Heartbreaking tales of these fleeting stars
'Dirt' is considered by many to be Alice in Chains' masterpiece. It features some of the band's greatest hits, including 'Would?,' 'Them Bones,' 'Rooster,' and 'Down in a Hole.'
Released in 1977, 'Little Queen' is the album that brought us one of the Wilson sister's greatest hits: 'Barracuda.'
Sources: (Rolling Stone) (NME) (Louder) (Yardbarker)
See also: Legendary "lost albums" that never saw the light of day
Lou Reed's second solo studio album is almost a "greatest hits" record. Notable songs include 'Perfect Day,' 'Satellite of Love,' and 'Walk on the Wild Side.'
The French electronic music duo's second album features a number of dancefloor anthems, including 'Digital Love,' 'Harder Better…,' and of course, 'One More Time.'
The second and final studio album by the Fugees was released in 1996. The alternative hip-hop group topped the charts in several countries around the world with singles such as 'Killing Me Softly,' 'Fu-Gee-La,' and 'Ready or Not.'
Released in 1995, 'Post' was more experimental when it came to music genres, in comparison to the Icelandic singer's debut. Singles included 'Army of Me,' 'Isobel,' 'It's Oh So Quiet,' and 'Hyperballad,' among others.
The sophomore album of Damon Albarn's virtual band brought us hits such as 'Dirty Harry,' 'Feel Good Inc,' and 'DARE.'
Kanye West's second album is arguably one of his best. 'Late Registration' features some of the rapper's most famous compositions, including 'Touch The Sky,' 'Hey Mama,' and 'Gold Digger.'
'Closer' was Joy Division's second and last album. It was released in July 1980, after the death of lead singer Ian Curtis. It's a dark post-punk masterpiece definitely worth a listen.
The second Queens Of The Stone Age album was the first to feature bassist Nick Oliveri and guest vocalist Mark Lanegan. It includes two of the band's greatest tunes: 'Feel Good Hit Of The Summer' and 'The Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret.'
'Nevermind' is one of the greatest albums of all time. Released in 1991, it catapulted Nirvana into stardom, especially thanks to their hit single 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.' 'Nevermind' was a truly groundbreaking record that changed the musical landscape in the '90s.
Public Enemy's 1988 album was proof that Chuck D, Flavor Flav, and the boys, meant business. The album features hip-hop classics such as 'Bring the Noise' and 'Don't Believe the Hype.'
Amy Winehouse's second and final album was a huge success. Produced by Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, 'Back to Black' established Amy Winehouse as a household name in music. It includes tunes such as 'Rehab,' 'You Know I’m No Good,' and 'Back to Black.'
This was the album that established Bob Dylan as a talented and respected folk singer-songwriter. The record opens with the classic 'Blowin' in the Wind.' Other great tunes include 'Masters of War,' 'Girl from the North Country,' and 'A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall.'
'Tapestry' was released in 1971 and remains Carole King's most popular album to this day. You may recognize songs such as 'You've Got a Friend' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.'
'With the Beatles' features a number of classic McCartney and Lennon compositions, including 'All My Loving,' as well as George Harrison's first composition in a Beatles album: 'Don't Bother Me.'
Adele's sophomore album earned her seven Grammys, among many other accolades. '21' topped the charts in more than 30 countries and it established the English singer-songwriter as a global superstar. The album features a number of hits, including 'Someone Like You,' 'Rolling in the Deep,' and 'Set Fire to the Rain.'
Released in 19790, just seven months after their debut homonymous album, 'Paranoid' established Black Sabbath as heavy metal gods. The album features some of the band's greatest classics, including 'Iron Man,' 'War Pigs,' and 'Paranoid,' to name a few.
Led Zeppelin's second album hit the number-one spot in a number of markets, including the UK and the US. The iconic 'Whole Lotta Love' was a top-ten single in several countries around the world.
Alternative hip hop pioneers A Tribe Called Quest released 'The Low End Theory' in 1991. Tracks like 'Jazz (We've Got)' and 'Scenario' make this album one of the greatest in the genre.
Produced by the likes of Dr. Dre and Pharrell Williams, 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City' remains one of the most important albums of 2012. Check out 'The Recipe' and 'Backseat Freestyle.'
Neil Young's 1969 record features classics such as 'Cinnamon Girl,' 'Down by the River,' and 'Cowgirl in the Sand.' It's an absolute joy to listen to!
While this was not the most commercially successful album of the Beastie Boys, it was one of their more sophisticated. It features some of the group's greatest lyrics and over 100 samples! Check out 'Shake Your Rump,' 'Hey Ladies,' 'Car Thief,' and 'Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun.'
Radiohead's second album was more refined than their debut 'Pablo Honey.' Their sound was evolving, and it was clear in songs like 'High and Dry' and 'Fake Plastic Trees' that Radiohead was not just a one-hit group that got lucky with 'Creep.'
Pixies released 'Doolitle' in 1989. Like their debut 'Surf Rosa,' this album is one of the most influential alternative rock albums of all time. It includes classics such as 'Monkey Gone to Heaven,' 'Here Comes Your Man,' and 'Debaser,' to name a few.
In 1995, Oasis went from being an interesting Britpop act to one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. The album contains some of the Gallagher brothers' greatest songs, including 'Don't Look Back in Anger,' 'Champagne Supernova,' and the iconic 'Wonderwall.'
Van Morrison's quintessential album 'Astral Weeks' was released in 1968. Songs such as 'The Way Young Lovers Do' and 'Cyprus Avenue' remain fan favorites.
Billy Corgan's band went from being a cool alternative rock band to a Grammy-nominated rock band with tons of airplay and MTV presence. Tunes such as 'Today,' 'Cherub Rock,' and the ballad 'Disarm,' remain fan favorites to this day.
The second Foo Fighters album was released in 1997. This is the album that made the band. If in doubt, check out the track list, which includes some of the band's greatest hits, like 'Monkey Wrench,' 'My Hero,' and 'Everlong.'
Some music artists release very successful debut albums, but some leave their best work for later. Good sophomore albums are not usually easy to pull off; there's the pressure to follow the first album with something just as good, if not better.
Some bands and solo artists did, however, manage to release great second albums. In fact, for some, these sophomore albums are regarded as their best work! In this gallery, we look back at some of the best second albums of all time. Click on and give them a listen!
Madonna's 1984 album 'Like a Virgin' turned her into an international pop star. Hits like 'Material Girl' and the eponymous track 'Like a Virgin' are still some of the Queen of Pop's most popular songs.
The greatest second albums of all time
These are the greatest sophomore albums ever released
MUSIC Second albums
Some music artists release very successful debut albums, but some leave their best work for later. Good sophomore albums are not usually easy to pull off; there's the pressure to follow the first album with something just as good, if not better.
Some bands and solo artists did, however, manage to release great second albums. In fact, for some, these sophomore albums are regarded as their best work! In this gallery, we look back at some of the best second albums of all time. Click on and give them a listen!