Product ReviewsUse Your Illusion I by Guns N' Roses (CD, Sep-1991, Geffen)

GUNS N´ ROSES - USE YOUR ILLUSION I

"Use Your Illusion I" is the 3rd studio album and one of two albums released in conjunction with the Use Your Illusion Tour, the other is named "Use Your Illusion II", thus they are sometimes seen together as a double album. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts behind "Use Your Illusion II". Each of the Use Your Illusion albums have been certified 7x platinum. Nearly Three years was between GN´R Lies and Use Your Illusion.

"Right Next Door to Hell" was inspired by an issue between a neighbor of Rose named Gabriella Kantor who claimed he hit her with a wine bottle. Lyrics seem to be more universal, talking about life's difficulties, particularly those of a psychological nature. "Dust N' Bones" is sung by rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, though vocalist Axl Rose's voice can be heard double-tracking the vocals.

"Live and Let Die" a cover, originally from Paul McCartney for the soundtrack of one of James Bond Movies. "Don´t Cry" Original Version, because there is a second version in the twin album. "Perfect Crime", Slash states that, the song was brought in by Izzy and started being worked on at the second preproduction session for Appetite for Destruction. The song was used as to open a number of shows during 1991 and 1992.

"You Ain't the First", unlike most tracks on the album, electric guitars are nowhere to be found in the song - instead, acoustic guitars are used, similar to side two of GN'R Lies, and also giving the song a folk rock feel, which is added to by the tambourine (played by Tim Doyle). "Bad Obsession", the song is about tackling drug abuse and addiction, a morbid tale of heroin abuse much in the style of "Mr. Brownstone".

"Back Off Bitch" was written before their 1987 debut album. Therefore, it can be assumed that the song predates the formation of the group. The song was also played during Guns N' Roses concerts before the release of Appetite for Destruction.

"Double Talkin' Jive", the song is one of several on the album that is sung by rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, rather than lead singer Axl Rose. It is one of only two Guns N Roses songs of that era to feature an electric guitar solo by Stradlin (the other being the introductory solo to Back Off Bitch).

"November Rain" reached No.3 at the American Single Charts Top 100, Won MTV Award for Best Cinematography. Last Single of the band to reached the Top 10. Very Popular around the world though, reaching the No.1 spot.

"The Garden", the song was written before the band released Appetite for Destruction, but was not included on that album. Shock rock pioneer Alice Cooper is featured in the song, along with the former lead singer of Blind Melon, Shannon Hoon. Is another Joke song in the tradition of "One in a Million. Though much more obviously played for laughs.

"Garden of Eden" resembles a more Thrash Metal sound than other Guns N' Roses songs with many punk influences as well especially due to its frantic pace. According to Slash, the song was written while the band was rehearsing for an extended period of time in Chicago. The Video consists of one continuous shot which features a close-up of Rose with the band playing in the background.

These are just a few reasons why this is A MUST HAVE for all GNR fans and collector as well. I bought two, one for my brother and another for me. I also bought the rest of GNR albums, so check out more review, and continuing story of this Band.

Thanks.Read full review...

Joey's Rant

Just as the days of Axl Rose's notorious onstage rants, I too am giving a piece of my mind on this CD but on a rather more positive note. I bought this cd to complete my Use Your Illusion 2-disc album set from these old school hard rockers of our day and age, that is if you're one of many that lived through the late eighties and early nineties! However, even for those who're less experienced with that Time Era of hard rock, before it all was catapulted into the full grunge and alternative rock scene of the mid to late 90's, it still will captivate your ears and play with your feelings. It may even down right inspire you to listen to someone wailing on the microphone about all the shit that has pissed you off in life, and just what and how you plan to go about addressing it! Written and composed towards a very final and awesome tour, this cd, which compliments Disc 2, has some surprises for true GNR fans and others who've gained respect for their often overshadowed talents. Axl Roses familiar vocals screech in right off the bat as this CD comes roaring in all the while you try to fasten your seatbelt from the very first track of this Part 1 of 2 series disc. For any fan of rock 'n roll, Guns 'N Roses will always go down in histroy for some most memorable hits. Tracks that'll stand out on this cd are 1,2,3,5, and 8. Rock on.Read full review...

Use Your Illusion I - Guns N' Roses

Track listing
1. Right Next Door To Hell
2. Dust N' Bones
3. Live And Let Die
4. Don't Cry - (original)
5. Perfect Crime
6. You Ain't The First
7. Bad Obsession
8. Back Off Bitch
9. Double Talkin' Jive
10. November Rain
11. Garden, The
12. Garden Of Eden
13. Don't Damn Me
14. Bad Apples
15. Dead Horse
16. Coma

Details
Playing time: 76 min.
Contributing artists: Alice Cooper, Mike Monroe, Shannon Hoon
Producer: Guns N' Roses, Mike Clink
Distributor: Universal Distribution
Recording type: Studio
Recording mode: Stereo
SPAR Code: AAD

Album notes
Guns N' Roses: Izzy Stradlin (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, percussion); Axl Rose (vocals, piano, keyboards, keyboard programming, sound effects); Slash (acoustic, classical, electric & slide guitars, slide dobro, 6-string bass, background vocals); Duff McKagan (acoustic guitar, bass, background vocals); Dizzy Reed (piano, organ, Clavinet, background vocals); Matt Sorum (drums, percussion, background vocals).
Additional personnel: Shannon Hoon, Alice Cooper (vocals); Mike Monroe (harmonica, saxophone); Matthew McKagan (horns, keyboard programming); Rachel West (horns); Tim Doyle (tambourine); Johann (keyboard programming, sound effects); Mike Clink, Bruce Foster (sound effects); Stuart Bailey, Reba Shaw (background vocals).
Recorded at A & M Studios, Record Plant, Studio 56 and Image Recording, Hollywood, California; Conway Studios, Los Angeles, California; Metalworks Recording Studios, Toronto, Ontario.
Four years after becoming an uninvited guest at the party that is the music industry with its seminal debut, APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION, Guns N' Roses released USE YOUR ILLUSION I & II. Thanks to a reckless approach toward life and music, G N' R was constantly at the center of controversy and the result was that much of it was chronicled on this two-volume project. By this time, original drummer Steven Adler had been dismissed due to alleged drug dependency problems and was replaced by the Cult's Matt Sorum. Keyboardist Dizzy Reed was also added as a member.
ILLUSION I found Axl Rose ranting on songs about being sued by a neighbor ("Right Next Door to Hell"), dysfunctional relationships ("Back Off Bitch"), and a drug overdose ("Coma"). Amid all the spewed bile, G N' R scored three Top 40 hits with a Wings cover ("Live and Let Die"), a piano-driven, Elton John-flavored epic ("November Rain"), and a hard-edged ballad ("Don't Cry"). Celebrity cameos include a then unknown Shannon Hoon, Hanoi Rocks' Mike Monroe, and Alice Cooper, who makes a particularly sinister contribution to "The Garden."Read full review...

Guns' album of all albums!

Man, the debut album of Guns N'Roses was one-of-a-kind album positively reviewed and welcomed by fans and critics alike. After such a masterpiece it took almost 4 years to come up with something worth releasing to already hungry audience. And the boys blasted into the scene again with a double album full of hard rock illusions. Of course, several songs were played live and demoed even back in 1986 ("Back Off, Bitch") but most of the material was freshly written and recorded. Arguably many people consider the 2nd part to be more interesting however you just cannot beat all-time ballad classics "Don't Cry" and "November Rain". Still other interesting tracks were shadowed by those classics and unfortunately never got the recognition they deserved, in particular, "Dust And Bones", "The Garden" (featuring co-lead vocals by shock rock king Alice Cooper) and "Dead Horse". And people, pay attention to lyrics - they are very much heartfelt, touching and emotional, which not many bands in those days did. Resume: if you want to know what Guns N'Roses is - get thise one, you won't regret the decision!Read full review...

Using Your Illusion well...

What a great album! From Paul McCartney's cover of "Live and Let Die" to "November Rain" and my personal favorite "Don't Cry" which was the first song Guns N' Roses ever wrote together, back in 86'. Don't we miss this band? i know that I sure do. You get 16 songs, no filler, some blazing rock, some slower meloncholy songs... and you get those mid temp ones too! The 10 minute epic "Coma" is the last track, a cult favorite, one of Axl's most underrated lyrical books. Slash and Stradlin provide some more heavy rock n' roll, the way it was meant to be played, and not last at all, Duff's bass fills are superb. Right Next Door to Hell opens the album up like a war zone and from that point you can't stop listening to it. BUY IT!Read full review...

Guns N' Roses doesn't get any better!

I loved this CD when it first came out. I misplaced my old copy somewhere and had to replace it. I do listen to the whole album but admit to mostly playing, my favorite song November Rain, over and over again! This song is so well done that I am always so amazed each time I hear this song! Nobody plays guitar like Slash. Axl is so talented, his piano sounds like a rain fall. If you love Guns N'Roses, then I'm sure Use Your Illusion 1 & 2 are already in your collection.Read full review...

One of the Classic albums from Gun 'N Roses

One great classic CD from this rock supergroup which at one point was made from the members of LA Guns and Hollywood rose. From first track to last, the CD is full of LA attitude. Hits like "Dont Cry", or the cover of "Live and Let Die" keep you coming for more. Even the non single tracks are so great that they should all be singles. One of the best groups to come out of LA. If you miss Slash, Izzy, or Duff this CD will bring them back.Read full review...

Hella Dope Album!!

Everybody has "heard" of Guns 'N Roses, but have you actually listened to the music? This band is genius! Solid drum beats, thunder-like bass riffs (Duff rules!!), and the most killer guitar riffs that almost anybody can rip an air guitar too! The vocals are pretty hot, but Axle is kinda douchey. November Rain is probably one of the most listened to songs from the 90's. I suggest you check it out too.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: decluttr_store

I just chance que cd cover for other new and that's it,,,excellente(y)

I just chance que cd cover for other new and that's it,,,excellente (Y)

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: decluttr_store

Awesome idea!

plays and sounds awesome!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: perfectchoice_15