Albums That Were Heavily Anticipated but Received Poor Reviews and Sold Poorly Upon Release
Music enthusiasts often relish the pre-release hype and buzz surrounding an anticipated album. However, not all projects live up to the anticipation, sometimes even generating poor reviews and disappointing sales figures. Here are a few notable examples:
1. Peter Frampton - I’m In You
Following the massive success of his live album Frampton Comes Alive!, Peter Frampton released his follow-up studio album I’m In You. While the new record was a studio effort, it failed to capitalize on the momentum of the earlier release. What people remember about I’m In You are primarily the title track and a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” The cover art, featuring Peter in a pouty-lipped teens-idol pose, did little to capture the essence of the musical transformation many listeners were expecting.
I’m In You was released in 1975 and, while it did receive some airplay, it never achieved the same level of success as Frampton Comes Alive!. The album's poor reception can largely be attributed to the shift from a live recording to a more polished studio album. This produced a letdown for many fans who had grown to love Frampton's raw, live energy.
2. Fleetwood Mac - Tusk
Fleetwood Mac's 1979 album Tusk is often cited as one of the worst albums ever released by a major band. The record diverged significantly from the band's previous successes and evolved into a more experimental, electronic sound. Fans and critics were critical of the experimental nature of the album, which included tracks like “Tusk” and “Rock Me,” which featured a largely unrecognizable version of the band's signature sound. This departure from their rock roots did not sit well with their fanbase, leading to a mixed reception and poor sales.
3. Oasis - Be Here Now
After the phenomenal success of their albums What's the Story Morning Glory? and Heathen Chemistry, the public was eagerly anticipating Oasis's next move. Be Here Now, released in 1997, was a stark contrast from what they had been known for. Critics panned the album, accusing it of being pretentious, self-indulgent, and lacking the band’s signature rock edge. Be Here Now sold around 1.5 million copies, which paled in comparison to the millions of copies they sold throughout the 90s. The album's failure contributed to the ongoing decline in popularity for the band that once stood at the forefront of British alternative rock.
4. Queen - The Works
In 1984, Queen released The Works, a double album that was heavily anticipated by fans. While it contained some beloved hit tracks like “Love Of My Life” and “I Want To Break Free,” the additional material did not live up to the high standards set by their previous releases. The album's extended run and the inclusion of more ballads rather than rock anthems disappointed many listeners who were looking for more electrifying moments from Freddie Mercury and company.
The reception to The Works highlighted a shift in Queen's musical direction, moving away from the high-energy rock that defined their success. This shift was further compounded in the 1990s when Queen blocked the release of several tracks in an effort to protect their catalogue from further commercial exploitation, a move that continued to alienate fans and critics alike.
These albums, while varying in genre and musical style, share a common thread: they were letdowns for fans who had grown to love and expect certain things from the artists in question. Whether due to the explicit shift in sound, a failure to capitalize on pre-release hype, or a failed attempt to evolve, these albums serve as stark reminders that even the most loved artists can face criticism and disappointment from their fanbase.
Through the lens of these examples, it becomes clear that the music industry can be unpredictable, and even the most highly anticipated albums can fall short. However, they also serve as valuable lessons from which both artists and audiences can learn, fostering a more nuanced and realistic approach to music consumption and criticism.