Smashing Pumpkins discreetly release new album CYR

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It feels crazy how Smashing Pumpkins are my favorite band and now I feel like I cant even listen to all of the tracks on their new album because they are simply not the same as what they were. To be honest I didnt even know it was out until after it was released, it is like the album had no significance at all on release. Also, don't get me wrong. I dont hate the songs, but there is just nothing special about them anymore. It is just kind of cool but really like I am not bothered about it at the same time.

It happens. Artists change over time and sometimes the album they want to make isn't the album you want to listen to.

I didn't realize they made a new album. I will listen to it soon. My expectations are low: I imagine it won't sound like their other albums (all of which I love).

Which album are we talking about, here?

*Preface: The Smashing Pumpkins are #4 on my list of favorite bands, coming in behind Elliott Smith, The National, and Sufjan Stevens . I tend to have trouble with any new album because it's new (aka unfamiliar, and not yet a favorite). It takes me a while to warm up to it.

Okay, I have only listened to a few songs so far but I'm liking it (except maybe title song). The sound is new, but it still has a very 90s vibe (but not the title song, which kind of tried too hard to be new). But like I said, I went into it with low expectations, and I'm used to favorite artists eventually putting out dud albums (looking at you Modest Mouse).

A certain person nearby (who will remain nameless) has less then favorable thoughts on this one .

I've noticed that beloved bands who try to come back or recapture their fans will sometimes try too hard to follow previous formulas to get that same success back. I think this is the downfall of many albums. They end up sounding contrived, like they're going through the motions. They will have a reminiscent sound of their hits, but it comes out feeling hollow. Or they'll try to go in a completely different direction to reinvent themselves and they lose their identity. I think CYR managed to walk the line and not make these mistakes.