The first Creed CD that I got was HC and then MOP. After listening to both I noticed a progression. MOP is an ASSUME 1st album but has the feel that the band was still learning to find their sound and how the studio works. HC was another step forward for the band on their sound and it feels like they were having a good time with the plus' that a studio offers ( more instruments and richer sound). Weathered is two giant steps forward. The band sounds as if they were truly comfortable in the bands skin while in the studio (I have never seen them on tour) and they expanded the Creed sound to include other aspects of the band (playstation vs. playstation 2). I wanted to be blown away and given something to think about personally, and I got it (YES).