I have always been a defender of this album. I became a fan with New Jersey but I then searched out all the back albums. The sound is pretty awful in comparison to later albums but since I have older stuff from other bands with the same problem that didn't bother me too much. If nothing else Jon's vocals are worth listening to. And Richie's guitar is superb - I wish I could hear more like that from him now that he is older.

I also don't mind the absolutely hopelessly depressing lyrics and vibe. All my music doesn't have to be relentlessly optimistic. Anyone who has even been dumped in a relationship should be able to relate to this album - and who among us hasn't been there at some point in their life?