Previously I released my list of the top twenty debut rock albums of all time (parts 1 and part 2). It is time to move on to my picks for the top twenty sophomore rock albums of all time. Here is part 1 – numbers 20 to 11. Feel free to share your own list, debate my choices, or tell me I am wrong in the comments.
The criteria I used for creating this list
Here are the three criteria I used for selecting my list of the best sophomore rock albums of all time:
- The Sophomore album must be better than the debut.
- The debut album must be an awesome album – worth getting on vinyl
- Obscure choices are allowed since there is not a ton to pick from
For example, Don’t Look Back by Boston is not on the list. Awesome album, but not better than their debut. Sheryl Crow’s sophomore record – same reason. Great album but not as good as her first one.
Sophomore album #20 – Kids in Love by the Mowgli’s
Let’s start the list with an obscure choice – Kids in Love by the Mowglis. Yes – this band is named after the kid in the Jungle Book. They are a modern west coast band. This album is full of good songs. Probably my favorite is called “I’m Good”.
Sophomore album #19 – Based on a True Story by The Del-Lords
Next on the list is an excellent album from a lesser-known 1980s band – the Del Lords. The album starts with “Crawl in Bed” and moves into one of my favorite songs by them, “Judas Kiss”. I have really enjoyed this album over the years.
Coming in at #18 – Boylan Heights by the Connells
Another choice from the 1980s – Boylan Heights by the Connells. I fell in love with this band back in my college days and have enjoyed their music ever since. I would consider this album to be one of their best.
Sophomore Album #17 – Lazaretto by Jack White
Something more modern – Lazaretto by Jack White. Several great songs on this album including the title track. It is worth getting on vinyl. Jack put alternative grooving on the record, reverse grooving (start in the middle and goes out), and a special hidden track. Super weird, just like Jack White and his music.
Sophomore album #16 – Mars Needs Guitars by Hoodoo Gurus
From one of my favorite Australian new wave bands – Mars Needs Guitars by the Hoodoo Gurus. It includes wonderful songs like “Bittersweet” and “Like Wow, Wipeout”. I played this record a million times while in high school and college. I saw them tour for this album – it was excellent.
At #15 – Strength by the Alarm
The Alarm was a popular new wave band from Wales. Their first album, Declaration, was great. This album is even better. It includes the anthem, “Spirit of 76” and many other great tunes. There is not a bad song on this album.
Sophomore Album #14 – Dream into Action by Howard Jones
This album was actually hugely popular when it was released – Dream into Action by Howard Jones. It includes two hit songs, “No One is to Blame”, and “Life in One Day”— a strong sophomore album.
Sophomore album #13 – Paranoid by Black Sabbath
Let’s get heavy, as in heavy metal. At #13 – Paranoid by Black Sabbath. This album includes several epic songs like “Ironman”, “War Pigs”, and the title track.
Coming in at #12 – The Colour and the Shape by the Foo Fighters
The Foo Fighters’ debut album was just Dave. For their sophomore album, they got a real band together and made some great music. Two of my favorites are on this record – “Monkeywrench” and “My Hero”.
Sophomore album #11 – Nobody’s Heroes by SLF
Rounding out part 1 of this list is another obscure choice – Nobody’s Heroes by Stiff Little Fingers. Yes – my obsession with this Irish Punk Band continues. This album is their best one. It includes the killer songs “Tin Soldiers”, “Gotta Getaway”, and Fly the Flag”. If you are not familiar with this band and want to hear what they sound like – this album is the best place to start.
There you have it – the first half of my list of top twenty sophomore rock albums of all time. If you think I am wrong – let me know in the comments. All feedback is welcome. Feel free to post your own list.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.