I'm pretty torn on Shanks TBH. Of the album and a half he's been involved with, there have been some GREAT tracks and some absolute shit tracks. From a songwriting standpoint, I don't really think he's had that much influence, in the sense that Jon/Richie have continued to do what they've always done. Take the Bon Jovi formula, and mix it with a certain popular musical style. That's NOT a knock, it's a fact. They've done it since the '80s, and they'll probably continue doing it. Production wise, I think he's mediocre. HAND is way too OVER-ROCK produced in certain parts, but song like Novocaine sound pefect to me. His half of LH isn't that bad either, production-wise. Basically, I'm not in love with the guy as a producer, but I also don't absolutely despise him in that role either.