I wouldn't worry about the flow of the album.  Remember that SJ did not approach every song the same on the last one, either(think CLV and Papa).  
Also, when a track is being done, so many things can impact the recording anyway---the producer, artist, engineer, hired musicians, etc.  Hell, I once had a PA offer a suggestion on a violin arrangement, and I used it.
Production approaches will vary.  A lot of the sonic quality of an album is gained (or lost) in the mastering.
Dan/NS