Released in 1991, Use Your Illusion I stands as a landmark release in the annals of rock music history as it is the first instalment of the Use Your Illusion albums; one of the greatest release schedules the world has ever seen.
Use Your Illusion I was also a pivotal moment for Guns N’ Roses as the sprawling and ambitious work showcases the band’s musical prowess, lyrical depth, and unbridled energy. Of course, the very same statement could be said about Use Your Illusion II; an album that leans more towards a melodic style, featuring ballads and experimental tunes, which further showcases Guns N’ Roses’ versatility. As to which I prefer, or consider the better of the two albums, I find that difficult to answer as together they’re a collective masterpiece. That said, while I thoroughly appreciate both, I know for certain that I listen to Use Your Illusion I far more often than I do it’s sister album.
Speaking of preferences, I’m not a fan of the 2022 remaster. It isn’t that I find the remaster to be fundamentally bad, but I’m dead against the new orchestration elements on November Rain. It’s blasphemous and is not an accurate representation of Use Your Illusion I. Perhaps I’d be less judgemental had this modification been included as a separate offering, but as it pertains to physical releases, the album in its original mode is no longer available meaning that the original is somewhat lost to history. A shame, certainly, but someone with some common sense has permitted the original album to remain available on the iTunes Store and Apple Music. Subsequently, this original release will be the focus of this review, for classic albums should never be replaced with rerecorded or remixed versions. It’s bad enough that they remaster them when the need often isn’t there. Honestly, I never recall putting Use Your Illusion I on and pondering if it needed a remaster. It was perfect the way it was and that is the way that I choose to enjoy it henceforth.
Right Next Door To Hell kicks the album off with a relentless burst of energy, but as the album opener, I’ve never been convinced that it was the right choice. It’s certainly no Welcome To The Jungle, is it?
Dust N' Bones is an incredible, severely underrated, tune but it’s great to hear Izzy Stradlin sharing vocal duties with Rose as they complement each other perfectly.
Live And Let Die is an incredible cover. Guns N’ Roses performed it admirably and put their own spin on this Paul McCartney and Wings classic. I’d even go as far as suggesting that this edition bests the original recording, partially due to the pop-rock styling that isn’t ideal for the song. That said, if you listen to the live recording from Wings Over America, you may have a different opinion for it’s a great performance that is more in line with the Guns N’ Roses interpretation.
Don't Cry is simply stunning and is not only one of the album’s standout ballads, but it's one of the very best songs that Guns N’ Roses ever recorded. The same, unfortunately, can’t be said for the alternate lyrics version found on Use Your Illusion II.
Perfect Crime returns the album to its hard rock roots with a fast-paced rocker that showcases the band’s raw energy. The only problem is it, like Right Next Door To Hell, isn’t perfectly positioned. Perhaps if the opening track was resequenced closer to Perfect Crime, these album-only tracks would have flowed more convincingly.
You Ain't The First is a hidden gem. Its slower, semi-acoustic-styled presentation, is simply fantastic and presents a perfect interlude before Bad Obsession kicks things up a notch.
Bad Obsession is one of the greatest songs off the album, but it’s that killer blues-infused groove, along with the unique introduction, that will ultimately captivate you.
Back Off Bitch is incredible with killer riffs, a rebellious spirit, and Axl Rose’s ferocious vocals. It’s, without a doubt, one of the best songs from the Use Your Illusion recording sessions.
Double Talkin' Jive is gritty with rapid-fire lyrics and a compelling rhythm that will immediately capture your attention. As with Dust N' Bones, Stradlin’s lead vocals on this tune are superb and while Rose is generally the lead vocalist of Guns N’ Roses, I can’t help but wonder what Guns N’ Roses would have sounded like had Stradlin been the sole lead singer as he’s got a vocal drawl that simply sounds right for their blues-based rock and roll sound. Nevertheless, there are songs that only Rose could have recorded so this may well be a case of appreciating both musicians for their unique qualities.
November Rain is Guns N’ Roses’ magnum opus. It’s arguably the greatest ballad in all of rock and roll history. From the piano-driven intro, to Slash’s iconic guitar solo, to Rose’s emotive vocals, November Rain is a timeless epic.
The Garden, featuring Alice Cooper, is a dark and brooding tune that is utterly brilliant with both Rose and Cooper complementing each other. The Garden is, most certainly, a hidden gem and had it been released as a single, there’s no doubt that it would have gone to the top of the charts.
Garden Of Eden could have been an incredible straight-up rock and roll tune, but the overproduced nature of the song, particularly regarding the synthesised elements, resulted in a lacklustre recording.
Don't Damn Me is full of brute energy, with an incredible riff, and is amongst the greatest music Guns N’ Roses has ever recorded.
Bad Apples isn’t a bad apple, pun intended, but it isn’t a standout either. It is, however, a perfect album-only tune.
Dead Horse is raw, with a killer rhythm, that melds perfectly with Rose’s impressive vocal prowess. It’s a hidden rock and roll gem.
Coma is a sonic masterpiece and the perfect closer to Use Your Illusion I. The rollercoaster intensity will keep you captivated throughout this 10-minute epic while also leaving a lasting impression that will compel you to play the album again or proceed to Use Your Illusion II.
Use Your Illusion I is nothing if not a hard rock masterpiece, brimming with passion and creativity; the likes of which we’re unlikely to see again. While many may reject that statement, this is an album that encapsulated Guns N’ Roses’ multifaceted talents, from hard-hitting rock anthems to soulful ballads, the first instalment of the Use Your Illusion albums has a little bit of everything. The result is that Use Your Illusion I has become an enduring classic that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.