Review
"Second Coming" - the Stone Roses' sophomore effort that dropped like a sonic boom in 1994. Love it or hate it, this album's a complex beast that reflects the band's growth and the weight of expectation following their killer debut. With 13 tracks, including the singles "Love Spreads", "Ten Storey Love Song", and "Begging You", it's a wild ride that's equal parts psychedelic, rock, and experimental.
Some folks at the time thought the album was a bit of a letdown, mainly because the five-year wait had built up some serious hype. Add to that the changing musical landscape, with Britpop making waves, and it was tough for the Roses to reclaim their throne. But hey, the album's got some serious gems. John Squire's guitar work is on fire, especially in tracks like "Breaking Into Heaven" and "Driving South". These epic songs showcase the band's ability to craft atmospheric, psychedelic-tinged masterpieces.
Of course, not everyone was impressed. Some critics thought the tracks were too long, meandering, and lacking in focus. Rolling Stone summed it up pretty harshly, saying the songs were "tuneless retropsychedelic grooves" that went on for too long. Ouch. But on the flip side, some reviewers praised the album's ambition and the band's willingness to take risks. The themes of salvation, comfort, and searching for meaning in a crazy world came across as genuine and heartfelt.
In the end, "Second Coming" did pretty well commercially, selling over a million copies worldwide and reaching number 4 on the UK charts. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a significant part of the Stone Roses' discography - a testament to their experimental spirit and musical depth. So, take a listen and decide for yourself: is "Second Coming" a misstep or a masterpiece? - Leo
