The sophomore slump is notorious: an artist or group releases an outstanding debut album, then releases a second that’s not so good (The Clash being a case in point). Sometimes, like the Clash or Ornette Coleman, the artist releases far better work later.
Who are some groups or artists, though, who peaked with their second albums? After a bit of thinking, I could come up with three:
Beastie Boys, Paul’s Boutique
Public Enemy: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Dwarves: Blood, Guts, and Pussy
What are some others?