This conversation came up with a friend a while back. I guess the truth is, artists can choose to either take a more dark/deep path and really put something complex out their in the music world (which I kind of consider My Chemical Romance's earlier albums), but then there's also the really inviting fun side to music that they basically gave into and felt in the moment.
I think the album came out a bit too poppy, rather than punk, and they took the fun thing to a whole new level. They could've done something in-between, like, eased the fans into the synthesizers and over-produced bs they put out. Am I disappointed? Yeah. But all we can do is wait to see what 'master piece' they put out next.
I actually agree. They're more mainstream now, as well... They used to be much darker and so much more emotional. A lot of changes can happen in four years, though, so I guess its understandable.
I kind of feel the same but I don't listen to any of the albums as much anymore so I can't tell the difference. I'm never concerned with sound changes either so it doesn't make a difference to me.