The sophomore slump. Oh, the sophomore slump. Anyone reading this can attest that this phenomenon is not only real, but devastating. Perhaps it is more devastating for bands than it is for say, 10th graders simply because millions of listeners and critics are more than willing to dig right in. However, there is still hope in the world. The following sophomore albums prove that the slump cannot only be avoided, but conquered.
This Year's Model: Elvis Costello and the Attractions
A truly in your face record in every sense of the definition. Although Costello's debut My Aim is True was quite strong on its own, This Year's Model trumps it with musical intensity and lyrical warfare. Costello bared his flaws and uncouth feelings with a punk rock panache that no one has been able to duplicate.Pinkerton: Weezer
What can you say that hasn't already been said? The listener can experience front man Rivers Cuomo's emotional pain. His diary pages are universally relatable. Even the jagged production lends to the psychologically damaging air. This album was hated when first released, but is now regarded with warm fuzzies by everyone from emo kids to the Deftones. Rolling Stone magazine even changed this album's star rating from 1 star to 5 stars. Hard to argue with that kind of flip-flopping. Nevermind: Nirvana
Ten times better than their sub-par debut Bleach. Every song is catchy yet honest. This is consistently rated the top album of the "90s. Enough said.Pearl Well: Inside Out
I have a confession to make: I am happily married to the bass player/ screamer. Despite my obvious bias, this album cuts out every unnecessary item that punk has been weighted down with and goes straight for the heart. Well Inside Out screams and finds their real voice while singing about devious girls, people drugging kids, and nuclear warfare.The Freewheelin" Bob Dylan: Bob Dylan
I don't want to seem like a rock and roll cliché, but this is about a million times better than his debut album, which was full of folk covers and contained only one original composition. On Freewheelin', Dylan showcased his poetic chops to a ridiculous degree. As a result, music hasn't been the same since then.The Color and the Shape: The Foo Fighters
As Nirvana's drummer, Dave Grohl showed the world that he could definitely keep a good beat. With his side project all grown up and ready to go, he displays great all-around musicianship without losing lyrical perspective. Grohl knew that you wanted to come to the party just for him… but he made you stay with his sheer talent.The Marshall Mathers LP: Eminem
You must think I'm being some post-ironic hipster snob by mentioning this album. I'm not. I really, really like it. The word play cannot be topped, unless being compared to Dylan. Eminem brings it and he can take it in equal measure. He is fierce and doesn't care what you think. Although his debut is stronger, Mathers is ten times harder and even manages to be extremely sincere at times.
I realize that only a few great sophomore albums were mentioned, but these are my instinctual responses. More ideas and thoughts on the matter? Feel free to enlighten me. Happy listening!
