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Second album syndrome

Lily Allen is dithering over titles – the latest, announced this week, is It’s Not Me, It’s You – while her record company EMI keep pushing the release date back… yes, it’s the time-honoured struggle to follow up a massive debut album. Second Album Syndrome has struck down the most hotly tipped contenders since the dawn of rock’n’roll. We profile five sophomore albums that dropped the ball, followed by five that cemented their artist’s status.

Picture: Rex Features

Is the second album better?

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comments: 18

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Added on: February 11 2009 11:59

stu

never mind radioheads second album although superb.but their album out nov 08- IN RAINBOWS- is ubersuperb it takes their music to another level.

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Added on: October 13 2008 12:14

JoeBananas from Londontown

'Neverrmind' - Nirvanas second album. Nuff said.

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Added on: October 13 2008 09:15

lil'chris (leeds) from Leeds

Saint Etienne's second album "So Tough" was a masterpiece. As was the first. There's something great about the debut tho, everything can sound so fresh and tuneful. Look at the Manics and The Stereophonics. Their second albums were great, but the debuts were what got us hooked because of their great melodies and youthful brilliance.

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Added on: October 11 2008 19:51

Kevin from Darlington

Sorry ripsnort, you clearly dont understand british rock n roll. The Beatles were one of the finest bands this country has ever produced, however you can hardly asay the range of their usage of chords was exactly vast! "What's The Story" was an album that catapulted Oasis into the mainstream and cemented their place as Britain's leading band for the Britpop generation(of which i was a proud memmber). Some may argue they have lost their way recently but only time will tell if I'm right or wrng

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Added on: October 11 2008 09:32

Ripsnort from Liverpool

Complete and utter s h i t e. Typical of oasis. Liam, you are not John Lennon. Noel , there are more than 3 chords on a guitar. Just a big load of noisey, shouty garbage. Wish people would see oasis for what they are, average. Saw them live, recently (free tickets, from work) ......... earache !

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Added on: October 11 2008 09:24

Allan from Markinch

Roses second album is seriously under-rated but didin't get anywhere near their first album. The Bends is Radiohead's best album by a country mile! I just wish they would go back to the guitar based rock that blew me away in the late 90's! Would also say that Screamadelica by Primal Scream deserves a mention as best ever second album!

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