I love this record. i don't listen to it nearly enough. getting past the sound quality, the production, the drum machines, whatever issues one may have with the record, i go back to those songs and most are brilliant. pharoah is another classic opener. metropolis is a pretty good radio pop song. laughing is gorgeous and sad. russian autumn heart has a great kick. essence is wonderful. disappointment is one of the most overlooked songs on this album, so wish they'd play this one on the acoustic tour. there are some duds too, you're still beautiful is rather horrid, with an equally horrid video to match. what were they thinking? grind is a real downer of a closer, some great guitarwork but its still rather dirge-ish, i can bear it a bit better these days tho. overall this record has a bit of a special place for me, first time i saw the band was on the GAF tour and it is one of those albums that takes you back to a specific time and place in your life. but still, i think the record is strong enough to stand on its own.