Just finished it... I probably wouldn't give it a second chance if it weren't James LaBrie. Actually, I probably wouldn't have got past the first verse if it weren't James LaBrie - not my style at all.
But, it is James LaBrie, and I know I like a lot of what he's about, so I'll keep at it. I definitely like the choruses, and I know a lot of people who would definitely be into something like this. To me, it sounds like a good example of what it is, if that makes any sense. And there's enough good in it for me to still want to buy the album.
Dubious but still hopeful, I suppose is what I'm feeling. I really like that this is something so thoroughly different, though. I've always respected experimentation and this is a really exciting new approach. Amazing to be hearing something so outlandish from someone so familiar.