As music enthusiasts, we are often presented with various types of music releases, such as records, records, albums, singles, EPs, LPs, splits, compilations, mixtapes, and vinyl records. While these terms may seem interchangeable, they actually refer to different types of audio recordings with their own unique characteristics.
Understanding the distinctions between these different types of music releases is important for musicians, music enthusiasts, and collectors alike. For musicians, knowing the differences can help you make informed decisions when releasing your own music, while for enthusiasts and collectors, it can provide insight into the unique characteristics and purposes of each type of release.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms and their meanings, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the diverse landscape of the music industry.
1. RECORDS
A “record” is a general term that refers to any audio recording. This term encompasses a wide variety of formats, from vinyl records and CDs to digital files and streaming services. When someone refers to a “record,” they could be talking about a single, an album, an EP, or any other collection of recorded music. Essentially, the term “record” is a broad way to describe a piece of recorded music, regardless of its format or length.
HISTORY & EVOLUTION OF RECORDS
The history of records dates back to the late 19th century when the first phonograph records were introduced. These early records were made of various materials, such as wax, and later, shellac. By the mid-20th century, vinyl records became the standard format for recorded music, with 78 RPM (revolutions per minute) records eventually being replaced by 33 1/3 RPM LPs and 45 RPM singles.
With the advent of new technologies, other formats like cassette tapes, CDs, and eventually digital files emerged, providing artists with more options for distributing their music. Today, the term “record” has evolved to include digital downloads, streaming services, and physical formats like vinyl, CDs, and cassettes.
The concept of a record continues to adapt and change as technology, and the music industry evolve, but its core meaning remains the same—a recorded piece of music, regardless of format or length.
2. ALBUMS
An album is a collection of songs or other audio tracks that are released together as a cohesive unit. Albums typically revolve around a central theme, concept, or sound and are often created to provide listeners with a more in-depth and immersive experience than a single song can offer. Albums can be released in various formats, such as physical CDs or vinyl records, as well as digital downloads and streaming services.
Not sure what to name your album? Check out this list of 10 Clever Ideas For Naming An Album.
COMMON ALBUM FORMATS
Over time, the format of albums has evolved to accommodate new technologies and consumer preferences. In the past, albums were primarily available as vinyl records or cassette tapes, but with the introduction of the compact disc (CD) in the 1980s, a new era of music consumption began. CDs offered better sound quality and longer playtimes than previous formats, making them popular among music enthusiasts.
As technology continued to advance, digital downloads and streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music emerged, providing even more options for artists to distribute their albums. Today, listeners have the freedom to access albums through their preferred format, whether it’s a physical copy, digital download, or streaming service.
HOW DO ALBUMS DIFFER FROM RECORDS?
While the terms “record” and “album” are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two. A record refers to any type of audio recording, while an album specifically denotes a collection of songs released as a cohesive unit. An album is a type of record, but not all records are albums. For example, a single is also a type of record but is not an album, as it only contains one or two songs.
3. SINGLES
A single is a standalone audio recording that typically features one main track, often accompanied by one or more additional tracks, such as remixes, live versions, or B-sides. Singles are usually released to promote an artist’s upcoming album or to gain exposure for a particular song. They can be released in various formats, including 7-inch or 12-inch vinyl records, CDs, digital downloads, and streaming platforms.
Are you struggling to name your next single? Check out How To Name Your Song: 10 Tips For Creating A Memorable Title.
THE PURPOSE & PROMOTION OF SINGLES
Singles often serve as a means of generating buzz and gauging public interest in an artist’s upcoming album. They are typically more radio-friendly and more likely to be played on mainstream media outlets. Additionally, singles can help an artist gain traction on music charts, as the number of downloads, streams, or physical copies sold often measures their success.
Have you ever wondered why artists release new music on Fridays? Check out our guide, Why Artists Release New Music On Fridays: The Benefits Of A Successful Release Schedule.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINGLES & ALBUMS
The primary difference between singles and albums lies in their length and purpose. Singles are shorter, usually consisting of one main track and a few additional tracks, while albums are longer collections of songs designed to be experienced as a cohesive unit. Singles often serve as promotional tools for an artist’s album, whereas albums provide a more comprehensive and immersive listening experience.
4. EXTENDED PLAYS (EPs)
An EP, short for “Extended Play,” is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but is shorter than a full-length album. EPs usually consist of around four to six songs and provide a middle ground between the concise nature of a single and the more immersive experience of an album. Like singles and albums, EPs can be released in various formats, such as vinyl, CDs, digital downloads, and streaming platforms.
COMPARISON WITH ALBUMS & RECORDS
EPs are a type of record, just like singles and albums, but they differ in length and content. An EP typically has fewer tracks than an album and offers a more focused listening experience. For artists, releasing an EP can be a strategic decision to introduce new material, test new sounds, or fill the gap between full-length albums.
LENGTH & NUMBER OF SONGS
The length of an EP can vary, but it usually contains four to six songs, making it longer than a single but shorter than an album. In terms of total runtime, EPs often range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the length of the individual tracks. While there is no strict rule for how long an EP should be, it is generally considered a shorter and more concise body of work than a full-length album.
5. LONG PLAYS (LPs)
An LP, short for “Long Play,” is a type of vinyl record that plays at a speed of 33 1/3 RPM and typically contains a full-length album. The term “LP” originally referred to the format of the vinyl record itself, but over time, it has also come to be used synonymously with the term “album” to describe a full-length collection of songs, regardless of format.
CONNECTION TO VINYL RECORDS
The LP format was introduced in the late 1940s and quickly became the standard for full-length albums due to its ability to hold more music than the previously popular 78 RPM records. With a longer playing time and better sound quality, LPs allowed artists to create more expansive and diverse collections of music, paving the way for the album as we know it today.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LPs & EPs
The main difference between LPs and EPs lies in their length and the amount of music they contain. LPs are full-length albums, typically featuring around 10 to 15 tracks or more, while EPs are shorter and consist of around four to six tracks. Additionally, the term “LP” is often associated with vinyl records, whereas “EP” is a more general term that can apply to releases in various formats, including vinyl, CDs, digital downloads, and streaming platforms.
6. SPLITS
A split is a type of music release that features two or more artists sharing the same format, often with each artist contributing a set number of tracks. Splits can be released in various formats, including vinyl records, CDs, digital downloads, and streaming platforms. They are a popular choice among independent and underground musicians, particularly in genres like punk, hardcore, and metal.
COLLABORATION BETWEEN TWO (OR MORE) ARTISTS
Splits offer an opportunity for artists to collaborate, cross-promote, and reach new audiences by sharing a release with another artist or band. By combining their music on a single release, the artists involved can introduce their fans to each other’s work, potentially gaining new listeners and expanding their reach.
Splits are just one of many ways to collaborate with other artists. Check out these Essential Benefits of Collaborating with Other Musicians.
PURPOSE & BENEFITS OF SPLITS
There are several benefits to creating split releases. In addition to cross-promotion and reaching new audiences, splits can also help reduce production and distribution costs, as the artists involved can share expenses. Additionally, splits allow artists to release new material without the pressure of creating a full-length album, providing a platform for experimentation and artistic growth.
7. COMPILATIONS
A compilation is a collection of songs or other audio content from multiple artists or albums, typically curated around a specific theme, genre, or time period. Compilations can include previously released material, unreleased tracks, or a combination of both. They can be released in various formats, such as CDs, vinyl records, digital downloads, and streaming platforms.
PURPOSE & BENEFITS OF COMPILATIONS
For artists, being included on a compilation can provide exposure to new audiences and increase the reach of their music. Compilations often serve as a snapshot of a particular music scene or era, allowing listeners to discover new artists or rediscover forgotten gems. For listeners, compilations offer a convenient way to explore a specific theme, genre, or period in music, providing a diverse and curated listening experience.
DIFFERENCES WITH OTHER TYPES OF MUSIC RELEASES
Compilations differ from other music releases, such as albums, EPs, or splits, in that they feature multiple artists and often include a variety of different styles or genres. While albums, EPs, and splits are typically focused on a single artist or a small group of collaborating artists, compilations bring together a broader range of musicians, providing a more diverse and eclectic listening experience.
8. MIXTAPES
A mixtape is a collection of songs or other audio content created by an individual or a group of individuals, often featuring a variety of different artists, genres, and styles. Traditionally, mixtapes were homemade compilations recorded on cassette tapes and shared among friends, but in recent years, the term has evolved to encompass digital playlists and curated collections of music distributed by DJs, producers, or musicians.
EVOLUTION OF MIXTAPES
The concept of the mixtape has evolved significantly since its origins on cassette tapes. Today, mixtapes can be found in various digital formats, including downloadable files, streaming playlists, or even limited-edition physical releases. In the world of hip-hop and rap, mixtapes have become a popular way for artists to release new material, experiment with different styles, and collaborate with other musicians outside the constraints of traditional albums.
COMPARISON WITH ALBUMS & EPs
While mixtapes share some similarities with albums and EPs, they differ in terms of structure, content, and distribution. Mixtapes often feature a more eclectic mix of songs, styles, and artists than traditional albums or EPs, and they may include remixes, freestyles, or unreleased tracks. Additionally, mixtapes are typically less polished and produced than albums, often showcasing raw and experimental material that might not fit within the confines of a traditional album release.
Another key difference is that mixtapes are often distributed informally or released for free, whereas albums and EPs are generally released through official channels and sold to consumers. This informal distribution model allows mixtapes to bypass some of the traditional music industry structures, giving artists more freedom and flexibility in how they share their work.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RELEASES
In this blog post, we’ve explored the distinctions between various types of music collections, including records, albums, singles, EPs, LPs, splits, compilations, mixtapes, and vinyl records. Understanding these different types of releases and their unique characteristics can help musicians make informed decisions about how to release their music and enable music enthusiasts to appreciate the diverse landscape of the industry better.
For musicians, knowing the differences between these types of music collections can be essential when planning and releasing their work. By choosing the most suitable format for their music, artists can better connect with their audience and make a more significant impact. For music enthusiasts, understanding these distinctions can enhance their appreciation of the creative process and how artists share their work.
As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which artists release and share their music. While the distinctions between these various types of music collections may become less clear-cut in the digital age, it remains important for musicians and music enthusiasts to stay informed and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Why are singles sometimes more than one song?
Singles sometimes feature more than one song to offer extra value and entice listeners with additional tracks like B-sides, remixes, or live versions. These tracks showcase the artist’s versatility, provide alternative takes, or share rare material, generating interest in the artist’s work. This strategy helps differentiate singles from main album releases and contributes to the promotion and success of the project.
What is a B-side?
A B-side refers to the secondary track or tracks on a single, typically found on the flip side of a vinyl record or as additional tracks on a CD or digital single. B-sides are often considered less commercially viable or experimental compared to the primary A-side track but can still garner a following among fans and even become cult favorites. Occasionally, B-sides gain popularity and become hits in their own right, despite their initial secondary status.
What is a double album?
A double album is a collection of music that is too long to fit on a single vinyl record, CD, or digital release and is therefore divided into two separate records or discs. Double albums often feature a larger number of tracks than a standard album and may be presented as two distinct parts or as a single cohesive work. They can be found across various genres and are usually released by artists who have a substantial amount of material or a concept that requires a more extended format.
How do artists decide whether to release an EP or a full-length album?
Artists may choose to release an EP instead of a full-length album if they have a smaller collection of songs or if they want to experiment with a new sound or genre. EPs can also be a cost-effective way for new or independent artists to gain exposure and build a fan base. On the other hand, artists may choose to release a full-length album if they have a larger collection of songs that fit together thematically or if they want to make a more significant impact in the industry.
What is a concept album?
A concept album is a music collection in which the tracks are linked by a central theme, storyline, or concept that runs throughout the entire album. The songs on a concept album often work together to tell a story or explore a specific topic, providing a cohesive and immersive listening experience for the listener. Concept albums are often regarded as ambitious and artistically challenging projects in various genres, from progressive rock to hip-hop.
For more industry tips and music marketing hacks, check out Ennui Magazine. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.