Are Albums Too Long Today? What’s The Best Length?

(Title image by DALL-E 3)

Hi WA Friends!

Albums come in all different lengths these days, which makes me wonder - how much music is just right for one sitting?

Musicians put a lot of work into their records, but everyone has their own opinion about how much is enough. Some people like albums that finish up in under 30 minutes, while others want a full hour-long journey.

Let's look at what works best for different listeners.

Under 30 Minutes: Quick and Easy Listening

Short and sweet - that’s what these albums are all about. Albums that are under 30 minutes are like a quick burst of energy for your ears. Perfect for a short car ride, a quick break, or when you want music that gets right to the point. There’s no extra stuff - just the essentials!

The great thing about short albums is that they’re focused. Every song needs to be good because there’s no room for filler. But the downside? Sometimes it feels like just when you’re getting into the music, it’s already over. It can be like tasting something amazing and then realizing there’s no more!

The Ramones and Kanye West are two artists who do a great job with short albums. The Ramones' "Ramones" is 29 minutes long, while Kanye West's album "Ye" is just 23 minutes.

30-45 Minutes: The Goldilocks Zone

This length is the favorite for a lot of artists and listeners. Albums that are 30 to 45 minutes long give you enough time to really enjoy the music without getting tired. It lets you dig into a mood or theme, but not so long that you lose focus.

For an artist, this length is a good balance. You get to have some hits and some deeper songs. It’s the “just right” of albums - not too short, not too long. The only issue? If the album is really good, you might end up playing it over and over because it’s short enough to listen to again in one sitting. When I lived in Florence, Italy, a teenage girl who lived next door drove me crazy listening to only side A of the Genesis album "Duke" again and again! Lol 😆

Nirvana and The Strokes are well-known for their mid-length albums. Nirvana's "Nevermind" runs for 42 minutes, and The Strokes' "Is This It" is 36 minutes long.

45-60 Minutes: A Full Musical Journey

Now we’re getting into a more complete experience. Albums that are 45 to 60 minutes long can explore more sounds and ideas, creating a whole experience for the listener. This is where artists can try new things and tell a complete story from start to finish.

The good part is that you get to see the full vision of the artist. There’s room for storytelling, for ups and downs, and for the kind of detail that makes an album come to life. But it’s all about balance. If there’s too much extra stuff, you might get bored and start skipping songs. Every minute has to count!

Radiohead and Fleetwood Mac are two artists that fit well in this category. Radiohead's "OK Computer" is 53 minutes long, and Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" (depending on the version) often runs between 40 minutes to almost an hour.

Over An Hour: An Epic Adventure

Albums that go over an hour are like going on a big adventure. These are the epic albums that are meant to pull you in completely. Think of classic double albums or concept albums like The Wall by Pink Floyd, where every song adds to a bigger story.

The best part of long albums is the storytelling. Each song connects to the next, and you get the artist’s full vision. It’s like reading a book instead of a short story. But it takes time and focus. Not everyone has an hour or more to really sit down and listen, especially today when there’s so much else going on.

Pink Floyd and The Smashing Pumpkins are great examples of artists who love long albums. Pink Floyd's "The Wall" is 81 minutes, while The Smashing Pumpkins' "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" goes well over 2 hours.

Many of the opera albums are over an hour in duration, reflecting the live performances and the stories they tell.

What Is An "Album" Today, Anyway?

Let’s take a minute to talk about what an “album” even means today. It’s not just about vinyl records anymore. An album can be a CD, a digital download, or even just a playlist of songs on Spotify or Apple Music. The idea of an album has changed, but it’s still a group of songs that show what an artist is about at that time.

Some people love the classic feel of vinyl - the cover art, the feeling of putting on a record, and hearing the crackles along with pure analog sound. Others prefer the ease of streaming, where everything you can imagine listening to is just a click away. The format might be different, but the goal is still the same: making a complete music experience!

Buying An Album Vs. A Single Song: The Full Picture

There’s something special about getting a whole album instead of just one song. When you buy an album, you’re going for the full experience. You get the hits, the more artistic tracks, and maybe even some experimental songs that might not be on the radio. It’s about seeing the artist’s whole picture, not just one part.

But buying singles lets you grab what you love without any extras. If one song really stands out, why not just get that one? It’s cheaper, and you don’t have to deal with the songs you don’t like as much. But by only buying singles, you might miss the magic that comes from listening to an album all the way through - the way the artist meant it to be heard.

Streaming is also huge these days. Most people are making their own playlists, picking favorite songs from different artists. The majority of people are listening to single songs from an album when they have unlimited monthly listening accounts. Even with streaming services, the art of making a full album is still trying to hold on!

What About Double Albums?

A vintage double album on vinyl is basically an album that comes in two separate records, usually because there's too much music to fit on just one.

Two of my favorite examples are Jimi Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland" and Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti." Both of these albums are packed with amazing music and show why double albums can be so special. Double albums were popular for artists who had a lot to say and needed the extra space to tell their story.

The pros of a double album are that you get more music and a more complete experience. Artists can explore more ideas, experiment with different sounds, and give listeners a full journey. The artwork tends to be more interesting because there is space on the front, back, and between the two albums when you open it up. But the downside is that double albums can be overwhelming. Sometimes there's substandard filler material, and it can be hard to keep up the quality over so many songs.

Tell Me What You Think

So, how long do you think the perfect album should be? Everyone has their own opinion, and there’s no wrong answer.

If you had to choose just one, do you prefer:

• Albums under 30 minutes
• Albums 30-45 minutes
• Albums 45-60 minutes
• Albums over an hour

Let me know in the comments, ... And

Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘

(Happy Halloween, Phantom of the Opera fans! - created with DALL-E 3)

Frank 🎸