Now that people are starting to receive their copies of The Marvelous Missing Link (Lost) I think it would be fun for people to share what they think. I was hoping that everyone who responds to this could have a short yet detailed opinion of each song and possibly use a 1-10/10 rating scale. It's so much better than seeing "this sucxzz" & "fukin luvd it!". I'll begin but I'd love to see well thought out opinions from the fam.

Disclaimer: Opinions are like assholes. Here's mine. My opinion, not my asshole (that's probably on a different site...). I hope this get's you excited for the new album and maybe help's you see it from a different perspective that you may not have thought about otherwise. I would love to see all of yours (Opinions, ninjas....). Like I said above, it's really interesting to hear other perspectives from Juggalos because a lot of us have no one to get geeked and discuss this type of stuff with. So let's try not to fill the thread with hate. You can TOTALLY 'dislike' the album, but giving examples why helps us open our perspective as well, instead of just thinking you're a prick.

1. Intro 6/10

The album begins with an ambient yet isolated chant of "The Marvelous Missing Link". Jumpsteady enters and prompts the message of TMML. It seems to keep saying the same idea/message but slightly changing the words around which may become a bit repetitive but as an Intro it's appropriate enough. 'Dark' isn't the correct term here. 'Desolate' may be a better suited term to describe the feel of where the album is taking us. Not one of the best intros but certainly sets the ambiance.

2. Lost 7/10

You can feel the frustration in Violent J's voice. He has a message. He's been telling it for too long to deaf it and now he's going to make sure he's heard. It's personal, it's real, and it only gets followed up by a powerful verse from Shaggy. The anger hits a wall and transitions into a defeated sounding chorus. Not to say the chorus is defeated. Their tone shifts as if they're defeated. Truly capturing the aspect of being "Lost". This one is a 'grower' for sure, but the more you listen the ore nuances you'll discover.

3. Apocalypse 8/10

Listen to this one up loud. It's a manic storytelling of the end of days but not through the typical humorous lens ICP is known for. An interesting take they chose was how human kind would react to catastrophes. They will set up the scene but really lay more focus on the unmerciful acts of mankind in times of tragedy. Throw in an uptempo beat (somewhat reminiscent of 'They Shootin' from FTFO2) and drop the bass for the chorus and you have a certified banger for concerts.

4. Shock 7/10

The album shifts gears and takes us through the mind of someone struggling with both substance abuse and mental anguish. It took a few listens to try to grasp what was happening. It seemed all over the place at first, however, after a few listens I realized that the song itself actually embodies a physical response to what the character is experiencing. Disoriented, fragmented, and just trying to paste it all together while finding the next fix. Short but fun and although it's not lighthearted or humorous per se, it's the lightest this album will get so enjoy it.

5. Confederate Flag 7/10

With all of the social commentary regarding racial bigotry and hatred in the last few years, this feels not only appropriate but welcomed. Although the subject matter is the same as Rebel Flag from Carnival of Carnage, the sound and feel is completely different. It feels more true to heart than Rebel Flag. As if the curtain was pulled aside and the gimmicks were wiped away to show the true detest of this vile form of mankind. The theme of racism, bigotry, and crooked law enforcement plays a bigger role on this album than it has in a while. It's hard to explain, but I'll try... When you listen to "Terrible" off AJB it feels true and real from Joe & Joey. When you listen to "Chicken Huntin" the message is still the same but it sounds like it's coming more from the clowns, Violent J & Shaggy. I've talked myself into a corner... Look over there! *Dashes off*

6. Vomit 8/10

This has an original feel to it while still somehow making it sound like the old acid rap catalogs from HOK/Esham/etc. The story tells us of the despicable human beings who shunned and manipulated loved ones to further their own selfish needs. These types of people deserve a whole separate kind of justice. No slicing their throats, no chopped up with axe fates for these abominations. These souls took those closest to them and hurt them in a way physical pain never could. What's more fitting than having your soul pulled forcibly down to the depths of hell only to be greeted by Beelzebub himself. The very sight of you makes the devil himself want to vomit... so he does... right on your face. The chant at the end reminds me of the Hell's Pit era when the website had "Throw your hands in the air, if you don't care, that it's fucking raining blood everywhere!" on a loop (later released for Bodies Fly on FF4). I can see this being great for shows with an extra bass boost.

7. Falling Apart 8/10

ICP gives us a ballad about a man's personal hell of falling apart piece by piece. Feeling every ounce of anguish and pain but never feeling the release of death. The chorus is catchy and shows the character's confusion, fear, and frustration. The song sounds very familiar to Violent J's "Dead Man Walking" from Let Em Bleed: Vol.2 but with a stronger narrative and emotion to paint the picture for the listener. The music is a steady flow that comes to a swell on the chorus. The chorus sounds like a more familiar ICP tune than the rest of the album all while still keeping that gritty feel. Sure to be a fan favorite for some.

8. How 7/10

I've been listening to ICP since 1998 and have read every interview, article, and book they've released. This song explores personal topics that they've yet to explore in past endeavors. Some of their examples are true while others are truly genuine fears and concerns they've asked themselves for years. This song is probably the most synonymous with the Lost Missing Link storyline. True fears and concerns from what very much sounds like Joe, Joey, J, and Shaggy which is rare. Young Wicked sings the chorus and the boy has some chops. Even if this type of chorus isn't your cup of tea you have to appreciate that they have a talented singer on the roster. Between his skills on the boards, his writing, and his voice he gives hope for the future of Psychopathic Records. This song is a grower though. Give it a few listens.

9. Explosions 9/10

This song looks like it would be a blast at concerts. High energy beat, lyrics that coincide with a hard bass drop, and a steady swaying undertone that would compliment crowd serving perfectly. The lyrics actually talk about the characters they're portraying to be the despised and vile ones. The type to hide in a basement and make explosives to hurt the innocent. They ask "what drives a man to commit these atrocities?" and ends with the man falling with his chest exploded out, feeling down, and never knowing why. It's a strong message that goes into the psyche of a man who is lost and expresses it through this outlet of explosives. The chorus is catchy and the verses are easy to nod your head to.

10. I'll Keep My Hatchet 6/10

This song is reminiscent of "I'm Dead" from the original Violent J Solo CD from The Gathering. They list off a series of weapons that don't compare to their weapon of choice, the hatchet. Unfortunately, I don't see this having a HUGE replay value and is one of the first songs to sort of step out of the mold the rest of the album was presenting. Violent J's voice also resorts back to his strained Mighty Death Pop tone. Some may very well enjoy it, but I typically skip songs that don't raise the stakes in their verses. This song starts at one level and remains there for the duration. The ending has a cool industrial sounding scratching portion though.

11. The Neighbors Are Fighting 4/10

'The Neighbors Are Fighting' is way too similar to the tone of 'I'll Keep My Hatchet'. So much so that I didn't notice it changed songs while listening through the album twice in a row. Without the beginning dialogue talking about neighbors fighting I wouldn't have any context clues what this song is about at all. They never discuss neighbors or why they're fighting with them at all. I also am unsure if J & Shaggy are the two neighbors battling each other or they're telling us what they'll do to their neighbors. The song (just like I'll Keep My Hatchet) keeps the same level the entire time and just lists off what they'll do to their neighbors. It's fun to listen to for a bit and it certainly isn't bad by any means, but it's hardly memorable. I can't stress enough how frustrating the lack of context is in this song. It could've literally been called ANYTHING and still have the same message which is not a good thing. We could call it "I'll Kill You", "Beat Yo Ass", "Beat Down By A Street Clown", "Fist Fight"...It wouldn't matter or change a single thing in the song. If it's that indiscernible than it doesn't stand a great chance of withstanding the test of time.

12. You Should Know 9/10

I know a lot of you older Juggalos may have found love and settled down. This song may hit pretty close to home for some things. Maybe not as exaggerated as J's character but as far as not being the Mr. Right they might have thought you were or having some skeletons that you could never tell them in fear that you'd skew the image you worked so hard to obtain in their eyes. 'You Should Know' is about a man who plays mind games and has been manipulating his love in the worst of ways. He's repenting his actions and coming clean once and for all, but no matter how sorry he is, he's the monster and is now realizing it. It feels like a combo between 'Gone' (unreleased track. Youtube it. It's great.) & 'Bitch I Lied' but a lot more personal and true. It may strike true for a lot of you Juggalos as well. The realness of his examples make each listen even more rewarding than the last. Excellent effort put in on this one. Proof that J can still be direct about personal subject matter while still staying true to his wicked clown persona. More like that, please!

13. Flamethrower 10/10

This song had it all for me. It felt eerie. The tone was uncomfortable but so catchy. The descriptive story played out so vividly and didn't feel forced. It wasn't like "Night of the Axe/Chainsaw/44". It wasn't a mad man running around without a purpose, but to kill (love those songs, but I'm proving a point here...). These two characters had an objective and would follow through by any means necessary. The chorus makes you feel as if you're in a trance and then drops a heavy bass beat. All I can compare it to is when an action star tosses a lighter behind him and walks towards the camera as the building explodes. It's slow and methodical. I can't stress this enough...IT DIDN'T FEEL FORCED! It was like the young Wicked Clowns who were still hungry and angry came back for one last ride. Not to say the new stuff isn't great or deserves merit. It's just different (and that's okay, Juggalos!). The song also ends with the main characters not receiving their happy ending. A powerful trait most exercised in the Hell's Pit days where our heroes don't always come out on top, but it makes the narrative that much more real. Give this one a chance. Made me feel 11 years old again when listening to a group called Insane Clown Posse made me a little scared, but way more excited and on the edge of my seat.

14. I See The Devil 8/10

This song tries to bring the message of the Marvelous Missing Link home while still remaining gritty and relate-able to the Juggalos. Young Wicked brings the vocals on the chorus again. Don't mistake singing for softness. They build up the track every time they hit the chorus to boost the power behind the message. This is the difference between a memorable track and a forgettable one that just stays on one level the entire time. Every line they raise the stakes and it pays off. I can imagine it's difficult to discuss faith and religion while being in character as a wicked clown and still trying to fit the gritty and isolated feel of the album, but I think they pull it off nicely.

OVERALL: This album doesn't feel like a typical Joker's Card AND I FIND IT REFRESHING. We are now on the 3rd Card of the Second Deck and however you feel about that decision it doesn't change the outcome of the work put into the projects. They didn't come out and tell us it's going to sound like their old stuff like Bang!Pow!Boom!. They didn't say they wanted to explore new territory with music they've been playing with for a bit like Mighty Death Pop!. They said they had a story to tell and they took a whole separate path than they've used past. They had a lot of original ideas/messages and they also strengthened old themes with stronger beats and lyrics. The point is after all these years the Insane Clown Posse is still putting out new styles of music, and while exploring new depths, keeping it close to home for the family. It took me a few listens to appreciate what this album is. My brain tried to rationalize it and question WHY it wasn't a certain way, but that's a somewhat ignorant way to view new material. When I finally allowed myself to view it as the piece of music it WAS instead of what I was thinking it their catalog resembled in the past I REALLY enjoyed this album. It's NOT Hell's Pit. It's NOT Ringmaster. It's NOT Riddlebox. It has become it's own entity, The Marvelous Missing Link.

And his era begins now...

Overall Score: 7.5/10