Duff McKagan’s Loaded – The Taking (2011)
The former members of Guns N’ Roses are a relentless bunch of musicians. While I love the original lineup of Guns N’ Roses, when I hear an album like Duff McKagan’s Loaded’s The Taking, I begin to think that the fans are winning by the break up of G N’ R. If Guns N’ Roses was still around, we may not get so many cool tunes from Duff McKagan’s Loaded.
The Taking starts off with a heavy rocker “Lords of Abaddon”. This song is so good, it demands multiple replays. McKagan play a heavy bass line throughout this song, and delivers a pretty cool vocal to boot. “Lords of Abaddon” is definitely the right way to start off an album!
“Executioner’s Song” is a powerful and heavy number that invokes the spirit of Black Sabbath. This is a tune needs to be played a maximum volume to be fully appreciated.
“Dead Skin” is one of the more radio friendly tracks, that U.S. Radio has simply ignored. It is a crying shame, as this is one of Loaded’s better tunes. (Check it out in the video below.)
I don’t know what it is about “We Win” that reminds me of early U2, but it does. I mean that in the utmost respect to Duff McKagan and company. It is a pretty extraordinary tune that I wouldn’t expect to hear from Duff McKagan’s Loaded.
“Easier Lying” is the first song that I have mixed feelings about. This mid-tempo number isn’t terrible, but it needed something to take it up a notch. I kind of feel the same way about the song “She An Anchor” too. “She’s An Anchor” is an angry sounding rocker that could have been improved upon a bit.
Loaded could actually have a mild hit on their hands with “Indian Summer”. It is one of the catchier songs on The Taken, and one of my favorites on the CD.
“King of the World” is one of the harder rocking moments on The Taking. It commands attention with its hard-driving beat, but might require a few plays before you truly appreciate it.
Everytime I listen to “Cocaine” I begin to wonder how this song would have sounded with Axl Rose on the vocals. This song could have easily been recorded as a Guns N’ Roses tune.
While I have enjoyed The Taking, it does not surpass the Duff McKagan’s Loaded’s previous release Sick. This CD is however a better release than the band’s debut Dark Days. The Taking could have used a couple of stronger tunes to get it through its weaker spots. It is still is a solid album, and one that all of Duff McKagan’s fans need to check out!!
For more information on Duff McKagan’s Loaded, please visit the band’s website at http://duff-loaded.com/.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1.) Lords of Abaddon
2.) Executioner’s Song
3.) Dead Skin
4.) We Win
5.) Easier Lying
6.) She’s An Anchor
7.) Indian Summer
8.) Wrecking Ball
9.) King Of The World
10.) Cocaine
11.) Your Name
12.) Follow Me To Hell
Duff McKagan’s Loaded is:
Duff McKagan – vocals and guitar
Mike Squires – lead guitar
Jeff Rouse – bass
Isaac Carpenter – drums
Hard Rock Hideout 
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