Sequels almost never make a real difference in the world.
You don't get rewarded today for being safe.
You get rewarded by breaking things. By changing the status quo. By tinkering until it's noticeably different.
Your record label only wants the same thing over and over because they are scared. They almost always wait to be led.
We need you to lead us.
Break something.
Every time I 'try' to write a good blog post, it usually ends up being a terrible one.
Same goes for songwriting or any work involving the thing I care about. The fear creeps in, and I tangle myself up.
The most successful writers know that it's not about the good ideas. It's about the bad ones. For the more bad ideas you have, the more likely you are to actually find a good one.
If you dare, write a bad song. Write a bad book. Make a bad movie. Start a bad business.
The reason you haven't started your project is probably because you are scared that it won't be good.
You now have my permission to make it, even if it's bad. You might end up surprising yourself. :-)