It's almost as if there are some messages that are spread over several songs to make it a more cohesive album.
True. They DID take 7 whole years to put out a new album even after canceling a world tour. 7 whole years to write 10 songs is a maddenly slow pace.
Honestly, the album keeps getting better with every listen. Still not sure where I'd rank it in the discography, but I'm not sure it really matters. Mike's constant presence on the record is like a reassuring hug. It's a "don't worry, I got this fam" comforting feeling and something I'll never take for granted.