[Zeke.]

I wonder how people's opinions have changed now that the album has a) had time to grow on them or b) people have had time to get over the initial "excitement".

For me, I have grown to love this album so much. I have always thought holding out for the album and not seeing the covers and stuff would make me love it more, but this time is the first time I did not purchase a copy. I did wait until about a week before release to view the covers and held out on any clips of songs until the album leaked but I have to say, I love this album much more than NEXT LEVEL and a Hell of a lot more than R'n'R. For me, this album is so great now, I listen to it in my car constantly (minus Love Song and Virgin Road and the interludes - I didn't burn those on the CD). I would be interested in a new thread comparing the new thoughts on the album.

I was disappointed with L when it was released but the first weekend in October I took an 8 hour road trip and I burnt crossroad and the L single (minus Virgin Road) on CD and fell in love with them on the trip. Really, I do love this album a lot now. But I think half the reason is due to how disappointing R'n'R was for me. If this album came after MY STORY or (miss)understood I would not love it as much.

It's like:
Sending mail = November > blossom > Last Angel > Sweet Season > crossroad > Do it again > MOON > Like a doll > Love song > Virgin Road

November used to be my love but Sending mail is the first one I play when I get in my car now so I'd say it is about 1/2 a point above November.