In September 1996, Megadeth went to London to function on tracks for the future album. The album showcased a diverse set of tracks which the Los Angeles Times explained as a "rousing stability" in between more mature content and experimental songs. Ellefson discussed that the band adjusted its technique to songwriting for this album, starting to compose much more melodic tracks.
This use originated in the nineteen twenties when city and rural American values arrived into closer conflict. It typically refers to matters on which there is general societal disagreement and polarization in societal values.