| In the previous articles in this series I mentioned the | | | | and even though you could find 20 numbers that fit |
| first two prerequisites to successfully choosing tracks | | | | the theme, you should seriously consider scratching |
| for an album: firstly having a central theme for the | | | | numbers off the list that do not fit together, that is, |
| album, and secondly providing variety. I cautioned | | | | are of roughly the same genre. |
| that in providing variety you should be careful not to | | | | I said "roughly, because nothing is cast in stone. So, |
| go too far, as too much variety can break the unity | | | | also, the "boundaries" of genres are not rigidly |
| established by the central theme. | | | | defined and you may find Commercial Rock numbers |
| This brings us to the next concept I would like to | | | | that would be acceptable to a Pop audience. |
| discuss: genre. | | | | There are always exceptions. If you compiled an |
| "Birds of a feather flock together." Don't ever forget | | | | album of "The best music of the century", seeing as |
| this saying, especially when you're choosing tracks for | | | | the theme is "music of the century", and not "rock |
| an album. | | | | music of the century", you may find, should find, |
| There are many genres, i.e. categories of music | | | | music of different genres on the album. |
| today. Generally lovers of a specific genre, category, | | | | But ask yourself: would you buy such an album and |
| are very partial to music from that genre, and often | | | | play it, when most of the tracks are music genres |
| reluctant to listen to music from another genre. So, | | | | you don't even listen to? There are a few people |
| for example, lovers of Rock would be keen to listen | | | | who have a less defined listening preference and who |
| to rock music, but would probably not listen to Jazz | | | | would listen to genres miles apart, but they are the |
| or Rap at all. | | | | exception. |
| If such a person picked up an album and saw 2 or 3 | | | | Normally you are concerned with mass appeal, unless |
| Rock numbers on there, but the rest of the tracks | | | | you were serving a specialist market, and therefore |
| were from genres such as Jazz, Opera etc., do you | | | | would consider average Joe's perceptions. |
| think he/she would buy it? Probably not! Who would | | | | Therefore, to be safe, I would advise you to stay |
| pay the price for a full album when there's only 2 or | | | | well within the boundaries of a genre when choosing |
| 3 tracks on there they liked? | | | | tracks for an album. |
| Very few people would! The same holds true if | | | | Next time I will discuss some other factors now that |
| lovers of Rap picked up the album: they see 2 or 3 | | | | you have a selection of tracks that fit the theme, |
| tracks they like, and the rest is "junk" to them. | | | | provide variety and are from the same genre. |
| So, although you have a central theme, let's say love, | | | | |