10 Solo Artists Whose Second Album Was Better Than Their First

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When we first began developing the idea for an article on the best sophomore albums in music history, we quickly ran into a challenge. We generally aim to limit these articles to just ten bands or artists so we can delve deeply into each one; doing more than ten would be overwhelming. Since so many great second albums exist in rock history, we decided to split this article into two parts. The first part, published here, will feature solo artists, while a future article will focus on bands. We felt this approach would provide a fairer, more engaging exploration for readers. Ultimately, this is just our perspective, but the goal is to introduce younger audiences to these musical legends and celebrate them with fans who have loved them for a lifetime. As always, we’d love to know your picks—let us know in the comments!

# 10 – The Heart of Saturday Night – Tom Waits

Tom Waits’s debut album, Closing Time, was released in March 1973 by Asylum Records and introduced audiences to his distinctive voice and piano-driven ballads. Produced by Jerry Yester, the album has a warm folk music feel with memorable tracks like “Ol’ ’55” and “Martha,” which showcased Waits’s poetic lyricism and sensitivity. The sound quality is a bit poor as if it was recorded in a basement, but the brilliance behind the songs and performance far outshines any production values. It’s an album that I have listened to for years and songs like “Martha” make it one of my favorites.

The Heart of Saturday Night, released in October 1974 and produced by Bones Howe, marked a significant step forward on several fronts. Waits delved deeper into the nocturnal themes of American nightlife and urban melancholy, giving listeners an album that felt both grittier and more intimate. With songs like “(Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night” and “Diamonds on My Windshield,” Waits explored jazz and beat influences, capturing the essence of the late-night city streets. This record was a richer, more mature work, displaying greater emotional complexity and musical ambition compared to Closing Time.

While Closing Time introduced listeners to Waits’s talent, The Heart of Saturday Night is often considered a breakthrough in his songwriting, embodying his evolution toward a darker, jazz-infused sound that would define his later career. Although neither album made a major commercial impact upon release, The Heart of Saturday Night has become a fan favorite. In the many Tom Waits articles we have done here, I have often seen many comments with people pointing towards this one as their favorite Tom Waits record. Personally, my favorite will always be Blue Valentine but of course, this article is all about the first two albums.

**# 9 – Souvenirs – Dan Fogelberg**

Dan Fogelberg’s second album, Souvenirs, marked a pivotal moment in his career, as it showcased an evolution in his sound and artistry. His debut album, Home Free, released in 1972, was produced by Norbert Putnam and introduced Fogelberg’s gentle, folk-rock style with tracks like “To the Morning” and “Wysteria.” Though Home Free highlighted Fogelberg’s talent for sensitive, introspective songwriting, it didn’t achieve major commercial success at the time. Nonetheless, it’s an album that has continued to get plenty of spins on my turntable.

In 1974, Souvenirs elevated Fogelberg’s career significantly, as it displayed a more polished production and an expanded musical vision. Produced by Joe Walsh of the Eagles, Souvenirs brought a rock edge to Fogelberg’s folk roots, blending his poetic lyrics with more diverse instrumentation. This album included notable tracks like “Part of the Plan,” which became his first hit single. The album also showcases contributions from many of our musical heroes from artists like Graham Nash, Glenn Frey, and Walsh himself, deepening the album’s emotional and sonic depth. Souvenirs was both a critical and commercial success, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard charts and going platinum.

**# 8 – Sheryl Crow – Sheryl Crow**

I’m sure many music fans would argue against this pick. Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Music Club was one of the most successful debut albums of all time. I remember buying that record in 1995 and being blown away by this fresh new singer on the scene—her musical style, voice, looks, and just about everything about her left me infatuated with her as an artist. I wasn’t the only one. It was an easygoing, accessible album. Yet, I truly believe her follow-up was an even better record.

Tuesday Night Music Club, released in 1993 and produced by Bill Bottrell, became a breakthrough album for Crow, featuring hit singles like “All I Wanna Do” and “Leaving Las Vegas.” The album’s success was amplified by its Grammy wins, including Best New Artist. However, the record’s collaborative process involved various musicians and co-writers, and Crow felt that her creative identity wasn’t fully realized.

Released in 1996, Sheryl Crow was her first self-produced album, giving her more control over the music and lyrics. This record showcased a harder more polished sound compared to her debut, embracing themes of self-empowerment and societal issues. Songs like “If It Makes You Happy” and “Everyday Is a Winding Road” became major hits. The album also delved into darker subject matter, as evidenced in tracks like “A Change Would Do You Good” and “Hard to Make a Stand.” these were great rock and roll records that echoed ’70s classic rock and era in which show grew up as a teenager. It’s probably why I’m such a big Sheryl Crow fan. We are the same age, we listened to the same music. We know good stuff when we hear it

Sheryl Crow performed well commercially, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 and eventually achieving triple platinum status in the United States. The album garnered Crow two Grammy Awards: Best Rock Album and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for “If It Makes You Happy.”

# 7 – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan – Bob Dylan

When Bob Dylan released his first album in 1962, I was only one years old, so it’s safe to say I didn’t grow up listening to his music. As comedian Bob Goldthwait, who is the same age as me, once joked, we were part of the “KISS generation.” While that’s obviously comedic, growing up as a teenager in the ’70s meant we were more influenced by artists like Springsteen, the Eagles, and Zeppelin. Of course, Dylan’s music still loomed large throughout the decade as he continued releasing fantastic albums like Desire and Blood on the Tracks. Nonetheless, his early ’60s music was not from the era I grew up in.

As a musician who has performed in Bob Dylan Tribute Concerts for the past 15 years, I’m glad to have gotten to know his early work well. I think anyone with an understanding of classic rock would agree that his second album far surpassed his debut artistically. Bob Dylan’s The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan was Released on May 27, 1963, it was his second album with Columbia Records, following his 1962 self-titled debut, Bob Dylan. While his first album was a mix of traditional folk and blues covers with only two original compositions, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan demonstrated Dylan’s evolving voice as a social commentator, especially on topics of civil rights and anti-war sentiments.

Some of the most iconic songs on The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan include “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” and “Masters of War.” These tracks became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s and solidified Dylan’s reputation as a protest singer. “Blowin’ in the Wind,” in particular, gained widespread popularity, as Peter, Paul and Mary’s cover of the song helped it reach number two on the Billboard Hot 100. This single brought Dylan’s work to a broader audience and established him as a leading voice in folk music.

The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan reached number 22 on the Billboard 200, and its success led to broader recognition for Dylan, especially in the folk and rock music worlds. The album’s impact on American music was profound, marking Dylan’s transition from folk singer to an influential figure in songwriting.

**# 6 – Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere – Neil Young**

Neil Young’s second album, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, marked a turning point in his career, demonstrating a leap in both style and depth compared to his self-titled debut. Released in May 1969, this album followed Neil Young, which came out in 1968 and introduced listeners to Crazy Horse as Young’s backing band, whose energy and chemistry with Young defined the record’s groundbreaking sound.

Produced by David Briggs and Young, and recorded at Wally Heider’s Studio in Hollywood, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere includes standout tracks like “Cinnamon Girl,” “Down by the River,” and “Cowgirl in the Sand.” These songs, characterized by extended guitar jams and Neil’s emotive vocals, revealed a rockier edge and a spontaneous spirit that distinguished him from other singer-songwriters of the time. “Cinnamon Girl” in particular, with its killer riff became one of Young’s enduring hits and has been a concert staple for decades. Every Garage and cover Band I have ever been in in my life always played that song.

Chart success and critical reception cemented the album’s place in rock history. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere reached No. 34 on the Billboard 200. I think it’s an easy argument to make that this album’s impact far exceeded that of Young’s debut.

**# 5 – The Wild, Innocent, And E Steet Shuffle – Bruce Springsteen**

The Wild, The Innocent And The E Street Shuffle

It’s amazing how Bruce Springsteen sounded like three different artists on his first three albums, with each album being completely distinct from the one before. Interestingly, most of us long-time Springsteen fans first discovered his music in the 1970s by hearing Born to Run on the radio and asking ourselves, “Who is that?” After buying Born to Run, we went back and explored his first two records, both of which were released in 1973. This choice is difficult because Greetings from Asbury Park is so completely different from The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. The first album leans more toward a Bob Dylan sound, while the second drifts into Van Morrison territory.

However, it’s the songs like “Rosalita,” “New York City Serenade,” “Incident on 57th Street,” and “Kitty’s Back” that really defined concert staples Springsteen would revisit time and time again, not only during the 70s but throughout his career. “Rosalita” in particular would become one of his biggest encore numbers; if you’ve ever seen Springsteen perform it live, you know it’s one of the most exhilarating concert experiences possible. Although it’s tough to choose, as Greetings is a phenomenal record, there’s no question that The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle is a far superior album to his debut.

**# 4 – Astral Weeks – Van Morrison**

Growing up as a music fan in the 1970s, I was always into reading magazines like Rolling Stone, Circus, Creem, and Hit Parader, and listening to interviews. One thing that I always noticed was how often critics, musicians, and fans pointed to Astral Weeks as one of the greatest albums ever made. At first, I didn’t get it—I picked it up and thought, “Okay, it’s not bad.” But, of course, what did I know about music when I was fifteen years old? I just knew what I liked and what I didn’t. Eventually, over time, as my ears developed, I started to understand the greatness behind this record.

Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks, released in November 1968, is often hailed as one of the most influential and enduring albums in rock history. This album, which followed Morrison’s first solo record, Blowin’ Your Mind! (1967), marked a significant departure from the straightforward blues and R&B sounds of his debut. Produced by Lewis Merenstein and recorded over a series of brief, highly intuitive sessions at Century Sound Studios in New York, Astral Weeks features a stellar lineup of jazz musicians, including bassist Richard Davis, guitarist Jay Berliner, drummer Connie Kay, and vibraphonist Warren Smith Jr.

Unlike Blowin’ Your Mind!—which includes his iconic hit “Brown Eyed Girl”—Astral Weeks does not contain any traditional singles or hit songs. Instead, the album offers a continuous, immersive experience, with each song flowing seamlessly into the next. Tracks like the title song “Astral Weeks,” “Sweet Thing,” “Cyprus Avenue” and our favorite track The Way Young Lovers Do which we present below highlight Morrison’s storytelling brilliance, blending mystical themes with reflections on love, longing, and transcendence.

**# 3 – Tapestry – Carole King**

Let me ask you this one question: Do you know any music fan in the 1970s who didn’t have a copy of Tapestry in their collection? Even people who weren’t big-time music fans had a copy of Tapestry. Carole King’s Tapestry, released in 1971, was a landmark album in the world of rock, pop, and singer-songwriter music, widely celebrated as one of the finest records of all time. Tapestry was King’s second album, following her 1970 debut, Writer. Though Writer was an admirable start, it was Tapestry that truly catapulted her to iconic status, resonating with millions and achieving monumental success. We all knew many of her songs through other artists, but we didn’t know Carole King. Tapestry changed that.

The album demonstrated King’s incredible body of work with so many of the songs she had previously co-written with her then-husband, Gerry Goffin, including “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” Some of the songs like “It’s Too Late” and “I Feel the Earth Move” became massive hits, both reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and helping to propel Tapestry to number one on the Billboard 200, where it remained for fifteen consecutive weeks.

*The album went on to win four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and has since achieved diamond status, selling over ten million copies in the U.S. alone. Tapestry not only became a defining album of the 1970s but also influenced generations of singer-songwriters who followed. In retrospect, while Writer introduced King as a solo artist, Tapestry was the masterpiece that firmly established her place in music history, endearing her to millions of fans and securing her legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

**# 2 – Piano Man – Billy Joel**

I think it’s safe to say that most people in the 1970s believed Billy Joel’s Piano Man was indeed his debut album. We also must remember that even though Piano Man had success, particularly with the single “Piano Man,” it wasn’t until Billy Joel’s The Stranger came out in 1977 that he became a huge, big-time artist. Many fans knew Billy Joel from his first three albums — Piano Man, Streetlife Serenade, and Turnstiles — which are fabulous records that music lovers appreciated, but he hadn’t yet become the mass cultural phenomenon he would be after The Stranger was released.

What makes this even more interesting is that Piano Man was actually not his debut album, which is why it made it onto this list. Cold Spring Harbor was his debut, and it pretty much disappeared upon release. It only started to gain recognition not right after Piano Man, but once again after The Stranger’s success, when Columbia Records re-released the album. Cold Spring Harbor is a solid record with a lot of great songs, but it simply can’t compare to the success of Piano Man, not only because of the single but also with songs like “Worse Comes to Worst,” “You’re My Home,” and, of course, “Captain Jack.”

Nineteen seventy-three was a special year in music with so many great albums topping the charts, like Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and so many more. Speaking of Elton John…

**# 1 – Elton John – Elton John**

In similar fashion to Billy Joel, Elton John’s sophomore record Elton John was his breakthrough album, fueled by the massive hit single “Your Song,” which we all came to know and love. Just as Billy Joel’s second album featured the hit “Piano Man,” Elton’s second album catapulted him into the spotlight. However, Elton’s debut album, Empty Sky, was initially released only in the UK, with no U.S. release at the time. It wasn’t until Elton found success in the States that MCA Records issued Empty Sky with a new cover. Empty Sky is a wonderful album that includes several cherished tracks, but it’s easy to argue that Elton John made a far greater impact, firmly establishing his career internationally in a way his UK debut had not achieved.

“Your Song,” became his first big hit, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and No. 7 in the United Kingdom. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, Elton John featured lush orchestration by Paul Buckmaster, bringing a rich and dramatic sound that differed greatly from the stripped-down style of Empty Sky. Musicians on the album included Elton on piano and vocals, Caleb Quaye on guitar, Roger Pope on drums, and Dee Murray on bass, many of whom would go on to play with him for years. Elton John peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., a major achievement that set the stage for his future success, and eventually went Platinum.

Our Top 10 Songs article presents a list of the best songs by and the making and success of those songs.

presents an in-depth review of these songs from various musical artists & styles.

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2 Comments

Baybluesman November 10, 2024

Acknowledging that artistic viewpoints are often subjective, and that I personally think they are both excellent, I would give the edge to Chicago’s second LP “Chicago II” slightly over “(The) Chicago Transit Authority”, due mainly to the diversity, and musical arrangements’ strength, of the compositions.

Baybluesman November 10, 2024

In the spirit of this article’s intent, I would suggest that an additional selection would be Don Henley’s sophomore effort “Building The Perfect Beast” (1984), a nearly flawless solo album, overshadowing his debut solo album ” I Can’t Stand Still” (1982), which in its own right, was a strong debut.