Who Wrote Guns N’ Roses Songs?
Guns N’ Roses is one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time, known for their unique blend of blues, punk, and heavy metal. With a career spanning over three decades, the band has released some of the most iconic and enduring rock songs of all time. But who wrote these songs?
The Early Years: Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin
The early years of Guns N’ Roses were marked by a collaborative effort between Axl Rose (lead vocals, piano) and Izzy Stradlin (rhythm guitar, backing vocals). Stradlin was the primary songwriter for the band’s early years, penning many of the songs on their debut album "Appetite for Destruction" (1987). Rose, on the other hand, was responsible for the lyrics and melody, often working closely with Stradlin to develop the songs.
Here is a list of the songwriting credits for "Appetite for Destruction":
| Song | Written by |
|---|---|
| Welcome to the Jungle | Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin |
| It’s So Easy | Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin |
| Nightrain | Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin |
| Out ta Get Me | Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin |
| Mr. Brownstone | Izzy Stradlin |
The Rise of Slash and Duff
As the band’s popularity grew, so did the songwriting contributions of Slash (lead guitar) and Duff McKagan (bass). Slash brought his own unique guitar playing style and songwriting skills to the table, contributing to songs like "Sweet Child O’ Mine" and "Paradise City". Duff, on the other hand, was responsible for some of the band’s heaviest and most aggressive riffs, penning songs like "My Michelle" and "You’re Crazy".
Here is a list of the songwriting credits for "G N’ R Lies" (1988) and "Use Your Illusion I" (1991):
| Song | Written by |
|---|---|
| My Michelle | Duff McKagan |
| You’re Crazy | Duff McKagan, Axl Rose |
| It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It) | The Rolling Stones (cover song) |
| Don’t Cry | Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin |
| November Rain | Axl Rose, Slash |
The Era of Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke
In the early 1990s, the band went through a period of transition, with the departure of Izzy Stradlin and the addition of new members Matt Sorum (drums) and Gilby Clarke (rhythm guitar). Sorum, a seasoned drummer with a background in punk and hard rock, brought a new level of energy and creativity to the band, contributing to songs like "Estranged" and "You Could Be Mine". Clarke, a veteran guitarist with a strong background in rock and pop, added a new layer of depth and melody to the band’s sound, penning songs like "Double Talkin’ Jive" and "Pretty Tied Up".
Here is a list of the songwriting credits for "Use Your Illusion II" (1991):
| Song | Written by |
|---|---|
| Civil War | Axl Rose, Slash |
| Estranged | Axl Rose, Matt Sorum |
| You Could Be Mine | Axl Rose, Slash |
| Don’t Dash | Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin |
| Pretty Tied Up | Gilby Clarke, Axl Rose |
The Later Years: Axl Rose and Sebastian Bach
In the 2000s, Guns N’ Roses went through another period of transition, with the departure of Slash and the addition of new members Richard Fortus (rhythm guitar) and Robin Finck (lead guitar). Axl Rose continued to be the primary songwriter for the band, penning songs like "Chinese Democracy" and "Better". Sebastian Bach, the former lead singer of Skid Row, made a guest appearance on the song "Since I Don’t Have You", which was released on the album "Chinese Democracy" (2008).
Here is a list of the songwriting credits for "Chinese Democracy":
| Song | Written by |
|---|---|
| Chinese Democracy | Axl Rose |
| Better | Axl Rose |
| There Was a Time | Axl Rose |
| Since I Don’t Have You | Axl Rose, Richard Fortus |
Conclusion
Guns N’ Roses is a band that has been marked by its collaborative spirit and creative tension. Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin, Slash, and Duff McKagan all made significant contributions to the band’s songwriting efforts, with each member bringing their own unique style and perspective to the table. As the band continues to evolve and create new music, it will be interesting to see who will make the next big contribution to the Guns N’ Roses songbook.
