Guns N Roses: ‘It’s So Easy’ to Re-Experience the Magic of This Number One Hit from 1988
Recorded in 1987 and released in 1988, Guns N Roses ‘It’s So Easy’ was a number one hit that left a lasting impression on the music world. Its heavy metal-inspired sound evoked the spirit of the hard rock that was popular amongst music fans in the late 1980s, whilst its simple yet catchy hook provided a sweet earworm sure to stay in your head for days on end.
The song’s impact was further reinforced by its video, which featured the band members playing in a bar packed with people, as singer Axl Rose communicated the song’s message of living life on the wild side. This video, together with excellent production from Mike Clink, has since become iconic and has been reignited by the various music festivals, gig performances and live streams it has received since its release.
In an interview with Rolling Stone in 1988, Axl Rose revealed that the song’s lyrics were inspired by him breaking up with his girlfriend at the time. He says: “The best way I could explain my situation was to write about the male ego and how it sometimes leads people to do stupid things. It’s not really guilt so much as it is an overly inflated ego that leads to regrets.”
It is clear to see the influence that ‘It’s So Easy’ had on the hard rock and heavy metal genres. Following its release, the song quickly rose in popularity, and is now listed as one of the all-time top heavy metal songs, with over a hundred million streams since its release. The song helped to define and popularize the signature Guns N Roses sound, which has since been heard across the globe in concerts, in radio stations, and online.
Modern hard rock and heavy metal bands continue to be heavily influenced by Guns N Roses’ iconic sound, which was captured by ‘It’s So Easy’. Talking to MTV, The Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen said: “I grew up listening to Guns N Roses, and they’ve been a big influence behind the development of my own music. There’s definitely some of that sound and energy in The Pretty Reckless’ music.”
The influence ‘It’s So Easy’ has had on modern music has made it one of the most recognisable songs from the 1980s. The song went on to be covered by numerous artists, becoming a classic for multiple generations of music fans. Its popularity has not gone unnoticed, with the song being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020.
Influence on Music Culture
The influence that the song has had on music culture has been immense, with its success both in the charts and on the radio being undeniable. Since its release, the singer-songwriters of the time have often cited ‘It’s So Easy’ as an influence in their music, and the influence is still heard in rock music today. Its influence is not just in the sound, but in the attitude it brings, with its representation of a ‘hard-living’ lifestyle that many in the genre can relate to.
The song was also an influence on fashion, with its video in particular capturing an iconic rock ‘n’ roll style. This look, composed of leather jackets and signature bandanas, was quickly emulated by fans, becoming an enduring part of punk and rock culture. This style continues to exist, with menswear influencers often modeling the ‘It’s So Easy’ look.
Finally, ‘It’s So Easy’ has had a significant influence on mainstream culture. The song has been mentioned countless times in popular culture, often being used to reference the classic rock and hard living lifestyle. In 2015, it was even used by Swedish musician Tove Lo in the hit TV show ‘Glee’, with its lyrics providing the musical backbone for the show’s cheerleading sequence.
Axl Rose’s Relevance in the Music Industry
The success of Guns N Roses has been due in large part to frontman Axl Rose. His powerful, chaotic vocal delivery has captivated audiences for decades, and this was captured perfectly in the recording of ‘It’s So Easy’. Rose has established himself as a cultural icon, with his voice and presence being a key part of the band’s identity.
Rose has continued to be successful in the years since the release of ‘It’s So Easy’. He has been featured in countless other projects, such as his work on the ‘Guitar Hero’ series, and has continued to tour with Guns N Roses. He was voted by NME readers as the best rock vocalist of all time in 2012, cementing his place within the musical landscape.
His influence has been seen in the numerous rock vocalists that have cited him as an influence, such as Corey Taylor of Slipknot, who said: “Axl Rose will always be one of the greats in the genre and I will always be willing to learn from him.” Rose’s influence on the music industry has been inestimable, and his presence in ‘It’s So Easy’ helped to shape the classic rock sound we know today.
A Timeless Classic
‘It’s So Easy’ has without a doubt left a lasting legacy on the music industry. Its influence has been felt in many genres, and it continues to be a defining song of the 1980s. It has helped to define and popularize Guns N Roses’ classic rock sound, and its legacy continues to thrive over 30 years after its release.
The song’s success can be summed up by its 2020 induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and its influence is something that will continue to be felt in music for many years to come. So what are you waiting for? Put the needle to the record and experience the magic of ‘It’s So Easy’ one more time.
The Making of the Song
The production of ‘It’s So Easy’ was overseen by Mike Clink, a veteran producer with a long history of working with hard rock bands. Clink brought a wealth of experience to the project, and worked closely with the band to ensure the song was captured to perfection. His expertise in studio technology resulted in the song’s sound being captured in a way that captured the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and the attitude of the era. The sound was further reinforced by the vocal production of Axl Rose, whose powerful and passionate delivery of the song’s lyrics help to make it the enduring classic it is today.
Clink’s influence on the production of the song is apparent in its success, with ‘It’s So Easy’ becoming a defining song of the era. His production work with the band has been praised as some of the most innovative of the 1980s, and its influence is still felt in modern rock music. He won a Grammy for his work with Guns N Roses, a testament to the impact he has had on the music industry.
Legacy of the Song
The legacy of ‘It’s So Easy’ lives on today, with its influence still being felt in the rock music of the present. Since its release, the song has been featured in multiple movies and TV shows, most notably the 2015 hit ‘Glee’. It has been covered by numerous artists, becoming a classic for multiple generations of music fans. Its video has been viewed millions of times online, and continues to inspire numerous rock fans who dream of living the rock and roll lifestyle.
This song has been woven into the fabric of both rock and mainstream culture, becoming a defining song of the 1980s. Its usage in the media has continued, and its popularity shows no signs of abating. Its lasting influence can be seen in the numerous artists who have been influenced by its sound. ‘It’s So Easy’ truly is a timeless classic.
Guns N Roses Today
Guns N Roses has since gone on to become one of the most successful rock bands in history, with their influence continuing to resound in the music world. Following various lineup changes, the band still continues to tour, playing some of their classic hits as well as newer music. Guns N Roses continues to be an influential force in the rock world, with many modern bands citing them as a key influence.
Whilst Guns N Roses has experienced major lineup changes since its formation in 1985, their classic ‘It’s So Easy’ has remained as popular as ever. Despite the changes, members of the original
