I don't post often but I've been a fan since Core came out when I was about 13 years old. I really fell in love with the band when SLDD came out and I finally saw them live in 2001 and 2002. Anyway, I'm happy the guys found Jeff and can continue with a guy like him that can do justice by the band. I think he fits in much better than Chester (RIP).
Overall though I think the new album is just OK. I get the same vibe musically that I got with 2010 the album. I thought Meadow was pretty good since I first heard it. And I love Art Of Letting Go. Sounds like a classic STP ballad and reminds me of Scott. Maybe it's the Deleos getting older, not having Brendan produce, or not having Scott around (in 2010's case, not having an up to par Scott), but I just don't love a lot of the music they've brought. I miss that heavy sound that Core & Silvergun Superman, Meatplow, Down, Heaven and Hotrods, No Way Out, Dumb Love, Coma, Long Way Home have. Even All In The Suit has it. Both self-titleds & High Rise are missing it. The slower songs on the album are the bright spots to me though (Red & Blues and Thought She'd Be Mine).
I know it's been well documented that Scott wasn't in the same room as the band & that plus no Brendan are big reasons why 2010 album wasn't on par with the other 5 albums, but Scott was able elevate some of the songs. To me Between The Lines, Take a Load Off, Dare if you Dare, Peacoat, First Kiss On Mars, and Maver are solid/classic sounding STP songs.
Maybe as the guys and Jeff accumulate more time writing and playing together, Jeff will be more comfortable writing or bringing song ideas to the band. I'm hoping he can push the guys to write some heavier sounding songs.
edit-I need to check out the bonus songs, maybe we have some harder rocking songs there.