The Lost Art of the Album: Why Listening from Start to Finish Matters
The Shuffle Button vs. The Story
We live in a world of "shuffle." We have infinite playlists, algorithmic recommendations, and the ability to jump between any song, by any artist, at any time. We are in the golden age of the single. But in this rush for instant gratification, I can't help but feel we're losing something special: the lost art of listening to an album.
As a musician who grew up crafting 90-minute mixtapes (a lost art I've written about before) and releasing full LPs, I see an album as more than just a collection of songs. It's a story. It's a complete, intentional journey that an artist creates for you.
1. The Power of "Sequencing"
When we created albums in the 80s, the "sequence"—the order of the songs—was a craft in itself. We obsessed over it.
The first track was the introduction, the song that set the stage and grabbed you by the ear. The last track was the resolution, the final chord that left you feeling complete. The songs in between were the emotional arc. A fast song might be followed by a slow ballad to create a moment of reflection, just as I did on my 1984 album, New Dimensions.
Hitting "shuffle" on an album is like opening a novel and reading the chapters in a random order. You'll get the same words, but you'll completely miss the story.
2. The Magic of "Side B"
The physical vinyl record also gave us a powerful storytelling tool: the "intermission." When you had to physically get up, flip the record over, and drop the needle on Side B, it was a deliberate pause.
As artists, we used this. Side A could be the high-energy, pop-focused side. Side B could be the more introspective, experimental, and soulful journey. It was a 20-minute pause that allowed the listener to reset and prepare for the next "chapter." This is an experience that a continuous, gapless playlist simply cannot replicate.
The Modern Evolution: The Cohesive EP
That philosophy of creating a complete journey is what I brought to my new EP, My Continuum.
It’s not five random singles. It’s a 5-song, 21-minute story, designed to be heard in one sitting. The songs explore a clear arc: love, loss, healing, reflection, and finally, growth. The entire emotional impact of the EP is in how the songs flow together. It's my modern take on the classic album experience.
A Challenge: Listen to One Full Album
So here's my challenge to you. The next time you have an hour, don't hit shuffle. Pick an album—any album, new or old—put on a good pair of headphones, and listen to it from the first track to the last. Let the artist tell you their story, in the order they intended.
You may be surprised by the magic you've been missing.
More on the Album: A Listener's Q&A
1. What is a "concept album"? A concept album is a record where the songs are unified by a single theme, narrative, or idea. Classic examples include Pink Floyd's The Wall or The Who's Tommy. It's the ultimate expression of the "album as a story" concept.
2. Did streaming kill the album? I don't think it "killed" it, but it certainly changed our relationship with it. Streaming favors the "single," which has made it harder for artists to convince listeners to engage with a full body of work. But for serious music lovers, the album format is still the definitive artistic statement.
3. Why are vinyl record sales going up? I believe it's a direct reaction to the "digital everything" world. People—especially younger generations—are craving a tangible, physical connection to their music. They want to hold the artwork, read the liner notes, and experience the warm, imperfect sound of analog. It's a more intentional, active way of listening.
What's an album that you believe must be listened to from start to finish? I'd love to hear your picks in the comments.