Think About You – Guns N’ Roses (1987)

“Think About You” is a lesser-known but vibrant track from Guns N’ Roses’ debut album, Appetite for Destruction, released in 1987. Written primarily by Izzy Stradlin (rhythm guitar), with contributions from Axl Rose (vocals), Slash (lead guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), and Steven Adler (drums), the song is a rare love ballad in the band’s early catalog, blending raw rock energy with a touch of romantic sincerity. Unlike the album’s chart-topping singles like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” or “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Think About You” was not released as a single, but its upbeat melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a cult favorite among fans and a showcase of the band’s versatility.

The song’s origins trace back to 1985–1986, during the band’s formative years on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip. Izzy Stradlin, who took the lead in writing the track, drew inspiration from a romantic relationship, though he never publicly named the specific person. The lyrics reflect a more tender side of Stradlin, contrasting with his usual gritty, drug-fueled contributions like “Mr. Brownstone.” The music was developed in the band’s rehearsal space, a chaotic Hollywood loft they called “the hellhole,” where Slash’s melodic guitar riffs, McKagan’s driving bass, and Adler’s steady drumming gave the song its infectious energy. Axl Rose’s vocal delivery added a layer of passion, elevating the track’s emotional impact.

Musically, “Think About You” stands out for its bright, almost pop-infused rock sound, a departure from the album’s heavier tracks like “Out Ta Get Me” or “Nightrain.” The song opens with a jangly guitar riff from Slash, setting a lively tone, before transitioning into a driving rhythm that blends hard rock with a punky edge. Recorded at Rumbo Recorders, Take One Studio, and The Record Plant under producer Mike Clink, the track was one of the more polished on Appetite for Destruction, showcasing the band’s ability to craft a radio-friendly sound without sacrificing their raw edge. Slash used his 1959 Gibson Les Paul replica, delivering solos that balanced melody and intensity, while Stradlin’s rhythm guitar provided a solid backbone.

No official music video was produced for “Think About You,” likely due to its status as a deep cut and the band’s focus on promoting their bigger hits. However, the song was a regular part of their early live sets, particularly during 1987 shows at the Marquee Club in London and the 1988 Ritz performance in New York. Axl’s dynamic stage presence, often swaying emotively during the song’s verses, and Slash’s soaring solos made it a crowd-pleaser. Fan-recorded footage from these gigs, widely shared in bootlegs, has preserved the song’s live energy, highlighting its role in the band’s early repertoire.

“Think About You” has been praised as an underappreciated gem in Guns N’ Roses’ catalog, often cited in fan polls and retrospectives by outlets like Ultimate Classic Rock for its catchy melody and emotional depth. While it lacks the cultural footprint of the album’s singles, it has been covered by bands like The Dead Daisies and featured in fan-made tributes online. Its enduring appeal lies in its sincerity and upbeat vibe, offering a glimpse into the band’s softer side amidst the chaos of their Appetite era.

Reason for the Song’s Creation

“Think About You” was born from Izzy Stradlin’s desire to express a personal, romantic sentiment, a rare departure from the band’s usual themes of rebellion, addiction, and urban grit. In 1985–1986, Guns N’ Roses were living a wild, hand-to-mouth existence on the Sunset Strip, surrounded by drugs, groupies, and dive bars. Amid this chaos, Stradlin found inspiration in a romantic connection, channeling his feelings into a song that was both heartfelt and grounded in the band’s rock ‘n’ roll ethos. While Stradlin was typically guarded about his personal life, he later described the song as a “simple love song,” written to capture a fleeting moment of affection.

The song also served as a creative counterpoint to the band’s darker tracks. Axl Rose, who helped shape the lyrics, saw value in showcasing the band’s range, balancing the aggression of songs like “It’s So Easy” with something more tender. The band’s collaborative rehearsals allowed them to infuse the track with their signature energy, with Slash’s melodic riffs and the rhythm section’s upbeat drive giving it a universal appeal. As Slash noted in interviews, the band’s early songs were like “diaries” of their lives, and “Think About You” was a rare glimpse into Stradlin’s softer side, reflecting a moment of vulnerability amid their reckless lifestyle.

Musically, the band aimed to create a track that felt fresh and dynamic, drawing on their influences like The Rolling Stones and The New York Dolls. The bright, jangly guitars and driving rhythm were intentional choices, designed to capture the excitement of new love while maintaining the band’s raw edge. “Think About You” was a chance for Guns N’ Roses to prove they could write a love song that wasn’t overly sentimental, staying true to their identity as rock ‘n’ roll outcasts while exploring new emotional territory.

Content Conveyed Through the Song

“Think About You” is a vibrant, heartfelt love song that captures the thrill and longing of romantic infatuation, delivered with Guns N’ Roses’ signature rock intensity. The lyrics, sung with Axl Rose’s passionate, soaring vocals, express a deep obsession with a lover, blending sincerity with the band’s gritty swagger. Unlike the dark, cynical themes of tracks like “Mr. Brownstone” or “My Michelle,” this song is unapologetically romantic, offering a rare moment of optimism in the Appetite for Destruction narrative.

The opening lines, “Say baby you been lookin’ real good / You know that I remember when we met,” set a nostalgic tone, with the narrator reminiscing about the moment they first saw their lover. The phrase “lookin’ real good” conveys both physical attraction and admiration, while the reference to their meeting suggests a connection that lingers in the narrator’s mind. Rose’s delivery, warm yet edgy, infuses the lyrics with a sense of urgency, as if the narrator is overwhelmed by their feelings.

The chorus, “I’m thinkin’ ‘bout you / Every time I think about you,” is the song’s emotional core, a simple yet powerful declaration of obsession. The repetition of “thinkin’ ‘bout you” mimics the cyclical nature of infatuation, where the lover dominates the narrator’s thoughts. The line “It’s drivin’ me crazy, it’s tearin’ me apart” introduces a hint of vulnerability, suggesting that this love, while exhilarating, is all-consuming and potentially destabilizing. The upbeat tempo and bright guitars in the chorus amplify the excitement, making the listener feel the rush of new romance.

The verses delve deeper into the narrator’s devotion, with lines like “You know that I’d do anything for you / I’d even sell my soul to the devil.” This hyperbolic imagery, common in rock ballads, underscores the intensity of the narrator’s feelings, portraying love as a force worth any sacrifice. The mention of “sell my soul” also carries a faint echo of the band’s reckless lifestyle, tying the song to their broader narrative of living on the edge. The line “You’re always on my mind, girl, you’re always there” reinforces the theme of obsession, with the lover as an ever-present force in the narrator’s life.

Musically, “Think About You” is a burst of energy, opening with Slash’s jangly, melodic riff, which sets a lively, almost celebratory tone. Stradlin’s rhythm guitar and McKagan’s bass provide a driving pulse, while Adler’s drumming keeps the tempo brisk, evoking the heartbeat of infatuation. Slash’s solos, particularly in the bridge, soar with a mix of melody and grit, capturing the emotional highs of the lyrics. The song’s structure, with its dynamic shifts from verses to an anthemic chorus, mirrors the rollercoaster of new love—exciting, unpredictable, and intense.

Thematically, “Think About You” is about the all-consuming nature of romantic longing, capturing a moment of pure, unfiltered emotion. It stands out on Appetite for Destruction for its optimism and sincerity, offering a contrast to the album’s tales of addiction and urban decay. The song reflects Izzy Stradlin’s ability to find beauty in the chaos of the band’s world, while showcasing Guns N’ Roses’ knack for blending raw rock with emotional depth. Its infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics make it a timeless ode to love’s exhilarating grip.

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