So KT Tunstall and James Blunt will be dropping their sophomore albums on 9/18 here in the U.S. I know KT’s album is already out in the UK (9/3), and I think I can assume that may be the same with Jame’s album. In any case, usually a week before an album is available in stores or on itunes, you have the chance to listen to a full-length streaming version of the album on the internet through websites like VH1, aol, yahoo, or mtv. So below are the links that will open up the music player for the entire albums of each:

James Blunt’s “All the Lost Souls”
Click here to listen to the full length streaming album

KT Tunstall’s “Drastic Fantastic”
Click here to listen to the full length streaming album

I’m just starting to listen to both now, and as many of you know I’m a huge KT fan. But to be honest, before I get my ears into these songs, I already feel like they have a very high standard to meet, not only for me, but for all their fans. Both their freshman albums have had much amazing critical acclaim and are songs that are well respected. Lyrically there was such power in KT’s first album, and my big fear is that the music (guitars, beats, etc) will drown out her amazing voice and lyrics. For James, the challenge is a bit different. ‘Back to Bedlam’ was just played soooo much on my ipod, that his voice can get a bit, annoying (besides this player status in his personal life!) I’m listening to the album now, and I do anticipate the 70’s influence in these songs, hence the first single’s title ‘1973.’ While being known for his ballads, particularly ‘Beautiful’ on his first album, he’ll need to find a way to overcoming the ‘broken record’ syndrome.

So anyway, let’s hope these two can overcome the sophomore hump. Because as the past has shown, the music that follows the first album and the ability to be flexible and innovative make for artists that stick around.