The Stone Roses - Second Coming

There's no denying that Second Coming is a bit of a letdown. None of the songs are quite as strong as the best on their debut, but there is plenty of good music on the band's much-delayed second record. The Stone Roses create a dense tapestry of interweaving guitars and pulsing bass grooves. Ian Brown growls a little more than before, but he isn't the center of the music; John Squire's endlessly colorful riffs are. It's clear that Squire has been listening to a bit of hard rock, particularly Led Zeppelin. While the songs occasionally take a back seat to the grooves, several tracks -- "Ten Storey Love Song," "Begging You," "Tightrope," "How Do You Sleep," and "Love Spreads" -- rank as true classics. It might not be the long-awaited masterpiece it was rumored to be, but Second Coming is a fine sophomore effort. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Brian Pugsley Programming Ian Brown Vocals, Harmonica John Squire Artwork, Guitar Mani Bass Nick Tambourine Paul Schroeder Engineer, Producer Reni Vocals (Background), Percussion Simon Dawson Castanets, Keyboards, Producer, Jew's-Harp, Engineer