The reactions of some of my friends when listening to the new songs thought they we're OK. This is the type of album that most people will have to listen to a couple of times...but I think it will be well recieved once they do that. These 4 new songs...hell, I didn't like them too much when I first listened, but after a few plays I'm loving the hell out of them.
I think a song like TWAT may take some time to get into because of its length and depth, so that doesn't surprise me. Although, I think CITR could be one of those songs that people instantly get into because the melodies are great and it's a little more straightforward and linear, structure-wise.
I just hope that whatever the first single is, it's one of those songs that you just get into right off the bat. That would be the best way to get people in the mindset where they're willing to give some of the more challenging songs several listens after they've hopefully purchased the album.
Ali