15 Rock N’ Roll Artists That Only Had Two Albums Under Their Career

It’s no secret that making albums isn’t an easy task, even for esteemed rockers in the business. It’s usually the first two albums that press the creatives the most before either continuing on with a fruitful career or ending it in a flash. With that said, here are some rock and roll acts and bands that only managed to push out a sophomore release before resting their case.

Walter Becker

Steely Dan co-founder and multi-instrumentalist Walter Becker tried his hand at a solo career that was only limited to two releases. Although his success with Steely Dan is the stuff of legends, he only managed to push out 11 Tracks of Whack in 1994 and Circus Money in 2008.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mSk01tWzr0&list=PL4kiD6BEY-3qv7s63vDr2IXDGKgmiY49v

Animal Logic

Comprised of ex-Police drummer Stewart Copeland, bassist Stanley Clarke, and singer-songwriter Deborah Holland, Animal Logic had a brief stint from 1987 to 1991 and only released two albums Animal Logic in 1989 and Animal Logic II in 1991.

Tin Machine

David Bowie formed a supergroup in 1988 with comedian Soupy Sales’ sons and Reeves Gabrels called Tin Machine. And like most supergroups, the band never really lasted long, although they released great records in the form of 1989’s Tin Machine and 1991 Tin Machine II. 

Warhorse

A band with no definite lineup, Warhorse released a self-titled debut in 1970 and Red Sea by 1972. The band was comprised of Ashley Holt, Ged Peck, Mac Poole, along with Rick Wakeman and Frank Wilson.

Spys

Comprised of members John Blanco on vocals, John DiGaudio on guitars, drummer Billy Mine, and ex-Foreigner members Al Greenwood on keys and Ed Gagliardi on bass. They released a self-titled debut in 1982 and Behind Enemy Lines in 1983.

Alias

Canadian rock supergroup Alias is comprised of Freddy Curci and Steve DeMarchi from Sheriff and Heart founding members Roger Fisher, Steve Fossen, and Mike Derosier. Together, the group released Alias in 1990 and Never Say Never in 2009.

Gordian Knot

A progressive rock supergroup made up of members from Dream Theater, Yes, Genesis, and Fates Warning, Gordian Knot released a self-titled debut in 1999 and Emergent in 2003.

Voodoocult

The thrash metal supergroup Voodoocult managed to release Jesus Killing Machine in 1994 and Voodoocult by 1995 and is comprised of members from Slayer, Faith No More, Death, Kreator, and Phillip Boa & The Voodooclub.

Rossington Collins Band

The Rossington Collins Band hail from the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, specifically Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell, along with Dale Krantz-Rossington, Barry Lee Harwood and Derek Hess. They released Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere in 1980 and This is the Way in the following year.

Danny Wilson

Influenced by Steely Dan but at a tempered level, Danny Wilson released two albums, a self-titled one from 1987 and Bebop Moptop in 1989. The band was comprised of Gary Clark, Kit Clark, and Ged Grimes.

Ginger Baker’s Air Force

Esteemed drummer Ginger Baker joined forces with  Steve Winwood of Traffic, Ric Grech of Blind Faith, Denny Laine of The Moody Blues, and Graham Bond to bring two albums to light: Ginger Baker’s Air Force and Ginger Baker’s Air Force 2, both released in 1970.

Joy Division

English rock act Joy Division was composed of Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris. They managed to push out Unknown Pleasures in 1979, and Closer in 1980, which was just two months after the suicide of Curtis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax5sAXcUfyU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf8M86GOHLo

UK

Another progressive rock supergroup that only released a one-two combination was UK. The lineup changed between the two records, with 1978’s self-titled release sporting Allan Holdsworth on guitar, John Wetton on bass, Bill Bruford on drums, and Eddie Jobson on keyboards, while Danger Money of 1979 saw Holdsworth’s departure and Terry Bozzio replacing Bruford on the throne.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX7XrfR3e3Q

The Firm

Rock supergroup The Firm released a self-titled debut in 1985 and was followed up by Mean Business in 1986. The band was composed of rock giants Paul Rodgers, Jimmy Page, Tony Franklin, and Chris Slade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs7wmH9xf70

Traveling Wilburys

The Traveling Wilburys came out from the recording sessions of a bonus track for George Harrison’s solo project. Completed by Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne, the music was all in good fun, starting from the Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1in 1988 and Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3 in 1990.