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I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 12:33 pm
by zeb
It's just a feeling I have.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 12:55 pm
by Jorge
Actual album length notwithstanding?
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 4:59 pm
by liebzz
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.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 5:03 pm
by pjpjpaul
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...
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 5:04 pm
by intodeep
10 -12 is about right with me too.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 5:13 pm
by Heathen
no
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 5:15 pm
by EJ
Yield is 13 tracks. So, this.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 5:21 pm
by bada
10
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 6:38 pm
by j's brain
40-45 minutes.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 7:38 pm
by epilogue
theplatypus wrote:Actual album length notwithstanding?
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 8:34 pm
by zeb
durdencommatyler wrote:theplatypus wrote:Actual album length notwithstanding?
I think so.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 8:35 pm
by kreng
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Wed March 20, 2013 8:45 pm
by Soma.
Oh zeb, we need a song tourney to keep you from saying such silly things.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Thu March 21, 2013 1:15 am
by McParadigm
This idea is the Special Ed of album creation.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Thu March 21, 2013 2:57 am
by verb_to_trust
bada wrote:10
Nothing better than a really solid 10 track album. All killer, no filler.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Thu March 21, 2013 3:25 am
by bart
verb_to_trust wrote:bada wrote:10
Nothing better than a really solid 10 track album. All killer, no filler.
Reign in Blood.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Thu March 21, 2013 6:08 am
by Will
Whenever I piece together my own ideas, I always separate things into a dozen tracks for an album. Good call, zeb.
Re: I feel like 12 tracks is the optimal number for an album
Posted: Thu March 21, 2013 6:14 am
by zeb
Yeah, six on either side seems best.