First of all, big fan of "classic" GnR.
I like what I've heard of this album although its not as good as their previous material. Also like Velvet Revolver, which wasn't so much a GnR replacement as a mix of STP with GnR.
To me, while an important part Axl isn't GnR. You need the others as well. Would Sweet Child O'Mine be as good without Slash's iconic riff at the begining or the solo?