This album is getting a good reception from fans so far. We as a collective generally seem to like the lyrical content, the song structure, and even seem to be on board with the production for the most part. Heck, we are even happy with the marketing output this time.

So, I have been thinking that Richie would not have brought anything else to this album. I don't think it misses his guitar because the parts that are on the album could have been played by anyone, just like everything of WAN and The Circle. I also don't believe we would have had more solos if Richie was there.

I admit that I often wonder what Richie's backing vocals (his true vocal skill for all his "frontman" assertions), but I am not desperate for it.

My verdict of this album was 8.5 out of 10, I don't see how Richie co-writing would have elevated the songs any further.

What would Richie have brought to this project for you?