3 Years Later and here are my thoughts
So, before this album came out, I was sceptical. The singles never really stood out to me. Eventually, they grew on me, and I was worried that the album would flop. Had the mindset of "oh, is this all they have?" And "maybe they are saving the best songs in the album. " But the album came out, didn't listen to it until like a month later, didn't read any reviews, or heard anyone mention it. Just put it on and listened. My god, I loved it. It was fun, it was terrifying, it was hypnotic. From Game Over and it's calm acoustic intro to the unsettling piano solo of the title track, this album was one hell of a ride. It was like being on a trip without taking the drugs. I couldn't help but keep listening to it over and over again. The singles were even great, in my opinion. Like it isn't as good as some of their other work, wish it was longer is my main problem, but it is in my top 5(? Maybe).
I went online and I saw so many people hating on it. Did they not get that feeling I was getting? Did they judge it from the singles? They just joining the A7x hate train? Didn't matter as I loved it and that's what counts to me.
So 3 years later and what has changed? Well not much I still put on the album every now and then, though not as much as I use to. Still love it after 3 years and will probably keep loving it until I'm gone. I still think it's flow from calm to absolute unhinged chaos and back down again is absolutely perfect and it's heavy subject matter is something they can make a head bopping tune to and make it work. It was a risk they were willing to take, something that has divided many fans and music listeners. Still see a few comments hating on it and it's whatever, that's their opinion. But I love it, not perfect by any stretch, and it was probably one of my favourite albums of 2023 (considering how much I kept listening to it over and over again, it should be my favourite, it probably is) and I still defend this album til this day.
What are your thoughts? Love it? Hate it? Just ok? I'm open to any opinions and thoughts and see where the community is on this album. Obviously, keep it civil. Thank you!