You know... I've got a problem with Axl Rose's high pitch notes. It does bad things to my nerves. Now let's get one thing out of the way: this has nothing to do with the man's attitude. I couldn't give a toss about it. And I'll go even further: Axl is FAR from being a bad singer. As matter of fact he's really skilled and although his voice is a bit to nasal, he's got a great range, good technique, nice attack... to sum it up: when it comes to the technical (and even expressive) side he's a truly crafted vocalist. But I SIMPLY CAN'T STAND THAT DAMN HIGH PITCH! Every time he goes falsetto it seems someone is pushing fiberglass down my eardrums. Now is this Axl's problem? Absolutely not: as I said even when he hits those high notes that wreck my nerves he nails them 100% in technically terms. The problem is mine that simply am unable to stand the dude's timbre. And I'm perfectly aware when it comes to this matter, unlike others that go "Hey bro... I hate this guy's voice's. He sucks bro!" just because they don't like it.
That being said is kinda difficult for me to enjoy fully GN'R. Overall this is a good Hard Rock album. A bit too overrated? Perhaps when it comes to composition since it's main influence can be easily traced. Now I'm not saying they're Aerosmith copycats or something similar but one can easily notice the great influence of Tyler's band on GN'R's debut. So what made this album sold millions? I believe it's a combination of factors. First than everything the somewhat provocative attitude of the band spearheaded by his frontman. Then Slash delivers some vicious riffage and even more amazing soloing. There's also the excellent drumming of Steven Adler: this dude knows how to create exceptionally well crafted rhythms and is the unsung hero of this record. And finally I think these guys managed to mix that 70's Heavy Rock feeling with 80's Hard Rock, distancing from the goofy metal Hair Metal scene and modernizing that retro flavor. Of course Welcome To The Jungle, It's So Easy, Mr. Brownstone, Paradise City (or Zero The Hero pt II) or the mid section of Sweet Child O' Mine are truly well done rock cuts filled with energy. My only problem with this album is a) even kinda liking it it's a bit outside my interest area, b) although the band really made an intelligent update and mix of hard n' heavy sounds there's nothing stunningly innovative here and c) once again... my dislike for Axl's high pitch, a voice he pulls on the majority of the tracks.
So yeah... I can easily understand why this record is a classic that strongly impacted the late 80's Hard Rock scene and I think all the success was deserved. There's talent, guts, is well planed and delivers its load in a in your face/ incisive way. Plus it came out in the right time to blow the Poisons and Motley Crues of the world to second plan as people said "now this is quality hard rock with balls!". That being said so is Aenima and my vote goes easily to
Tool.
Finally we have MegaDave versus one of the most successful bands from the 90's. Of course Rap Metal was nothing new but it wasstill in its embryonic state with Run DMC's collaboration with Aerosmith, 'Thrax bringing the house down along with Public Enemy in a new version of their classic Bring The Noise or some of Faith No More's more Hip Hop ventures. Even on the other side of the Atlantic Clawfinger's demo was well known by now. But truth be told it was RATM who propelled the genre to another level of exposure.
So other than that what has RATM to offer? Well, groove, energy and lots political messages. I always had this weird little feeling (just a itsy bitsy impression) that communism is far from being the most popular political movement in the States
(be it nowadays or in the early 90's). And taking in account they're an American band it was almost certain these dudes would raise some eyebrows to say the least. Musically it's filled with pros and cons. Curiously enough the song that made them go boom (Killing In The Name Of) is perhaps one of my least favorite from the lot. But one must admit there's some truly engaging material here: Know Your Enemy and Take The Power Back combine razor sharp riffs that somehow reminds a lighter Helmet with groovy as hell hooks that even dare entering funk's domain. Bombtrack is also an engaging opener. But where I think this album kinda falls short is precisely what
@Jer pointed out: the remainder of the songs' morphology is way too similar. So how can one explain this record's sucess? Well firstly Rap Metal was a scene that was starting and although not being THE pioneers fact is RATM's debut was the record that massively spearhead the genre. Then one cannot deny that, although the majority of the songs are tooo similar, Zack's rap attack is aggressive as hell, Tom's riffs were punchy and his unorthodox exploring with the 6 strings were quite original to say the least and the rhythm section was really good.
Personally, apart from two songs, I think this record is kinda meh but utterly understand its appeal and why it was a win hands down. Curiously enough the only record from the band I overall like is The Battle Of LA, a record that - while sounding like RATM - is much more eccletic without losing an inch of strength. As for the political message I could care less: don't support it but it's not an isolated case in bands I'm fan of. And taking in account that I'm not even a RATM fan then I reaaaaally don't give a damn. That being said So Far is one of my favorite Thrash albums and this is an easy vote to
Megadeth.
Well seems like this is another one of those unfathomable great mysteries one has to search for an answer maybe towards a lifetime, isn't it? 
