Plans is probably their most self-conscious album, in the sense that I think they tried really hard to make it sound 'pretty' and 'deep.' Although I still like the album, at times I'm worried simple nostalgia has clouded my judgement over it. When I actually compare it to past albums, I think it's probably among their weakest (Although I do like Summer Skin, Crooked Teeth, and Brothers on a Hotel Bed.)
Narrow Stairs is a turn in a different direction, IMO. It's lighter than Plans, as in it sounds a bit more like the band was having fun on it and less like they were trying to come across as artsy and sensitive.
I am willing to admit though that I'm not a big fan of Gibbard's lyrics as of late... They are far more literal now, which I suppose is good in the sense that it's easier to understand just what he's singing about. He also still writes some pretty turns of phrase but... I think his lyrical blunders are far more apparent now that they're not hidden behind a veil of metaphor.
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