Beyond the Debut
Alright, folks, I'm here once again with some unsolicited music musings. Last time, we explored the music world in 2016, a year that expanded our listening. Today, though, I want to take a deep dive into "sophomore albums." Initially, my interest was to explore debut albums; however, a conversation with a friend made me realize that exploring follow-up albums could be even more compelling.
The sophomore album is often considered pivotal in an artist's career, capable of either propelling them to success or hindering their progress. Reflecting on this idea, I recognized its potential validity, although I couldn't fully comprehend the reasons behind it. Instead of accepting this belief, I decided uncovering the underlying factors could be more intriguing. And rather than approaching it solely from a perspective of success or failure, I resolved to evaluate only those projects that I found remarkable and exemplary—leaving no room for negativity. I aim to uncover the characteristics and traits of sophomore albums that contribute to their success and significance.
My approach consisted of compiling a list of my favorite artists, revisiting old playlists, and immersing myself in their discographies. My efforts led me to 20 sophomore albums that are worth your attention. However, given the time constraints, I will focus on discussing only five of these projects:
Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid Mad City
The Internet - Feel Good
Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever
Sir - November
Thundercat - Apocalypse
Isaiah Rashad - The Sun's Tirade
Beyonce - B'Day
Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon
Anderson.Paak - Malibu
Donald Glover - Because the Internet
Dwele - Some Kinda
Phony Ppl - Mozaik
Tyler the Creator - Flower Boy
BadBadNotGood - IV
Sade - Promise
Jessica Pratt - On Your Love Again
Keifer - HappySad
Kanye West - Late Registration
Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady
Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
Before we delve into them, it's crucial to comprehend the significance of the debut album.
Debut albums are significant milestones that announce an artist's arrival in the music industry. They serve as a representation of who the artist is and what they stand for. Several debut albums likely come to mind, including noteworthy releases from artists such as Jill Scott (more on this soon 👀), D'Angelo, and Frank Ocean, which have firmly established their presence in the hearts of listeners everywhere. However, the music landscape has become increasingly crowded and saturated, making standing out more challenging. In this competitive environment, a debut album becomes more than just a creative expression; it becomes a battleground for visibility and recognition.
So, how does this context impact a sophomore album?
The pressure artists experience when creating their debut project lingers throughout their careers. While much attention and scrutiny are focused on that initial release, people eagerly anticipate whether the artist can maintain their momentum for the second. A phenomenon known as the Sophomore Jinx or Slump "occurs when the second effort fails to match the success of the first effort. This phenomenon in music plays out when the second, or sophomore, album fails to generate an equal or greater acclaim than the first album" (citation). Sustaining the same level of hype, interest, and, most importantly, individuality becomes incredibly challenging for the artist.
So, if the debut album represents an artist's core identity, the sophomore album demonstrates the breadth and versatility needed to attain iconic status. Essentially it proves an artist's ability to sustain their initial success.
Now, let's look into a few albums that successfully maintained the hype and explore the common traits they possess.
Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City
G.K.M.C." (Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City) is the second studio album by Kendrick Lamar, released in 2012. G.K.M.C. is a concept album that unfolds a day in the life of a young Kendrick Lamar, navigating the challenges and temptations of his environment.
It's hard to believe that "Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City" is Kendrick Lamar's second album. For a lot of people, this was their first introduction to him. This album's sheer originality and deeply personal nature make it no wonder there might be some confusion. Especially when considering the fact that Lamar's debut, "Section.80," was released just one year prior. The evolution and growth between these two albums are nothing short of greatness.
Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon
"Choose Your Weapon" is the second studio album by the Australian band Hiatus Kaiyote, released in 2015. Each track is meticulously crafted with intricate instrumentation and stunning vocals by lead singer Nai Palm. Together it weaves a tapestry of influences, incorporating funk, neo-soul, and world music elements while maintaining a distinct and original sound.
This album, in particular, was a favorite to sample among fellow artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Wale, and Chance the Rapper. Their debut album, “Tawk Tomahawk”, was equally well-received as it was praised and embraced by the likes of Questlove, Prince, and DJs Gilles Peterson and Jazzy Jeff. Their ability to create music that resonates with listeners and fellow artists is a testament to their talent.
Because the Internet - Donald Glover
"Because the Internet" is the second studio album by Childish Gambino, released in 2013. This conceptual album explores the digital age and its impact on human connection, identity, and modern life. Although Childish Gambino had explored conceptual albums before, "Because the Internet" marked a significant departure from his debut project, "Camp," released in 2011. Sonically, I found it appealing, and he delivered a thought-provoking and introspective body of work.
Back to Black -Amy Winehouse
"Back to Black" is the second and final studio album by British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, released in 2006. This album holds a special place in my heart as I appreciate Amy's ability to be raw and unfiltered in her music. Unfortunately, her life was tragically cut short, but I'm grateful she left us with this remarkable project and her debut album, the universally beloved "Frank."
Malibu - Anderson.Pak
"Malibu" is the second studio album by the artist Anderson.Paak, released in 2016. This album cemented Paak's reputation as a powerhouse in the music scene. "Malibu" fuses hip-hop, R&B, funk, and soul elements, while showcasing Paak's drumming skills. What I love most about this album is how uplifting it feels from beginning to end. Equally noteworthy is his debut album, "Venice," which boasts tracks that are just as dynamic and high-energy.
Now that you're familiar with these projects let us look at a few key characteristics that make them *exceptional* sophomore albums:
1) Storytelling is key
Here's a hot take: it feels like storytelling in music has taken a backseat. But let me tell you, every impressive sophomore album has a storytelling element that genuinely captures your imagination. These albums are not just songs but immersive narratives where every detail matters. Take Kendrick Lamar's "Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City," for example, where he recounts a fateful evening with vivid storytelling. The narrative structure enables people to immerse themselves in the story. Another exceptional case is Donald Glover's 'Because the Internet," which is accompanied by a 72-page screenplay. The album and screenplay are intertwined, offering a cohesive narrative experience that extends beyond the music alone. This ambitious project showcased his musical talent and launched his career in acting and professional T.V. writing.
These albums were groundbreaking in pushing boundaries and setting new standards. Whenever I think back to the first time I listened to these albums, I can vividly remember the exact time and place. Their cohesiveness and meticulous attention to detail added an extra layer of depth, making them even more memorable.
2) Make it personal
Another distinguishing feature of sophomore albums is the degree of personal vulnerability they often convey. This can manifest in various ways, from artists sharing stories directly from their lives to crafting narratives based on their personal experiences. For instance, Amy Winehouse's album "Back to Black" delves into her longing for love, yearning for validation, and battles with substance abuse. On the other hand, Anderson.Paak's album "Malibu" is a love letter to his connection with California. In both cases, these artists open up and express themselves authentically, giving us a glimpse into their inner worlds and life journeys.
3) Defy Convention
Last but not least, another crucial trait of successful sophomore albums is their capacity to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories. This is evident in several of the albums we've discussed today. For instance, "Because the Internet" and "Choose Your Weapon" demonstrate a willingness to experiment with their soundscapes. They incorporate atmospheric textures that effectively convey their artistic vision. These albums feature songs with subtle conversations in the background, sounds reminiscent of ice swirling in an empty cup, and distorted melodies that entice listeners to delve deeper into the artists' minds. Through their experimentation, these albums defy conventional norms and offer people a genuinely immersive and unique sonic experience.
Exploring the world of sophomore albums has been an awe-inspiring journey. To be honest, I never fully appreciated the significance and impact of these albums until now. For one, it's wild to see how many sophomore albums can stand toe-to-toe with their debuts (I mean, who can forget the brilliance of Amy Winehouse's "Frank"?). This exploration also deepened my understanding of a sophomore album's role in an artist's career. They have the power to make or break an artist's trajectory, solidifying their place in the industry.
I hope you've been inspired to give more attention to sophomore albums and recognize the traits that contribute to their greatness. They are a testament to the artistry and resilience of musicians, and they deserve to be celebrated.