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From Taylor Swift to Olivia Rodrigo: 21 of the Most Anticipated Sophomore Albums by 21st Century Pop Stars

Written by on July 3, 2023

As Olivia Rodrigo officially kicks off the campaign for Guts, her second studio album, Billboard looks back on 21 of the most anticipated sophomore pop albums of the 21st century.

The second album is always tricky territory for artists, especially for stars whose debut records were critical and commercial successes. The “sophomore slump” — a phrase that refers to the phenomenon where an artist’s second album fails to live up to the heights set by their first — is a term that is often thrown around in music conversations. Although the phrase is sometimes used incorrectly, it remains a helpful way to discuss and analyze the commercial and artistic progression, or lack thereof, of an artist.

Grammy-winning pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo is currently gearing up for what is arguably the most anticipated sophomore album of the young decade. Rodrigo’s debut, the Billboard 200-topping Sour, spawned two Hot 100 No. 1 singles, garnered billions of on-demand streams, and earned acclaim from critics and fans alike. With the release of her new single “Vampire,” all eyes are on Rodrigo as she officially kicks off the campaign for Guts, out Sept. 8, 2023. Rodrigo isn’t alone among pop stars getting ready to release their sophomore album: Fans are also still eagerly awaiting sophomore records from the likes of Cardi B, Omar Apollo, Tate McRae and Lil Nas X.

Although Guts is understandably on everyone’s minds, it is only the latest example of a sophomore album that has captivated the pop music scene. From B’Day, Beyoncé’s follow-up to her blockbuster debut solo album, to 21, Adele’s historic follow-up to her Grammy-nominated 2008 debut, the 21st century has offered pop audiences a litany of sophomore albums that have premiered to varying degrees of success and acclaim. While some records fold under the pressure and others turn that anticipation into record-breaking numbers, they all embody the peculiar position of the sophomore album.

Below, Billboard reflects on 21 of the most anticipated pop star sophomore albums of the 21st century.

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