Who intentionally released the worst songs on their album as singles in order to lower expectations?

Taylor says: 'ME!'

I know Earl made Sick! Intentionally less than SRS bc he didn't want to have that expectation follow him but thats not the same exact situation

Did he actually say this? If so that’s interesting

I feel like most artists have to have a comedown album after they drop their opus. DB had to come down with uknowwhatimsayin after AE as well

Don't think it was intentional but i was a weird choice for the first thing we'd hear off TPAB. Personally, my expectations were low

Untitled Unmastered might have been the most perfect example of this. More of the same, but at lower stakes, allowing him to wipe the slate clean for DAMN. and a straightforward banger single like HUMBLE.

The lead single is whatever they/their team think will be the most immediate and digestible “hit”, oftentimes to the dismay of fans

Forgot that one. that’s a good example

If true that’s incredibly whack. Would make sense tho because it’s not even half as good as SRS

i wonder if artists ever release trash albums as a holdover for a good album and to lower expectations and increase reception to the good album