: Moving away from the lush synthesizers and pop hooks of the 1980s, the band embraced a hard-rock and blues-rock aesthetic. Tracks like "Gypsy Train" showcased aggressive guitar riffs and a "jam-oriented" approach to songwriting.
: Self-produced by the band and mixed by Bob Clearmountain , the record stripped back the "patented polish" of previous hits, exposing a raw energy. The Legacy of Jeff Porcaro
The album represented a significant shift in leadership and musical direction: