More than 30 years after the release of its massively successful Appetite for Destruction debut, Guns N’ Roses is still relevant. Sure, the classic lineup of Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven Adler is no more, but the band has made a resurgence through its extremely profitable reunion tour that kicked off in 2016.
Here are 25 songs that encompass what G N’ R is all about
Guns N’ Roses fans might forget that this was the first single from the band’s smash debut, Appetite for Destruction. One of the many “reality” songs that fill Appetite, “It’s So Easy” is about the group being so poor and downtrodden during its early days that members survived thanks to female fans buying them food and alcohol and offering a place to crash. It’s long been a staple during live sets.
Another gem from Appetite for Destruction. Over the years, singer Axl Rose has stated that the band didn’t always know what song it planned to open live shows with but that “Mr. Brownstone” would always be played second.
Released from Appetite in the United Kingdom in Fall 1987, then in the United States more than a year later. “Welcome to the Jungle” was the band’s first top-10 hit, peaking at No. 7 on Billboard‘s Hot 100. Much of the song’s success can also be attributed to the music video (complete with Alx Rose’s teased glam metal hair) that was in heavy rotation on MTV. The song highlights Rose’s depiction of the seedy parts of Hollywood, contrasting what he was used to growing up in the rural Midwest. The song continues to be used in sports arenas and stadiums to excite the home crowd.
Leave a Reply