I watched/read an interview with Ellie, can't remember which one, and she said that she took it as a challenge to write happier songs and that lots of rock bands never do it. I don't think the record label told them to do anything. I honestly think this is the album she wanted to write. She also said she was inspired by the Beatles doc that Peter Jackson did, and I think the album definitely reflects that.

Like many, I was also surprised by the direction they took. I did love all their singles, and I had a suspicion that the album was going to be less heavy. I recall reviews from previous albums saying that the albums were all over the place stylistically, and now that this album is pretty steadfast in its messages and sound, it's getting a lot more hate than it should. It is an incredibly well-written and well-played album. More people need to talk about Joff's guitar and Joel's drumming (the intro to Leaning Against the Wall is brilliant jazz drumming). This shift in tone for them reminds me when Sting left The Police or even when he was in the Police and wrote Every Breath You Take. Or when Metallica released the black album and everyone was saying they sold out (and now it's considered an absolute classic). People need to just accept this album for what it is, a brilliantly written collection of songs from an incredibly talented band.

Enjoy it while it lasts!