Music history is filled with intriguing stories, and none are more captivating than those of lost albums. These are works by major artists that, for various reasons, were never released and have since vanished, leaving fans and historians to ponder what could have been. Here are ten such albums that have become the stuff of legend.
1. The Beach Boys – „Smile”
Originally intended as a follow-up to their groundbreaking „Pet Sounds,” „Smile” was a highly ambitious project by Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. Plagued by Wilson’s personal issues and internal band conflicts, the album was shelved, and only fragments of its innovative sound have surfaced over the years.
2. Prince – „Camille”
Prince, known for his prolific output and eclectic style, recorded an entire album under the female persona of „Camille.” Using manipulated vocals, this album was a bold exploration of gender and identity. However, it was ultimately scrapped, and only some tracks have appeared on other albums.
3. The Beatles – „Get Back”
Before it was reimagined into the „Let It Be” album, The Beatles intended to release „Get Back,” a return to their rock 'n’ roll roots. However, disagreements and the evolving nature of the band’s dynamics led to its abandonment.
4. Jimi Hendrix – „Black Gold”
Just before his untimely death, Jimi Hendrix was working on a collection of songs titled „Black Gold.” These tracks, meant to showcase a new direction for Hendrix, were never completed, and their whereabouts remain a mystery.
5. Dr. Dre – „Detox”
Dr. Dre’s „Detox” has become one of the most famous unreleased albums in hip-hop. Announced in the early 2000s, it was supposed to be his grand follow-up to „2001.” Despite years of speculation and teased tracks, it never materialized.
6. David Bowie – „Toy”
David Bowie’s „Toy,” meant to feature new versions of some of his earliest works, was shelved by his record label in the early 2000s. While some tracks eventually leaked, the complete album remains unreleased.
7. Jeff Buckley – „My Sweetheart the Drunk”
Following the success of „Grace,” Jeff Buckley began working on his second album. Tragically, his accidental death left it unfinished. The existing demos were posthumously released, but the complete vision for the album remains unknown.
8. Green Day – „Cigarettes and Valentines”
In 2003, Green Day’s album „Cigarettes and Valentines” was nearing completion when the master tapes were stolen. The band decided to start afresh, leading to the creation of their hit album „American Idiot,” but the original recordings were never recovered.
9. Kanye West – „Yandhi”
Kanye West’s „Yandhi” was slated for a 2018 release. However, following a series of delays and West’s evolving creative direction, the album was shelved. Some of its material appeared on his later album, „Jesus is King.”
10. Neil Young – „Homegrown”
Recorded in the mid-70s, Neil Young’s „Homegrown” was set to be a deeply personal album. However, Young shelved it, feeling it was too personal to share. While a few tracks have been released in other forms, the complete album has not seen the light of day.
