I believe one problem with certain 'softer' songs--those with lush orchestrations and restrained and limited instrumentation--is that remixing is tougher for the producer and engineer than, say, a rock song with a lot going on, or any funk band, for that matter. The idea is to keep the music from being too diffuse, to retain the impact of the original stereo mix, but expand it enough so that the 4-channel experience is pleasant and not distracting. On CLOSE TO YOU and this album, I thought they struggled with keeping things tight and discrete(the alternative can be heard on the Jim Croce quad's: too much up front, with little but ambiance behind--not intended to be fake quad, though it can sure sound that way on the ballads).
Overall, though, I like this one. And sound/mix considerations aside, I too dig Karen's wonderful voice, sexy and female yet a bit husky, vulnerable, but with a touch of strength. "Rainy Days And Mondays" may be a fine song and arrangement, but it's her singing that touches. "Superstar" works only because of her, athough the arrangement doesn't convey the intimacy the song intends.
Overall, I'm with Bob, a '7' here.
ED