Health & Fitness
Second Guessing - The Best Second Albums of the last 20 years
A recent article in Rolling Stone Magazine caught my attention by giving us the 20 best second albums of all time. What struck me was that only two albums in the past 20 years made it on the list. How can that be?
A recent article in Rolling Stone Magazine caught my attention by giving us the 20 best second albums of all time. What struck me about this list beyond the retread of every “best of” list permanent anchored on their website, was that only two albums from the past 20 years were considered the best (2005 and 1995). While I cannot comment on many of the albums on the list (except maybe to say where is Boston's second album Don't Look Back?), to seriously suggest that there are no more than 2 in the last 20 years epitomizes Rolling Stone Magazine’s fall from musical relevance. With an ear to the present and future of music, here is my list of a few best second albums in the last 20 years that are worth your consideration. Maybe in another 20 years, these will be considered the best of the second’s. I hope you find something new to enjoy and explore because for me, that is what music is all about.
Adele - 21 (2011) - This follow-up to 19 contains the powerful “Rolling in the Deep”, the stirring “Set Fire to the Rain”, and finally the hauntingly beautiful and moving “Someone like you”. This is luxurious.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) - Known for the pop breakthrough “Clocks” after their indie hit Parachutes, songs like “Politik” and “God Put a Smile on my Face” showcased for us how wonderfully talented this group was and would become. I also must recommend their third album X&Y, which in my mind, is one of the finest albums of all time.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Broken Bells - After the Disco (2014) - How is this possible? One of the best second albums just came out this year? The paint isn’t even dry yet. With their unbelievable self-titled debut, it was impossible to imagine how this Gen-X supergroup of James Mercer and Danger Mouse would not again produce one of the most refreshing and original albums in some time. The first single “Holding on for Life” is such a fabulous post-modern disco homage to The Bee Gees it is frankly hard not to smile throughout the entire song. Ok, I don't know what a post-modern disco homage but that song is just so perfect. The driving bass of the title track is irresistible. You will be playing this on repeat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhBewKu80Mg&feature=share&list=UU_88DDq4Vj0bDckplMuMreQ&index=2
Sliversun Pickups - Swoon (2009) - When SSPU comes on, you know it’s them and you tend to turn up the volume to 11. With the hard charging “The Royal We” and harder “Panic Switch”, their unmistakable style makes me so happy to know that rock-n-roll evolves and when it does it is totally awesome. This whole album is spectacular and go see them live if you can.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPzU1Uz8ujw&feature=share&list=PLFB69A1B0132BD7C3&index=2
Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007) - It would be hard to imagine not including this brilliant quartet in any “best of” conversation of the last 20 years. Fronted by the incredibly talented Alex Turner, this band is a breath of fresh air in a dense fog of the ordinary. The first four songs on this album seemingly expend a lifetime’s worth of talent yet this band continues to produce inspired tunes. Don’t forget to listen all the way through to “505”.
Band of Horses - Cease to Begin (2007) - This album is full of atmosphere. Set off by “Is There a Ghost”, toe-tapping and head-nodding will abound as you play this loud in your backyard on summer’s night. From “Ode to LRC”, “the world is such a wonderful place” and when the air is filled with these tunes, it really is.
Live - Throwing Copper (1994) - Right at the 20 year mark, this album cannot be ignored. For those who remember popular music in 1994, songs from this album including “Selling the Drama”, “I Alone”, and “Lightning Crashed” became rock anthems. Don’t forget to listen to “Untitled” to enjoy a relaxing end to this wonderful album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNrQOUtXYOo&list=PLh9igKIxJKf4LfCk3vAmEmouzc_1Fp1FU&feature=share
Interpol - Antics (2004) - It is personally very difficult for me to talk about music in the past 20 years without at least mentioning Interpol. Part of the NYC music scene of the early 2000’s, this group never made it to the popular heights predicted at the time, but with songs like “C’Mere”, “Slow Hands” and “Not Even Jail”, they achieved musical heights allowing them to soar above the pack. The lyrics to “Not Even Jail” are repeated with some frequency around our house.
Editors - An End has a Start” (2007) - Unknown in the U.S., this British band’s popularity exploded overseas with the follow-up to The Back Room. Channeling 80’s college alternative, “The Racing Rats”, “Bones”, and the title track are classic Editors.
Keane - Under the Iron Sea (2006) - While listening to Keane, I cannot contain my excitement for simple piano driven pop songs led by powerful vocals. Keane makes this seem easy with “Let it Slide”, “The Frog Prince”, and “Crystal Ball”. But listen to the whole album, find your favorite, and don’t be shy about singing along.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKrFfp67NDQ&list=PL639D2DB85C12AD04&feature=share&index=7
