3 Musicians Who Took a Hiatus and Returned With Epic Albums

Everyone needs a break. No matter your vocation, age, or status, a break from anything is crucial for mental and physical health. Of course, musicians are also part of this healthy practice. It just so happens that when they do it’s always speculated as retirement. Consequently, fan theories get thrown around, pictures try to be taken, and this “break” the musicians intended to take turns into the opposite. However, one benefit of taking a break from music is that when they return it is all the more epic.

Many musicians have either quit music entirely or taken a break from the spotlight to then eventually come back. However, when some musicians do this, their return is seamless and it’s as if they never left. On the contrary, when certain musicians exit the scene their fans and the world long for their presence from the moment they are gone. Hence, when they return their reception sends waves of energy through the musical world. So, here are three musicians who did just that…

Eminem

Despite being known for taking several breaks throughout his musical career. The most notable one was in 2004 after Eminem dropped his acclaimed album, Encore. Many things led to Eminem’s hiatus, including an addiction to prescription drugs and a failed marriage with his ex-wife. Furthermore, Eminem also wanted to focus more on producing music for other artists.

After Eminem seemingly dealt with both his personal and health issues, he returned five years later and dropped the album Relapse. Upon the album’s 2009 release, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and became the highest sold rap album of 2009. Eminem also won two Grammys and received Double-Platinum status from RIAA in 2010. Needless to say, Eminem’s return was epic and he proved that by sweeping the music industry in 2009 and 2010.

Cher

After an incredibly successful career in the ’60s and ’70s, Cher announced she’d be taking a break from music to focus on her film career. Between 1982 and 1986 Cher starred in numerous films and won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and Best Actress at Canes. Given this success in film, Cher had no reason to return to music. However, she did, and she did so in a grandiose fashion.

In 1987, Cher returned to music and released her hit self-titled album, Cher. Considered Cher’s comeback album, it seemingly accomplished that very goal. Following its release, the album reached No. 32 on the Billboard Albums chart, and “I Found Someone” peaked at No. 10 on the Hot 100.

Metallica

In 2003, the most famous metal band of all time announced they’d be taking an indefinite hiatus. Reasons as to why the band decided to do so aren’t entirely known. However, it doesn’t diminish the fact that their comeback in 2008 is one of the most prolific in music history.

In 2008, Metallica came back to the scene and released their ninth studio album, Death Magnetic. Its public reception was undeniably jaw-dropping. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 200, and their single, “Cyanide,” reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. The band also received five Grammy nominations and won one for Best Metal Performance for “My Apocalypse.”

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