"Joe's Story" is good, actually
I waited until the album was officially released to listen to it, even though I was REALLY TEMPTED to listen to the leaks. And... I'm super glad I waited. I think my feelings about Joe's Story are very similar to how I feel about Mirror to Mirror vs Face to Face.
Yes, Teens of Denial has a MUCH BETTER Drugs With Friends. But... I think that's the only song that Joe's Story "ruined". The lyric changes in Drugs With Friends were the only ones I actively disliked... Ravenous House makes me feel like I'm ascending, and the new Drunk Drivers is really gorgeous. Cosmic Hero also finally stands out to me. Both the original Teens of Denial and Joe's Story are soooo good in their own right. -- Obviously you're allowed to have your own opinions, but I feel a lot of people were being kinda dramatic about Joe's Story just because they don't like change in general. Yes the reason for the lyric changes is kinda odd in nature, but almost all the songs that came out of it are genuinely so good.
- I've listened to Car Seat Headrest's entire discography, including non-spotify releases. I've also listened to Will's bands before CSH. and yes, I do enjoy his older stuff better as I am in fact just an edgy teenager... But... Joe's Story is genuinely so musically beautiful. Sure, it's not my favorite, but I think everyone who hates it isn't giving it a fair chance.