The Second Songs Ranked

The Second is the second studio album by Canadian-American rock band Steppenwolf, released in October 1968 on ABC Dunhill Records. The album contains one of Steppenwolf’s most famous songs, “Magic Carpet Ride”. The background of the original ABC LP cover was a shiny “foil”, in contrast to later (MCA Records) LP issues and the modern CD sleeve. Featuring a style that incorporates psychedelic music and hard rock, the release has received critical acclaim both when it came out as well as in later years. For example, AllMusic critic Bruce Eder stated that, though “highly derivative” of their first album, The Second had “very hard and edgy” tracks with the band “in excellent form”. The five tracks on side two after “Magic Carpet Ride” consist of a continuous medley. Here are all of The Second songs ranked.

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12. Resurrection

“I think the best thing about Steppenwolf’s second album is how the lead singer is in excellent shape with his AMAZING voice where he sounds like he’s crying while he sings, and to me it’s absolutely terrific when someone sings with THAT kind of emotion because you know it’s totally real and not some attempt to give the listener some bogus feelings like all those commercial bands out there today.”

11. Reflections

“This is basically a signing off by the band, a gentle farewell which is a good counterweight to what comes before it. Even if you don’t pay attention to the lyrics, it still seems to tell a story, one your ears will enjoy.”

10. Don’t Step on the Grass, Sam

“Don’t Step On The Grass, Sam” is a scathing attack on stupid marijuana laws. Though the band has always had an anti-drug stance, this song is proof that the so-called “Drug War” has been going on for a very long time.”

9. Hodge, Podge, Strained Through a Leslie

“Hodge Podge, And Strained Through A Leslie” is in reference to the type of organ Goldy McJohn was using at this point in the band’s career, the classic B-3 and the Leslie speaker with the propeller blade to oscillate the sound. It is simply a semi-psychedelic jam with some flourishes by the guitars, organ, and harmonica.”

See more: Steppenwolf Albums Ranked

8. Spiritual Fantasy

“Spiritual Fantasy” is a somber song, string quartet accompanying the acoustic/slide guitars, “…the wise men came together with the hope to free mankind of the rubbish that had gathered in God’s name.” John Kay has always been very good at summing up the human condition.”

7. Lost and Found by Trial and Error

“Steppenwolf has always been on my mind as a group to listen to but because we buy by radio or friends we never buy a wide amout of releases through out the years.The Second for means a piece of Rock history.”

6. None of Your Doing

“None Of Your Doing” is a somewhat softer number, but it carries that weight of a “Wolfpack” song with aplomb. I like the sound of the songs and that hiss sounding between the songs ending and starting.Rickenbacker guitars and that snare sounding drum on many 60’s groups makes me feel good and want to pick up and play a guitar.”

5. Disappointment Number (Unknown)

“A nice amalgam of several stories with a story with four interrelated melodies from Disappointment Number (Unknown all the way through the resurrection and reflection at the end of the album.”

See more; Steppenwolf Songs Ranked

4. Tighten Up Your Wig

“Tighten Up Your Wig” is a leftover from the days of Sparrow, a three-chord groove delivered in a way pretty true to the older version. It sounds like it was recorded at a party, and if it wasn’t, they did a pretty good job at making it seem like it was.”

3. Magic Carpet Ride

“The second cycle begins with a tender albeit humorous look at what it really means to approach age thirty in a subculture that distrusts anyone over that age. Followed by their monster hit, “Magic Carpet Ride”

2. Faster Than the Speed of Life

“Seen under the most objective perspective, this was a transient album. With this premise in the analysis, this second album finds a band that still has not developed a personal style. Faster than the speed of life, the opening track is a prelude, a thundering theme that works out as stimulating vehicle to put us in mood.”

1. 28

“28” is another song featuring the voice of Edmonton. “She’s twenty-eight years old tonight…” It is, in several ways, a typical pop song; a guy singing about a girl. There’s nothing outstanding about it, but it’s no dud either.”