6 Lost Albums That Were Eventually Released

A lot can happen from the time writing and recording begin on an album until that album is released—including releases being scrapped altogether and becoming “lost,” left for fans to only dream about. And while some lost albums will tragically probably never see the light of day, others have made their way out into the world decades later, although not necessarily quite as they were intended to be heard.

The Beach Boys – ‘Smile’

After the success of Pet Sounds, The Beach Boys intended to follow it up with Smile and began recording it in 1966. Brian Wilson imagined it to be his best work, but it was never finished. It was eventually released in 2011—albeit not totally finished—as The Smile Sessions.

David Bowie – ‘Toy’

In 2000, David Bowie began recording Toy, which featured new versions of some of his older songs originally recorded between 1964 and 1971. He intended to release it in 2001, but his label at the time, EMI/Virgin, delayed it indefinitely. It was eventually released in 2021, five years after Bowie’s death.

Prince – ‘The Black Album’

Prince’s Black Album was all set for release in late 1987—promotional copies had already been pressed and sent when the singer changed his mind just a week before the release date. The album was pulled and all copies were destroyed. Seven years later, in November 1994, it got a limited release.

Neil Young – ‘Chrome Dreams’

Neil Young put Chrome Dreams together in 1977 with songs he’d recorded in the previous two years, and despite being pressed on acetate, he ultimately shelved it. Although he released a sequel, Chrome Dreams II, in 2007, the original album wasn’t released until 2023, as one of many archival releases.

Bruce Springsteen – ‘The Lost Albums’ and ‘Electric Nebraska’

In his bedroom in 1982, Bruce Springsteen recorded what he intended to be demos of songs that would eventually have the backing of his E Street Band. Although he changed his mind, he did release electric versions of the songs in 2025, as Electric Nebraska. He also released numerous previously unreleased albums in the box set Tracks II.

The Beatles – ‘Get Back’

After The Beatles recorded Let It Be, they handed it over to producer Phil Spector in the hopes that he could polish it up a bit. But the band, particularly Paul McCartney, wasn’t happy with the end result, as it didn’t capture the more raw sound they were aiming for. The album was eventually released as they intended it to be heard, as Let It Be…Naked.