I have now spent plenty time with this album. I have been playing it about twice a day for the past 3-4 weeks. At first I wasn't sure what to think. Nothing really grab me right away. However, this seems to happen to me with new Church releases. I know that if I am patient with their stuff it is only a matter of time before the lightbulb comes on. This album is no different, but this time, it seems like the appreciation and enjoyment of the music is more intense than before. The surprising thing for me is I really like when the Church drift more towards pop and this doesn't really have anything like that on the whole album, yet this album has grabbed my attention and then some. As others have mentioned the lineup on this album flows together very well and there is melodies galore on this album. They are subtle though so they kind of sneak up on you over time and now I have U23 songs popping in my head all day long. Is this the best or favorite Church album for me? As of right now, yes it is a favorite and it is their best from start to finish, but also keep in mind I am in the honeymoon period still and only time will tell if it has staying power as my favorite Church album. There has been some discussion on the production or recording of this album. I think it is well done. This is not a compressed, veiled, or muddy recording like others have said. I think the issue is not recording quality, but rather how the Church chose to do the mix. The Church maybe do not utilize one of their strengths, which is excellent guitars lines and guitar interplay between MWP and PK. The excellent guitar work is on this album,it is just a lot of this is not as prevalent in the overall mix, so it is kind of faint back ground music instead of more up front presentation with the guitars. I personally think they got it right for the type of music and the overall feel or mood album creates. This album is amazing and I can't wait to here some of this live.