Sophomore albums
- Hunter
- 1d
- 2 min read
Art and business have always been at odds with each other. Good art (hopefully) earns more money, but great art often requires some funding. This is why I love the sophomore records of so many bands and artists. The first album is so often produced on a budget and is the result of the artist trying to balance the process of writing and recording with the stresses of living on a budget. Don't get me wrong, this can be beautiful and endlessly endearing, but there's always a feeling like there's something holding them back.
Later, if the project is a success, more people attend shows, they get a deal with a label, etc. and they can afford to spend more time creating on a full stomach. I find many sophomore albums to be more conceptual and well-rounded, but not over-indulgent. The artist is comfortable and enjoying it, but not too comfortable. Maybe they're still adjusting to this lifestyle or fame?
Some artists, seem to be most comfortable in this state of discomfort and develop a crushing work ethic. The second album isn't necessarily more polished; they're just on a goddamn roll and work tirelessly in poverty every day. This is most common in outsider rock and more experimental music that is comfortable to exist well outside the mainstream. Look no further than Ween's The Pod or The Streets' A Grand Don't Come for Free.
In terms of mainstream examples, there are plenty. Some might immediately think of Nevermind or good kid m.A.A.d city, maybe even In An Aeroplane Over the Sea. Here are a few of my personal favorites. Nothing particularly obscure, but honestly the list could go on and on....
I'm stopping there, but I could keep going indefinitely. See, here's the deal folks. From a producer/engineer standpoint, if you're thinking art over financial gain, seems to me the goal is to be the one who makes sophomore records. Have enough projects under your belt that you can charge a professional, but competitive rate for newer artists, catch as many as you can their creative peak, have fun with the project and inject your own flair, and make something unique.
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