"G N' R Lies" (also known simply as Lies) is the second studio album by American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, released on November 29, 1988, by Geffen Records. It is a combination of live recordings and acoustic tracks, making it one of the band's more eclectic releases. The album is notably short, running at only 33 and a half minutes, and became a commercial success, reaching number two on the US Billboard 200. It was certified 5× platinum by the RIAA, signifying over five million copies shipped in the United States.
G N' R Lies consists of two distinct parts: the first four tracks, Live ?!@ Like a Suicide, are live recordings from the band's early days and were originally released in the 1986 EP Live ?!@ Like a Suicide. The tracks are raw, fast-paced rock 'n' roll, representative of the band's rebellious, untamed energy in their early days. These four songs were included as bonus tracks in the 2018 reissue of Appetite for Destruction. The remaining four tracks are acoustic tracks recorded in a different style from the band's usual sound. These include "Patience," the only single released from the album, which became one of their most iconic ballads. The other tracks—"Used to Love Her," "You're Crazy," "One in a Million"—are more stripped-down and introspective, showcasing the band's versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds. A notable track, "You're Crazy," appears in both acoustic and electric versions, with the electric version first released on Appetite for Destruction and the acoustic one intended to reflect the band's original vision for the song.
One of the most controversial aspects of G N' R Lies was the song "One in a Million," which contains offensive and derogatory language, including racial slurs and homophobic remarks. The lyrics sparked significant backlash, with accusations of racism, homophobia, and nativism. Axl Rose, the band's frontman, defended the song by explaining that the words were meant as insults toward individuals in general, not a specific group of people, and he drew comparisons to other artists, such as N.W.A. and John Lennon, who had used similarly charged language in their work. Over time, however, Rose conceded that he had used the word "nigger" to describe people in specific situations, including as an insult to people who had tried to rob him. Despite the controversy, "One in a Million" remains a track that is not included in future compilation albums by Guns N' Roses. The song has since been widely regarded as one of the more problematic moments in the band's catalog.
The album's cover art parodies tabloid newspapers, with absurd headlines such as "Elephant gives birth to midget" and "Wife-beating has been around for 10,000 years." The album's provocative design, combined with its controversial content, drew attention and was part of the band's rebellious image. Some early CD pressings also featured altered artwork, and the original LP contained an uncensored photo of a nude model in the inner sleeve.
G N' R Lies stands as one of Guns N' Roses' most unique and divisive albums. While the acoustic tracks demonstrated the band's ability to diversify musically, the live tracks captured the raw energy of their early performances. However, the album's controversy, particularly around "One in a Million," has continued to shape discussions about the band's legacy. Despite this, Lies remains a commercial success and is a significant part of the Guns N' Roses story.
