In my life, there are several examples when I got into a band with their second album. Of course, I was often there for the first release, and for many bands, I didn't jump in until later in their careers, but here are a few times I missed the first release and bought my first album with their follow-up.
Nirvana
I'm not alone with this one, but like millions of Nirvana fans, the first album I bought was their second release Nevermind. I completely missed their Sub Pop debut album Bleach.
Public Enemy
I fell in love with Public Enemy with their second release It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. I'd subsequently dive into their debut album Yo! Bum Rush the Show, which we learned last week features FOTM Vernon Reid.
Alice in Chains
Although I was familiar with songs from Alice in Chains' debut album Facelift, particularly Man in the Box, I didn't buy in until Dirt. Dirt, for what it's worth, remains one of my favourite albums of all-time.
System of a Down
Like many, Toxicity brought me into the wonderful world of System of a Down. It remains my favourite SOAD album, and one of my favourite albums of all-time. I, however, completely missed their self-titled debut.
Hole
Much like Nirvana, I got really into Hole when I picked up their second album Live Through This. As far as I was concerned, it was their debut album, as I was completely oblivious to the fact they put out Pretty on the Inside years earlier.
Smashing Pumpkins
I guess I wasn't cool enough to own Gish, because I didn't own a Smashing Pumpkins album until I rushed out and bought Siamese Dream after hearing Cherub Rock once.
I'm sure there are many others, but this is a quick list of bands I love but only fell in love with after buying their second studio album. Note, I'm not counting EPs, or The Tragically Hip would be here.
