I don't like Eternity as much as you do Kade, but it has grown on me. But yes, the title track, TRATB, and Empire are amazing. But overall, it just doesn't feel as strong as their other albums. There are at least three better Reunion albums than TBOS.
I'm finding it hard to rank. When it first came out I thought it might top all other reunion albums but now it could be near the bottom, which is weird because it feels wrong doing that.
I understand where you're coming from. The initial excitement faded pretty quickly for me, but I still really like those songs mentioned, with exception of TRATB. I really don't like this one at all - for me the repetition fatigue sets in really quickly. It's a "skipper"..
Empire is super - great story and drama, and something fresh. I just feel that a little bit of trimming or tightening up could have brought it from a 9/10 to a 10/10.
For the next one, I would love for the guys to work with a new producer, who would move them out of their comfort zone and challenge them into creating a really solid, great sounding album. I'm not a fan of the dry, 'live' sound, especially on the vocals. I can't really see much changing at this stage though..