While Guns N’ Roses are widely known for their hard-hitting rock ‘n’ roll sound, they’ve certainly dipped their toes into country music territory over the years. It’s no surprise, considering the band’s diverse influences. Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin, for instance, both hail from the suburbs of Lafayette, Indiana—a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, where the band eventually formed. Each member of the band brought their own background and musical influences, helping shape the distinctive Guns N’ Roses sound. Among those influences, country music has had a clear impact on several of their songs.
After diving into Metallica’s best country-inspired tracks, we thought it was only fitting to explore some of Guns N’ Roses’ more country-ish moments. These songs may not be full-on country anthems, but they definitely show the band’s ability to blend rock with twangy, southern-flavored influences. Here’s a ranking of Guns N’ Roses’ five most country-ish songs:
1. “November Rain”
While “November Rain” is known primarily as a grandiose rock ballad, it has undeniable country undertones in its composition, particularly in the use of its melancholy piano and string sections. The song’s emotional weight, coupled with Axl’s soulful delivery, could easily be interpreted as a country-style ballad about heartbreak and longing. It’s the kind of sweeping, epic love song that wouldn’t be out of place in the country genre, albeit with a bigger rock ‘n’ roll flourish.
2. “Used to Love Her”
“Used to Love Her” is one of Guns N’ Roses’ most straightforward forays into country territory. The song’s laid-back, bluesy feel and its story of troubled love feel very country, even though it’s still wrapped in the band’s hard rock sound. The lyrics—about a relationship that has gone south—are also country-esque, showcasing a mix of humor and dark themes that have been staples of country music for decades.
3. “Patience”
“Patience” is an acoustic-driven track that combines heartfelt lyrics with a stripped-down, country vibe. The twangy guitar work, accompanied by Axl Rose’s soulful, vulnerable vocals, gives this ballad a clear country influence. The theme of waiting for love and dealing with uncertainty in relationships is a narrative that resonates deeply within country music, and the band’s performance gives the song a distinctly country flavor, even if it’s primarily a rock ballad.
4. “Mama Kin”
While “Mama Kin” is more rock than country, there are definitely elements of country in the song’s storytelling and rhythm. With its rootsy riff and Axl’s raspy, emotive vocals, the track has the kind of swagger that’s reminiscent of southern rock, which is deeply tied to country music. The raw, straightforward energy and rebellious spirit behind “Mama Kin” mirrors the essence of many country rock classics.
5. “Dead Horse”
“Dead Horse” is one of the band’s more underrated tracks, but it carries a noticeable country influence, especially in its melancholy, introspective tone. The lyrics, which express feelings of personal struggle and disillusionment, could easily fit into a country song’s narrative. Its steady rhythm and stripped-down arrangement contribute to a vibe that’s close to the storytelling style found in country music, with Axl’s delivery bringing the song’s emotional weight to the forefront.
Though Guns N’ Roses are known for their explosive rock anthems, it’s clear that country music has influenced several of their tracks. Whether it’s through acoustic ballads like “Patience,” the bluesy swagger of “Used to Love Her,” or the twangy moments in “November Rain,” these songs showcase how the band can mix hard rock with country elements to create something uniquely their own. While they might never fully abandon their rock roots, these country-inspired moments add another layer of depth to the iconic sound of Guns N’ Roses.
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