Sometimes, when an artist is asked about whether they would revisit a previously critically and/or commercially successful album or if their new album is like a previously praised work, I've often heard many state that they didn't/don't want to make 'ALBUM NAME' part 2 (again, in spirit, not in actual name like 'OBFCL,' 'Van Halen,' 'The Carter,' etc.). Or often stating they have matured or that they thought making another 'ALBUM NAME' in the same musical spirit was regressing in some way. I've also often heard fans say the same, usually when defending some new direction their favorite artist has gone in – that the artist shouldn’t make another 'ALBUM NAME' and that progression is always best.

But if an artist has genuinely tapped into something great on a previous work, can't there also be additional great musical ideas formed within that same musical framework? Why does revisiting the soundscape/style/production of great music you've previously created automatically mean you're stagnant or regressing or that you're trapped? Why can't you consistently make music within a certain framework and it be consistently great? Or even progressive (for the artist) or more mature? Isn't there something to be said for perfecting a sound or artistic style?

And I want to be clear. I'm not against change or new artistic direction on general principle. If an artist is in a new creative headspace, I'm all for them going with what they believe/feel to be best or what excites them creatively.

And I realize there are multiple reasons an artist may not want to remain trapped by a previous album's sound (i.e., resistance to typecasting, genuine creativity, new musical trends, experimentation, collaborations, label/industry pressure, etc.), but change just for change's sake isn't necessarily sound to me. Especially when the results prove to be bad/worse than previous work that's genuinely great and begs to be revisited.

Just my random thoughts. What say you?

you know you are making a sequel. every act wants there godfather part 2, or a formula of die hard. however nobody wants the part 2 to be like godfather part 3 or stiff like robocop part 2 or you are stuck in the water like free willy part 2-4 ya know.

also how soon do you play that card? alot of acts stray from the obvious because

it seems like they haven't moved on and while they have a formula times have changed.

you just can't be in that exact same place you were when you made that particular project.

different mind set.

mistermaxxx R.Kelly, Michael Jackson,Stevie wonder,Rick James,Marvin Gaye,El Debarge, Barry WHite Lionel RIchie,Isleys EWF,Lady T.,Kid creole and coconuts,the crusaders,kc sunshine band,bee gees,jW,sd,NE,JB

Miami Heat, New York Yankees,buffalo bills

Pearl Jam has long said "Oh, we could record another TEN, but that's not where we are musically anymore." To which I call bullshit. I don't think they could if they tried.

I understand why though. I don't write the same kind of music I wrote 15 years ago, and if I tried, it'd sound forced. It's just not where I am anymore. So I think when bands make that kind of "we didn't want to make part 2," all they're doing is calling attention to the fact that they've grown to a different place/approach.

Plus, I mean... you record an album (especially if it's your first album) you have to think you've been playing that material at shows and on TV shows and whatnot every night for over a year. You probably get tired of running through the same shit, same sound. You crave a change.

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or a second collection of tracks made at the same time

the whole concept of an album having a sequel is more about marketing (capitalizing on nostalgia) and doesn't make a lot of sense

more to your point though (why artists are reticent) generally folks don't want to get caught in a rut or be seen as regressing. upward and onward right?

Well done sequel: OB4CL2 to the surprise of many Rae made a great sequel, which picked up where his debut LP left off.

Poorly done: F&L2:TGARA pt 1 everything about this record was a mess (down to the cover and title). It had nothing to do with the original F&L album, sonically or theme-wise. It was just lupe shoving his stupid political agenda down our throats for an hour and ten mins over pop-rap synth beats.

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