backstory and mythology attached to it. plus the backstory is a more tragic one. whereas stands one is more triumphant. most people like the former. riot is more funk, darker, and without the happy vibe of the 60s/family stone. stand is much more upbeat, and celebratory, so if you dont like too much smiling in your music, it prob wont be for you. riot is seen as the more 'serious' album. where sly didnt care about commercial considerations, or how people would take it. its his 'depressed' album (even tho i dont think it sounds like hes depressed, or at least it doesnt make me sad). its also his drunken rambling album (i think he purposely wanted to sound drunk), and you know how critics and fans love shit like that.