Throwback Thursday: GN'R Lies, by Guns N' Roses

In 1988 Guns N' Roses were experiencing tremendous success with the release of their debut album Appetite for Destruction. They were the biggest name in rock and metal at that moment and there wasn't a soul around who didn't know of them. To keep the momentum going, they released an eight song EP titled GN'R Lies. This showcased their unplugged capabilities and also on the second side of the record featured another EP they did: Live Like a  $#% Suicide which was released on a limited run before Appetite.

GN'R Lies showed that Guns N' Roses could still have the raw energy, passion, and attitude even without the amplifiers. It also spawned another one of the band's most popular hits, a sensitive heart felt ballad known as Patience. The other side of the record is pretty fun too, as it shows what GN'R sounded like in their early club playing days when they were still really hungry (both metaphorically and physically), but of course gives the band that clean studio razzle-dazzle.

Patience while a bit overplayed is overplayed for a good reason. That is one of the most honest, down to Earth, and real songs that ever came out of the late 80's. While other bands' ballads at the time were all sweet, sappy, and generic you could tell that this song came from real life experience and pain with no corny or cheesy frills. Just unplugged instruments and the passionate and soulful voice of Axl Rose pushing through.

Move to the City is one of the coolest songs GN'R ever put to tape. It's loud, punchy, and plugged in but it is unapologetically a swingy blues song. The addition of horns in the background add to the vibe that much more. You really feel like you're driving down the streets of some big city at night in a convertible when you blare this one. Slash does some pretty nice guitar soloing in this one. Not necessarily his best moment, but still one that shows off just how thrilled with the blues he always has been.

GN'R Lies is one of those records where even though there are two distinct feels to it, it all comes together nicely in the end and leaves you satisfied with the experience that only Guns N' Roses can provide you with. Whether you want some rip-roaring rock n' roll or something more earthy and unplugged you'll find whatever you're looking for here. This record kept the band's popularity and hype going well into the early 90's when they topped themselves with the Use Your Illusion albums.

GN'R Lies receives 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Reckless Life
2. Nice Boys
3. Move to the City
4. Mama Kin
5. Patience
6. Used to Love Her
7. You're Crazy
8. One in a Million

Buy the album on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/G-N-Lies-Guns-Roses/dp/B000V63BV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493958084&sr=8-1&keywords=GN%27R+Lies