“Chinese Democracy” implies that leadership requires more than an iron fist. Frontman Axl Rose says, thanks to his woman’s love, he could die content “If the World” were to end suddenly. He urges someone to reject lies and reach his or her potential on “Scraped” (“You’re worth more than they tell you”). Eulogizing a romance, a broken man determines to get “Better.” A prayer for reconciliation appears on “This I Love.” “Madagascar” insists that we reject negativity, forgive others and pursue freedom, however …
F-words show up on that cut and “Riad N’ The Bedouins.” “Sorry” resorts to a series of milder profanities and one use of “g–d–n,” while “Chinese Democracy” mentions masturbation. The bleak “Shackler’s Revenge” hints at violent, Columbine-style payback that may end with the singer-gunman’s death (“I got an itchy finger an’ there’ll be hell to pay/I’m gonna pull the trigger an’ blow them all away/… I got an empty feelin’ I won’t be home today”). A partner’s promiscuity—including oral sex, bisexual dalliances and intimacy with strangers—is detailed on “There Was a Time,” which also mentions cigarettes and cocaine. An audit of “I.R.S.” turns up a sexual relationship.
Axl Rose is the only original band member left. This is his opus, 13 years in the making. It’s unfortunate that any lyrical roses get their petals blown off by hair-trigger blasts of sex, drugs, profanity and violence.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
