Simply put, this is a great rock album.  While diehard GnR fans will always want a return to what was, this album is far superior to anything Axl will ever put out under the GnR name.  While you can hear old GnR and Stone Temple Pilots, this album does have it's own feel.  Duff's bass playing has a lot more punk to it these days.  This album does not have the epic sound of Use Your Illusion, with the deep bass drum, rather, this album is reminescent of Appitite with a more raw recording sound.  Whether or not this album meets with your hopes of a GnR sound, it is still a great album to listen to.