I've definitely come around on this album. I wish it was just called Axl Rose instead of GNR b/c it sounds absolutely nothing like GNR. Not a riff to be found on the album. That being said, while I laughed the first time I listened, by the third time I started liking it. Now, I'm all over it. I totally appreciate what Axl has done, but like you said...nothing like their old stuff. I disagree with album of the year. As I've posted several times, I much prefer Death Magnetic, as Rick Rubin has finally gotten Metallica back to what they should be, but this is right up there. If you're an Axl fan, it's well worth the ten bucks! You just may need to listen a few times before you appreciate it.