of the same!
I have listened it some few times before to watch your reaction, i was looking forward to see what you were going to say!
GnR is my favourite band ever, and Paradise City one of my favourites songs too. It brings to me good memories from my teenage time.
I think the song is very good, and i don't think there is autotune in Axl's voice.
Thank u for this great reaction! Your performance of Perhaps (the other Perhaps) is awsome! I could sing it for u in Spanish... But with my terrible voice 😂
"Y así pasan los días
y yo desesperada,
y tú, tú contestandoooo
Quizás, quizás, quizás" 😉
Idem, amén 🤘
I think it's great. People are unrealistic expecting Axl and the band to sound like it's still 1987.
People age, bands mature but this is basically to me at least what I would expect/hope to hear.
I'm curious about the next song that is coming called The General. It is also a Chinese era song, and has often been described in the same vein as Estranged. So an epic....
The vocals on this song are from 20+ years ago. The only thing new about it is the Slash solo pasted on top. I suppose the Duff bass and rhythm guitars are new too. And no one is expecting 1987 from them, but how about writing a brand new song together instead of trying to polish up a 20+ year old Axl demo
Stones, AcDc,Red Hot Chilli Papers, Matalica are same like in early years but GnR for sure Not.
The new Song i really dont need to listen 2.time.
I‘d give everything to have 87 back. 10y actually was in LA the day it was released, but it would take another year or 2 until I got into them, wore their shirts and my priorities like Lego n Nintendo also started to change to Mopeds n Girls.
My feelings exactly
Reverb has been around since the first time someone mad noise in a cave or a canyon. Pressed into service when they started building churches. Yeah, it’s got a little history
and now its used to help hide shitty singing
@kevinmorrice Reverb has been used since it's initial release to cover bad vocals. But the same can be said for many other effects including modulation (chorus, vibrato) and other time delays like echo and delay.
@@kevinmorrice Reverb Highlights shitty singing, As Justin alluded to in this video
@@MickH60that's just about singing off key there's other ways to suck lol
@@MickH60 its axl, only thing i like about him is that his late mother in law venetia stevenson is on the can of my favourite booze
I think the song great! I was a bit apprehensive to listen, when I first heard Guns N’ Roses had released a new song. I have been a fan since Appetite for Destruction was released in 1987. I was 16 so due to the stupid Parental Advisory label, I had to hide the record from my parents. Such a rebel, I was. Anyway, thank you for the review, Justin! Your podcasts are smart, funny, insightful and I enjoy each and every episode
It’s certainly *very* Chinese Democracy, from the chord progressions to where Axl’s voice is now. I don’t know if people are expecting a new “Welcome to the Jungle,” but for a song from seasoned musicians in their 50’s it’s pretty badass. Axl has always been a very thoughtful writer.
It’s like Chinese meets use your illusion
@@bigtommy9715 what he did on Chinese was what he wanted to do on the Illusions. He just baked it in the oven way too long
It was awesome to watch your show with guns in Zurich a few years ago ,i will never forget how great it was to see u again,i really appreciated your stuff and the arena was packed 3.5 hours to get in the stadium and another 2 hours to get out it was a freak show i will never forget how great it was
Thanks for the review Justin, it was great seeing you support at Hyde Park! What a gig that was!!!!! Perhaps is a great tune, I love it. I can't understand how any big fan wouldn't be overjoyed with this release. It's a great time to be a Gunner
Thank you for this review, without it, I would not have found your channel. I am a most faithful GnR fan/follower. Definitely mo auto tune or reverb on Axl's voice, however he would have laid down so many voice tracks until it was perfect that there is a possibility of some very clever editing. As for the song being 20 years old, For the faithful among us, time doesn't matter. I missed every show they played in New Zealand until December last year because I was either too young, too poor or too far away. I bought my ticket in 2021, then was diagnosed with cancer. From January to November of 2022 I went through surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Throughout it all I looked forward to the day I would get to see my musical heroes live in concert. I got told I would hate seeing Axl as an old man and that he couldn't sing anymore. It was amazing and his voice was strong even though he couldn't hit some notes. The crowd had a great night.
Saw them live a couple of months ago and was really surprised, I was blown away. Saying that they were never the same once Izzy was gone
You'd think that any fans would be bloody grateful that they have new music out! That they have stayed together long enough to go on tour etc. Personally I am!
Love this track, especially the chorus . It’s almost a catchy GN’R single 😃👍🏻
I just saw GNR in Athens Greece a few weeks ago and Axl was ripping and slash has taken it to a new level. Look up his solo for double talkin jive from that show OMGGGGG was using Greek bouzouki scales !!!!!!
I didn’t notice the song cause all I could see was that hat you’re wearing and what is says 😳🤯
Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnnn!!! 🎸🥁🎶🎶🎶🎶
I fkn LOVE IT ! I'm hearing a lot of "Use Your Illusion" vibe, sounds like a bit of everything. Picking up on some "Estranged" vibes, I LOVE IT !
Thank you for sharing this I loved watching this. I got to hear this song live at the concert I went to back on August 18th. Best night of my life was a great show. 👍
Thank you. It's nice to hear a rational voice explaining the reality of music production, how it affects voices, etc. I've always loved GNR, but I do miss the original lineup. SO great to hear and see them together again.
It's so much more than music. When Axl was working on perhaps he was as isolated and lonely as the guy the song tells about. Almost twenty years later the piece has been remastered by his old buddies, while they are all together touring the shit out of themselves like in their best times. I think this is a really great happy end and this is why I love this band.
Admittedly this song doesn't grab me initially, maybe it will over time, but CAKE's version of 'Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps' is great!
Cake! Now that's a band worth reviewing!
@@anthonyknox1493 agreed! yet they are so often overlooked, and it boggles my mind as to why,
I like it, sounds pretty good live too judging by the video I saw
Really happy you liked it... and thanks for addressing how much GnR have put their fans through me being one I have a love hate relationship with it all. I think this song is just okay bland in comparison to say something like Hard School. I was gutted we just missed you at Hyde Park, we arrived just at the end of I Believe in a Thing Called Love, we hero'd through the Pretenders I think the feeling was mutual with a lot of the fans their thinking WTF. However this was my 1st time seeing GnR since 93 @ the Bowel with Soul Asylum, Blind Melon and The Cult That was awesome Shannon Hoon did Dont Cry with them +n Izzy was back replacing his replacement Gilby...lol but seeing them now its a bit pitiful as I truly believe Axl could do it if he worked out got stronger he could bring his voice back to life and be more powerful than he was with ACDC I think the passion is not there. Im happy for Slash and Duff being back under the banner of GnR but they are carrying the shows I prefer Slash with Myles Kennedy and I think he does too but you cant deny the status and money that comes with this and for Duff too I loved his last album I had to get it on vinyl to go along with my Believe In Me LP but this will be the last time I see them if anything it was almost like saying goodbye too an old part of my desire and closure to see them back together, paid my last respects to a band that gave me the balls in my love and taste for music. the 90's where so amazing and I feel we had the best of it then. Nirvana GnR Soundgarden FNM The Chillies and Metallica at that time - never again. Thanks for keeping Rock alive Justin you're a trooper a sick talent I hope if and when I actually see you guys live fully you'll bang out your cover of Tina Turners Simply the best hahaha thats F'n awesome!
It's great that Axl can still rock out an awesome performance in the studio, watched them live in June and that unfortunately was rather disappointing. Axl seemed in great spirit with tons of energy, he was able to pull off the big hits, but apart from that his vocals were mostly just painful to listen to. Hopefully it is salvageable with good coaching, then they'll for sure be able to knock out more hits and put on great live performances for decades
The vocals on this song were mostly recorded over two decades ago, so it was before he lost his voice
@@paoloallievi6779 Middle-aged rockstars who spend the majority of their careers at the top of their voice do not sound like fledgling rockstars, no matter what you want to believe. Brian doesn't sound like Back in Black. Which tour do you want to blame that on?
I saw them in Chile 2022 and axl sound Amazing literally amazing
@kevinmichael9482 I saw that, and I was half tempted to drive out from the other side of PA for that price
He is getting old. He is not physically capable of the same range and power. What did you expect? Good coaching is unlikely to allow him to hit those notes at this age. We can still appreciate them. The band is strong despite the shortcomings of his voice. It never seems like Slash and Axl mail it in live.
Zen warrior! Balls of steel 🤣 Love it!! There's some real Freddie Mercury moments to the vocal in there... kinda like a Van Halen/Queen/Darkness mashup... Rock n Roll. Totally distracted me from Perhaps!! Perhaps I'll go watch that now. Good on ya Juzzy. Legend.
Once one "gets" the song, the structure seems kind of simplistic in a good way. I love this song. A great comeback tune.
Speaking of songs pulled off sheves, question for comments day. I was just reading about the Golden Record and the songs they sent aboard Voyager to represent who we are as a species to aliens. Some hitters - Bach, Mozart, Chuck Berry, Blind Willie Johnson. Question: It was sent in 1977 and there’s been a lot of music since then. If you could, what would you add to the capsule from music made in the past 40-ish years to best represent us as skin tubes in the universe to aliens?
This is an excellent question!
Loved this vid! Been a while since ya talked about Axl ! Have a great Sunday sir 😎
I really like it and I'm really glad they're making new music and still touring together. They're icons!!
People these days love to hate and hate to love... Sounds pretty good to me too. Thanks for intro-ing the song, didn't even know they came out with another one, been sometime since I've gotten into good ole GnR. Last time I saw them was in Melbourne and I kinda missed the opportunity to see them in their heyday. But yeah, still sounds pretty good. AND yes, glad they made it through the haze.
I love it. I think it's great! I am so glad to see them touring and back together and all healthy happy and doing well. I have been a Huge GnR fan since I was 10 yrs old. and Now this Friday my dream comes true and I get to see them live. Being on dialysis I can't travel far so I am so glad they came close enough for me to see them
I dig it as well Justin. But it's the internet. Where people come to complain 🙃
I love it personally. Not as rocky as it could be but lyrics and vocals are the main part of this song
Been a G'N'R fan since appetite so really looking forward to this
Hey Justin, as a GNR fan since the late 90s. I can honestly say GNR are back. Awesome song , and looking forward to the new album. In hopefully soon 👍
Keep on Rockin Bud 🤘
Great to hear a musician's take on this. GnR have been around for eternity and still creating music. Thanks bro
A little background on the song. Its from 1999, the Chinese democracy sessions. The vocal track is from back then too. axl just had the current band redo the song. Brain is still on drums but its Slash and Duff replacing the Robin Finck and Tommy parts.
454,000🎉🎉🎉 and a great song, a welcome distraction from war!!!!
Yes, climbing is great to get it stay in shape, but also so good for you head space :) I'll climb till I die.
Great to hear new music from them
Appetite set the bar so effing high that it's just never the same. I do think this has a very Use Your Illusion sound. I dig it and love that we're getting something new. 🤘
I said the same thing about UYI. It sounds like a vault song that was not used on those albums.
It was a demo from Chinese Democracy. They kept the vocals and drums, then Slash and Duff wrote/recorded new guitar and bass tracks. Just like Hard Skool and Absurd.
GnR fan who won't say "fuck"
Hilarious.
I saw GNR last week in Hershey and they were so awesome. AXL sounded great!
Really good song. I say that as someone who doesn't like G'N R. Glad Axlotl's happy at last. Took long enough!
Not a fan of Guns n' Roses, but I feel like this is a song that I could actually vibe along to!
Then you are a fan and just haven't come out of the closet ....
Liking a song, or even a number of songs, by a single artist doesn’t make you a “fan”.
@@humanactivated1017I would have to disagree. There are several songs I like from Nirvana but overall I find them the most overrated band in history and I'm just not a fan.
Saw them at Hyde park and the darkness too. You were great Taylor. Really enjoyed the darkness and then guns came on. Omg what a fucking gig that was.
Taylor Hawkins. Are you sure? Or are you the boy from 6th Sense?
@@Lansoise Roger Taylor’s son was the drummer maybe that’s why I put taylor by mistake 😂
Great review, Justin. Hope to interview you one day!
Can't describe myself as a G n R fan beyond whatever I heard on the radio growing up. This isn't bad at all, especially for radio rock in 2023. Thank god it wasn't another song from [insert whatever radio rock band you'd like]. Axel's vice didn't even seem trashed or auto tuned to hell! How can anyone be mad about that?
"You Could Be Mine", was originally going to be on "Appetite for Destruction" (agree about it being the best debut album), so no shelf life. Listened to that album constantly when I discovered it at 11 years old. Love the song.
Many songs on the Illusions Albums were holdovers from Appetite
This song is pretty good and 9:39 I also like this part... I have a feeling next song will be a chart topper ....
The Hyde Park gig was fucking great. Missed you guys by 10 mins coming from work... I'll catch you next time 😁
I like it. It won't be in my top songs by then but it is good. I love that Axl is pretty much smiling though all.of the footage.
How cool is Justin. Love watching him give his personal.honest opinions- refreshing as always.
I was completely oblivious to the fact that they released a new Song, so I gave it a listen before watching this video. It's quite good, nothing revolutionary or life changing, but it's a solid tune. I like it.
The thing isn't that it was written 20 years ago -- But that the drums and vocals (etc) are 20 years ago recordings and with the old bass/guitar players replaced by Duff and Slash. Not having any opinion about that. But it was not only written back then. That is 2001-Axl singing.
So great! Love seeing my HS buddy Rich where he so rightly deserves to be!
I enjoyed your commentary more than the song. I feel they are in a place now where they perhaps don’t have the same type of inspiration they had in the 80s and 90s. This happens to a lot of bands. Axl hasn’t written a really good some since Use Your Illusion in my opinion. I think they need to let Slash come up with the riffs and maybe get Izzy back as a songwriter, even if he doesn’t tour. Then write something in the style of Aerosmith’s Dont wanna miss a thing, that could really be accepted by the masses and be a huge hit.
Keep them coming Axle !! Even if you have to come out on stage with a walker
The beauty of humanity is we don’t have to agree on everything. And man, I don’t agree that this is anywhere close to good.
Haha same.
I love Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps by Cake!
there are people who "hate" this song just because it's a chinese democracy song (like absurd, hard skool, the general, atlas shrugged etc). This song was leaked in 2019 and some people already knew the song, I know some people who loved Hard Skool and after they realized it was a Chinese song, they hated it right away, so I think it's something psychological instead of just hating the song
Just listened to and watched the video for "Perharps". Great tune!
0:17 Used for the opening and closing credits for 'Coupling'.
I saw them in Nashville TN Saturday. It was a great show. Axl and Slash rocked it out.
When i first heard this it took my brain about 30 secs to shake of GnR 30 years ago and click into 2023. I like it. Cant wait for more.
I love it.
I can't wait for the next one !!!
The last time GnR released an album I cycled 10 miles on my BMX to buy it on release day. I can't wait for the next one. I might buy another BMX and relive the experience... perhaps the ride will be a bit slower though!
wow this song is seriously amazing. loved your reaction and breakdown as well.
Fabulous song. All things considered, we should be grateful that Axl, Slash, Duff and company are still playing music, recording music. The world is just a better place with Guns N' Roses in it. Thank you for the review, Justin! - Manny
What a great review, honest, objective and fantastic explained opinions. Gnr rock and will always be my No1 by a long long way
Wow! I'm really digging this song! Thx for taking the time, Justin, to introduce it here ❤
I love this song and it's been playing on repeat in me head like nothing ever done in the past years, i'm very happy that GNR released such an high quality music.
It's awkward but it was love at first sight or hearing with this music.
Axl is magic and one of a kind, it's not one in a million, it's one of a kind.