Which type of album do you prefer?

botchla · 08-30-2010, 03:28 PM

Do you prefer when an artist (Artist 1) releases an album where they experiment with a variety of different genres (I don't mean like grindcore on one track and baroque pop on another, but still different) and do a good job with each one of those genres/sounds i.e., "the White Album", or do you prefer it when an artist (Artist 2) releases an album that's more "focused", in which they stick to pretty the same genre and/or sound, but do an amazing job with that specific genre/sound...?

Also, assuming that the album was their first and only release... who would you respect more; Artist 1, or Artist 2?

**Janszoon** · 08-30-2010, 03:35 PM

I have no preference, I just like albums that are good. Some great albums are extremely varied (bands like Mr. Bungle or Swans come to mind here) while others are more focused into a specific style. Either can be great if done well.

crash_override · 08-30-2010, 03:45 PM

I have no problem with a band trying to experiment with different genres on an album, so long as they can do so well, and without losing the focus of the album. It is very difficult for a band to transcend genres and be successful at it, and I haven't seen it done well very often. For the most part, I think the majority of bands and/or artists should stick to making more focused efforts in album form, and save the trans-genre experimentation for an EP or web-release.

TheCunningStunt · 08-30-2010, 03:47 PM

Artist 2, I've never been that keen on experimental music. But if both Artist 1 and Artist 2 make good music, then who cares? But the latter sounds more appealing than the former.

alltherowboats · 08-30-2010, 05:41 PM

Hmmm, this is indeed incredibly difficult to ultimately say...

If I am specifically aiming to satisfy a particular mood/feeling at my time of listening, I would obviously much prefer the album created by artist 2 because of the consistency being offered.

But more often than not, I'm in a much more lax frame of mind, so I'll welcome any and all experimentation throughout an album, so long as it's done well from song to song with proper effort being awarded each time (artist 1).

.....

As for if the release was the band's only one, I wouldn't think of the situation any more or any less in either case...
A good album is a good album, afterall

Freebase Dali · 08-30-2010, 05:51 PM

I like both options equally.

Sorry for not being controversial.

Dylanist · 08-30-2010, 06:02 PM

I'm somewhere inbetween Janszoon & crash_override on this one. Per Artist 1, I think as long as the album flows well and transitions between genres effectively it'll be a good listen. Of course you do have groups like Mr. Bungle who sort of throw everything into the pot from the get-go. Just depends on if they're going for a linear listening experience I guess.

Freebase Dali · 08-30-2010, 06:29 PM

^ so you sometimes like when people vary styles on albums, and you sometimes like when they dont? Hmm... I don't know how many different ways we can all state that.
Honestly, am I the only one who thinks the discussion here is a little "given"?

Just wondering. No offense to anyone here.

Dylanist · 08-30-2010, 07:48 PM

No you're not alone. On a site like MusicBanter it definetly seems like a given, factoring that the majority of active users here seem to have agreed in past debates that genres have become increasingly meaningless.

jenniferhomes · 09-07-2010, 05:36 AM

i like abums that are of good lyrics just like Eminem. He is the true rapper.

08-30-2010, 03:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
botchla Groupie Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 17	Which type of album do you prefer? Do you prefer when an artist (Artist 1) releases an album where they experiment with a variety of different genres (I don't mean like grindcore on one track and baroque pop on another, but still different) and do a good job with each one of those genres/sounds i.e., "the White Album", or do you prefer it when an artist (Artist 2) releases an album that's more "focused", in which they stick to pretty the same genre and/or sound, but do an amazing job with that specific genre/sound...? Also, assuming that the album was their first and only release... who would you respect more; Artist 1, or Artist 2?

08-30-2010, 03:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Janszoon Mate, Spawn & Die Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Rapping Community Posts: 24,593	I have no preference, I just like albums that are good. Some great albums are extremely varied (bands like Mr. Bungle or Swans come to mind here) while others are more focused into a specific style. Either can be great if done well. __________________ A Night in the Life of the Invisible Man Time & Place 25 Albums You Should Hear Before the Moon Crashes into the Earth and We All Die last.fm

08-30-2010, 03:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
TheCunningStunt love will tear you apart Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Manchester, UK. Posts: 5,107	Artist 2, I've never been that keen on experimental music. But if both Artist 1 and Artist 2 make good music, then who cares? But the latter sounds more appealing than the former. __________________ I don't feel and I feel great. Last FM

08-30-2010, 05:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
alltherowboats Music Addict Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 52	Hmmm, this is indeed incredibly difficult to ultimately say... If I am specifically aiming to satisfy a particular mood/feeling at my time of listening, I would obviously much prefer the album created by artist 2 because of the consistency being offered. But more often than not, I'm in a much more lax frame of mind, so I'll welcome any and all experimentation throughout an album, so long as it's done well from song to song with proper effort being awarded each time (artist 1). ..... As for if the release was the band's only one, I wouldn't think of the situation any more or any less in either case... A good album is a good album, afterall __________________ We are the music makers... Last edited by alltherowboats; 08-30-2010 at 05:43 PM. Reason: thought of more to include

08-30-2010, 05:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
Freebase Dali Partying on the inside Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,584	I like both options equally. Sorry for not being controversial.

08-30-2010, 06:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dylanist Music Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 63	I'm somewhere inbetween Janszoon & crash_override on this one. Per Artist 1, I think as long as the album flows well and transitions between genres effectively it'll be a good listen. Of course you do have groups like Mr. Bungle who sort of throw everything into the pot from the get-go. Just depends on if they're going for a linear listening experience I guess.

08-30-2010, 06:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
Freebase Dali Partying on the inside Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,584	^ so you sometimes like when people vary styles on albums, and you sometimes like when they dont? Hmm... I don't know how many different ways we can all state that. Honestly, am I the only one who thinks the discussion here is a little "given"? Just wondering. No offense to anyone here.

08-30-2010, 07:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
Dylanist Music Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 63	No you're not alone. On a site like MusicBanter it definetly seems like a given, factoring that the majority of active users here seem to have agreed in past debates that genres have become increasingly meaningless.

09-07-2010, 05:36 AM	#10 (permalink)
jenniferhomes Groupie Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 7	i like abums that are of good lyrics just like Eminem. He is the true rapper.