Is the sophomore slump actually a thing? I’m honestly struggling to think of artists where the second album was a disappointment.
Pet Shop Boys second album was Actually and it’s certainly my favourite of theirs, and one of my all-time favourites. Nevermind by Nirvana also needs consideration. REM’s Reckoning is fantastic… I’m not even mentioning my three favourite bands but all of their second albums are excellent. Spoilt for choice!
I agree, I think it’s the exception when there is a sophomore slump. I would also add parameters, like “band or artist who released 5 or more records.” I am kind of anal when it comes to such topics. I like guardrails.
So, let's use REM as an example. Do we ignore EPs? As it came out between Murmur and Reckoning. I don't think we should ignore it, as it's more new than repeat, but ...
Yep. Chronic Town came out 9 months prior to Murmur. So, if we count EPs, then Murmur is the second release. And we all know it’s ABSOLUTELY NOT a slump!
This is such fun to think about. There are even second albums that were such a leap from the first that many think they are the first! I'm thinking specifically of The Infamous by Mobb Deep. After a disappointing reception to Juvenile Hell, they thought they were done. But then they heard Nas, who's also from Queens, and were, like, we're not going out like that! The rest is hip-hop history.
Just found out about this. Love the list. We just did a radio show just this past Sunday on local radio in DC on sophomore albums. Incredible stuff to choose from — and we didn’t even cover these. Frightened rabbit - what a great call. Here’s a link to our show if you want to check it out. https://spinitron.com/WOWD/pl/19455625/Sunday-Midday
I feel like it’s actually the exception when the 2nd album is a clear misstep, not the rule. I think to narrow this topic down, I’ll choose 2nd albums that took a band or artist to a new level.
Grandaddy’s Sophtware Slump seems to be the perfect pick for such a topic.
Also, Rush’s Fly By Night. But maybe that’s cheating as Neil Peart joined for that one.
One of my favorite albums of all time is ‘Lincoln’ by They Might Be Giants. Their second album which released in 1988 and I wouldn’t find until my early teen years in 1992ish.
I recently watched a full review of this album Fantano on YouTube, who is also an enormous fan of this album.
Chico Science & Nação Zumbi's "Afrociberdelia". That also happened to be their last one together. Chico passed away shortly after its release. Nação Zumbi carries on.
Oasis! Come on, their second album is even better than their debut! How about Led Zeppelin II? Yep. Elvis Costello's This Year's Model? Yowzer! Neil Young's Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere? Indeed! And so on...
Is the sophomore slump actually a thing? I’m honestly struggling to think of artists where the second album was a disappointment.
Pet Shop Boys second album was Actually and it’s certainly my favourite of theirs, and one of my all-time favourites. Nevermind by Nirvana also needs consideration. REM’s Reckoning is fantastic… I’m not even mentioning my three favourite bands but all of their second albums are excellent. Spoilt for choice!
I agree, I think it’s the exception when there is a sophomore slump. I would also add parameters, like “band or artist who released 5 or more records.” I am kind of anal when it comes to such topics. I like guardrails.
I may have to add those parameters, Steve. I don't know if I'm down to do part 137 of this series! 😜
Should add I’m not averse to showcasing second albums, I just think there will be stacks to choose from.
Truth!
So, let's use REM as an example. Do we ignore EPs? As it came out between Murmur and Reckoning. I don't think we should ignore it, as it's more new than repeat, but ...
Which EP are you thinking of? I only know of Chronic Town which I think was pre-Murmur. Would that make Murmur the second album?
It’s also a great EP so I don’t think there’s any slumping
Yep. Chronic Town came out 9 months prior to Murmur. So, if we count EPs, then Murmur is the second release. And we all know it’s ABSOLUTELY NOT a slump!
Sorry, I got my dates transposed, so sorry for the confusion about CT coming out between Murmur and Reckoning!
Easily done! I think I would be tempted to discount EPs anyway, personally.
David Bowie's second (1969) album is clearly better than his first.
In honor of Chase Roper I'll mention that Lincoln is an improvement from They Might Be Giants debut.
TMBG is a great idea. But this isn't about being better than the debut, it's about avoiding the sophomore slump.
Example, Arcade Fire. The debut is stellar. But Neon Bible is certainly not suffering from the slump.
Got it.
So, for example, Guy Clark's first two albums (_Old No. 1_ and _Texas Cooking_) are both strong.
This is such fun to think about. There are even second albums that were such a leap from the first that many think they are the first! I'm thinking specifically of The Infamous by Mobb Deep. After a disappointing reception to Juvenile Hell, they thought they were done. But then they heard Nas, who's also from Queens, and were, like, we're not going out like that! The rest is hip-hop history.
I know! As soon as I saw Kevin mention it, I had immediate ideas. There are so many options. This series could go on for a while! Thanks!
So, so many options!
Just found out about this. Love the list. We just did a radio show just this past Sunday on local radio in DC on sophomore albums. Incredible stuff to choose from — and we didn’t even cover these. Frightened rabbit - what a great call. Here’s a link to our show if you want to check it out. https://spinitron.com/WOWD/pl/19455625/Sunday-Midday
I feel like it’s actually the exception when the 2nd album is a clear misstep, not the rule. I think to narrow this topic down, I’ll choose 2nd albums that took a band or artist to a new level.
Grandaddy’s Sophtware Slump seems to be the perfect pick for such a topic.
Also, Rush’s Fly By Night. But maybe that’s cheating as Neil Peart joined for that one.
One of my favorite albums of all time is ‘Lincoln’ by They Might Be Giants. Their second album which released in 1988 and I wouldn’t find until my early teen years in 1992ish.
I recently watched a full review of this album Fantano on YouTube, who is also an enormous fan of this album.
It's a great second album!
Chico Science & Nação Zumbi's "Afrociberdelia". That also happened to be their last one together. Chico passed away shortly after its release. Nação Zumbi carries on.
https://www.deezer.com/br/album/1215892
This is awesome! Totally Crushed Out is a fantastic pick.
More importantly, I hope you're feeling better ASAP!
Kings of Leon - Aha shake heartbreak?
Definitely one to consider.
Oasis! Come on, their second album is even better than their debut! How about Led Zeppelin II? Yep. Elvis Costello's This Year's Model? Yowzer! Neil Young's Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere? Indeed! And so on...
Thanks for the suggestions. The Elvis Costello has the most chance of showing up in a future installment.
https://lilyseabird.bandcamp.com/album/alas
Here’s a contender. Her first album is great but this one is sublime.
In terms of great sophomore albums I'd go with:
-Rapture - Anita Baker
-The Only Place - Best Coast
-After the Disco - Broken Bells
-Candy O - The Cars
-Sheryl Crow - Sheryl Crow
-Whitney - Whitney Houston
-Ingenue - k.d. Lang
-Seal II - Seal
-Solitude Standing - Suzanne Vega
Wait, "Rapture" is Baker's second record? I honestly had no idea. That tidbit may come in handy coming up...
Yes! As a matter of fact, we saw her concert in 2023 and she named it after her first album The Songstress!
That's a nice list. I'll add at least two to the "potential" list!