Sophomore Slump? None Here! Part 1

Taking a look at bands and artists who killed it on their second album!

I am fighting off a nasty summer cold. And I’m just not feeling up for a Two For Tuesday compilation and write-up today. But, thanks to the always awesome Kevin over at

On Repeat Records

, I’ve got a topic I’m jazzed to write up despite not feeling so hot.

Kevin shared a note this morning about the B-52’s second album, Wild Planet, stating they proved themselves safe from a sophomore slump. And that got me thinking about a lot of my favorite artists and bands and how fantastic there second offerings were, and still are.

So that’s where I’m going this morning. Sorry Kevin, if I stole your next post, but our taste is diverse enough I think we can both chime in.

Second Record Superstars!

It will surprise no one that my first second album superstar is the incomparable Frightened Rabbit, and their 2008 release The Midnight Organ Fight. This is the album that put the Hutchison brothers on the map. Based on the recent break-up of lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Scott Hutchison, the record is full of emotion, including sadness, anger, angst, and slivers of happiness steeped in memories.

The lyrics are so smart and often scathing, the music is a mixture of driving guitars and quietly plinking piano. It’s quite simply a masterpiece of emotion and songwriting.

Favorite Tracks: “The Modern Leper,” “The Twist,” “My Backwards Walk”

Listen with Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-midnight-organ-fight/274244281

The next second album Superstar is Devo and their 1979 release, Duty Now For The Future. This might be my favorite of the band’s records. It’s a toss up between this one and New Traditionalists. It continues the de-evolution discussion with energetic tunes written with the bizarre humor and world view of the incredibly talented musicians.

Devo is often listed as a one-hit wonder, misguidedly, because of the popularity of their 1980 hit, “Whip It.” But a deeper dive into their discography, including their second album should convince any semi-serious music seeker of the incredible talent, skill, and energy of this band.

Favorite Tracks: “Blockhead,” “Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA,” “Redeye Express

Listen with Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/duty-now-for-the-future-deluxe-edition/366369661

Rounding out Part 1 in this series, let’s look at that dog’s 1995 release, Totally Crushed Out. The record is a “concept album” of sorts, focusing on crushes and the young love we experience while at school. It dives into deeper and more important topics, too, especially with the album’s “hit,” “He’s Kissing Christian.” But overall it’s a fun and nostalgic take on young love, delivered the that dog way.

Maybe the band got a collective foot in the door due to famous parentage, Anna Waronker’s dad is music industry mogul Lenny Waronker, and the two Haden sisters are the daughters of jazz bassist Charlie Haden. But their quirky sound, fueled by jangly guitars, frenetic drums, and the unexpected violin by Petra Haden, made them indie darlings with an avid and ardent fan base.

Favorite Tracks: “In The Back Of My Mind,” “Lipgloss,” “Rockstar”

Listen with Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/totally-crushed-out/1443748332

That’s a wrap on installment one of what may be a pretty lengthy series. Thanks again to Kevin at

On Repeat Records

for the idea and the impetus to publish today despite not feeling so hot. What’s your take on the three albums shared? Are they standouts, as I believe, or do you think they’re sophomore slumps?

Also, chime in with some of your favorite second albums. They just might get showcased in a future installment!