...being a full blown hip-hop head at the time. I liked the "sound" of that album. To me it was a soul album for and by rap (influenced) dudes, but not in that Jaheim, Ghetto Luv type of way.

That said, I've been listening to There's A Riot... a lot lately and that album is full of mumbling, noodling and melody-less songs as well. I guess Sly released enough material before that period to earn the ability to get away with it whereas D had/has not. Either way, I enjoy both albums for their vibe(s), melodies lacked and all. *shrug*