'Chinese Democracy' marks Axl's triumphant return

In 1994, Axl Rose began a journey - a journey that would last him 14 years, see 14 recording studios and in the end, produce an album that has long been considered rock 'n' roll's Holy Grail. Yes, it has taken some time for him and his ever-changing Guns N' Roses to complete "Chinese Democracy," but it is finally here, and it's been well worth the wait.

Rose, now 46, is the only remaining member of the original G N' R line-up, and critics and fans have scrutinized him at every opportunity for his strange actions and stranger bizarre makeover over the past decade and a half. But despite what may be happening on the outside, pardon my language when I say that Rose can still f------ rock. So here, 14 years in the making, is the "Chinese Democracy" track-by-track review.

"Chinese Democracy"

There's only one way an album this long in the making could have started, and that's with a bang. The track opens with countless voices speaking Chinese faintly until interrupted by an echoing riff. And then Rose lets loose. "Chinese Democracy" is hard, angry and familiar. It's good to hear Rose's voice and, surprisingly enough, it's withstood all the abuse from countless years of drugs and alcohol.

"Shackler's Revenge"

Extremely repetitive and a bit of a pain to listen to, "Shackler's Revenge" has Rose singing both deep and in his traditional tone over some rough riffs. Definitely a bit of a letdown after how good the album's opener is, but no one thought this was going to be perfect. The forceful chorus makes up for it, though.

"Better"

An instant standout among "Chinese Democracy's" 14 songs, "Better" combines shrill guitar work with vocals that border on ballad-like. The end result is one of the most addicting songs on the album - a bittersweet tale of Rose looking back on a love he wishes he knew better. Oh, and the guitar solo is awesome.

"Street of Dreams"

"Chinese Democracy" finds its first true ballad four tracks deep with "Street of Dreams." Ripped straight from the best piano-based ballads of old, "Street" is a great listen, though it's as cheesy as the best of them.

"If The World"

This is an odd one. It's funky and slick and sounds like a rejected Bond theme song. It's a fun listen, but it's certainly not the Guns N' Roses sound we're used to. Guitarist Buckethead lays down some Spanish guitar to seal the deal.

"There Was A Time"

Easily "Chinese Democracy's" most complex song, this track is a wall of sound that combines a choir, plenty of simple, impressive guitar work and Rose's growl. Best part? It works. Everything comes together to make a beautiful six-and-a-half minute trip into Rose's darkest hours. He sings, "Broken glass and cigarettes / Writing on the wall / It was a bargain for the summer / And I thought I had it all."

"Catcher In The Rye"

One of the few tracks on "Chinese Democracy" that doesn't work as well as you would hope. It's odd, doesn't make a lot of sense and musically doesn't impress, aside from the face-melting solo.

"Scraped"

A rough and raw trip back to the golden days of the old Guns N' Roses. One can't help but wonder how much better a track like this would be with the original lineup intact. It's a classic rollercoaster ride that never lets up.

"Riad N' The Bedouins"

Another one that misses the mark - but only slightly. It's great that Rose won't hold back with a "bigger is better" mentality.

"Sorry"

Evidence that after all these years, Rose can still write a good tune. Rose's voice is almost eerie on this folk-y campfire tune over a simple acoustic.

"I.R.S."

One of the album's best, "I.R.S." is catchy and addicting. This is one of the many songs on the album in which Rose's voice is almost indistinguishable from the Rose of old - especially when he lets out a scream right before the song's solo.

"Madagascar"

This one had been out in various forms for years now. Rose has been performing it live and it's leaked with every demoed version of the album. The song samples Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech - a companion to the song's lyrics, which reflect its meaning: hope.

"This I Love"

This one drops all bells and whistles for a pure emotion-driven ballad over violin and piano. Guitars are added late in the song, but they're unnecessary. The real star here is Rose's songwriting and emotional crooning - it's almost heartwrenching.

"Prostitute"

"Chinese Democracy" starts with a bang and ends with a ballad. Rose lets it all go in "Prostitute" - he confronts the past, the accusations and skeptics all in one hell of a power ballad. He may even be owning up to the fact that the destruction of the old Guns N' Roses when he sings, "What would you say if I told you that I'm to blame?"