I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album

zeb · Post by **zeb** » Wed March 20, 2013 12:33 pm

It's just a feeling I have.

Post by **Jorge** » Wed March 20, 2013 12:55 pm

Actual album length notwithstanding?

liebzz · Post by **liebzz** » Wed March 20, 2013 4:59 pm

I think it greatly depends on the artist. To me, an optimal length for a Pearl Jam album falls somewhere in the 50-minute 12-14 song set because it seems to be the right amount of space for them to take you on their journey - at least from what we've gotten from them so far. I would put Springsteen in the same category since everything he has done that was longer eventually blended together.

I feel a band like Radiohead would do well to shorten their albums into the 30-or so minute mark - 7-10 tracks. This is mostly because after about a half hour, their music starts to grate at me - especially everything post Kid A. Actually, I think Danger Mouse has perfected the flow of albums around this length and track listing (See Beck's Modern Guilt, The Black Keys' El Camino and Attack & Release).

Then there are bands like Pink Floyd, the Beatles and the Who who have successfully held my attention for longer. Actually, I do also really love the concept of the double album - I've always held that epic 70s excessiveness in high regard. Too bad bands like Journey, Kansas, and Boston just don't do it for me. I do enjoy the double albums from RHCP, Smashing Pumpkins, and the bands mentioned above though.

pjpjpaul · Post by **pjpjpaul** » Wed March 20, 2013 5:03 pm

I agree 12 is optimal.... But exceptions are acceptable sometimes... When punk bands have 45 second songs I cut them slack if the albums has a lot of songs... And if its a band with longer, more thematic songs, I cut them slack for having less songs.. But I have always liked the 12 track album for some reason...

intodeep · Post by **intodeep** » Wed March 20, 2013 5:04 pm

10 -12 is about right with me too.

Heathen · Post by **Heathen** » Wed March 20, 2013 5:13 pm

EJ · Post by EJ » Wed March 20, 2013 5:15 pm

Yield is 13 tracks. So, this.

bada · Post by **bada** » Wed March 20, 2013 5:21 pm

j's brain · Post by **j's brain** » Wed March 20, 2013 6:38 pm

40-45 minutes.

Post by **epilogue** » Wed March 20, 2013 7:38 pm

theplatypus wrote:Actual album length notwithstanding?

zeb · Post by **zeb** » Wed March 20, 2013 8:34 pm

durdencommatyler wrote:
theplatypus wrote:Actual album length notwithstanding?

I think so.

kreng · Post by **kreng** » Wed March 20, 2013 8:35 pm

Heathen wrote:no

Soma. · Post by **Soma.** » Wed March 20, 2013 8:45 pm

Oh zeb, we need a song tourney to keep you from saying such silly things.

McParadigm · Post by **McParadigm** » Thu March 21, 2013 1:15 am

This idea is the Special Ed of album creation.

verb_to_trust · Post by **verb_to_trust** » Thu March 21, 2013 2:57 am

bada wrote:10

Nothing better than a really solid 10 track album. All killer, no filler.

bart · Post by **bart** » Thu March 21, 2013 3:25 am

verb_to_trust wrote:
bada wrote:10

Nothing better than a really solid 10 track album. All killer, no filler.

Reign in Blood.

Will · Post by **Will** » Thu March 21, 2013 6:08 am

Whenever I piece together my own ideas, I always separate things into a dozen tracks for an album. Good call, zeb.

zeb · Post by **zeb** » Thu March 21, 2013 6:14 am

Yeah, six on either side seems best.

Red Mosquito

I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album

I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album

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