Guns N’ Roses stormed onto the rock scene in the late ’80s with a raw, rebellious energy that changed the game forever. Their mix of gritty guitars, swaggering vocals, and unforgettable anthems carved a permanent place for them in rock history. But like all legendary bands with long careers and sprawling catalogs, not every song hit the mark.
Even die-hard fans will admit there are some tracks that don’t quite live up to the band’s thunderous reputation. These songs might feel out of place, overproduced, or simply forgettable compared to classics like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” or “Welcome to the Jungle.” Recognizing these moments doesn’t take away from Guns N’ Roses’ greatness—it just reminds us they’re human, too.
Here are five Guns N’ Roses songs that it’s perfectly okay to dislike:
- “Out To Get Me”
From their groundbreaking Appetite for Destruction album, “Out To Get Me” is often overlooked for good reason. The song’s repetitive rhythm and raw, angst-filled lyrics come across as one-dimensional compared to the album’s soaring anthems. Its aggressive tone and somewhat controversial words can feel more abrasive than artistic, making it one of the weaker tracks on an otherwise flawless record.
- “Bad Apples”
Found on the Use Your Illusion albums, “Bad Apples” tries something different—a funk-infused, almost disco-inspired vibe that clashes with the band’s usual hard rock sound. While it shows Guns N’ Roses experimenting beyond their comfort zone, the result feels disjointed. The funky guitar riffs and groove don’t quite gel, leaving many listeners puzzled and disconnected.
- “Better”
Off the long-delayed and much-anticipated Chinese Democracy, “Better” has become a polarizing track. The song features high-pitched vocals from Axl Rose and repetitive guitar work that some find grating rather than captivating. Unlike the raw power of earlier hits, “Better” struggles to make a lasting impact and often comes across as trying too hard to be modern without retaining the band’s core spirit.
- “Absurd”
Released in 2022, “Absurd” marks one of Guns N’ Roses’ latest attempts to recapture their old fire. However, it hasn’t won over all fans. Critics and longtime listeners point out that the track lacks the inventive energy and authenticity that defined the band’s heyday. Instead, it sounds like a band trying to chase trends rather than lead them.
- “One In a Million”
Perhaps the most controversial song in Guns N’ Roses’ catalog, “One In a Million” is notorious for its offensive lyrics and harsh tone. The track sparked outrage upon release for its racial and homophobic language, overshadowing any musical merit it might have had. For many fans, it’s a difficult song to revisit or defend, making it a standout example of where the band faltered in their otherwise illustrious career.
Guns N’ Roses will always be celebrated for their monumental impact on rock music. But no band is perfect, and these songs remind us that even the greatest artists have moments of misstep. It’s okay to acknowledge the tracks that didn’t resonate, because doing so doesn’t diminish the power of their timeless classics.
Whether you love them all or prefer to skip a few, Guns N’ Roses’ legacy remains untouchable — flaws and all.
