Ep. 122 Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction - Review & Reaction!

Ep. 122 Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction - Review & Reaction!

 

When Appetite for Destruction dropped in 1987, it didn't exactly fly off the shelves...... At first. Released on July 21, 1987, "Appetite" didn't enter the top 50 on the Billboard album charts until Jan 16, 1988. Shortly after this, it exploded like a Molotov cocktail into a music scene that had grown too comfortable with glam metal’s glossy sheen. Guns N’ Roses—raw, dangerous, and oozing attitude—brought back the grit and grime of rock ‘n’ roll. This debut wasn’t just an album; it was a statement. With Axl Rose’s snarling vocals, Slash’s bluesy, melodic solos, and a rhythm section that swung like a wrecking ball, Appetite redefined hard rock for a generation.

Appetite for Destruction went on to become the best-selling debut album of all time in the U.S. It influenced countless bands in the late '80s and '90s, from grunge (which appreciated GNR's authenticity over glam's gloss) to hard rock and even punk revival scenes. The band’s mix of punk energy, bluesy riffing, and metal aggression helped bridge the gap between classic rock and modern hard rock, keeping the genre alive during a time when synth-pop and polished hair metal were dominating.