5.GUNS N’ ROSESAPPETITE FOR DESTRUCTIONHard Rockreleased July 21st, 1987
via Geffen Records
1. Welcome to the Jungle [4:31]
2. It’s So Easy [3:21]
3. Nightrain [4:26]
4. Out Ta Get Me [4:20]
5. Mr. Brownstone [3:46]
6. Paradise City [6:46]
7. My Michelle [3:39]
8. Think About You [3:50]
9. Sweet Child o’ Mine [5:55]
10. You’re Crazy [3:16]
11. Anything Goes [3:25]
12. Rocket Queen [6:13]
APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION is
W. Axl Rose (Lead vocals / Synthesizer on 6 / Percussion)
Slash (Lead, rhythm, acoustic guitars / Slide guitar / Talkbox)
Izzy Stradlin (Lead and rhythm guitars / Backing vocals / Percussion)
Duff McKagan (Bass / Backing vocals)
Steven Adler (Drums / Percussion / Backing vocals)
Doing this top 50 list has helped me regain some clarity on my memories. I was into Eminem before I was ever interested in rock and especially metal music. So, I believe late summer 2002 was when my journey into the kingdom of rock began. I know this now because I remember Halloween 2002 was the first Halloween I didn’t go trick-or-treating. Because why the f*&% would I go begging for candy when I could sit at home and play some awesome rock music I’d never heard before?
Appetite literally changed my life, but it was only one thing in a short period of time that had such an effect. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that 9/11 itself was a fundamental gamechanger in terms of shaping my outlook on the world, because I was 10. Within the next year I'd discover The Eminem Show, which was a political record in its own way and discussed 9/11 and war, and then shortly after that, I'd find GnR. I think 9/11 itself had a lot to do with that, because up until that point in my life, it was all games and innocent fun, music wasn't dangerous or vulgar or offensive in my world, it was mostly video game music and catchy instrumental stuff. But it was this record that turned me from a casual fan of music who just happened to like a Toto and Eminem record and various 90s video game soundtracks, into a full-fledged rock and roll kid. It began to clue me in to the seediness of the world, and the 'adult' side of things. I began growing my hair out after this record, and, fun fact, I have only ever had it cut once in the last 17 years, all thanks to Guns N’ Roses. I began immersing myself in the world of rock, guitars, egotistical and madly talented frontmen, and the solos, my god, the SOLOS! I remember not long after my obsession began, my parents got me the Use Your Illusion concerts on DVD, and I was so young and stupid I tried playing the DVD in my CD player before I realized what was up (they came in CD packages and I did not read the outside due to my excitement). I was SHAKING with excitement when I put that in my then-brand new DVD player and could finally watch the band live. See, I’m young, but this was long before YouTube or even MySpace, and I would spend entire Saturdays downloading archived videos of the band doing interviews and press spots and all that. I probably know more about GnR than I know about my own family history.
This record is tantalizingly dangerous; the energy is raw and palpable and despite the raucous nature of the music, it remains cohesive and well-structured and never goes off the rails. Each song has a specific theme or mood and Axl’s mighty range – not just in pitch, but in style and delivery – gives the record more variety than your average hard rock album. When I was a stupid kid I literally thought there were multiple vocalists on this record. “Welcome to the Jungle,” “It’s So Easy,” “Mr. Brownstone” are just a few examples of Axl’s versatility. He sounds different on almost every song, and changes his style and delivery a few times in multiple songs. My favorite rock frontman of all time. Very controversial both in his personal and professional life, but I think he is an intelligent, fascinating individual who is (or at the very least was) an incredibly gifted musician and songwriter.
All that said I think I like the stripped down version of “You’re Crazy” on GnR Lies more than the original version on Appetite. The speediness is nice and so are Axl’s banshee vocals, but the acoustic version has more swagger and is an easier listen.
In Summary: I’m sure we all know this record, and Guns N’ Roses ain’t for everyone, but this record – this band – shaped more than just my musical taste. I’m certain I would be an entirely different person, perhaps not even interested in music, if it wasn’t for Appetite for Destruction. In a way, it should probably be #1 or at least #2 – but in terms of sheer influence, I think the #1 spot is the only record that can go toe-to-toe with this one. Axl’s attitude, look, voice, and songwriting has been a monumental influence in my life and I deeply respect him despite all the controversy surrounding him. Appetite has some of the best riffs and rock vocals ever recorded… Take that one to heart.
Katt’s Favorites: Welcome to the Jungle (music video),
Nightrain (Live in Tokyo),
Out Ta Get Me (Live at the Ritz ’88),
Paradise City (music video),
My Michelle,
Rocket QueenListen to “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses on Spotify