Countdown to ‘Chinese Democracy:’ A preview

Guns ‘N Roses is learning. With its much-delayed album (still under the auspices of frontman Axl Rose) set to launch several hours from now in the US, it is giving people a taste of its music online. Based on what has been posted on MySpace, it is clear that the American hard rock band that gave us “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Paradise City,” and “Mr. Brownstone” is a different band.

Streaming some of its songs on its official MySpace account, Guns ‘N Roses music is less edgy but is more refined than “Appetite for Destruction.” Of course, there are still traces of the old GNR sound in the “Street of Dreams,” a definite love song that brings back memories of “November Rain.” Rose’s signature growl remains present, as well as the “oohs” and distinctive high-note wails that you can pick out even if he’s singing cover songs.

“Chinese Democracy,” however, is clearly a departure from the shadows of the original GNR sound.

Considering this album was reportedly started in 1999, the Slash and Izzy Stradlin’s signature guitar riffs and nasty rock and roll ad-libs are gone. Yes, the guitar work in this album is still impressive, but it just feels too manicured.

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