Sophomore album is a term for a band or artist's second album. It is a commonly held belief among music aficionados that this second album, rather than the debut album, is the release that actually sets the tone for an artist's career. The equivalent term in British music criticism is the "difficult second album". "Sophomore Slump" or "second album syndrome" are terms used to describe when the follow up to a well-received album or film is a critical and commercial disappointment. Conquering the sophomore slump, in the sight of music critics, is often a sign of future success.

Causes of the sophomore slump/ second album syndrome

The sophomore release from a band or artist whose first album received widespread critical acclaim is often awaited with a certain amount of trepidation. The public’s usually expects that a follow up film or album to a classic one will be just as good, if not better, than it's prequel. Due to the heightened anticipation of the public, the second album or movie may be regarded critically, as it will be hard for the artist to live up to the hype created by the original. What could be viewed as a good movie or album might therefore seem worse (even if it is not). Reasoning for this can be because the new material no longer breaks boundaries, which the original may have done.

Examples include;

• Little Britain season 3 — the third season has been regarded as "repetitive", yet although it retains the same style of humour as the originals, it no longer breaks new boundaries and loses its appeal.