In what order should tracks be placed on an CD?
-
- KVRAF
- 7672 posts since 9 Nov, 2003 from Netherlands
Putting together a CD is imo about the same as putting together a track; you'd want the CD to flow without too sudden jumps left to right. Still it comes down to what has been mentioned before; creativity
-
- KVRAF
- 12977 posts since 29 Sep, 2003 from Ottawa, Canada
Jeeziz,
When I make a mix tape (OK, CD...), I agonize over the order of the songs and try to make it have continuity. To throw that kind of aesthetic out the window when compiling my OWN songs would be unthinkable!
In addition to what's already been mentioned, I like CDs that come in waves. A couple of fast songs back to back, sure, but break it up with a mid-tempo or slow song. But do NOT put 2 slow songs back-to-back for a rock album. Other styles, sure-- but not rock.
The listener wants to rock out, take a wee break, and then get back to the rocking out. 
Greg
When I make a mix tape (OK, CD...), I agonize over the order of the songs and try to make it have continuity. To throw that kind of aesthetic out the window when compiling my OWN songs would be unthinkable!
In addition to what's already been mentioned, I like CDs that come in waves. A couple of fast songs back to back, sure, but break it up with a mid-tempo or slow song. But do NOT put 2 slow songs back-to-back for a rock album. Other styles, sure-- but not rock.
The listener wants to rock out, take a wee break, and then get back to the rocking out. Greg
-
- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 2401 posts since 29 Dec, 2002 from In the dark
Great ideas that keep on comming. Thanks.
A quick unscientific survey of the CDs in my collection revealed the interesting fact that the "hit" song in 90% of the time comes at position 4, 5 or 6 with 50% at 5 about 30% at 6.
A quick unscientific survey of the CDs in my collection revealed the interesting fact that the "hit" song in 90% of the time comes at position 4, 5 or 6 with 50% at 5 about 30% at 6.
-
- KVRAF
- 1981 posts since 26 Oct, 2003 from Toronto
I often wondered about the band The Verve? (I must be the only one these days? 
) But their 'hit' Bittersweet Symphony was their first track. I even went out and got the CD (okay - stole it from Columbia House more like it. ) The album certainly didn't have any stronger songs that stood out atleast in my mind?
So here's the thing - maybe The Verve thought it would be a good opener track, a simple introductory video - and they move on from there? But the song hit people, it was catchy, and the fact they used a portion from a Rolling Stones song created this 'hit' that I think snowballed out of control for them... Maybe?
Same thing for Young Radicals and many others - your 'hit song' no matter where it's placed can be the death of a person/band in one foul swoop. Regardless of all the other songs on the CD, the spacing and flow. So that SCARES me greatly!
But then sometimes a person/band just knows their 'Sundae On A Sunday' is the only good song, and their ballads are shite so the drummer can do a joint, the guitarist showcases all over their 'rock song', and the cover of Ob La Dee is just for the blue hairs anyways. So 'Sundae On A Sunday' first song, milk it for all it's worth - and take the money and run. The rest was shit anyways.
) But their 'hit' Bittersweet Symphony was their first track. I even went out and got the CD (okay - stole it from Columbia House more like it. ) The album certainly didn't have any stronger songs that stood out atleast in my mind?So here's the thing - maybe The Verve thought it would be a good opener track, a simple introductory video - and they move on from there? But the song hit people, it was catchy, and the fact they used a portion from a Rolling Stones song created this 'hit' that I think snowballed out of control for them... Maybe?
Same thing for Young Radicals and many others - your 'hit song' no matter where it's placed can be the death of a person/band in one foul swoop. Regardless of all the other songs on the CD, the spacing and flow. So that SCARES me greatly!
But then sometimes a person/band just knows their 'Sundae On A Sunday' is the only good song, and their ballads are shite so the drummer can do a joint, the guitarist showcases all over their 'rock song', and the cover of Ob La Dee is just for the blue hairs anyways. So 'Sundae On A Sunday' first song, milk it for all it's worth - and take the money and run. The rest was shit anyways.
-
- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 2401 posts since 29 Dec, 2002 from In the dark
Very often I think this is the case. The band do not know that they have a hit. Maybe they just wanted an attention grabber that did get out of control as you suggest.Steven West wrote: So here's the thing - maybe The Verve thought it would be a good opener track, a simple introductory video - and they move on from there? But the song hit people, it was catchy, and the fact they used a portion from a Rolling Stones song created this 'hit' that I think snowballed out of control for them... Maybe?