First listening right now reactions to the album in quarters.
1/4:
2/4:
3/4:
4/4:
-So I after listening it seems he's is trying to make an experimental rock type album. Which I guess is why it sounds so cacophonic and distorted. So obviously he is veering from the Philly soul, hopefully not for long
-I mean he still has great vocals and inflections, and lyrics/chorus are ok. I think what has occurred to me is that he always sounds like this, but the production soundscape makes it sound like a distant relative of nails on the chalkboard.
-But for me on first listen I'm like
The thing is I like rock and I can dig a soul singer trying to do a rock album, but it's just half the songs aren't hitting on nothing
-I think also what is hurting my senses is that the soundscape is very minimalist, with just a regular drum and its like the other instruments just happen to be walking by and hopped on the track
.
The best tracks:
"Pleasure Toy"
"Satellites"
"Love Child"
"Holding it Back"
"Spiraling"
"Bury Me Next To You"
I guess 6/12 out aint' bad

I'll come back in a few days and give it another rewind, I'm sure some more tracks will begin to vibe with my sensibilities and expectations.
I would dig another rock type album by him, but it can't be the minimalist sounds, needs like a RHCP soundscape next time.
For a first time listen though, 6.5/10