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Appetite for Destruction, the debut album by Guns 'n' Roses, exploded onto the music scene when it was released in the late 1980's. It was rough and raucous yet it had some incredible moments of genuine sweetness. Guns 'n' Roses were defined as much by the antics and unique singing voice of W. Axl Rose as the blues-tinged solos of guitarist Slash and respectable rhythms of the rest of the band.

Despite the bombastic overplay of certain songs, much of Appetite for Destruction seems to hold up well over time. Here's a few thoughts on some of the songs:

1) Welcome to the Jungle - propelled by a solid, catchy riff, solid lyrics, and a classic solo, this is the song that caught the world's attention. The music video really helped to push Guns 'n' Roses into the spotlight.

2) Sweet Child O' Mine - this is one of the songs that suffered from massive overplay. However, stop and really listen to the lyrics - they are quite beautiful. Great solo by Slash, too.

3) Paradise City - anthem rock that suffered from overplay, but it worked.

4) Mr. Brownstone - awesome riffs and solo, this is one of my personal favorite.

5) Rocket Queen - I'm not exactly sure what this song is about, but it weaves a magic spell and sucks you in.

Guns 'N' Roses, with this album, came across as a hard-partying, rough edged band with a core of lost innocence and pain that made an effective one-two punch in overpowering the listener. It may not stand the test of time, but as a statement of a certain time and place it will live on forever.

Learn more about this author, Mark Dykeman.
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