Appetite For Destruction

Guns N' Roses' debut, Appetite for Destruction, was a turning point for hard rock in the late '80s. It was a dirty, dangerous, and mean record in a time when heavy metal meant nothing but a good time.

On the surface, Guns N' Roses may appear to celebrate the same things as their peers - namely, sex, liquor, drugs, and rock and roll - but there is a nasty edge to their songs. Axl Rose doesn't see much fun in the urban sprawl of L.A. and its parade of heavy metal thugs, cheap women, booze, and crime.

The music is as nasty as the lyrics, wallowing in a bluesy, metallic hard rock borrowed from Aerosmith, AC/DC, and countless faceless hard rock bands of the early '80s. It's a primal, sleazy sound that adds grit to already grim tales. It also makes Rose's misogyny, fear, and anger hard to dismiss as merely an artistic statement; this is music that sounds lived-in.

And that's exactly why Appetite for Destruction is such a powerful record - not only does Rose have fears, but he also is vulnerable, particularly on the power ballad "Sweet Child O' Mine." He also has a talent for conveying the fears and horrors of the decaying inner city, whether it's on the charging "Welcome to the Jungle," the heroin ode "Mr. Brownstone," or "Paradise City," which simply wants out.

But as good as Rose's lyrics and screeching vocals are, they wouldn't be nearly as effective without the twin-guitar interplay of Slash and Izzy Stradlin, who spit out riffs and solos better than any band since the Rolling Stones. That's what makes Appetite for Destruction the best metal record of the late '80s.

CD - First Ever Album Remaster from Original Analog Tapes! 2CD - Deluxe Edition features 2CDs of highlights from the box and Super Deluxe Edition with the album newly remastered for the first time ever, selections of B-sides and EP tracks, and 7 unreleased recordings from the 1986 Sound City Session, Move To The City (1988 Acoustic Version) from the GN’R Lies session and Shadow Of Your Love from the November 1986 first ever recording session with the album’s producer Mike Clink. Limited Edition Foil Art Slipcase. Expanded Album Art with Unreleased Photos from Axl’s Personal Archive and Memorabilia. 2LP - First Ever Album Remaster from Original Analog Tapes. Original Album Expanded to 2-LPs for Maximum Audiophile Playback Vinyl Cut from 192kHz 24-bit Remastered High-Resolution Audio. Limited Edition Foil Art Slipcase. Side 4 Extra Bonus: Hologroove Hologram of GNR Logo. Download Card Sticker for 44.1kHz 16-bit Digital Album. 4CD - The Appetite For Destruction: Super Deluxe Edition features 4CDs including the album newly remastered for the first time ever; B-sides N’ EPs newly remastered; the previously unreleased 1986 Sound City Session N’ More recordings; a Blu-ray Audio disc with the album, bonus tracks and music videos in brand new 5.1 surround sound along with the unearthed music video for It’s So Easy originally shot in 1989 but never finished; and a 96-page hardcover book showcasing unseen photos from Axl Rose’s personal archive and wealth of memorabilia. In addition, the Super Deluxe Edition contains collectables like never-before-seen band lithos, replica concert tickets, a wall poster, temporary band member tattoos, a Robert Williams painting litho, and a replica Welcome To The Jungle video shoot invite flyer originally drawn by Slash. Simulated-Leather Wrapped Slipcase and Book Cover with Embossed GN’R Logos.