No, you are not alone. Both albums are better than Mood Swings, although I would have Mood Swings a lot higher than 77%.
Top 5 Harem Scarem albums;
1. Harem Scarem
2. Mood Swings
3. The Early Years
4. Believe
5. Higher
There is no filler on 'Higher' and the hooks are better than Mood Swings.
'Lies,' 'Gone' and 'Reach' are weaker than anything on 'Mood Swings,' imo. I don't know of any filler on 'Mood Swings' at all. Maybe the silly version of 'Just like I planned,' but I never really considered that one of the album tracks, but more an interlude.
In terms of the hooks being better than on 'Mood Swings,' not sure what would make you say something like that, but to each their own. Love the band and both albums, but I rated 'Mood Swings' 89% and 'Higher' 83%, which is a solid gap when you get to the business end of ratings. For me, 'Mood Swings' is the much better album, but to each their own.
Harem Scarem
Weight Of The World
Higher
Mood Swings