The Ramones' second studio album Leave Home was released in 1977. The album has higher production value and received mostly positive reviews upon release although many reviewers noted its similarity to their debut. It did not have much commercial success at the time of its release much to the surprise of the band.
With the higher production value, Joey's clearer annunciation, and catchier hooks, there's enough variation between this record and their debut to make this a strong sophomore record. But at the same time, it feels too much like a do-over. There's a follow-up to the glue joke, the horror lyric, and the ballad. The glue sequel is great and so is another joke "Oh Oh I Love Her So," where Joey falls in love at the soda machine of a Burger King, but in terms of humor, this record packs less of a punch and, to me, the production goes more against what the band does best than it creates a new, interesting sound for the band. About six of the fourteen tracks work great in the pop environment but the lesser songwriting of the rest doesn't offer much more than mild enjoyment and a fond memory. B+ [Later: A-]