10 Rock Bands That Completely Avoided The Sophomore Slump
6. Pinkerton - Weezer
Back in the '90s, it was virtually impossible to see Weezer's Pinkerton as anything but a sophomore slump. With not as many ear grabbing hooks as their colorful Blue Album and an overall uncomfortable sound and lyrical style from Rivers Cuomo, it looked like Weezer were just going to fall into obscurity after making something this ugly. On the other hand, time has actually done wonders for this little album.
After getting disillusioned with fame and toying with a space-age concept record that fell through, Cuomo was determined to make an honest album about his own experiences as a rock star. What unfolds is one of the most open-hearted albums in pop punk history, from Cuomo talking about his apathy towards groupies on Tired of Sex to struggling to find love on El Scorcho and Pink Triangle. While some of the lyrical subjects can get questionable like on Across the Sea, it always reads like hearing the innermost secrets of what being a rock star is really like.
Though the white hot production on here can still be a bit daunting, it's extremely effective at illustrating Cuomo's state of mind, as he struggles to come to terms with his musical dreams not living up to his expectations. While Cuomo has spent the rest of Weezer's career trying to run away from this album, this type of honesty has as much staying power as their debut.