Did Axl write any "hit" songs between 1998-present? Do "big guns" exist?

[Coke-n]

First, I'd like to start by clarifying that this thread isn't intended for each member to tell me their favorite new song and why they think it's awesome. I'm simply asking if you think Axl has actually recorded a song in the past decade that could be considered a "hit" in today's mainstream? Judging by what we've heard so far, and the public/media's reaction to the material, I think you'd be hard pressed to argue that he has.

With all these recent tour rumors circulating, I find myself wondering if Axl has some humdinger that he finally plans to let out of the bag this go around. This is an absolute must for this tour to be even mildly successful. We already know that 'Better', 'SOD', 'Madagascar', 'Chinese D', and 'I.R.S.' won't be enough. Unfortunately, I see live versions of 'Shackler', 'CITR', 'Sorry', and 'Prostitute' serving as piss breaks for most. Without any mainstream hits or anthems, you can bet that you'll be hearing a lot of people shouting "play the old stuff, Axl" or "we want Slash".

[Faxl]

You gotta take into account that CD and Better didn't get released as physical compact disc singles. And there wasn't a viddy-o for CD and the Better one hasn't surfaced yet. If the songs had those then they'd have a bigger foundation to build upon. Because they didn't, those sonfs were on the radio for about a week.

[Coke-n]

You gotta take into account that CD and Better didn't get released as physical compact disc singles. And there wasn't a viddy-o for CD and the Better one hasn't surfaced yet. If the songs had those then they'd have a bigger foundation to build upon. Because they didn't, those sonfs were on the radio for about a week.

Regardless, 'CD' and 'Better' have been online in various forms for years now. Plus, they were both available to be listened to on GNR main site. The entire album could be streamed on their myspace page for days leading up to the album's release.

A video or compact disc single would only help slightly. Certain radio stations played these songs when they were released as singles. That's the strongest form of promotion and one that makes the listener decide if the album would be worth the investment. Judging by the minimal plays that were received and comments I heard from casual listeners regarding the songs; the consenus seems to be that there just really wasn't anything that special about any of those songs. This is the reason I'm asking if anyone thinks that Axl actually wrote any material that was strong enough to catch the mainstream's attention. Alot of the time it only takes one "hit" song. So far, it seems as though one doesn't exist.

[badfaulkner]

First, I'd like to start by clarifying that this thread isn't intended for each member to tell me their favorite new song and why they think it's awesome. I'm simply asking if you think Axl has actually recorded a song in the past decade that could be considered a "hit" in today's mainstream? Judging by what we've heard so far, and the public/media's reaction to the material, I think you'd be hard pressed to argue that he has.

With all these recent tour rumors circulating, I find myself wondering if Axl has some humdinger that he finally plans to let out of the bag this go around. This is an absolute must for this tour to be even mildly successful. We already know that 'Better', 'SOD', 'Madagascar', 'Chinese D', and 'I.R.S.' won't be enough. Unfortunately, I see live versions of 'Shackler', 'CITR', 'Sorry', and 'Prostitute' serving as piss breaks for most. Without any mainstream hits or anthems, you can bet that you'll be hearing a lot of people shouting "play the old stuff, Axl" or "we want Slash".

I think you're right but I also think I don't care. 

The success of AFD and the radio popularity that came from that was a once in a lifetime thing. 

Listen, I saw the original Guns back in the day.  It was a little slow, to say the least.  Slash's solos in between songs were the things piss breaks were made for, too, trust me. 

[wyldechild]

I really dont understand why everyone is putting these HUGE expectations for new songs? 
The music is brilliant, it's complex, rich & something fresh so why are we disgussing that are they gonna be huge hits referring to the popularity of AFD. It makes no fucking sense.

Times have change and it's pretty much a fact that CD wont be as "big" as AFD was, but imo it's much better record. it has songs for every mood and I can relate to it in many way. AFD is more like.. well the name already tells what I mean.. it's appetite for destruction. so if I had to choose NOW wich one I'd like to listen for the rest of my life I'd choose Chinese Democracy.

but in one sentence : " I see no sense in this disgussion, it leads no where"

[Sandy Prso]

To be a hit these days a song has to be catchy something people will sing a long with or with a bit of fire behind it.
IRS had the potential to be a hit song but it was never fixed in the way it should have been but songs like TWAT and Protstitute as good as they are musically just won't catch on with the younger generation.A lot of the songs are too depressing.
you wouldn't put them on when you were going to a club or hear them in the club and thats the problem with cd and most modern rock music.

[SONOFABITCH]

If you took a urinal break during a Slash solo you need to control your drinking brother.

[wyldechild]

If you took a urinal break during a Slash solo you need to control your drinking brother.

I bet slash took few himself too.. considering how wasted he was back in the days

[deadxsouth]

Wrong section dude...  Do you read much??

[Dynamite-Chicken]

He did write several ones (for my personal charts). The lyrics touch me, make me think and sometimes reveal a new point of view every several minute, depending on how you look at them. That's enough reason for me considering them as hits!

THANK YOU!!!

[RP88]

Regardless, 'CD' and 'Better' have been online in various forms for years now. Plus, they were both available to be listened to on GNR main site. The entire album could be streamed on their myspace page for days leading up to the album's release.

A video or compact disc single would only help slightly. Certain radio stations played these songs when they were released as singles. That's the strongest form of promotion and one that makes the listener decide if the album would be worth the investment. Judging by the minimal plays that were received and comments I heard from casual listeners regarding the songs; the consenus seems to be that there just really wasn't anything that special about any of those songs. This is the reason I'm asking if anyone thinks that Axl actually wrote any material that was strong enough to catch the mainstream's attention. Alot of the time it only takes one "hit" song. So far, it seems as though one doesn't exist.

And you do realize that their myspace page broke the record for most live streams of songs don't you?

I understand what you're saying about how there doesn't seem to be any glorfied "Paradise City" in this bunch but as others have said, you also have to consider the media as a big presence. When the media wants to push a song to be famous, it gets done. Take the Jonas Brothers for example... Three brothers that could appeal perfectly to the young female demographics out there. Are their songs good, no. Are they non-offensive and pleasing to both young girls and their parents, sure.

Chinese Democracy is a much more complex album and it really isn't mainstream and an everyday album. That said, Better could definitely be a mainstream hit easily if it had the right promotion. (and it's not even in my top 5 from CD)

[Ganadote]

I think that SOD has the potential to be one.  I really think people underestimate how much videos affect a song's popularity.  Remember, what made GnR break through was the SCOM video, after WTTJ wasn't that popular.

[skitzocalypso]

This is a somewhat subjective thread.  Did Faith No More write any commercial hits after Angel Dust?  Not really, but 'Album of the Year' and 'King For a Day' are great records, in my opinion.  Then of course we have Pearl Jam who hasn't really had a successful record/single since Vitalogy (yes, we can argue it, but you get the idea).

I think if you're a fan, you're a fan and you'll find some songs amazing, even if the masses aren't tuned into it.

[Estranged9]

First, I'd like to start by clarifying that this thread isn't intended for each member to tell me their favorite new song and why they think it's awesome. I'm simply asking if you think Axl has actually recorded a song in the past decade that could be considered a "hit" in today's mainstream? Judging by what we've heard so far, and the public/media's reaction to the material, I think you'd be hard pressed to argue that he has.

With all these recent tour rumors circulating, I find myself wondering if Axl has some humdinger that he finally plans to let out of the bag this go around. This is an absolute must for this tour to be even mildly successful. We already know that 'Better', 'SOD', 'Madagascar', 'Chinese D', and 'I.R.S.' won't be enough. Unfortunately, I see live versions of 'Shackler', 'CITR', 'Sorry', and 'Prostitute' serving as piss breaks for most. Without any mainstream hits or anthems, you can bet that you'll be hearing a lot of people shouting "play the old stuff, Axl" or "we want Slash".

So your saying that a Band or Song is good because its on the mainstream radio?   or you are a type that makes a mix cd of songs that on the weekly top 20?
 I actually like songs more if radio doesn't run it into the ground! I use to get so mad when November Rain use to be on the radio all the time, (but I was a young snotty nosed 6th grader!) who would rather hear or see a Dead Horse Video!  
 
I understand what your saying as a song that will grab peoples attention! But The Tracks we have in Chinese Democracy im sure 85% bands today would love to be able to put music together like that !!

Its just a different era in music!  The GnR mainstream appeal went away probley around 2002!  Axl is at a stage in his career that he is not putting out music to sell ringtones or to put on a Truck commercial advertisement! Its His vision and his career that we all are fortunate to witness!