November Rain
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"November Rain" is one of the most popular songs by the band Guns n' Roses, especially among music listeners who are not die-hard Guns n' Roses fans. It consistently remains one of the most requested songs on rock music radio stations. However, as well known as the song is itself, perhaps a greater amount of attention is given to the music video, which, in 1992, the year it was released, quickly became the most requested video on MTV and won an MTV Video Music Award for best cinematography.
"November Rain" appears on the album Use Your Illusion I. At over 8 minutes long, it is an epic rock ballad and one of the longest songs not only on that album but also that Guns n' Roses has ever recorded (both distinctions go to the 10 minute long "Coma"). On the radio, however, "November Rain" is sometimes played in a shortened version. November Rain does however hold the record for the longest guitar solo (counting Slash's two solos) in a US top ten hit ever.
The video is somewhat of a concept video, but by no means any less an epic than the song. Particularly, it can be noted for its large budget (about $1.5 million) and stunning cinematography. Many fans consider "November Rain" to be the second video in a trilogy (between "Don't Cry" and "Estranged"), and although the band has never made that statement, the similarity in production and style can be considered evidence of this intent. Like many other Guns n' Roses videos, "November Rain" contains concert footage, from the Use Your Illusion Tour.
The song has been noted that have been written since 1983. Former L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns said this about November Rain:
- When we were doing that EP for L.A. Guns, like '83? He was playing "November Rain" - and it was called "November Rain" ... you know, on piano. Way back then. It was the only thing he knew how to play, but it was his. He'd go: Someday this song is gonna be really cool. And I'd go: It's cool now. But it's not done, you know, he used to say. And like anytime we'd be at a hotel or anywhere there'd be a piano, he'd just kinda play that music. And I'd go: When are you gonna finish that already, you know? And he'd go: I don't know what to do with it.